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Effects of distance to treatment on subsequent alcohol consumption
Klinger, J. L., Karriker-Jaffe, K. J., Witbrodt, J., & Kaskutas, L. A. (2018). Effects of distance to treatment on subsequent alcohol consumption. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, 25(2), 173-180. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2016.1189875
Background: Distance and travel time are barriers to attending and completing drug and alcohol treatment. Few studies have examined proximity to treatment in relation to long-term outcomes.
Objectives: Aims were to examine effects of distance to treatment on alcohol consumption in the year after treatment intake; assess moderation of distance effects by treatment type; and test mediators of effects of distance to treatment on later alcohol use.
Methods: Data from clients in inpatient and outpatient alcohol treatment programs in California (n=560) were used in linear regression models.
Results: There was a significant interaction between treatment type and distance on later drinking, with a significant positive association of distance to treatment with alcohol use after treatment for inpatient clients only. Among inpatient clients, none of the mediators significantly explained the relationship between a longer distance to treatment and greater subsequent alcohol use.
Conclusion: Inpatient clients may benefit from customized post-treatment recommendations to identify recovery resources near home.
