Predictors of relapse after treatment for methamphetamine use

The purpose of this study is to describe treatment utilization and relapse and examine possible predictors of time to relapse after treatment for methamphetamine (MA) use. This analysis is based on natural history interview data from 98 subjects treated for MA use in publicly-funded programs in Los Angeles County in 1995-97 and interviewed two to three years following their treatment admission. Results showed that half of the subjects had resumed MA use: 36% within six months of the end of treatment, and 15% more within seven to 19 months. Survival analysis methods showed significant predictors of (shorter) time to relapse were shorter length of treatment, older age of first substance use, and involvement in selling MA; ethnicity (being Hispanic) and more previous time in treatment had weaker effects.