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Abstract
Objective: This study sought to identify variables that independently correlate with age and substance use among a sample of 187 convicted felons in Georgia. Results: Results of regression analysis indicated that younger inmates were 2 times more likely than older inmates to report the occurrence of alcohol use (RR 2.07; 95% CI. 37, 11.6) and three times more likely than older inmates to report some history of marijuana use (RR 3.07; 95% CI 1.52, 6.11). In addition, younger inmates were half as likely or less to report using sedatives (RR. 53, 95% CI. 22, 1.29), tranquilizers (RR. 49, 95% CI. 22, 1.29), crack or cocaine (RR. 33, 95% CI. 18,. 62), heroin (RR. 48, 95% CI. 16, 1.25), and to having ever received treatment for a drug problem (RR. 46, 95% CI. 23,. 90). Conclusion: In conclusion, age-based factors correlate with participant's history of substance use. Ascertainment of these variables among inmate populations has the potential to improve treatment decisions both during and after incarceration.