Drug use Prevalence among Former SSI DA&A Recipients

Abstract

This paper examines illegal drug use prevalence among former recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits for drug addiction and alcoholism (DA&A) in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle, based on urinalysis and self-report data. It presents estimates of current prevalence (past three days) for four categories of illegal drugs–-opiates, cocaine, marijuana, or any use–-at 12 and 24 months after termination of the DA&A program. Data were obtained as part of a longitudinal study of 1,764 former SSI DA&A recipients in nine sites. Analyses indicate that a substantial number of former DA&A recipients, probably 45%–55%, were engaged in active drug use after termination of the program. Among users, cocaine and opiate use were extensive. Although there were high rates of underreporting by self-reported non-users, underreporting was not systematically associated with age, gender, ethnicity, criminal justice involvement, recent substance abuse treatment, or SSI benefit status.