Anamika Barman-Adhikari1, Hsun-Ta Hsu2, Daphne Brydon3, Robin Petering4, Diane Santa Maria5, Sarah Narendorf6, Jama Shelton7, Kimberly Bender8, Kristin Ferguson9. 1. Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, 2148 S. High St. Denver, CO, 80208, USA. Electronic address: anamika.barmanadhikari@du.edu. 2. School of Social Work, University of Missouri, 729 Clark Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA. Electronic address: tah@missouri.edu. 3. Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, 2148 S. High St. Denver, CO, 80208, USA. Electronic address: daphne.brydon@du.edu. 4. Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 1150 South Olive St. 1503-1, Los Angeles, CA, 90015, USA. Electronic address: petering@usc.edu. 5. Department of Nursing Systems, Cizik School of Nursing, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6901 Bertner Ave. Ste. 591, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Electronic address: diane.m.santamaria@uth.tmc.edu. 6. Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, 3511 Cullen Blvd. #110HA, Houston, TX, 77204-4013, USA. Electronic address: sanarendorf@uh.edu. 7. Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, 2180 Third Ave. New York, NY, 10035, USA. Electronic address: jshelton@hunter.cuny.edu. 8. Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, 2148 S. High St. Denver, CO, 80208, USA. Electronic address: kimberly.bender@du.edu. 9. School of Social Work, Arizona State University, 411 N. Central Ave. #865, Phoenix, AZ 85004-0689, USA. Electronic address: kristin.ferguson@asu.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nonmedical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) is an urgent public health concern facing the United States. Young adults experiencing homelessness (YEH) are at increased risk of NMUPD; however, community estimates of NMUPD among YEH are sparse. This current study sought to understand patterns and correlates of NMUPD in a geographically heterogeneous sample of YEH recruited from seven cities across the United States. METHODS: From June 2016 to July 2017, 1,426 YEH (aged 18-26) were recruited from seven cities (Houston, Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, New York City, St. Louis, San Jose). Participants provided information on substance use, mental health, trauma, and sexual-risk behaviors. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to assess demographic, psychological, and behavioral correlates of self-reported past-month NMUPD and NMUPD types (i.e., prescription stimulant, sedative, and opioids). RESULTS: Approximately 20% of participants reported past-month NMUPD. Almost 9% reported misusing prescription opioids, 8.7% misused prescription sedatives, and 6% misused prescription stimulants. Multivariable logistic regressions revealed unmet mental health needs were associated with sedative and stimulant misuse but not opioid misuse. Having suicidal thoughts was associated with opioid misuse but not sedative or stimulant misuse. Although no geographical differences emerged for stimulant and sedative misuse, youth from Denver, Phoenix, and San Jose were more likely to engage in opioid misuse relative to youth in Los Angeles. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that interventions designed to address NMUPD need to be multifaceted, designed to address other risk behaviors correlated with NMUPD, and target unmet mental health needs.
BACKGROUND: Nonmedical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) is an urgent public health concern facing the United States. Young adults experiencing homelessness (YEH) are at increased risk of NMUPD; however, community estimates of NMUPD among YEH are sparse. This current study sought to understand patterns and correlates of NMUPD in a geographically heterogeneous sample of YEH recruited from seven cities across the United States. METHODS: From June 2016 to July 2017, 1,426 YEH (aged 18-26) were recruited from seven cities (Houston, Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, New York City, St. Louis, San Jose). Participants provided information on substance use, mental health, trauma, and sexual-risk behaviors. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to assess demographic, psychological, and behavioral correlates of self-reported past-month NMUPD and NMUPD types (i.e., prescription stimulant, sedative, and opioids). RESULTS: Approximately 20% of participants reported past-month NMUPD. Almost 9% reported misusing prescription opioids, 8.7% misused prescription sedatives, and 6% misused prescription stimulants. Multivariable logistic regressions revealed unmet mental health needs were associated with sedative and stimulant misuse but not opioid misuse. Having suicidal thoughts was associated with opioid misuse but not sedative or stimulant misuse. Although no geographical differences emerged for stimulant and sedative misuse, youth from Denver, Phoenix, and San Jose were more likely to engage in opioid misuse relative to youth in Los Angeles. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that interventions designed to address NMUPD need to be multifaceted, designed to address other risk behaviors correlated with NMUPD, and target unmet mental health needs.
Authors: Dan Werb; Ayden I Scheim; Ayorinde Soipe; Samantha Aeby; Indhu Rammohan; Benedikt Fischer; Scott E Hadland; Brandon D L Marshall Journal: Drug Alcohol Rev Date: 2022-04-18
Authors: Elizabeth J D'Amico; Jordan P Davis; Joan S Tucker; Rachana Seelam; Bradley D Stein Journal: Addict Behav Date: 2020-10-07 Impact factor: 3.913
Authors: Skye S Fitzpatrick; Antonio A Morgan-López; Tanya C Saraiya; Sudie E Back; Therese K Killeen; Sonya B Norman; Teresa López-Castro; Lesia M Ruglass; Lissette M Saavedra; Denise A Hien Journal: Psychol Addict Behav Date: 2021-06-17