Factors Associated with High-Risk Substance Use in Persons Receiving Psychiatric Treatment for a Primary Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorder Diagnosis

Abstract

Objective Although mental health disorders and high-risk substance use frequently co-occur, they are typically investigated independently. Clinical trials focused on treatment for individuals with trauma- and stressor-related disorders often exclude individuals with high-risk substance use. Little is also known about the role of gender in the relationship between trauma- and stressor-related disorders and high-risk substance use. We examined the relationship between trauma- and stressor-related disorders, high-risk substance use, and gender. Methods Using the Mental Health Client-Level Data dataset, we examined 15,772 adults receiving treatment in psychiatric hospitals in the United States from 2013 to 2019. Results A logistic regression model showed that for men, relative to women, having multiple mental health diagnoses and having a serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance was associated with greater odds of high-risk substance use. Conclusions This study underscores the value of comprehensive gender-centered treatment for people with trauma- and stressor-related disorders engaging in high-risk substance use.