Let It Snow: Psychosocial Factors and Previous Substance Abuse Associated With Cocaine Use Among Bisexual Adults

Abstract

While a disproportionately large percentage of sexual minorities engage in illicit drug use, little research has specifically examined factors related to cocaine use among bisexual men and women. The present study sought to identify the potential association between affective/emotive states and previous substance use and lifetime cocaine use among a national sample of bisexual men and women. A secondary analysis of the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health was conducted among 1,989 adults aged older than 18 years in the United States who identified as bisexual. One in five (20.5%) reported lifetime cocaine use. Significant factors included age, previous use of illicit substances, and feeling low/tired nearly every day. Feeling worthless was associated with a lower likelihood of lifetime cocaine use. Recommendations (e.g., focus groups, behavioral maintenance programs) for health professionals aimed at reducing substance abuse rates among sexual minority individuals are highlighted.