The effect of drug use disorder onset, remission or persistence on an individual's personal social network.

Abstract

Drug use disorders (DUD) have strong associations with numerous social problems. However, little is known concerning differences between individuals who experience DUD onset, persistence or remission. While the literature is fairly clear on who is most likely to experience DUD onset and persistence, many correlates of DUD remission, including personal social networks, lack the empirical foundation to utilize them in evidence-based intervention or prevention efforts. While small, community samples suggest DUD remission is associated with growth in personal social networks, this conclusion is in need of larger population studies to justify. This study used Waves 1 and 2 of the National Epidemiologic Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) to examine whether DUD status is a correlate of personal social networks. Multivariate models showed DUD onset and DUD persistence were related to smaller personal social networks. However, individuals who experience DUD remission showed personal social networks similar to persons who never experienced a DUD. As one of the first empirical studies of personal social networks among individuals with different stages of DUD using nationally representative data, these findings suggest that by decreasing drug use, personal social networks may be increased, which is a strong trait associated with the social influence necessary with maintaining DUD recovery.