Transgender-related discrimination and substance use, substance use disorder diagnosis and treatment history among transgender adults

Abstract

BackgroundSubstantial research gaps exist regarding the relationship between transgender-related discrimination and substance use outcomes for transgender adults, with few studies accounting for other experiences of victimization. MethodsTransgender adults (N = 600) from Massachusetts and Rhode Island completed a survey online or in-person. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models examined the association between lifetime experiences of transgender-related discrimination using the validated 11-item Everyday Discrimination Scale (theoretical range = 0–44) and substance use outcomes: past 12-month substance use frequency, lifetime substance use disorder (SUD) diagnosis, and substance use treatment (SUTx) history. All models were adjusted for age, gender identity, race, survey modality, childhood physical/sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, and discrimination attributable to other reasons than being transgender. ResultsThe mean transgender-related discrimination score was 20.8 (SD = 9.6, range = 0–44). Overall, 11.8 % of the sample had a SUD diagnosis and 11.0 % had received SUTx. In separate multivariable models adjusted for sociodemographic and victimization experiences, the highest quartile of transgender-related discrimination was significantly associated with higher past 12-month substance use (B = 1.44; aR2 = 0.13; p = .009), SUD diagnosis (aOR = 3.64; 95 % CI = 1.46−9.07; p = .006), and lifetime treatment history (aOR = 3.93; 95 % CI = 1.50−10.21; p = .005). ConclusionsThere was a significant positive association between experiencing high levels of transgender-related discrimination and substance use outcomes among the transgender adults sampled. Longitudinal research is needed to understand the specific mediators driving these relationships and to address the implications of transgender-related discrimination on SUD treatment utilization.