Factors Influencing Substance Use Research Articles

Racial Differences in Biopsychosocial Pathways to Tobacco and Marijuana Use Among Youth.

The influence of socioeconomic disparities and multidimensional stressors on youth tobacco and marijuana use is recognized; however, the extent of these effects varies among different racial groups. Understanding the racial differences in the factors influencing substance use is crucial for developing tailored interventions aimed at reducing disparities in tobacco and marijuana use among adolescents. This study aims to explore the differential effects of socioeconomic disparities and multidimensional stressors on tobacco and marijuana use between Black and White adolescents. Utilizing longitudinal data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, this research includes a cohort of pre-youth, monitored from the age of 9-10years for a period of up to 36months. We examined the impact of various socioeconomic status (SES) indicators and multidimensional stressors, including trauma, financial stress, racial discrimination, and family stress, alongside baseline average cortical thickness and the subsequent initiation of tobacco and marijuana use over the 36-month follow-up. Overall, 10,777 participants entered our analysis. This included 8263 White and 2514 Black youth. Our findings indicate significant differences in the pathways from SES indicators through stress types to cortical thickness between Black and White youths. Notably, cortical thickness's impact on the future initiation of tobacco and marijuana use was present in both groups. The study suggests that compared to White adolescents, Black adolescents' substance use and associated cortical thickness are less influenced by stress and SES indicators. This discrepancy may be attributed to the compounded effects of racism, where psychosocial mechanisms might be more diminished for Black youth than White youth. These findings support the theory of Minorities' Diminished Returns rather than the cumulative disadvantage or double jeopardy hypothesis, highlighting the need for interventions that address the unique challenges faced by Black adolescents.

Exploring the Link: Health Insurance Coverage and Historical Substance Use Patterns Among U.S. Adults-A NHANES-Based Analysis.

This study analyzed the NHANES database (2016-2018), investigating substance use patterns among 6,108 U.S. adults (18-64 years), with a focus on health insurance, race/ethnicity, age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Among participants, 1,063 reported a history of substance use. A key finding was the correlation between health insurance coverage and substance use history; notably, 80% of those with a history of substance use were insured. Non-Hispanic Whites represented a significant proportion (76%) of substance users, exceeding their population representation. Age and gender differences were prominent, with older adults (50-64 years) comprising 41% of substance users, and males accounting for 61%. The study's reliance on self-reported substance use history from NHANES may introduce measurement bias. Such bias necessitates careful interpretation of the data, considering variations across demographic and socioeconomic variables. Logistic regression analysis revealed that lacking health insurance increased the odds of a history of substance use (OR = 1.43, p < .01). The interaction between insurance coverage and race/ethnicity was not significant. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of substance use, highlighting the need for comprehensive public health strategies to address the diverse factors influencing substance use behaviors.

Substance use in the correctional settings: A qualitative exploration of individual and contextual characteristics and intervention strategies using the behavior change wheel framework

Background and objectivesPlanning and implementing prison-based substance use disorder (SUD) interventions are challenging. We wanted to understand why and how people in correctional settings (CS) use drugs and to explore what policies, environmental, and interpersonal factors influence substance use among incarcerated people. Using the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) framework, we proposed a thematic map with intervention functions to reduce substance use in CS. MethodsWe used the Framework Method of qualitative analysis. We did snowball sampling for the incarcerated people with drug use (PWD) and convenience sampling for the staff. The in-depth interview sample comprised 17 adult PWD, three prison administrative, and two healthcare staff. We determined the sample size by thematic data saturation. We followed a mixed coding approach for generating categories, i.e., deductive (based on the BCW framework) and inductive. The study constructed the final theoretical framework by determining the properties of the categories and relationships among the categories. ResultsWe identified eleven categories aligned with the BCW framework. The themes were prison routine, interpersonal dynamics of the incarcerated population, exposure to substance use, attitude of staff towards PWD, experience with prison healthcare, willingness (to reduce drug use) and coping, compassion, drug use harms, conflict between staff and residents, stigma, and family/peer support. The BCW framework aided the identification of potential intervention functions and their interactions with the organizational policies that could influence PWD's capability-opportunity-motivation (COM) and drug use behavior (B). ConclusionThere is a need to raise awareness of SUD prevention and intervention among decision-makers and revisit the prison policies.

Factors Influencing Substance Use Relapse in People Referring to Addiction Recovery Centers in Jiroft, Kerman

Background: Relapse is prevalent following substance abuse treatment. This study aimed to estimate and identify the factors that contribute to substance use relapse among addicts in the southern region of Kerman. Methods: A total of 390 individuals seeking treatment for addiction in 2021 were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected through a researcher-developed questionnaire, which included demographic information and the health action process approach (HAPA) constructs regarding relapse prevention. Descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution tables, means, and standard deviations, were used to summarize the data. The correlation between HAPA constructs was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The Kruskal-Wallis test and structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS 24 software were utilized to analyze the data. Results: The participants had a mean age of 33.39 years. The results (SEM) showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between action self-efficacy, behavioral intention, action planning, and the frequency of substance use relapse. The constructs of coping self-efficacy, recovery self-efficacy, action planning, and coping planning accounted for 18% of the variance in substance use relapse frequency. Conclusion: Motivational and voluntary phase constructs have a significant role in substance use relapse. Additionally, HAPA helps identify the factors contributing to relapse.

Analysis of factors influencing substance use craving among Chinese substance users.

Substance use has been a serious public safety issue. It not only affects the users' physical and mental health but is also detrimental to social stability. To improve our understanding of this issue, the present study looked to examine the factors influencing substance use craving and develop interventions to reduce craving and relapse among substance users. A total of 502 substance users were included in this study. Socio-demographic characteristics and substance use-related characteristics were recorded using self-developed forms. With regard to psychological traits, we used the self-esteem scale, the experience of shame scale, and the revised Cheek and Buss shyness scale to assess the self-esteem, shame, and shyness of substance users, respectively. The degree of substance use craving of substance users was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). Data were analyzed using independent samples T-test, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis, as appropriate. The majority of the substance users were unmarried, employed, and with lower education levels. For substance use-related characteristics, the age of first use was 27.52 ± 8.30 years and the duration of substance use was 12.29 ± 7.72 years. The scores of their self-esteem, shame, and shyness were 25.65 ± 3.19, 57.26 ± 7.82, and 37.8 ± 7.13, respectively. All substance users rated the intensity of their substance use cravings using the VAS, which showed that the mean score was 2.83 ± 1.87. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that substance use craving was positively associated with the frequency of substance use (β = 0.186, P < 0.001), times of substance rehabilitation (β = 0.128, P = 0.003), shyness (β = 0.211, P < 0.001), and shame (β = 0.091, P = 0.033), and negatively associated with self-esteem (β = -0.117, P = 0.008). Factors and psychological traits related to substance use are important to account for substance use craving and relapse. Thus, our findings are helpful for a better understanding of the extent of substance use cravings among users and the selection of appropriate interventions to control the craving and relapse.

Prevalence of substance use and their correlates among adolescent boys in Bihar, India

ABSTRACT Background Unhealthy behaviors including smoking, drinking, and drug use often begin during adolescence and are closely related to morbidity and mortality. This study examines the prevalence and factors associated with substance use among adolescent boys in Bihar, India. Methods Data from the Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA), conducted in 2015–16 in two Indian states, was used for analysis (n = 2004 adolescent boys aged 14–19 years). A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to estimate the effect of various correlates on substance use. Results Prevalence of tobacco consumption (19%) is high, followed by consumption of alcohol (8%) and drug use (1.2%) among adolescent boys in Bihar. One-fifth have ever used at least one substance. Age, education, current schooling status, wealth quintile, household head’s educational attainment, and mother’s education level are found to be important factors influencing substance use. Conclusion It is essential to adopt more pointed programs which can effectively reduce substance use among adolescents in this and similar states. Programs related to prevention of substances should be expanded effectively through health education programs, media messages at the grassroots level, especially in the socio-economically backward states in India.

Divergent changes: abstinence and higher-frequency substance use increase among racial/ethnic minority young adults during the COVID-19 global pandemic

ABSTRACT Background Identifying factors influencing substance use among racial/ethnic minorities (REM) is important given the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this population. Objectives We examined factors in four domains and hypothesized that poor mental health, negative coping behaviors, negative environmental aspects, and belonging to more vulnerable social groups would be associated with increased substance use during the pandemic. Methods Multiple regression was applied to longitudinal data from a college sample assessed prior (fall 2017 to spring 2019) and during (spring 2020) the pandemic (n= 323; 81.5% cisgender women; 34.5% African-American, 36.1% Asian-American, 15.5% Hispanic/Latinx, 11.8% multi-racial) to identify factors predicting current alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use frequency (spring 2020) and change in frequency of use between springs 2019 and 2020. Results While infrequent substance use (monthly or less) decreased during the pandemic, abstinence rates increased (alcohol 39%; cannabis 18%; nicotine 18%) and higher-frequency alcohol use increased (207%-1600% 2–3 times+/week) compared to spring 2019. The strongest protective factor was change in living situation during the pandemic, associated with lower current alcohol and cannabis use. Risk factors included a history of trouble with police and impulsivity since the pandemic, both associated with higher current and increased alcohol and cannabis use. REM did not differ on most factors and the outcomes. However, a higher percentage of Asian-Americans than other REM reported living situation changes. Conclusion Substance use rates diverged during the pandemic, with both increased abstinence and higher-frequency use, attributed mostly to mental health and environmental domain factors with few REM differences.

Factors influencing substance use among transgender individuals in India: Knowledge gap and way forward

Factors influencing substance use among transgender individuals in India: Knowledge gap and way forward

Prevalence and Pattern of Psychoactive Substance use among Senior Secondary School Students in Community Secondary School, Umuna, Orlu L.G.A

Psychoactive substance use among Secondary School Students has become an increasing public health problem in many countries. This study assessed the prevalence and patterns of psychoactive substance use among senior secondary school students of community secondary school, Umuna. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study in which a sample size of 231 students was selected using simple random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire and data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and presented using tables. The study revealed that alcohol and tobacco were the most commonly abused substance. It also revealed that more than half (51.1%) of the respondents use substance on a daily basis and smoking and sniffing were the most common patterns used. Factors influencing substance use included; peer group pressure and family background. There is a psychoactive substance. It was recommended that Government should ensure the enforcement of anti-psychoactive substance laws and health workers should be trained on how to identify addicts, prevent, and treat victims of drug abuse.

Rural voices: A social-ecological perspective on factors influencing youth substance use in rural South africa.

Youth can be a positive force for development when provided with the knowledge and opportunities they need to thrive, yet they continue to experience insurmountable challenges, such as poverty and absentee fathers, that prompt them to resort to risk behaviours such as substance use. In rural South Africa, women tend to be the breadwinners and more involved with parenting than men. The primary objective of the study was to explore perspectives of rural youth on factors influencing youth participation in substance use. The secondary objective was to obtain the perspectives of adult women on factors influencing substance use among young people. The qualitative study, informed by a social-ecological framework, utilised a semi-structured interview protocol in focus group discussions in rural South Africa. Seven focus group discussions, each with between 8 and 15 individuals were conducted with 79 youth. The eighth discussion was with nine adult women. Data were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim, manually coded and further analysed into themes using NVivo 12. Four themes emerged: hopelessness and lack of motivation, lack of adult role models such as father, lack of built environment for recreational activities and lack of educational opportunities. The social-ecological model provided a useful framework to understand the findings. In line with this model, rural youth in South Africa described a variety of factors that influenced youth substance use and other risk behaviours. These related to the individual, relationships with others, community and societal norms and values factors of the social-ecological model. The broadening spectrum of substances available to an increasing youth population bulge in Africa suggests a strong threat of social and disease burden due to substance use disorders. Given this threat, this study provides awareness to a multi-systems approach needed to support the rural South African youth.

Non-genetic factors that influence methamphetamine intake in a genetic model of differential methamphetamine consumption

Genetic and non-genetic factors influence substance use disorders. Our previous work in genetic mouse models focused on genetic factors that influence methamphetamine (MA) intake. The current research examined several non-genetic factors for their potential influence on this trait. We examined the impact on MA intake of several non-genetic factors, including MA access schedule, prior forced MA exposure, concomitant ethanol (EtOH) access, and gamma-aminobutyric acid type B (GABAB) receptor activation. Selectively bred MA high drinking(MAHDR) and low drinking (MALDR) mice participated in this research. MAHDR, but not MALDR, mice increased MA intake when given intermittent access, compared with continuous access, with a water choice under both schedules. MA intake was not altered by previous exposure to forced MA consumption. Male MAHDR mice given simultaneous access to MA, EtOH, and an EtOH+MA mixture exhibited a strong preference for MA over EtOH and EtOH+MA; MA intake was not affected by EtOH in female MAHDR mice. When independent MAHDR groups were given access to MA, EtOH, or EtOH+MA vs. water in each case, MA intake was reduced in the water vs. EtOH+MA group, compared with the water vs. MA group. The GABAB receptor agonist R(+)-baclofen (BAC) not only reduced MA intake but also reduced water intake and locomotor activity in MAHDR mice. There was a residual effect of BAC, such that MA intake was increased after termination of BAC treatment. These findings demonstrate that voluntary MA intakein MAHDR mice is influenced by non-genetic factors related to MA access schedule and co-morbid EtOH exposure.

Factors influencing substance use among adolescent slum dwellers of Guwahati City, Assam

Introduction: Humans have been using substances in one form or the other for centuries. Adolescents seem to be the most vulnerable group, and the slum dwellers are particularly at risk because of the prevailing environment. Objectives: The objective of this study is to study the prevalence of substance use among adolescents of slums of Guwahati city and to find out various factors influencing substance use among them. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the adolescents living in slums of Guwahati, Assam, from February to May 2014. Using cluster sampling method, 23 slums were selected, and desired clusters were obtained by applying probability proportionate to size method. From each slum, equal number of boys and girls were interviewed to get a total of 414 study subjects. Statistical Analysis: Proportions, Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression were used. Results: The prevalence of ever users was 37.68% and 35.02% were current users. Gutkha was the most common substance used. The mean age of initiation of abusive substances was around 12 years for both boys and girls. Age, sex, religion, caste, schooling status, occupation, living status of parents and respondents, peer usage, and relationship with the family members showed significant association with substance use. Binary logistic regression concluded that age group, sex, and peer usage were the most significant factors influencing substance use behavior. Conclusion: As increasing age and peer usage influenced the substance usage, peer group counseling, recreational activities, and skill development programs in the early years hold promising in curbing the problem.

Commentary on: Factors influencing substance use among adolescent slum dwellers of Guwahati City, Assam

Adolescent being at risk for substance use has become a cause of concern. Hence, there arises a need to highlight the predictors and to address the range of problems caused by substance use. Here is a brief commentary on adolescent substance use.

Area-Level Deprivation and Adverse Consequences in People With Substance Use Disorders: Findings From the Psychiatric and Addictive Dual Disorder in Italy (PADDI) Study

ABSTRACTBackground: Environmental factors may operate with individual ones to influence the risk of substance use. Research has focused on severe adverse consequences influenced by contextual variables. However, the literature on community level factors influencing substance use behaviors is relatively limited across Europe so far. Objective: We capitalized on data from a National survey, exploring individual and contextual characteristics, to study adverse consequences among people with substance use disorders. Methods: The impact of area-level deprivation on nonfatal overdose, hepatitis C or B infections, and major involvement with the criminal justice system, was explored. Logistic regression models with cluster-robust errors, modeling subject-level and area-level effects, were used. Results: Living in deprived and intermediate areas, as compared with affluent ones, was associated with greater likelihood of both nonfatal overdose and jail sentences longer than 6 months, though not of active viral hepatitis. Conclusions: Area-level deprivation may play an important role in determining adverse consequences in people with substance use disorders, also after controlling for individual-level characteristics. More research is needed to understand the aspects of social and physical environments that matter for drug outcomes before effective policy and research interventions can be developed.

Genes involved in stress response and alcohol use among high-risk African American youth

ABSTRACTBackground: Genetic and environmental factors influence substance use behaviors in youth. One of the known environmental risk factors is exposure to life stressors. The aim of this project is to study the interaction between NR3C1 and CRHBP, genes thought to be involved in stress pathways, exposure to stressful life events, and adolescent alcohol use/misuse. Methods: The sample included 541 African American individuals (ages 13–18) from the Genes, Environment, and Neighborhood Initiative, a subset of the Mobile Youth Survey sample from whom DNA and more extensive phenotypic data were collected. Participants were selected from high-poverty neighborhoods in Mobile, Alabama, with potential exposure to a variety of extreme life stressors. Results: A measure of stressful life events was significantly predictive of alcohol use/misuse. In addition, this association was significantly dependent upon the number of putative risk variants at rs1715749, a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in CRHBP (P ≤ .006). There was no significant interaction between NR3C1 and stressful life events with respect to alcohol use/misuse, after taking into account multiple testing. Conclusions: These findings suggest that CRHBP variants are potentially relevant for adolescent alcohol use/misuse among African American youth populations being reared within the context of stressful life events and warrant replication.

Sociodemographic correlates of substance use among long distance commercial vehicle drivers

Background: Psychoactive substance use by vehicle drivers is a global problem. The identification of factors associated with their use among long-distance commercial drivers will provide information valuable to the interventions aimed at the control of this pattern of behavior. Objective: To determine the sociodemographic factors associated with the use of psychoactive substances among long distance commercial vehicle drivers in Kaduna, a city in Northwest Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Long distance drivers from selected motor parks in Kaduna metropolis were recruited. They were interviewed using a sociodemographic and a brief drug use questionnaire, two screening instruments which included the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test and the Drug Abuse Screening Test. Results: All 274 subjects were males, with a mean age of 43.4 ± 10.2 years. 94.9% of the subjects were married, 78.5% of them were Muslims, and 67.5% had received a formal education of at least primary school level. Younger drivers were more likely to use cannabis, P Conclusion: Sociodemographic factors influence substance use among long distance drivers, and these characteristics can be explored as the focus in directing drug use control intervention.

A qualitative investigation of the role of the family in structuring young people's alcohol use.

Background: Few qualitative studies have investigated young people’s perspectives around influences on substance use. We aimed to examine young people’s understandings, attitudes and experiences around alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use and factors influencing substance use behaviour. Methods: Qualitative interview study involving 28 young people (13 males and 15 females) aged 18–20 years, recruited purposively on the basis of substance use, who were participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Interviews were conducted at participants’ homes or at local cafés. Audio data were transcribed verbatim, systematically coded and analysed inductively using a constant comparative approach. Results: Parental attitudes and behaviours and the nature of communication emerged as critical factors structuring young people’s alcohol use. Initiation of alcohol use was frequently mediated by parents early in adolescence, with the home recounted as a primary site of early drinking experiences. Later in adolescence, young people perceived a more permissive stance towards alcohol use, with broad acceptance of high levels of consumption and recognition of drinking as a cultural norm during adolescence. In contrast, young people reported a more prohibitive and discouraging stance from their parents towards tobacco and cannabis use, and the use of these substances appeared to be of greater parental concern. Conclusions: Interventions involving parents or guardians have a critical role to play in the prevention of harms arising from alcohol use during adolescence. However, such interventions are needed in conjunction with individual, school, community and environmental interventions to shift cultural norms across the population and to facilitate effective prevention.

Religion, acculturation, and incarceration: determinants of substance use among Hispanic adults in the United States.

Objective. The influence of religion, acculturation, and incarceration on substance abuse has been studied, though predominantly among adolescents. Little research exists on how such factors influence substance use among Hispanic adults. The objective of this study was to assess key determinants of substance use among Hispanic adults. Methods. Public access 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health was utilized. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted while accounting for complex survey design to obtain population-weighted estimates. Receiver operator curve analysis was used to evaluate the relative contribution of each variable. Results. Importance of religious influence in life and Spanish language interview were associated with lower odds of substance use, while history of incarceration increased the likelihood of substance use among Hispanic adults. Other factors associated with lower odds were increasing age, being female, and currently married. Other factors associated with increased odds were high school graduate and some college in addition to living above the 200% federal poverty level. Discussion. Results from this study add to the limited body of the literature on determinants of substance use among Hispanic adults. Health education measures should target acculturated Hispanic adults and those with incarceration history to reduce substance use.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Use of Illicit Substances among Male University Students in Kuwait

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of illicit use of substances and identify the factors associated with illicit drug use among male students in the state-run Kuwait University and private universities in Kuwait. Subjects and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey with a sample of 1,587 male students from both private universities (n = 869) and the public (n = 718) Kuwait University in Kuwait. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Overall lifetime prevalence of substance use was computed with 95% confidence interval. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors influencing substance use, which was adjusted for potential confounders. Results: The total lifetime prevalence of illicit drug use was 14.4% and the most frequently used illicit substance was marijuana (11%). The substance use in general varied significantly (p ≤ 0.001) between private (18%) and public (10%) universities. Multivariate logistic regression model revealed that drug use was positively associated with age, poor academic performance, high family income, being an only child, divorced parents, and graduation from a private high school. Conclusion: Drug use among male university students in Kuwait was high and requires attention and appropriate intervention. The factors identified with drug use in this study could be utilized to develop appropriate public health policies and preventive measures that may improve the health status of the student population.

Understanding factors influencing substance use in people with recent onset psychosis: A qualitative study

This qualitative study identifies factors influencing the use of substances in young people with recent onset psychosis. A purposive sample of 19 people aged between 16 and 35 years from an Early Intervention Service in the English National Health Service (NHS) was interviewed using a semi-structured guide. All had experienced a psychotic episode and were within 3 years of first contact with the service. All were either currently misusing substances or had been doing so in the 6 months prior to first contact with the service. All participants were/had been regular cannabis users and for 13(68%) cannabis was the primary drug of use. Thematic analysis identified four key themes in participants accounts of factors influencing their substance abuse: influence of perceived drug norms on behaviour; attributions for initial and ongoing drug-taking behaviour; changes in life goals affecting drug use; beliefs about the links between mental health and drug use. These findings have clear implications for interventions at a number of levels to support young people using substances in early psychosis including public health messages, education and psychological therapies.