Prevalence of non‐medical drug use and dependence among homosexually active men and women in the US population

Abstract

Aims-The aim of this study was to compare patterns of drug use and dependence between homosexually experienced and exclusively heterosexually experienced individuals.Design-We used a cross-sectional national household interview survey conducted in the United States.Setting-Secondary data analysis of the 1996 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse was employed.Participants-Participants were sexually active individuals, aged 18 years and older, who reported the genders of their sexual partners in the past 12 months; included 174 homosexually experienced (98 men, 96 women) and 9714 exclusively heterosexually experienced (3922 men, 5792 women) respondents.Measurements-Life-time, past 30 days and daily use of nine classes of drugs. Symptoms of dysfunctional use and dependence.Findings-There were consistent patterns of elevated drug use in homosexually experienced individuals for life-time drug use, but these were greatly attenuated for recent use. Homosexually experienced men were more likely to report use of marijuana, cocaine and heroin, and homosexually experienced women more likely to report use of marijuana and analgesics than individuals reporting only opposite-sex partners. Both homosexually active men and women were more likely than exclusively heterosexually active respondents to report at least one symptom indicating dysfunctional drug use across all drug classes, and to meet criteria for marijuana dependence syndrome. The only difference between homosexually experienced men and women was that men were more likely to report any daily drug use. Conclusions-These data are consistent with surveys suggesting that there is a moderate elevation of drug, particularly marijuana, use and dependence in gay and bisexual men and women when compared to heterosexual men and women. NIH Public Access

Young Thai women who use methamphetamine: Intersection of sexual partnerships, drug use, and social networks

“…Prior research has shown high rates of alcohol use among women who partner with women, which may suggest a need for targeted intervention efforts (van Griensven et al, 2004). However, these women did not have higher levels of MA use in contrast to U.S. data showing elevated drug use among homosexually active populations (Cochran et al, 2004). Further research is needed to understand and address substance use patterns among Thai women who partner with women and the influence of their relationship dynamics with family and friends.…”

“…Almost 10% of female secondary school students in Bangkok reported "homosexual contact" (O-Prasertsawat & Petchum, 2004) and 8% of female northern Thai students aged 15-21 identified with Thai terms noted as equivalent to 'homosexual' or 'bisexual', with 10% reporting same sex attraction (van Griensven et al, 2004). Although U.S. research shows higher rates of substance use (Cochran, Ackerman, Mays, & Ross, 2004;Scheer et al, 2002) and risk behaviors (Bell, Ompad, & Sherman, 2006;Gonzales et al, 1999) among women who have sex with women, little is known about the drug use and relationship dynamics among Thai women who have female partners.…”

Sexual orientation of men with pathological gambling: prevalence and psychiatric comorbidity in a treatment-seeking sample

“…In fact, some studies suggested that almost half of gay and bisexual men (42%-49%) suffer from a psychiatric disorder [10]. In particular, gay and bisexual men appear to suffer from substance use disorders at 2 to 3 times the rate found in the general population [11,12]. Gay as compared with heterosexual men also report lower qualities of life [2,10].…”

Profile of lifetime methamphetamine use among homeless adults in Los Angeles

“…Formerly a favored drug of white, male, blue-collar workers in Hawaii and western United States (US) in the early 1990s (NIDA, 2006), methamphetamine use has become increasingly common among younger adults (Springer et al, 2007) and among gay and bisexual men (Cochran et al, 2004;Thiede et al, 2003).…”