The relations between discrimination, stressful life events, and substance use among adults experiencing homelessness

Abstract

The current study investigated whether stressful life events and everyday discrimination experiences were associated with using one or more substances in the past 30‐days and substance use disorder (SUD) among adults experiencing homelessness. We obtained survey data from adults (N = 501) seeking services at a day shelter. Participants self‐reported whether they used cigarettes, other tobacco products, cannabis, alcohol, opioids, amphetamine, and cocaine/crack in the past 30‐days, and the total number of substances used were also calculated. We measured stressful life events and everyday discrimination using validated scales. We used multivariable logistic and negative binomial regression analyses to evaluate hypothesised associations. Results indicated that reporting a higher number of stressful life events was associated with past 30‐days cannabis, tobacco, alcohol, and other substance use, screening positive for a SUD, and using a greater number of substances in the past 30 days. After accounting for stressful life events, everyday discrimination was associated with only past 30‐days cannabis use. Overall, we found that reporting stressful life events was related to current substance use and screening positive for a SUD. Findings suggest that life stressors, and discrimination to a lesser extent, were associated with substance use and SUD among adults experiencing homelessness.

Effects of perceived discrimination on health, social support, and risk of mental ill-health among women experiencing homelessness in Spain: A longitudinal study.

“…The feeling of discrimination for their state of homelessness reported by the women interviewed correlated with poorer physical and mental health, higher substance abuse, and greater feelings of loneliness. These results match those observed in various studies (e.g., Alexander et al, 2022; Mejia-Lancheros et al, 2020; Skosireva et al, 2014). This association appears to be bidirectional: The perception of discrimination increases problems of this nature, and, in turn, the suffering of these circumstances leads to situations of greater discrimination.…”

Tobacco use characteristics, treatment preferences, and motivation to quit among adults accessing a day shelter in Oklahoma City

“…Parent study respondents were 554 adults (≥18 years old) who accessed Homeless Alliance Day Shelter services in Oklahoma City, OK between May 2019 and February 2020 (see Alexander et al., 2022 , Ehlke et al. 2022 ).…”

Family Roles in the Risk of Serious Mental Illness Among Youth with Substance Misuse: A Systematic Review

“…Substance misuse among youth has become a global social problem (1). This multifarious public health concern is growing around the world (2). Hard drinks, tobacco, and opioids are the main substances consumed by youngsters (2).…”

“…This multifarious public health concern is growing around the world (2). Hard drinks, tobacco, and opioids are the main substances consumed by youngsters (2). It is estimated that alcohol, tobacco, and over-thecounter drugs account for 15.1% of the causes of death (3).…”