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Stephen E. Lankenau - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • developmental trajectories of illicit Drug use Prescription Drug Misuse and cannabis practices among young adult cannabis users in los angeles
    Drug and Alcohol Review, 2020
    Co-Authors: Ekaterina V Fedorova, Carolyn F Wong, Sheree M Schrager, Ellen Iverson, Lucy F Robinson, Alexis M Roth, Stephen E. Lankenau
    Abstract:

    Introduction and aims Young adults have the highest rates of Drug use and contribute significantly to the growing population of medical cannabis patients (MCP). This study examined relationships between longitudinal patterns of illicit/Prescription Drug use/Misuse and cannabis practices among young adult cannabis users. Design and methods In 2014-2015, 210 young adult MCP and 156 nonpatient users were recruited in Los Angeles and surveyed annually over four waves. The analytical sample was limited to completers of all four waves (n = 301). Distinct developmental trajectories of illicit Drug use and Prescription Drug Misuse were identified. Fixed effects regression analysis evaluated changes in cannabis practices by trajectory groups. Results Results supported two-trajectory solutions (high/low) for illicit Drug use and Prescription Drug Misuse. Decreases in use within all four trajectories occurred by wave 4. Low illicit Drug use trajectory members were more likely to self-report medical cannabis use. Membership in both types of high-use trajectories was associated with use of concentrates and edibles. The prevalence of MCP, edibles use and cannabis days decreased significantly by wave 4. Discussion and conclusions While alternative cannabis forms use was associated with membership in high Drug use trajectories, self-reported medical cannabis use (not MCP) was negatively associated with high illicit Drug use trajectory membership. Reductions in the prevalence of MCP, cannabis days, edibles use and other Drug use by wave 4 alongside stable levels of self-reported medical cannabis use might reflect the changing legal status of cannabis in California, maturing out phenomenon and safer patterns of cannabis use.

  • illicit Drug use and Prescription Drug Misuse among young adult medical cannabis patients and non patient users in los angeles
    Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2019
    Co-Authors: Ekaterina V Fedorova, Carolyn F Wong, Sheree M Schrager, Ellen Iverson, Lucy F Robinson, Alice Cepeda, Stephen E. Lankenau
    Abstract:

    Abstract Introduction Young adults have the highest rates of cannabis and other Drug use, as compared to other age groups, and contribute a significant proportion to the total population of medical cannabis patients (MCP). However, little is known about the relationships between various cannabis practices and illicit Drug use/Prescription Drug Misuse among young adult cannabis users with and without legal access to medical cannabis. Methods 210 MCP and 156 non-patient cannabis users (NPU) aged 18–26 were recruited in Los Angeles in 2014–15 for a longitudinal study assessing the impact of medical cannabis on health and substance use among emerging adults. For the present analysis, only quantitative baseline survey data were used. Logistic regression was used to examine the associations between past 90-day cannabis practices and other Drug use, including illicit Drug use and Prescription Drug Misuse. Results Illicit Drug use was associated with being non-Hispanic white (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.8–5.1), use of cannabis concentrates (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.6–4.9), while self-reported medical cannabis use was associated with lower probability of illicit Drug use (AOR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.3–0.9). The odds of Prescription Drug Misuse were increased for participants who reported use of cannabis edibles (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.5), and decreased with age (AOR = 0.9, 95% CI 0.8–1.0) and for those who used cannabis alone (AOR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.3–0.9). Conclusion Use of alternative cannabis forms, but not cannabis use frequency, were associated with greater odds of other Drug use. Self-reported medical cannabis use, but not MCP status, decreased probability of illicit Drug use.

  • motivations for Prescription Drug Misuse among young men who have sex with men ymsm in philadelphia
    International Journal of Drug Policy, 2015
    Co-Authors: Aleksandar Kecojevic, Heather L Corliss, Stephen E. Lankenau
    Abstract:

    Abstract Background Prescription Drug Misuse (i.e. opioids, tranquilizers and stimulants) has become the fastest growing area of substance abuse among young adults. Limited studies focus on Prescription Drug Misuse among young men who have sex with men (YMSM, aged 18–29 years). Furthermore, little is known about YMSM's motivations for Misuse. The purpose of this study was to explore personal motivations for Prescription Drug Misuse among YMSM, including the possible connection between Misuse and sexual behaviors. Methods As part of a larger mixed methods study of 191 YMSM recruited in Philadelphia during 2012–2013, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 25 of these participants to gather additional contextual information about their Prescription Drug Misuse. We conducted thematic analysis of qualitative data. Results While our results corroborated previous literature on motives for Misuse of Prescription Drugs, our data yielded some distinct motivations specific among YMSM. These motives included social/recreational motives, facilitating sex with other men (including motives such as use of opioids for less painful anal receptive sex), and psychological motives such as depression, stress management, coping with everyday hardships (opioids and tranquilizers) or feeling more energized (stimulants). Prescription Drugs were commonly Misused within the broader contexts of participants' polysubstance use, adding to the significance of this problem. Conclusions Our findings offer insights into YMSM's motivations for Prescription Drug Misuse, and point to the importance of recognizing and addressing them. While substance use is likely related to various psychosocial issues impacting YMSM, it also may lead to significant health consequences. Results support the need to include Prescription Drugs and polysubstance use in harm reduction messages and treatment approaches aimed at substance using YMSM.

  • risk factors for high levels of Prescription Drug Misuse and illicit Drug use among substance using young men who have sex with men ymsm
    Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2015
    Co-Authors: Aleksandar Kecojevic, Carolyn F Wong, Heather L Corliss, Stephen E. Lankenau
    Abstract:

    Abstract Background Limited research has focused on Prescription Drug Misuse among young men who have sex with men (YMSM), or investigated risk factors contributing to Misuse. This study aims to investigate the relationship between multiple psychosocial risk factors (i.e., childhood abuse, discrimination, mental health distress) and Prescription Drug Misuse among YMSM who are current substance users. Methods YMSM ( N  = 191) who reported Prescription Drug Misuse in the past 6 months were recruited in Philadelphia between 2012 and 2013 to complete an anonymous survey assessing demographic information, substance use, and psychosocial factors. Results High levels of childhood physical abuse and perceived stress were associated with higher opioid Misuse, while high levels of depression were associated with lower Misuse of opioids. Those with higher levels of perceived stress were more likely to report higher tranquilizer Misuse, while those with more experiences of social homophobia/racism and higher levels of depression and somatization reported higher stimulant Misuse. Regarding demographic correlates, older participants were more likely than younger participants to report higher opioid Misuse, while racial minorities were less likely than White participants to report higher Misuse of tranquilizers, stimulants, and illicit Drug use. Bisexual/heterosexual/other identified participants were more likely than gay identified participants to report higher Misuse of all three classes of Prescription Drugs. Conclusions Associations of risk factors with substance use among YMSM are complex and offer opportunities for additional research. Our findings show that prevention efforts must address substance use among YMSM in sync with psychosocial stressors.

  • Prescription Drug Misuse and sexual risk behaviors among young men who have sex with men ymsm in philadelphia
    Aids and Behavior, 2015
    Co-Authors: Aleksandar Kecojevic, Karol Silva, Randall L Sell, Stephen E. Lankenau
    Abstract:

    This study examined the relationship between Prescription Drug Misuse and sexual risk behaviors (i.e. unprotected sex, increased number of sex partners) in a sample of young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in Philadelphia. Data come from a cross-sectional study of 18–29 year old YMSM (N = 191) who Misused Prescription Drugs in the past 6 months. Associations were investigated in two regression models: logistic models for unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) and zero-truncated Poisson regression model for number of sex partners. Of 177 participants engaging in anal intercourse in the past 6 months, 57.6 % engaged in UAI. After adjusting for socio-demographic variables and illicit Drug use, Misuse of Prescription pain pills and muscle relaxants remained significantly associated with engaging in receptive UAI. No Prescription Drug class was associated with a high number of sex partners. This study provides additional evidence that some Prescription Drugs are associated with sexual risk behaviors among YMSM.

Jason A. Ford - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • poly Prescription Drug Misuse across the life course prevalence and correlates across different adult age cohorts in the u s
    International Journal of Drug Policy, 2021
    Co-Authors: Jason A. Ford, Ty S. Schepis, Sean Esteban Mccabe
    Abstract:

    ABSTRACT Background Most research on Prescription Drug Misuse (PDM) focuses on the Misuse of specific classes of psychoactive Prescription Drugs among adolescents or young adults. The current research addressed important gaps in the literature by assessing poly-Prescription Drug Misuse (poly-PDM), the Misuse of more than one class of psychoactive Prescription Drug, across different adult age cohorts. Methods We used the 2015–2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health to examine the prevalence of past-year poly-PDM and specific combinations of PDM. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify demographic, health-related factors, and substance use behaviors that were significantly associated with poly-PDM. Results The prevalence of poly-PDM decreases with age and is common among individuals who engage in PDM. Slightly more than one in four respondents in age cohorts 18–25 (31.66%, 95% CI = 30.35, 33.00) and 26–34 (29.92%, 95% CI = 25.82, 30.12) who engage in PDM, Misused more than one class of Prescription Drug. Additionally, poly-PDM was identified as a high-risk type of PDM as roughly 60% of adults younger than 65 who endorse poly-PDM reported having a substance use disorder (SUD). While certain characteristics (i.e., race/ethnicity, marital status, depression, suicidal ideation, illegal Drug use, and SUD) were consistently associated with poly-PDM across age cohorts, other characteristics (i.e., sexual identity, income, and justice involvement) varied across age cohorts. Finally, a comparison of poly-PDM to single PDM showed, in all age cohorts, that having an SUD was associated with an increased likelihood of poly-PDM, while Black adults were less likely than whites to report poly-PDM. Conclusions By identifying prevalence and correlates of poly-PDM across adult age cohorts, the current research has significant implications. Understanding stability and heterogeneity in the characteristics associated with poly-PDM should inform interventions, identify at-risk groups, and shape public health approaches to dealing with high-risk substance use behavior.

  • Opioid-involved Prescription Drug Misuse and poly-Prescription Drug Misuse in U.S. older adults.
    Aging & mental health, 2020
    Co-Authors: Ty S. Schepis, Jason A. Ford, Linda Wastila, Sean Esteban Mccabe
    Abstract:

    Although older adult Prescription Drug Misuse (PDM) is associated with concerning consequences, stimulant PDM and poly- PDM involving multiple medication classes each remain understudied. Our objec...

  • Prescription Drug Misuse other substance use and sexual identity the significance of educational status and psychological distress in us young adults
    Substance Abuse, 2020
    Co-Authors: Dalton L Klare, Jason A. Ford, Sean Esteban Mccabe, Ty S. Schepis
    Abstract:

    The aim was to examine the effects of sexual identity, educational status, and their interaction on the past-year prevalence of controlled Prescription use and Prescription Drug Misuse (PDM) in U.S...

  • Prescription Drug Misuse taking a lifespan perspective
    Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, 2020
    Co-Authors: Ty S. Schepis, Jason A. Ford, Dalton L Klare, Sean Esteban Mccabe
    Abstract:

    Prescription Drug Misuse (PDM), or medication use without a Prescription or in ways not intended by the prescriber, is a notable public health concern, especially in the United States. Accumulating research has characterized PDM prevalence and processes, but age-based or lifespan changes in PDM are understudied. Given age-based differences in the medical or developmental concerns that often underlie PDM, it is likely that PDM varies by age. This review summarizes the literature on PDM across the lifespan, examining lifespan changes in prevalence, sources, motives and correlates for opioid, stimulant, and tranquilizer/sedative (or benzodiazepine) PDM. In all, prevalence rates, sources and motives vary considerably by age group, with fewer age-based differences in correlates or risk factors. PDM prevalence rates tend to decline with aging, with greater use of physician sources and greater endorsement of self-treatment motives in older groups. Recreational motives (such as to get high) tend to peak in young adulthood, with greater use of peer sources or purchases to obtain medication for PDM in younger groups. PDM co-occurs with other substance use and psychopathology, including suicidality, across age groups. The evidence for lifespan variation in PDM is strongest for opioid PDM, with a need for more research on tranquilizer/sedative and stimulant PDM. The current literature is limited by the few studies of lifespan changes in PDM within a single sample, a lack of longitudinal research, little research addressing PDM in the context of polysubstance use, and little research on minority groups, such as sexual and gender minorities.

  • educational attainment and Prescription Drug Misuse the importance of push and pull factors for dropping out
    Journal of Criminal Justice, 2020
    Co-Authors: Jason A. Ford, Sean Esteban Mccabe, Corey Pomykacz, Kasim Ortiz, Ty S. Schepis
    Abstract:

    Abstract Purpose Young adults who do not complete high school are at increased risk for substance use and offending behavior. A limitation of this research is that dropouts are often treated as a homogeneous group, which ignores the various push (e.g., academic failure or disciplinary problems) and pull (e.g., family responsibility or economic need) factors for leaving school. Methods The current study relies on multiple years of data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2009–2014) and examines several dependent variables, including prevalence of Prescription Drug Misuse, frequent Prescription Drug Misuse, and Prescription Drug-related substance use disorder symptoms. We assess the importance of push and pull factors for dropping out, and compare dropouts to respondents who completed school. Results Multivariable logistic regression analyses produce two important findings. First, push factors increase the risk of various types of Prescription Drug Misuse compared to pull factors. Additionally, respondents who attend college are at a decreased risk for various types of Prescription opioid and sedative/tranquilizer Misuse and disorder. Discussion The current research identifies important differences in Prescription Drug Misuse and disorders among dropouts based on the reason they left school. Additionally, college attendance appears to be a strong protective factor.

Jeffrey T. Parsons - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • motivations for Prescription Drug Misuse among young adults considering social and developmental contexts
    Drugs-education Prevention and Policy, 2015
    Co-Authors: Amy Leclair, Brian C. Kelly, Brooke E. Wells, Mark Pawson, Jeffrey T. Parsons
    Abstract:

    AbstractAims: This study aimed to explore motivations for Prescription Drug (i.e. Prescription pain killers, stimulants and sedatives) Misuse among young adults active in urban nightlife scenes in New York City. Prior research has established “recreation” and “self-medication” as the primary motivations among this age group, but, as Prescription Drug Misuse continues to be a major public health concern in the US and rates of Misuse are highest among young adults, a more nuanced analysis is necessary for developing meaningful interventions. As part of a larger study on Prescription Drug Misuse among young adults active in urban nightlife scenes, we examined participants’ motivations for Misuse. Prescription painkillers, stimulants and sedatives were the primary substances of interest. Methods: Participants were recruited from nightlife venues in New York using time-space sampling. Subjects completed a mixed-methods assessment at project research offices. The data presented here are from a subsample of 70 q...

  • symbolic boundaries subcultural capital and Prescription Drug Misuse across youth cultures
    Sociology of Health and Illness, 2015
    Co-Authors: Brian C. Kelly, Amy Leclair, Jeffrey T. Parsons, Mark Pawson, James Trimarco, Sarit A. Golub
    Abstract:

    Prescription Drug Misuse among young adults has surged over the past decade. Yet the contexts surrounding this Misuse remain unclear, particularly the subcultural contexts. Many young urban adults participate in youth cultures. This article describes the subcultural contexts of Prescription Drug Misuse in youth subcultures. Drawing on ethnographic data collected over 12 months from different youth cultural scenes, the authors describe the subcultural bases of Prescription Drug Misuse. The symbolic boundaries and subcultural capital inherent in these scenes shape the ways youth think about Drugs and behave accordingly. While young adults are often lumped together by theorists, ethnographic data show considerable variation across these subcultures with regard to what may enable or inhibit Prescription Drug Misuse. The broader subcultural ethos in each scene, as well as attitudes towards other types of Drugs, frame the ways that Prescription Drugs are perceived and used in each of these settings. The findings highlight the role of symbolic boundaries and subcultural capital in shaping routine practices of Drug use among young adults. These data show that education campaigns about Prescription Drug Misuse should take into account the variability in youth cultural scenes to maximise the efficacy of these messages aimed at young adults.

  • a typology of Prescription Drug Misuse a latent class approach to differences and harms
    Drug and Alcohol Review, 2015
    Co-Authors: Brian C. Kelly, Brooke E. Wells, Mike Vuolo, Jonathon H Rendina, Jeffrey T. Parsons
    Abstract:

    Introduction and Aims Prescription Drug Misuse is a considerable problem among young adults, and the identification of types of Misuse among this population remains important for prevention and intervention efforts. We use latent class analysis to identify possible distinct latent groups of Prescription Drug Misusers across multiple Prescription Drug types (pain killers, sedatives and stimulants). Design and Methods Our data are comprised of a sample of 404 young adults recruited from nightlife scenes via time–space sampling. Through the specification of a zero-inflated Poisson latent class analysis, we evaluate differences in class membership by various demographic factors as well as assess the relationship between class membership and health outcomes, including indications of dependence, problems associated with substance use and mental health. Results Our assessment of fit indices led to a four-class solution (dabblers, primary stimulant users, primary downers users and extensive regulars). No demographic differences existed between latent classes. The extensive regular class report the greatest number of symptoms related to dependence, greatest number of problems related to Misuse and the greatest mental health problems. The dabblers report the fewest problems and symptoms, while the other two classes experiences problems and symptoms in between the classes on the extremes. Discussion and Conclusions Prevention efforts should take into account that young adults who Misuse Prescription Drug have different profiles of Misuse, and there may be a need for varied interventions to target these different types of Misuse. [Kelly BC, Rendina HJ, Vuolo M, Wells BE, Parsons JT. A typology of Prescription Drug Misuse: A latent class approach to differences and harms. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:211–20]

  • Prescription Drug Misuse and sexual behavior among young adults
    Journal of Sex Research, 2015
    Co-Authors: Brooke E. Wells, Brian C. Kelly, Jonathon H Rendina, Jeffrey T. Parsons
    Abstract:

    Though research indicates a complex link between substance use and sexual risk behavior, there is limited research on the association between sexual risk behavior and Prescription Drug Misuse. In light of alarming increases in Prescription Drug Misuse and the role of demographic characteristics in sexual risk behavior and outcomes, the current study examined demographic differences (gender, sexual identity, age, relationship status, parental class background, and race/ethnicity) in sexual risk behavior, sexual behavior under the influence of Prescription Drugs, and sexual risk behavior under the influence of Prescription Drugs in a sample of 402 young adults (ages 18 to 29) who Misused Prescription Drugs. Nearly half of the sexually active young adult Prescription Drug Misusers in this sample reported recent sex under the influence of Prescription Drugs; more than three-quarters reported recent sex without a condom; and more than one-third reported recent sex without a condom after using Prescription Drugs. Zero-inflated Poisson regression models indicated that White race, younger age, higher parental class, and being a heterosexual man were all associated with sexual risk behavior, sex under the influence of Prescription Drugs, and sexual risk under the influence of Prescription Drugs. Findings have implications for the targeting of prevention and intervention efforts.

  • Influences of motivational contexts on Prescription Drug Misuse and related Drug problems
    Journal of substance abuse treatment, 2014
    Co-Authors: Brian C. Kelly, Brooke E. Wells, H. Jonathon Rendina, Mike Vuolo, Jeffrey T. Parsons
    Abstract:

    Abstract Prescription Drug Misuse has emerged as a significant problem among young adults. While the effects of motivational contexts have been demonstrated for illicit Drugs, the role of motivational contexts in Prescription Drug Misuse remains understudied. Using data from 400 young adults recruited via time–space sampling, we examined the role of motivational contexts in the frequency of Misuse of three Prescription Drug types as well as Drug-related problems and symptoms of dependency. Both negative and positive motivations to use Drugs are associated with increases in Prescription Drug Misuse frequency. Only negative motivations are associated directly with Drug problems and Drug dependence, as well as indirectly via Prescription pain killer Misuse. Addressing positive and negative motivational contexts of Prescription Drug Misuse may not only provide a means to reduce Misuse and implement harm reduction measures, but may also inform the content of treatment plans for young adults with Prescription Drug Misuse problems.

Brian C. Kelly - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • nightlife scene involvement and patterns of Prescription Drug Misuse
    Drug and Alcohol Review, 2020
    Co-Authors: Brian C. Kelly, Mike Vuolo
    Abstract:

    INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Participation in nightlife influences a range of health behaviours. Participants in various nightlife scenes have increasingly adopted Prescription Drug Misuse into their substance use repertoires. DESIGN AND METHODS: With 404 young adults recruited via time-space sampling in New York, we examine the relationship of nightlife participation-measured by number of scenes and the number of nights out in nightlife scenes-to Prescription Drug Misuse during the past 3 months. Outcomes included frequency of Misuse, escalation to non-oral consumption, polyDrug use, social problems and symptoms of dependence. RESULTS: Negative binomial regressions indicate nightlife participation is associated with increased frequency of Misuse measured by number of scenes (incidence rate ratio = 1.114, P < 0.05) and number of nights out (incidence rate ratio = 1.009, P < 0.001). Logistic regression models show nightlife participation is associated with increased odds of non-oral use (adjusted odds ratio; AOR = 1.334, P < 0.01) and polyDrug use (AOR = 1.776, P < 0.001) measured by number of scenes, and non-oral use (AOR = 1.021, P < 0.001) and polyDrug use (AOR = 1.023, P < 0.001) as measured by number of nights out. Nightlife participation is not associated with Prescription Drug problems or symptoms of dependence. Frequency of participation is associated with peer norms favourable to Prescription Drugs (B = 0.003, P < 0.01). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Nightlife participation has implications for Prescription Drug Misuse. While shaping how often and in what manner young people consume Prescription Drugs, nightlife participation is not associated with harms experienced. Given the significance of the Prescription Drug trend in many world regions, these results suggest that increasing participation in nightlife shapes patterns of Drug use, but in ways that do not lead to reported problems.

  • social network ties to nightlife and healthcare professionals and Prescription Drug Misuse among young adults
    International Journal of Drug Policy, 2019
    Co-Authors: Brian C. Kelly, Mike Vuolo
    Abstract:

    Abstract Background Nightlife scenes have been characterized as risk environments where social ecology and network ties facilitate substance use. In contrast to other substances, the Prescription Drug problem also has been shaped by the healthcare system. How network ties to professionals in these domains are associated with Prescription Drug Misuse remains a key area of study. Methods We analyzed a sample of 404 young adults who Misuse Prescription Drugs, recruited from nightlife venues primarily via time-space sampling. We evaluated nine types of network ties via friends and family (5 nightlife professions and 4 healthcare professions) as well as total ties in each occupational domain and their relationship to three different outcomes – frequency of Misuse, escalation to non-oral use, and substance-related problems. Negative binomial, logistic, and linear regression methods were employed. We then examined mechanisms by which these network associations may operate. Results Ties to party promoters (p  Conclusion Embeddedness in nightlife networks is related to patterns of Prescription Drug Misuse, and some of this association can be explained by multiple mechanisms of social networks. By contrast, ties to healthcare professionals are not associated with patterns of Misuse among such young adults.

  • multiple dimensions of peer effects and deviance the case of Prescription Drug Misuse among young adults
    Socius: Sociological Research for a Dynamic World, 2017
    Co-Authors: Brian C. Kelly, Mike Vuolo, Alexandra C Marin
    Abstract:

    Sociological research has demonstrated that peers play a role in patterns of deviance. Yet, examinations of competing mechanisms in continued patterns of deviance are less well developed. We simultaneously examine multiple peer mechanisms of action on Prescription Drug Misuse. Results identify Drug sources, peer group norms, and a desire to enhance social experiences as important factors in the frequency of Misuse, non-oral administration, and dependence, whereas peer pressure had no effect net of other peer factors. The results emphasize the importance of considering multiple peer mechanisms in shaping deviance, and as such, future scholarly examinations should focus on multiple dimensions of peer effects to fully understand patterns of continuing deviance.

  • motivations for Prescription Drug Misuse among young adults considering social and developmental contexts
    Drugs-education Prevention and Policy, 2015
    Co-Authors: Amy Leclair, Brian C. Kelly, Brooke E. Wells, Mark Pawson, Jeffrey T. Parsons
    Abstract:

    AbstractAims: This study aimed to explore motivations for Prescription Drug (i.e. Prescription pain killers, stimulants and sedatives) Misuse among young adults active in urban nightlife scenes in New York City. Prior research has established “recreation” and “self-medication” as the primary motivations among this age group, but, as Prescription Drug Misuse continues to be a major public health concern in the US and rates of Misuse are highest among young adults, a more nuanced analysis is necessary for developing meaningful interventions. As part of a larger study on Prescription Drug Misuse among young adults active in urban nightlife scenes, we examined participants’ motivations for Misuse. Prescription painkillers, stimulants and sedatives were the primary substances of interest. Methods: Participants were recruited from nightlife venues in New York using time-space sampling. Subjects completed a mixed-methods assessment at project research offices. The data presented here are from a subsample of 70 q...

  • symbolic boundaries subcultural capital and Prescription Drug Misuse across youth cultures
    Sociology of Health and Illness, 2015
    Co-Authors: Brian C. Kelly, Amy Leclair, Jeffrey T. Parsons, Mark Pawson, James Trimarco, Sarit A. Golub
    Abstract:

    Prescription Drug Misuse among young adults has surged over the past decade. Yet the contexts surrounding this Misuse remain unclear, particularly the subcultural contexts. Many young urban adults participate in youth cultures. This article describes the subcultural contexts of Prescription Drug Misuse in youth subcultures. Drawing on ethnographic data collected over 12 months from different youth cultural scenes, the authors describe the subcultural bases of Prescription Drug Misuse. The symbolic boundaries and subcultural capital inherent in these scenes shape the ways youth think about Drugs and behave accordingly. While young adults are often lumped together by theorists, ethnographic data show considerable variation across these subcultures with regard to what may enable or inhibit Prescription Drug Misuse. The broader subcultural ethos in each scene, as well as attitudes towards other types of Drugs, frame the ways that Prescription Drugs are perceived and used in each of these settings. The findings highlight the role of symbolic boundaries and subcultural capital in shaping routine practices of Drug use among young adults. These data show that education campaigns about Prescription Drug Misuse should take into account the variability in youth cultural scenes to maximise the efficacy of these messages aimed at young adults.

Aleksandar Kecojevic - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • motivations for Prescription Drug Misuse among young men who have sex with men ymsm in philadelphia
    International Journal of Drug Policy, 2015
    Co-Authors: Aleksandar Kecojevic, Heather L Corliss, Stephen E. Lankenau
    Abstract:

    Abstract Background Prescription Drug Misuse (i.e. opioids, tranquilizers and stimulants) has become the fastest growing area of substance abuse among young adults. Limited studies focus on Prescription Drug Misuse among young men who have sex with men (YMSM, aged 18–29 years). Furthermore, little is known about YMSM's motivations for Misuse. The purpose of this study was to explore personal motivations for Prescription Drug Misuse among YMSM, including the possible connection between Misuse and sexual behaviors. Methods As part of a larger mixed methods study of 191 YMSM recruited in Philadelphia during 2012–2013, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 25 of these participants to gather additional contextual information about their Prescription Drug Misuse. We conducted thematic analysis of qualitative data. Results While our results corroborated previous literature on motives for Misuse of Prescription Drugs, our data yielded some distinct motivations specific among YMSM. These motives included social/recreational motives, facilitating sex with other men (including motives such as use of opioids for less painful anal receptive sex), and psychological motives such as depression, stress management, coping with everyday hardships (opioids and tranquilizers) or feeling more energized (stimulants). Prescription Drugs were commonly Misused within the broader contexts of participants' polysubstance use, adding to the significance of this problem. Conclusions Our findings offer insights into YMSM's motivations for Prescription Drug Misuse, and point to the importance of recognizing and addressing them. While substance use is likely related to various psychosocial issues impacting YMSM, it also may lead to significant health consequences. Results support the need to include Prescription Drugs and polysubstance use in harm reduction messages and treatment approaches aimed at substance using YMSM.

  • risk factors for high levels of Prescription Drug Misuse and illicit Drug use among substance using young men who have sex with men ymsm
    Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2015
    Co-Authors: Aleksandar Kecojevic, Carolyn F Wong, Heather L Corliss, Stephen E. Lankenau
    Abstract:

    Abstract Background Limited research has focused on Prescription Drug Misuse among young men who have sex with men (YMSM), or investigated risk factors contributing to Misuse. This study aims to investigate the relationship between multiple psychosocial risk factors (i.e., childhood abuse, discrimination, mental health distress) and Prescription Drug Misuse among YMSM who are current substance users. Methods YMSM ( N  = 191) who reported Prescription Drug Misuse in the past 6 months were recruited in Philadelphia between 2012 and 2013 to complete an anonymous survey assessing demographic information, substance use, and psychosocial factors. Results High levels of childhood physical abuse and perceived stress were associated with higher opioid Misuse, while high levels of depression were associated with lower Misuse of opioids. Those with higher levels of perceived stress were more likely to report higher tranquilizer Misuse, while those with more experiences of social homophobia/racism and higher levels of depression and somatization reported higher stimulant Misuse. Regarding demographic correlates, older participants were more likely than younger participants to report higher opioid Misuse, while racial minorities were less likely than White participants to report higher Misuse of tranquilizers, stimulants, and illicit Drug use. Bisexual/heterosexual/other identified participants were more likely than gay identified participants to report higher Misuse of all three classes of Prescription Drugs. Conclusions Associations of risk factors with substance use among YMSM are complex and offer opportunities for additional research. Our findings show that prevention efforts must address substance use among YMSM in sync with psychosocial stressors.

  • Prescription Drug Misuse and sexual risk behaviors among young men who have sex with men ymsm in philadelphia
    Aids and Behavior, 2015
    Co-Authors: Aleksandar Kecojevic, Karol Silva, Randall L Sell, Stephen E. Lankenau
    Abstract:

    This study examined the relationship between Prescription Drug Misuse and sexual risk behaviors (i.e. unprotected sex, increased number of sex partners) in a sample of young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in Philadelphia. Data come from a cross-sectional study of 18–29 year old YMSM (N = 191) who Misused Prescription Drugs in the past 6 months. Associations were investigated in two regression models: logistic models for unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) and zero-truncated Poisson regression model for number of sex partners. Of 177 participants engaging in anal intercourse in the past 6 months, 57.6 % engaged in UAI. After adjusting for socio-demographic variables and illicit Drug use, Misuse of Prescription pain pills and muscle relaxants remained significantly associated with engaging in receptive UAI. No Prescription Drug class was associated with a high number of sex partners. This study provides additional evidence that some Prescription Drugs are associated with sexual risk behaviors among YMSM.

  • initiation into Prescription Drug Misuse differences between lesbian gay bisexual transgender lgbt and heterosexual high risk young adults in los angeles and new york
    Addictive Behaviors, 2012
    Co-Authors: Aleksandar Kecojevic, Jennifer Jackson Bloom, Carolyn F Wong, Sheree M Schrager, Karol Silva, Ellen Iverson, Stephen E. Lankenau
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective Prescription Drug Misuse is an important public health problem in the U.S., particularly among adolescents and young adults. Few studies have examined factors contributing to initiation into Prescription Drug Misuse, including sexual orientation and childhood abuse and neglect. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the relationship between initiation into the Misuse of Prescription Drugs (opioids, tranquilizers, and stimulants), sexual identity, and individual and family determinants. Method Results are based upon data from a cross-sectional survey of 596 youth (polyDrug users, homeless youth, and injection Drug users) aged 16 to 25 who reported current Prescription Drug Misuse. Participants were recruited in Los Angeles and New York City between 2009 and 2011. We compared initiation behaviors between sexual minority and heterosexual youth and examined factors modifying the relationship between sexual identity and earlier initiation into Prescription Drug Misuse. Results Sexual minority youth were more likely to report histories of initiation into Misuse of Prescription opioids and tranquilizers. Further, they were more likely to report various types of childhood abuse than heterosexual youth. However, multivariate analyses indicated that age of first prescribed Drug was the most significant factor associated with initiation into Misuse of all three categories of Prescription Drugs. Conclusions The correlates of initiation into Prescription Drug Misuse are multidimensional and offer opportunities for further research. Identifying additional factors contributing to initiation into Prescription Drug Misuse is essential towards developing interventions that may reduce future Drug use among young adults.