Editorial

5 pages, 295 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Substance and Behavioral Addictions, and Their Consequences among Vulnerable Populations

by Steve Sussman and Deborah Louise Sinclair

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6163; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19106163 - 19 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2685

Abstract

“Vulnerable populations” in health behavior research, practice and policy is generally used to refer to groups that, due to their life circumstances, may require extra consideration, reasonable accommodation, and legitimized protection [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vulnerable Populations: Substance and Behavioral Addictions)

Research

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15 pages, 397 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Substance and Behavioral Addictions among American Indian and Alaska Native Populations

by Claradina Soto, Amy E. West, Guadalupe G. Ramos and Jennifer B. Unger

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2974; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19052974 - 03 Mar 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4994

Abstract

Objective: This paper examines substance and behavioral addictions among American Indian and Alaska Natives (AIAN) to identify the structural and psychosocial risk and cultural protective factors that are associated with substance use and behavioral addictions. Methods: Five databases were used to search for [...] Read more.

Objective: This paper examines substance and behavioral addictions among American Indian and Alaska Natives (AIAN) to identify the structural and psychosocial risk and cultural protective factors that are associated with substance use and behavioral addictions. Methods: Five databases were used to search for peer reviewed articles through December 2021 that examined substance and behavioral addictions among AIANs. Results: The literature search identified 69 articles. Numerous risk factors (i.e., life stressors, severe trauma, family history of alcohol use) and protective factors (i.e., ethnic identity, family support) influence multiple substance (i.e., commercial tobacco, alcohol, opioid, stimulants) and behavioral (e.g., gambling) addictions. Conclusions: There is a dearth of research on behavioral addictions among AIANs. Unique risk factors in AIAN communities such as historical trauma and socioeconomic challenges have interfered with traditional cultural resilience factors and have increased the risk of behavioral addictions. Future research on resilience factors and effective prevention and treatment interventions could help AIANs avoid behavioral addictions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vulnerable Populations: Substance and Behavioral Addictions)

14 pages, 686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trends of Substance Use among Individuals with Cardiovascular Disease in the United States, 2015–2019

by Yeonwoo Kim, Sehun Oh, Paul J. Fadel, Christopher P. Salas-Wright and Michael G. Vaughn

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 577; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19010577 - 05 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2001

Abstract

Despite the adverse effects of substance use on health among individuals with preexisting cardiovascular disease (CVD), little is known about trends and correlates for substance use among individuals with CVD. We examined trends of use in tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis among US adults [...] Read more.

Despite the adverse effects of substance use on health among individuals with preexisting cardiovascular disease (CVD), little is known about trends and correlates for substance use among individuals with CVD. We examined trends of use in tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis among US adults with heart disease. Using nationally representative data from the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (N = 7339), we conducted survey-adjusted logistic regression analyses to test the significance of trends in substance use while controlling for sociodemographic factors and related correlates. Results showed that the prevalence of cannabis use among adults with a heart condition significantly increased. Notably, the prevalence of cannabis use increased by 91% among non-Hispanic Whites, while the increasing trends were not present among other racial/ethnic groups. Our results also showed that increase in cannabis use was associated with easier access, lower disapproval, and risk perceptions of cannabis. Special attention is needed to raise awareness of the risk associated with cannabis use among individuals with CVD and the implementation of an early screening and treatment strategy among those with CVD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vulnerable Populations: Substance and Behavioral Addictions)

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12 pages, 948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of E-Cigarette Use on Alcohol and Marijuana Abuse Symptoms in an Ethnically Diverse Sample of Young Adults

by Pallav Pokhrel, Taha Elwir, Hannah Mettias, Crissy T. Kawamoto, Nabin Oli and Scott K. Okamoto

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13159; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182413159 - 14 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3035

Abstract

Background: We examined e-cigarette use as a prospective predictor of alcohol and marijuana abuse symptoms in a sample consisting of Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI), Filipino, Asian (i.e., Japanese, Chinese, Korean), and White young adults. NHPI represent a highly vulnerable group [...] Read more.

Background: We examined e-cigarette use as a prospective predictor of alcohol and marijuana abuse symptoms in a sample consisting of Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI), Filipino, Asian (i.e., Japanese, Chinese, Korean), and White young adults. NHPI represent a highly vulnerable group with regard to substance use and are severely understudied. Methods: Data were collected from 1463 young adults (M age = 22.2, SD = 3.2; 59.5% women) enrolled across community colleges in Hawai‘i at two time-points six months apart. Results: Higher frequency of e-cigarette use at baseline was predictive of higher alcohol (B = 0.06, SE = 0.02, p < 0.01) and marijuana (B = 0.06, SE = 0.02, p < 0.01) use problems at six-month follow up, adjusting for baseline cigarette smoking, problem alcohol/marijuana use, sensation seeking, and demographic variables. Ethnicity was found to significantly moderate the relationship between baseline e-cigarette use and problem marijuana use later, such that White and NHPI ethnicities were particularly vulnerable to the effects of e-cigarette use on problem marijuana use. Conclusion: NHPI are often combined with Asians in national surveys, which obfuscates the higher risks faced by NHPI compared with groups that are routinely classified as Asians (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos). The current research highlights the NHPI’s vulnerability in terms of the effects of e-cigarette use on marijuana and alcohol abuse symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vulnerable Populations: Substance and Behavioral Addictions)

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17 pages, 680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recovery Capital among Migrants and Ethnic Minorities in Recovery from Problem Substance Use: An Analysis of Lived Experiences

by Aline Pouille, Lore Bellaert, Freya Vander Laenen and Wouter Vanderplasschen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13025; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182413025 - 10 Dec 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3208

Abstract

Migrants and ethnic minorities (MEM) are known to be disadvantaged concerning risk factors for problem substance use and resources to initiate and sustain recovery (i.e., recovery capital). Yet, the voices of MEM are largely overlooked in recovery literature. This study explores recovery capital [...] Read more.

Migrants and ethnic minorities (MEM) are known to be disadvantaged concerning risk factors for problem substance use and resources to initiate and sustain recovery (i.e., recovery capital). Yet, the voices of MEM are largely overlooked in recovery literature. This study explores recovery capital through 34 semi-structured interviews with a diverse sample of MEM in recovery in two ethnically diverse cities in Belgium. A Qualitative Content Analysis using recovery capital theory allowed us to identify various recovery resources on a personal, social, and community level. While physical and human recovery resources play a central role in participants’ narratives, personal recovery capital is closely intertwined with meaningful social networks (i.e., social recovery capital) and recovery-supportive environments that maximize opportunities for building culturally sensitive recovery capital (i.e., community recovery capital). Though MEM-specific elements such as culture, migration background, stigma, and structural inequalities play a significant role in the recovery resources of MEM, the largely “universal” nature of recovery capital became clear. The narratives disclose a distinction between “essential” and “acquired” recovery capital, as well as the duality of some recovery resources. The need for developing recovery-oriented systems of care that are culturally responsive, diminish structural inequalities, and facilitate building recovery capital that is sensitive to the needs of MEM is emphasized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vulnerable Populations: Substance and Behavioral Addictions)

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16 pages, 392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Substitute Behaviors following Residential Substance Use Treatment in the Western Cape, South Africa

by Deborah Louise Sinclair, Steve Sussman, Maarten De Schryver, Cedric Samyn, Sabirah Adams, Maria Florence, Shazly Savahl and Wouter Vanderplasschen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12815; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182312815 - 05 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2388

Abstract

The dynamics of substitute behaviors and associated factors remain poorly understood globally, and particularly in low- and middle-income contexts. This prospective study describes the prevalence and types of substitute behaviors as well as predictors, correlates, and motivations associated with substitution in persons (n [...] Read more.

The dynamics of substitute behaviors and associated factors remain poorly understood globally, and particularly in low- and middle-income contexts. This prospective study describes the prevalence and types of substitute behaviors as well as predictors, correlates, and motivations associated with substitution in persons (n = 137) admitted to residential substance use treatment in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The brief assessment of recovery capital, overall life satisfaction scale, and an adapted version of the addiction matrix self-report measure were completed during and post-treatment. Results indicate that substitutes were employed consciously for anticipated appetitive effects, for time-spending, (re)connecting with others, and enjoyment. At follow-up, 36% of service users had substituted their primary substance(s) with another substance or behavior; 23% had relapsed and 40% had maintained abstinence. While some service users may be especially vulnerable to developing substitute behaviors, targeted prevention and intervention efforts can reduce this risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vulnerable Populations: Substance and Behavioral Addictions)

17 pages, 581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Menthol Smoking and Nicotine Dependence among Black/African American Women Smokers Living in Low-Resource, Rural Communities

by Dina M. Jones, Margarete C. Kulik, Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati, Sandilyn Bullock, Mignonne C. Guy and Pebbles Fagan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10877; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182010877 - 16 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3648

Abstract

Black/African American women from low-resource, rural communities bear a disproportionate burden of tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. This study examined associations between menthol smoking and socioeconomic deprivation with nicotine dependence and quitting behaviors among Black/African American women cigarette and/or little cigar/cigarillo smokers, aged 18–50 [...] Read more.

Black/African American women from low-resource, rural communities bear a disproportionate burden of tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. This study examined associations between menthol smoking and socioeconomic deprivation with nicotine dependence and quitting behaviors among Black/African American women cigarette and/or little cigar/cigarillo smokers, aged 18–50 living in low-resource, rural communities. Baseline survey data from a randomized controlled behavioral/intervention trial (#NCT03476837) were analyzed (n = 146). Outcomes included time to first tobacco product (cigarette/little cigar/cigarillo) use within 5 min of waking, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) score, and ever attempting to quit cigarettes. Socioeconomic deprivation measures included education, income, and receiving supplemental nutritional assistance (SNAP) program benefits. In adjusted regression analyses, menthol smoking was associated with both greater FTND scores and time to first tobacco product use within 5 min of waking, but not ever attempting to quit cigarettes. Regardless of menthol status, only 25.0% of smokers reported that they would quit smoking if menthol cigarettes were banned. The proportion of smokers who smoked their first tobacco product within 5 min of waking increased slightly with greater socioeconomic deprivation. Additional research and targeted efforts are needed to reduce nicotine dependence among Black/African American women smokers living in rural, low-resource communities where access to cessation services is limited. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vulnerable Populations: Substance and Behavioral Addictions)

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15 pages, 685 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Adverse Childhood Experiences Heighten Risk for Problematic Internet and Smartphone Use? Findings from a College Sample

by Myriam Forster, Christopher J. Rogers, Steven Sussman, Jonathan Watts, Tahsin Rahman, Sheila Yu and Stephanie M. Benjamin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5978; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18115978 - 02 Jun 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3916

Abstract

Background: College students are among the heaviest users of smartphones and the Internet, and there is growing concern regarding problematic Internet (PIU) and smartphone use (PSU). A subset of adverse childhood experiences, household dysfunction [(HHD) e.g.; parental substance use, mental illness, incarceration, suicide, [...] Read more.

Background: College students are among the heaviest users of smartphones and the Internet, and there is growing concern regarding problematic Internet (PIU) and smartphone use (PSU). A subset of adverse childhood experiences, household dysfunction [(HHD) e.g.; parental substance use, mental illness, incarceration, suicide, intimate partner violence, separation/divorce, homelessness], are robust predictors of behavioral disorders; however, few studies have investigated the link between HHD and PIU and PSU and potential protective factors, such as social support, among students. Methods: Data are from a diverse California student sample (N = 1027). The Smartphone Addiction Scale—Short Version and Internet Addiction Test assessed dimensions of addiction. Regression models tested associations between students’ level of HHD (No HHD, 1–3 HHD, ≥4 HHD) and PSU and PIU, and the role of extrafamilial social support in these relationships, adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, SES, employment loss due to COVID-19, and depression. Results: Compared to students reporting no HHD, students with ≥4 HHD had twice the odds (AOR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.21–3.40) of meeting criteria for PSU, while students with 1–3 HHD and ≥4 HHD had three and six times the odds of moderate to severe PIU (AORs: 2.03–2.46, CI:1.21–3.96) after adjusting for covariates. Extrafamilial social support was inversely associated with PIU and moderated the HHD–PSU association for students with 1–3 HHD. Conclusion: Students exposed to HHD may be especially vulnerable to developing behavioral addictions such as PSU and PIU. Extrafamilial social support offset the negative effects of HHD for PSU among the moderate risk group; implications for prevention efforts are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vulnerable Populations: Substance and Behavioral Addictions)

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Review

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16 pages, 721 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review: Prevalence of Addictions among Transgender and Gender Diverse Subgroups

by Ryan Ruppert, Shanna K. Kattari and Steve Sussman

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8843; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18168843 - 22 Aug 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6476

Abstract

We conducted an analysis of the prevalence of substance and behavioral addictions across different transgender and gender diverse (TGD) subgroups. We performed a scoping review using MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases and examined 12 addictions, including alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, illicit drugs, gambling, eating/food, [...] Read more.

We conducted an analysis of the prevalence of substance and behavioral addictions across different transgender and gender diverse (TGD) subgroups. We performed a scoping review using MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases and examined 12 addictions, including alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, illicit drugs, gambling, eating/food, internet, sex, love, exercise, work, and shopping. We presented prevalence rates for each addiction as a function of an individual’s gender identity (stratified into transgender females, transgender males, and gender nonconforming), and used cisgender women and men as reference groups. We included 55 studies in our final analysis, the majority of which investigated substance use disorders among TGD subgroups. Overall findings indicated that substantial differences in substance use exist among US TGD subgroups. There were far fewer publications that examined the prevalence of behavioral addictions across TGD subgroups. However, despite limited research in this area, findings still suggest that notable differences in behavioral addictions may exist between individual TGD subgroups. The conclusions of our review may provide clinicians with a better ability to screen for and treat at-risk individuals within the TGD community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vulnerable Populations: Substance and Behavioral Addictions)

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