scholarly journals Minority stress, emotion regulation, and substance misuse in sexual minorities

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew H. Rogers ◽  
Ilana Seager ◽  
Nathaniel Haines ◽  
Hunter Hahn ◽  
Amelia Aldao ◽  
...  

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals report higher levels of alcohol and substance misuse than their heterosexual peers, and previous research has linked these increased rates to LGB-specific stressors, termed minority stress. However, not everyone experiencing minority stress reports increased rates of alcohol and substance misuse. Emotion regulation (ER), which plays a critical role in psychopathology generally, is postulated to modulate the link between minority stress and psychopathology. However, it remains largely unknown whether ER plays a role in linking instances of minority stress with substance and alcohol use outcomes. To address the gap, the current study assessed 305 LGB individuals’ instances of minority stress, ER, and substance and alcohol use outcomes. We assessed the role of ER in alcohol and substance misuse among LGB individuals using moderated logistic regression and exploratory machine learning analyses. Moderated binary logistic regressions revealed that emotional non-acceptance moderated the relationship between minority stress and problematic substance use, such that those with poor ER were more likely to have problematic substance use. Additionally, deficits in goal-directed behavior moderated the relationship between minority stress and alcohol and substance use, but those with more deficits in goal-directed behavior had better outcomes. Exploratory machine learning analysis revealed multivariate patterns of additional facets of ER and psychiatric symptoms that are predictive of alcohol and substance use. These results highlight the important explanatory role that ER may have between instances of minority stress and substance and alcohol use in LGB individuals.

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 578-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi Waddell ◽  
Thanos Karatzias

BackgroundThere is a strong body of evidence supporting associations between interpersonal trauma (IPT) and substance use; however, this tends to focus on associations between childhood trauma and substance use in non-pregnant populations. Neonatal and obstetric outcomes are poorer among pregnant women with problematic substance use, yet few studies have explored IPT as a possible mechanism underlying their use of substances.AimTo explore the literature regarding the relationship between IPT and substance misuse among pregnant women.MethodA systematic search of relevant databases was conducted and a narrative review of the literature was undertaken. Titles, abstracts and full articles were screened against inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and quality assessed.FindingsA total of 15 studies were identified that suggested associations between negative life events and substance misuse in pregnant women/new mothers.ConclusionsAlthough a link between IPT and substance misuse is suggested, this review has highlighted a number of important gaps in the literature that warrant further investigation. These include a paucity of UK-based studies, and a lack of research that fully explores possible associations between IPT and substance use in pregnant women. Moreover, research to date has employed quantitative methodology.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina C. Christie ◽  
Vanya Vojvodic ◽  
Pranav Meda ◽  
John R. Monterosso

Background: The pandemic has highlighted the importance of social connection for health and well-being. Satisfaction across domains of life is associated with substance use outcomes, such as risk of relapse and mortality. Previous work has delineated the relationship between substance use and social connections, yet there is a lack of research exploring the relationship between substance use and satisfaction with domains of life over time.Methods: We retrospectively assessed satisfaction with social life, romantic life, and general life across five phases of substance use among 339 adults, of whom 289 identify as formerly having a problem with substance use, and a comparison group of 50 who report no history of problematic drug use. We compared those whose primary drug of choice was alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamine, non-prescription opioids, and prescription opioids.Results: Those who used prescription opioids reported a larger drop in satisfaction in social life, romantic life, and general life during the course of substance use than those who used other drugs. However, we report no significant differences in current satisfaction, social well-being, or quality of life between people in recovery and people with no history of problematic substance use.Conclusions: These findings—alongside neuropsychological work on the opioid system and sociality—paint a picture that those who formerly used prescription opioids may experience lower satisfaction across life domains during the course of their substance use than those who used other substances. However, people in prolonged recovery—regardless of their drug of choice—all show similar levels of satisfaction compared to people with no history of problematic substance use.


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