scholarly journals Perceptions of the Use of Alcohol and Drugs after Sudden Bereavement by Unnatural Causes: Analysis of Online Qualitative Data

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 677 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Drabwell ◽  
Jessica Eng ◽  
Fiona Stevenson ◽  
Michael King ◽  
David Osborn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Highly Educated ◽  
Alcohol And Drugs ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
And Gender

Bereavement is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric morbidity and all-cause mortality, particularly in younger people and after unnatural deaths. Substance misuse is implicated but little research has investigated patterns of drug or alcohol use after bereavement. We used a national online survey to collect qualitative data describing whether and how substance use changes after sudden bereavement. We conducted thematic analysis of free-text responses to a question probing use of alcohol and drugs after the sudden unnatural (non-suicide) death of a family member or a close friend. We analysed data from 243 adults in British Higher Education Institutions aged 18–40, identifying two main themes describing post-bereavement alcohol or drug use: (1) sense of control over use of drugs or alcohol (loss of control versus self-discipline), (2) harnessing the specific effects of drugs or alcohol. Across themes we identified age patterning in relation to substance misuse as a form of rebellion among those bereaved in childhood, and gender patterning in relation to men using alcohol to help express their emotions. The limitations of our sampling mean that these findings may not be generalizable from highly-educated settings to young people in the general population. Our findings describe how some young bereaved adults use drugs and alcohol to help them cope with traumatic loss, and suggest how clinicians might respond to any difficulties controlling substance use.

scholarly journals Health Needs of Trans and Gender Diverse Adults in Australia: A Qualitative Analysis of a National Community Survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (24) ◽  
pp. 5088 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sav Zwickl ◽  
Alex Wong ◽  
Ingrid Bretherton ◽  
Max Rainier ◽  
Daria Chetcuti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Health Service Delivery ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Gender Diverse ◽  
And Gender

There is an increasing demand for trans and gender diverse (TGD) health services worldwide. Given the unique and diverse healthcare needs of the TGD community, best practice TGD health services should be community-led. We aimed to understand the healthcare needs of a broad group of TGD Australians, how health professionals could better support TGD people, and gain an understanding of TGD-related research priorities. An anonymous online survey received 928 eligible responses from TGD Australian adults. This paper focuses on three questions out of that survey that allowed for free-text responses. The data were qualitatively coded, and overarching themes were identified for each question. Better training for healthcare professionals and more accessible transgender healthcare were the most commonly reported healthcare needs of participants. Findings highlight a pressing need for better training for healthcare professionals in transgender healthcare. In order to meet the demand for TGD health services, more gender services are needed, and in time, mainstreaming health services in primary care will likely improve accessibility. Evaluation of training strategies and further research into optimal models of TGD care are needed; however, until further data is available, views of the TGD community should guide research priorities and the TGD health service delivery.

scholarly journals The Perceived Impact of Suicide Bereavement on Specific Interpersonal Relationships: A Qualitative Study of Survey Data

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 1801 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valeriya Azorina ◽  
Nicola Morant ◽  
Hedvig Nesse ◽  
Fiona Stevenson ◽  
David Osborn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Social Withdrawal ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Suicide Bereavement ◽  
Social Discomfort ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

People bereaved by suicide have an increased risk of suicide and suicide attempt, yet report receiving less support than people bereaved by other sudden deaths. Reductions in support may contribute to suicide risk, yet their nature is unclear. We explored the impact of suicide bereavement on the interpersonal relationships of young adults in the UK using an online survey to collect qualitative data. We conducted thematic analysis of free-text responses from 499 adults to questions capturing the impact of bereavement on relationships with partners, close friends, close family, extended family, and other contacts. We identified four main themes describing the changes in relationships following the suicide: (1) Social discomfort over the death (stigma and taboo; painfulness for self or others to discuss; socially prescribed grief reactions); (2) social withdrawal (loss of social confidence; withdrawal as a coping mechanism); (3) shared bereavement experience creating closeness and avoidance; (4) attachments influenced by fear of further losses (overprotectiveness towards others; avoiding attachments as protective). These findings contribute to understanding deficits in support and pathways to suicidality after suicide bereavement. Such disrupted attachments add to the burden of grief and could be addressed by public education on how to support those bereaved by suicide.

scholarly journals Characterizing Pathways of Non-oral Prescription Stimulant Non-medical Use Among Adults Recruited From Reddit

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne K. Vosburg ◽  
Rebekkah S. Robbins ◽  
Kevin M. Antshel ◽  
Stephen V. Faraone ◽  
Jody L. Green
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Telephone Interview ◽  
Route Of Administration ◽  
Prescription Stimulants ◽  
Illicit Substance Use ◽  
Banner Ads ◽  
Depth Interviews

Objective: Prescription stimulant non-medical use (NMU) is a national predicament. While the risks of prescription stimulant NMU have been considered, less is known about non-oral use. To focus on this gap, a sample of adults with non-oral prescription stimulant NMU within the last 5-years was recruited. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the pathways and substance transitions associated with prescription stimulant NMU and non-oral prescription stimulant NMU in this unique sample of adults.Methods: Adults (n = 225) reporting non-oral prescription stimulant NMU within the last 5 years were recruited to complete an online survey by banner ads placed on the Reddit website between February and September 2019. After completion of the survey, a second study consisting of an in-depth telephone interview was conducted with 23 participants: interviews took place between July and September 2019. Data reported here include substance, route of administration and class transitions, as well as qualitative data from the interviews.Results: Approximately 1 in 5 began their substance use trajectory with prescription stimulants (19.1%). Other than marijuana, most exposures to illicit substances occurred after both initial prescription stimulant NMU and initial non-oral prescription stimulant NMU. The most frequently reported route of administration transition was from oral use to snorting (n = 158, 70.2%), however, other route of administration transitions included oral use to injection drug use (n = 14, 6%). In-depth interviews elaborated upon these transitions and indicated that prescription stimulant NMU was consequential to substance use pathways.Conclusions: Oral prescription stimulant NMU was a precursor to non-oral prescription stimulant NMU. Non-oral prescription stimulant NMU was a precursor to illicit substance use, suggesting that prescription stimulant NMU impacts substance use pathways and revealing opportunities for intervention.

Substance use and the course of early psychosis: a 2-year follow-up of first-admitted subjects

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 133-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Sorbara ◽  
F. Liraud ◽  
F. Assens ◽  
F. Abalan ◽  
H. Verdoux
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Alcohol Misuse ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Social Outcome ◽  
Course Of Illness ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the impact of alcohol and substance use on the early course of psychosis.Methods: First-admitted subjects with psychosis (n = 58) were assessed at 6-month intervals over a 2-year follow-up. Information on substance and alcohol misuse and clinical and social outcome was collected using multiple sources of information.ResultsAfter adjustment for potential confounding factors, subjects with persistent substance misuse over the follow-up were at increased risk of readmission (OR = 3.1; 95%CI = 1.0-9.4; P = 0.05), of presenting with psychotic symptoms (OR = 4.3; 95%CI = 1.0-18.1; P = 0.04), and with a non-continuous course of illness (OR = 11; 95%CI = 1-122; P = 0.05). No significant association was found between substance misuse and social outcome, or between alcohol misuse and clinical and social outcome.ConclusionsPersistent substance misuse after a first admission for psychosis has a deleterious impact on clinical outcome. Early identification and treatment of substance use is essential in the care of subjects with incipient psychosis.

scholarly journals Use of Alcohol and Unprescribed Drugs after Suicide Bereavement: Qualitative Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (21) ◽  
pp. 4093 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Eng ◽  
Lauren Drabwell ◽  
Fiona Stevenson ◽  
Michael King ◽  
David Osborn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Alcohol And Drugs ◽  
Suicide Bereavement ◽  
Drug And Alcohol Use ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Drug And Alcohol ◽  
The Relationship

Studies describing the impact of suicide bereavement report an excess risk of suicide, suicide attempt, psychiatric illness, and drug and alcohol use disorders compared with the general population. However, the nature of patterns of drug and alcohol use after suicide bereavement is unclear. We used an online survey to collect qualitative data to understand whether and how drug and alcohol use changes after suicide bereavement. We conducted thematic analysis of free-text responses to a question capturing their use of alcohol and drugs after the suicide of a family member or a close friend. Analysing data from 346 adults in Britain aged 18–40, we identified three main themes describing the relationship of suicide bereavement to alcohol or drug use: (1) control over drug or alcohol use, (2) the perceived purpose of using drugs or alcohol, and (3) the attribution of drug or alcohol misuse to external factors. Overlying these themes were dimensions of control and of awareness of potential harms. This study highlights that increased use of drugs and alcohol after suicide bereavement may form part of a bereaved person’s coping strategies, and that sensitive approaches are needed when judging whether and when to intervene.

scholarly journals Perceived difficulty of getting help to reduce or abstain from substances among sexual and gender minority men who have sex with men (SGMSM) and use methamphetamine during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiffer Card ◽  
Madison McGuire ◽  
Jordan Bond-Gorr ◽  
Tribesty Nguyen ◽  
Gordon A. Wells ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Early Period ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Methamphetamine Use ◽  
Perceived Need ◽  
Perceived Difficulty ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Background This study examined the perceived difficulty of getting help with substance use among sexual and gender minorities who have sex with men (SGMSM) who use methamphetamine during the early COVID-19 period. Methods SGMSM, aged 18+, who reported sex with a man and methamphetamine use in the past 6 months were recruited to complete an online survey using online advertisements. Ordinal regression models examined predictors of greater perceived difficulty of getting help. Explanatory variables included participant characteristics (i.e., age, HIV status, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, region, income) and variables assessing patterns of methamphetamine use (i.e., frequency, % time methamphetamine is used alone and during sex; perceived need for help) and patterns of healthcare access (i.e., regular provider, past substance use service utilization). Results Of 376 participants, most were gay-identified (76.6%), white (72.3%), cisgender (93.6%), and had annual incomes of less than $60,000 CAD (68.9%). Greater perceived difficulty of getting help was associated with having lower income, sometimes using methamphetamine prior to or during sex, and greater perceived need for help. Conclusion Based on these results, we urge greater investments in one-stop, low-barrier, culturally-appropriate care for SGMSM who use methamphetamine. This is especially important given that participants who perceive themselves as needing help to reduce or abstain from substance use perceive the greatest difficulty of getting such help.

scholarly journals Psychiatric morbidity and substance use in young people aged 13–15 years: results from the Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health

2003 ◽  
Vol 182 (6) ◽  
pp. 509-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Boys ◽  
M. Farrell ◽  
C. Taylor ◽  
J. Marsden ◽  
R. Goodman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
National Mental Health ◽  
The Relationship

BackgroundPsychoactive substance use is strongly associated with psychiatric morbidity in both adults and adolescents.AimsTo determine which of alcohol, nicotine and cannabis is most closely linked to psychiatric disorders in early adolescence.MethodData from 2624 adolescents aged 13–15 years were drawn from a national mental health survey of children. The relationship between psychiatric morbidity and smoking, drinking and cannabis use was examined by logistic regression analyses.ResultsHaving a psychiatric disorder was associated with an increased risk of substance use. Greater involvement with any one substance increased the risk of other substance use. Analyses of the interactions between smoking, drinking and cannabis use indicated that the relationship between substance use and psychiatric morbidity was primarily explained by regular smoking and (to a lesser extent) regular cannabis use.ConclusionsIn this sample, links between substance use and psychiatric disorders were primarily accounted for by smoking. The strong relationship is likely to be due to a combination of underlying individual constitutional factors and drug-specific effects resulting from consumption over the period of adolescent development and growth.

scholarly journals Motivations to Adopt Plant-Based Diets: Data from the Adhering to Dietary Approaches for Personal Taste (ADAPT) Study (P16-024-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akari Miki ◽  
Micaela Karlsen ◽  
Kara Livingston ◽  
Gail Rogers ◽  
Sara Folta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Prevention ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Personal Taste ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Objectives To examine the differences in key motivations to adopt a dietary pattern (1) between self-reported plant-based diet followers and omnivores, and (2) among three types of plant-based diet followers: whole food, plant-based (WFPB), vegan, and vegetarian+pescatarian. Methods Adhering to Dietary Approaches for Personal Taste (ADAPT) is an online survey that recruits followers of popular diets. Of the 2010 enrolled participants, 1227 participants described their diet as plant-based, either WFPB (n = 705), vegan (n = 388), vegetarian (n = 103), or pescatarian (n = 31). The remaining 783 participants were categorized as omnivores. A multiple choice question with a free text option prompted participants to indicate their reasons for adhering to their self-identified dietary pattern, and a follow-up question asked them to rank their key motivations for adherence. The percentage of participants who chose each response as one of their top 2 key motivators was tabulated within each dietary pattern. Logistic regression, adjusted for age and gender, was used to compare the prevalence of top reasons among dietary patterns. The results were considered significant if <P = 0.05 after Bonferroni correction. Results The majority of both plant-based diet followers (79%) and of omnivores (83%) identified disease prevention and overall wellness as top motivations for following their dietary patterns. Significantly more plant-based diet followers, versus omnivores, chose helping the environment (17% vs. 4%) and supporting animal welfare (28% vs. 1%). Significantly more omnivores chose enjoyment (39% vs. 26%) and the need to address a specific health concern (44% vs. 29%). Significantly more WFPB followers (87%) chose disease prevention and overall wellness compared to vegans (71%) and vegetarians+pescatarians (66%). Significantly more vegans (47%) and vegetarians+pescatarians (33%) chose animal welfare than WFPB followers (15%). Conclusions The dietary motivations of plant-based diet followers are more diverse compared to those of omnivores. Among plant-based diet followers, WFPB followers often chose health motivations, and vegans, vegetarians, and pescatarians often chose ethical motivations. Funding Sources The Lisa Wendel Memorial Foundation, Tufts Collaborates Seed Grant, Tufts Summer Scholars Grant, and USDA ARS agreement No. 58-1950-4-003.

scholarly journals Substance Use and Misuse among Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the United States, 2015–2019: Prevalence, Association, and Moderation

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 408
Author(s):  
Abdullah M. M. Alanazi ◽  
Mohammed M. Alqahtani ◽  
Maher M. Alquaimi ◽  
Tareq F. Alotaibi ◽  
Saleh S. Algarni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Smokeless Tobacco ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
The United States ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Serious Psychological Distress ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
And Gender

Background: Despite the advancements in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment, complications related to COPD exacerbation remain challenging. One associated factor is substance use/misuse among adults with COPD. Fewer studies, however, examined the prevalence and association between COPD and substance use and misuse. In addition, limited knowledge existed about the moderation effects of serious psychological distress and gender among adults with COPD and substance use/misuse. We aimed, therefore, to measure such prevalence, association, and moderation from nationally representative samples in the United States. Method: Data were drawn from the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Weighted logistic regressions were used to measure the associations of last-month tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, pipe, and smokeless tobacco products), other licit and illicit substance use (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, crack, heroin, hallucinogens, and inhalants), and substance misuse (pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives) among adults with COPD. Serious psychological distress and gender were tested as moderators in the association between COPD and substance use/misuse. Results: The findings revealed that adults with COPD [Weighted N = 53,115,718) revealed greater odds of cigarettes [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.48 (95%CI = 1.80–3.42)) and smokeless tobacco (aOR = 3.65 (95%CI = 1.75–7.65)). However, they were less likely to use alcohol (aOR = 0.61 (95%CI = 0.45–0.84)). Adults with COPD who had serious psychological distress were more likely to use pipe tobacco and alcohol; however, they were less likely to use hallucinogens and inhalants. Finally, males compared to females with COPD were less likely to use smokeless tobacco. Conclusion: Adults with COPD in the United States were more likely to use tobacco products and less likely to use alcohol. In addition, serious psychological distress and gender were moderators in associations between COPD and substance use but not in substance misuse. Future studies should longitudinally assess the factors that may contribute to the initiation and progression of substance use and misuse among adults with COPD.

scholarly journals Psychotic-like experiences with cannabis use predict cannabis cessation and desire to quit: a cannabis discontinuation hypothesis

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Musa Sami ◽  
Caitlin Notley ◽  
Christos Kouimtsidis ◽  
Michael Lynskey ◽  
Sagnik Bhattacharyya
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Intention To Quit ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Text Data ◽  
Negative Experiences ◽  
Psychosis Proneness

AbstractBackgroundEvidence suggests that cannabis-induced psychotic-like experiences may be a marker of psychosis proneness. The effect of such experiences on cannabis use has not systematically been examined.MethodsWe undertook a mixed-methods online survey of 1231 cannabis users (including 926 continued users) using the Cannabis Experiences Questionnaire. We examined the effect of psychotic-like and pleasurable experiences on cessation of cannabis and intention to quit. Socio-demographic variables, cannabis use parameters and substance misuse history were included as covariates. Free-text data explored subjective reasons for changes in use.ResultsCessation of cannabis use was associated with greater psychotic-like experiences [p < 0.001, Exp(B) 1.262, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.179–1.351], whilst continued cannabis users were more likely to report pleasurable experiences [p < 0.001, Exp(B) 0.717, 95% CI 0.662–0.776]. Intention to quit cannabis in continued users was associated with greater psychotic-like experiences [p < 0.003, Exp(B) 1.131, 95% CI 1.044–1.225], whilst intention to not quit was significantly associated with increased pleasurable experiences [p < 0.015, Exp(B) 0.892, 95% CI 0.814–0.978]. Whereas former users clearly ascribed cessation to negative experiences, continued users who expressed intention to quit less readily ascribed the intention to negative experiences.ConclusionsElucidation of psychotic-like experiences may form the basis of a therapeutic intervention for those who wish to quit. Cessation in those with cannabis-induced psychotomimetic experiences may offset the risk for the development of a psychotic disorder, in this higher risk group.

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