Poly-Substance Use Disorders among African-Americans

INTRODUCTION: Poly-substance use disorders (PSUD) is a multifactorial disease that can affect an individuals' medical and psychosocial status. The purpose of this study was to (1) investigate the association of family history of substance dependence and the development of PSUD and (2) evaluate treatment utilization among African-American poly-substance users. METHOD: In depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with 467 (219 non-dependent users, 65 single-dependent users, 183 poly-dependent users) that completed the Semi-Structured Assessment of the Genetics of Alcoholism, Family History and Individual Assessment Module. We examined differences in age and gender differences in across dependency status using ANOVA and chi-square tests respectively. Logistic regression was conducted to determine if family history of substance dependence independently associates with PSUD. Statistical significance was established at p<0.004 to account for multiple comparisons using the Bonferroni criteria. RESULTS: Dependency status differed by age (F=8.86, p<.001) with older participants more likely to be dependent than younger participants, and gender (c²=57.33, p<.001) with 69% of males being significant. Prevalence of PSUD was 39.21% of the sample. The preferred form of treatment used among the poly-dependent participants was inpatient treatment (n=144, 78.69%). Family history of alcohol or other drug dependence was not significantly associated with either PSUD. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that PSUD is not influence by a family history of substance dependence and inpatient treatment is the preferred form of treatment among poly-substance use participants. Future studies may benefit from investigating if factors such as peers and social economic status may affect PSUD.