Deadly Combinations: Factors that are Associated with Simultaneous and Concurrent Polysubstance Use

• In Event: Substance Use, Death, and COVID

Abstract

Objective: To explore what factors relate to the likelihood of participating in polysubstance use (polysubstance use meaning using more than one substance simultaneously, so the effects are lapsed) and if there are different predicting factors for simultaneous versus concurrent polysubstance use.

Data and Methods: Data were obtained from the 2021 CARA Orange County Residents Survey conducted by the UCF Institute for Social and Behavioral Science Research. Seven hundred thirty-five participants aged 18 years and older were asked about their drug use, their risk perceptions of polysubstance use, questions measuring sensation seeking traits, questions relating to childhood trauma, and protective measures utilized while using drugs and alcohol.

Results Bivariate and logistic regression analysis demonstrate that simultaneous and concurrent polysubstance use cannot be predicted by most demographic factors. High sensation-seeking traits and childhood trauma are significantly related to both simultaneous and concurrent use. Polysubstance use and sexual risk are related, whereas sexual assault was not.

Implications: Mortality reports show that most overdose deaths include more than one substance. In addition, there is a gap in the literature that discusses risk factors and protective measures for polysubstance use. This study sets the groundwork to analyze biopsychosocial factors within polysubstance use.

Author

• Laura Lynn Lightfoot, University of Missouri - St. Louis