Health and Social Problems Associated With Prescription Opioid Misuse Among a Diverse Sample of Substance-Using MSM

Abstract

This study examines associations between prescription opioid misuse and demographics, substance use, sexual behavior, and related health and social problems. Baseline data were collected between 2008 and 2010 from 515 high risk men who have sex with men, ages 18–55, in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale metropolitan area who reported heavy substance use and HIV risk in the past 90 days. Prescription opioid misuse was associated with other substance use, drug injection, substance dependence, and history of arrest. Implications, limitations, and directions for future study are discussed.

Keywords :

• Prescription drugs
• opioid
• MSM
• substance use

THE AUTHORS

Mance E. Buttram, MA, is an Associate Scientist at the Center for Applied Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities at Nova Southeastern University. His primary research interests are prescription drug abuse, social relationships and communities, and resilience among vulnerable populations. In his current role, Mr. Buttram serves as Co-Investigator for a NIDA-funded randomized controlled trial of a behavioral intervention for MSM, as well as Co-Investigator and Project Director for a NIDA-funded randomized controlled trial of a self-assessment intervention for young adult club drug users.

Steven P. Kurtz, PhD, is Professor and Director of ARSH, the Center for Applied Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities at Nova Southeastern University. His research interests include prescription and illicit substance abuse, HIV risk behaviors, and related health and social problems. Dr. Kurtz is currently conducting two randomized clinical trials to test the efficacy of novel substance use and sexual risk reduction interventions designed for men who have sex with men and for young adult polydrug users in the club scene.

Hilary L. Surratt has expertise in the areas of illicit and prescription drug abuse, prescription drug diversion, and drug-related HIV infection. Her work has included the development and evaluation of HIV interventions for vulnerable populations, including criminal offenders, women drug abusers and female sex workers. She has served as PI or Co-Investigator on more than 10 NIDA-funded studies; currently she is the Principal Investigator of a NIDA-funded epidemiologic study of antiretroviral medication diversion among HIV positive substance abusers in Miami, Florida; Principal Investigator of a NIDA-funded case management intervention program for African American women at high risk for HIV; and Co-Investigator on two NIH-funded studies targeting prescription drug abuse and the diversion of prescription drugs to the illicit market. Dr. Surratt also has substantial experience with cross-cultural research, having previously served as a senior investigator on several HIV prevention/intervention initiatives in Brazil and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Maria A. Levi-Minzi, M.A. is a Senior Research Associate at the Center for Applied Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities at Nova Southeastern University. Her major research interests encompass the application systemic perspectives to substance abuse, victimization, and major mental illness; participant/client engagement in HIV prevention/ intervention initiatives; and social justice for marginalized populations.