Assessing Stage of Change and Harm Reduction Strategies for Synthetic Cannabinoid Use Among Individuals Experiencing Homelessness in Houston, Texas

IF 1.2 4区社会学 Q4 SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Journal of Drug Issues Pub Date : 2023-03-04 DOI:10.1177/00220426231161284

Alane Celeste-Villalvir, C. Crouch, Laura Witte, A. Heads, Michael F. Weaver, J. Schmitz, F. Isbell, V. Schick

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Abstract

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are low-cost substances that have been associated with adverse health outcomes and an increase in emergency department visits over recent years, particularly among people experiencing homelessness. This mixed methods study explored the connection between homelessness, SC use, and readiness to quit in order to inform the development of harm reduction strategies. Individuals (18+) residing in homeless encampments in Houston, TX with experiences of SC use were eligible to participate. Participants ( N = 65) completed an interviewer-administered survey about their SC use. Most participants were Black/African American (65.7%), male (82.9%), and most (75.4%) reported using SCs to avoid positive drug tests. Many wanted to quit using SCs (69.2%) and already employed harm reduction strategies while using SCs. Organizations supporting individuals experiencing homelessness who use SCs should focus on reducing barriers to stopping SC use and increasing the availability of housing and supportive services.

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评估在德克萨斯州休斯顿无家可归者中使用合成大麻素的变化阶段和减少危害战略

合成大麻素(SCs)是一种低成本物质，近年来与不良健康结果和急诊就诊次数增加有关，特别是在无家可归者中。这项混合方法研究探讨了无家可归、SC使用和准备戒烟之间的联系，以便为减少危害战略的发展提供信息。居住在德克萨斯州休斯顿无家可归者营地的个人(18岁以上)有使用SC的经验，有资格参加。参与者(N = 65)完成了一项由访谈者管理的关于他们使用SC的调查。大多数参与者是黑人/非裔美国人(65.7%)，男性(82.9%)，大多数(75.4%)报告使用SCs来避免阳性药物检测。许多人(69.2%)想要停止使用SCs，并且在使用SCs时已经采取了减少伤害的策略。支持使用SC的无家可归者的组织应侧重于减少停止SC使用的障碍，并增加住房和支持性服务的可用性。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Drug Issues SUBSTANCE ABUSE-

CiteScore

3.00

自引率

11.80%

发文量

期刊介绍： The Journal of Drug Issues (JDI) was incorporated as a nonprofit entity in the State of Florida in 1971. In 1996, JDI was transferred to the Florida State University College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and the Richard L. Rachin Endowment was established to support its continued publication. Since its inception, JDI has been dedicated to providing a professional and scholarly forum centered on the national and international problems associated with drugs, especially illicit drugs. It is a refereed publication with international contributors and subscribers. As a leader in its field, JDI is an instrument widely used by research scholars, public policy analysts, and those involved in the day-to-day struggle against the problem of drug abuse.