Psychosocial Correlates and Early Substance Abuse Associated With Lifetime Hallucinogen Use Among Hispanic Young Adults

Introduction: The Hispanic population is among the most rapid growing populations in the United States. Continued research is needed regarding factors associated with substance abuse and Hispanic individuals. The present study examined psychosocial correlates to lifetime hallucinogen use among a national sample of Hispanic adults. Method: A secondary analysis of the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health was conducted. Questions assessing previous lifetime substance use, psychosocial factors, and demographics were completed by 2,866 Hispanic adults. Weighted logistic regression analyses were used to identify significant predictors of lifetime hallucinogen use. Results: Results indicated that greater than one in seven (15.1%) of Hispanic adults reported having ever used hallucinogens (lifetime use). Findings from the final multivariate regression revealed that those most likely to report lifetime hallucinogen use were male, used alcohol, marijuana, cigars, cigarettes, inhalants, and cocaine before the age of 21, and binge drank in the past 30 days. Discussion: Culturally competent prevention strategies aimed at addressing hallucinogen use among Hispanics are needed. Further research studies examining psychosocial reasons explaining the high prevalence of hallucinogen use among this population are warranted.