Research has shown that transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people are possibly more vulnerable to substance use disorders than cisgender people. Research has also show that TGD adults are more likely to report illicit drug use (by 19%), cannabis use (by 17%), prescription opioid misuse (by 5%) and binge drinking (by 2%) when compared to cisgender adults. It has been suggested that TGD adults are at almost as much as an elevated risk to substance misuse as young adults. This study aims to assess the frequency of binge drinking and cannabis use among TGD young adults and the relationship with demographic factors.
The 78 participants were all individuals ages 18-25 living in Michigan, that self-identified as transgender or nonbinary gender. Age, employment, race/ethnicity were all self-reported. The participants also reported nonmedical use of opioid pain relievers, sedatives, and stimulant medications in the past year. Solitary alcohol and cannabis use were also measured among participants who reported if they have used either while alone. They were also asked how many days they had used cannabis or engaged in binge drinking and responded within the range of 0 to 30 days.
The result of this study showed that TGD young adults reported binge drinking on average of roughly 1 day a month, reported cannabis use on average of 6.07 days a month, and solitary substance use was also relatively prevalent. 48.7% reported a lifetime history of solitary alcohol use and 34.2% reported using cannabis alone. Solitary use has been corelated to more negative outcomes. Roughly 20% of participants reported misusing sedatives and pain relievers in the past year. Moving forward solitary substance use is something that should be assessed in intervention and treatment. Developing social connection can be key for many, but especially TGD individuals when it comes to treatment for substance misuse.
Takeaway: TGD are at almost as much as an elevated risk to substance misuse as young adults. In this study 48.7% reported a lifetime history of solitary alcohol use and 34.2% reported using cannabis alone; solitary use has been corelated to more negative outcomes.