Many people who enter treatment services report using multiple substances on the same or separate occasions. Combining substances can have a variety of effects including sedation, withdrawal, and enhancement. Substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health disorders are also common among those who report using multiple substances. Due to these adverse effects finding effective substance use treatment services has been made a priority. This study examines the relationship between mental health symptoms, quality of life (QOL) and service type (residential or day program) on substance use classes and likelihood of completing treatment among young adults.
The study’s sample consisted of 744 participates ages 18-35 who were admitted for treatment services for substance use. The treatment services consisted of seven residential and four day programs that incorporated group-based treatment, case management, counseling support, and referrals to specialist support (psychiatry). Information gathered from participants included age, sex, source of income, employment, reason for treatment cessation, and primary substance used. Substance use severity was assessed using the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) which measured use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, sedatives, and inhalants. Participants were also screened for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), depression, psychosis, and quality of life. Data was analyzed using a Latent Class Analysis and logistic regressions.
Results of the Latent Class Analysis found three polysubstance use classes. Class 1 (22.45%) was classified by wide ranging substance use (WRPU) across all substances except cocaine. Class 2 (54.45%) was characterized by high amphetamine use and moderate tobacco and cannabis use. Class 3 (21.10%) was identified as cannabis and alcohol users. Individuals belonging to Class 1 were more likely to attend a residential program than those in Class 2. Class 1 individuals were also more likely to have a higher psychosis score as compared to Class 3. Substance use class was not a significant predictor of treatment completion.
Takeaway: Young adults with wide ranging substance use may present more commonly in residential programs and with more psychotic symptoms compared to other polysubstance use classes.