Exploration of the telescoping effect among not-in-treatment, intensive heroin-using research volunteers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Addiction research literature suggests some demographic groups exhibit a later age of substance use initiation, more rapid escalation to dependence, and worse substance use-related outcomes. This 'telescoping' effect has been observed more often in females but has not yet been examined in not-in-treatment heroin users or racial subgroups.

Methods

Not-in-treatment, intensive heroin-using adults screened for laboratory-based research studies (N=554; range 18-55 yr; mean age: 42.5 yr; 60.5% African American [AA]; 70.2% male) were included in this secondary analysis. A comprehensive drug history questionnaire assessed heroin-use characteristics and lifetime adverse consequences. We examined telescoping effects by racial and gender groups: Caucasian males and females;

SUBMITTER: Stoltman JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5535755 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature