Patterns, contexts, and motivations for polysubstance use among people who inject drugs in non-urban settings in the U.S. Northeast.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Polysubstance use (i.e., using ≥2 psychoactive substances concomitantly) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and complicates drug treatment needs among people who inject drugs (PWID). We explored patterns, contexts, motivations, and perceived consequences of polysubstance use among PWID in small cities and towns in the U.S. Northeast.

Methods

Between October 2018 and March 2019, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 45 PWID living outside of the capital cities of Rhode Island and Massachusetts recruited online and through community-based organizations. Written transcripts were coded inductively and deductively using a team-based approach and analyzed thematically.

Results

All participants reported recent polysubstance use, with most

SUBMITTER: Valente PK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7770041 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature