Applying network analysis to investigate substance use symptoms associated with drug overdose.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Drug overdose deaths have been increasing over the last several decades. While single substance classes, such as opioids, have been implicated in this rise, less is known about the contributions of polysubstance use (PSU) and other combinations of specific substances and symptoms that may be a risk factor for drug overdose.

Methods

Symptoms of alcohol, cannabis, and other drug use disorders, as well as co-substance use indicators, were assessed and then examined via network analysis in a sample of young adults (N = 1540). Features of the estimated symptom network were investigated, including topology and node centrality, as well as bridge centrality, which further examines node centrality while accounting for the nodes belonging to discrete communities.

Results

SUBMITTER: Ingram PF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9018556 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature