Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults Have Higher Prevalence of Illicit Opioid Use than Heterosexual Adults: Evidence from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2015-2017

Authors

Benjamin D. Capistrant, Smith College
Ora Nakash, Smith CollegeFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2019

Publication Title

LGBT Health

Abstract

Purpose: We estimated illicit opioid use prevalence among LGB and heterosexual adults. Methods: Cross-sectional National Survey on Drug Use and Health data (2015-2017) were used to estimate illicit opioid use prevalence by sexual identity, age, and gender. Results: An estimated 1.1 million LGB adults used illicit opioids in the preceding 12 months (LGB adults: 9.8%; heterosexual adults: 4.24%). Prevalence of illicit opioid use was significantly higher among LGB women aged /bisexual men (18-25 and 50 +) compared with their heterosexual counterparts. Conclusions: Interventions targeting LGB illicit opioid use should account for possible differential minority stress associated with age and gender.

Keywords

adults, drug use, gender, opioid, prevalence, sexual minority

Volume

6

Issue

6

First Page

326

Last Page

330

DOI

10.1089/lgbt.2019.0060

ISSN

23258292

Comments

Archived as published. Open access article.

Recommended Citation

Capistrant, Benjamin D. and Nakash, Ora, "Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults Have Higher Prevalence of Illicit Opioid Use than Heterosexual Adults: Evidence from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2015-2017" (2019). School for Social Work: Faculty Publications, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/ssw_facpubs/41