Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Volume 36, Issue 2 , Pages 227-233, March 2009

Substance-related problems and treatment among men who have sex with men in comparison to other men in Chicago

  • Mary Ellen Mackesy-Amiti, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Community Outreach Intervention Projects, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. COIP, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1603 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Tel.: +1 312 355 4892; fax: +1 312 996 1450.
    • ,
  • Michael Fendrich, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Center for Addiction and Behavioral Health Research, Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
    • ,
  • Timothy P. Johnson, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Survey Research Laboratory, College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

Received 29 February 2008; received in revised form 2 June 2008; accepted 22 June 2008. published online 21 August 2008.

Abstract 

This study compares a sample of urban men who have sex with men (MSM) with a general population sample of men in the same city on self-reported problems with substance use indicative of dependence and history of substance use treatment. Both samples were randomly selected using multistage probability methods. All participants completed audio computer-assisted self-interviews, including questions on substance use, problems related to substance use experienced in the past 12 months, and substance treatment. Problem use of alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine did not differ between samples. Compared to men in the general population sample, MSM were significantly more likely to experience problems related to the use of sedatives, tranquilizers, or prescription pain relievers. Among MSM, history of substance treatment was associated with a positive HIV test, and treatment usually preceded HIV diagnosis. Research is needed on effective methods for integrating HIV prevention for MSM into substance treatment settings, including physician-administered buprenorphine treatment for opiate addiction.

Keywords: MSM, Drug dependence, Alcohol dependence, Substance treatment, HIV

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PII: S0740-5472(08)00098-6

doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2008.06.004

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Volume 36, Issue 2 , Pages 227-233, March 2009

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