A longitudinal investigation of powder cocaine use among club-drug using gay and bisexual men

Joseph J. Palamar, Preetika P. Mukherjee, Perry N. Halkitis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: Few studies have analyzed the use of powder cocaine over time and its relation to psychosocial states. The purpose of the present analysis was to examine trajectories of powder cocaine use among club-drug using gay and bisexual men in New York City. Method: A purposive sample of 355 powder cocaine using men was surveyed four times over a period of 12 months. We analyzed natural trajectories of cocaine use and examined use in relation to demographic and psychosocial variables. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to examine associations of use at baseline and over time. Results: Frequency of use at baseline was negatively related to sexual sensation seeking and positively related to triggers of unpleasant emotions, physical discomfort, and the desire for pleasant times with others. Men who reported using cocaine to avoid physical discomfort or to enhance pleasant times with others were also more likely to decrease their frequency of use during the yearlong investigation. Conclusions: The antecedents that explained cocaine use in this sample indicate the need for treatment and prevention programs that consider the interplay between emotions and behaviors related to use of this drug.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)806-813
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
Volume69
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Toxicology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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