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

LGBT Health. 2019 Aug/Sep;6(6):326-330. doi: 10.1089/lgbt.2019.0060.

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 <50 and gay/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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Heterosexuality / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Sex Factors
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities / statistics & numerical data*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Young Adult