Factors Associated with High-Risk Substance Use in Persons Receiving Psychiatric Treatment for a Primary Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorder Diagnosis

ObjectiveAlthough mental health disorders and high-risk substance use frequently co-occur, they are typically investigated independently. Clinical trials focused on treatment for individuals with trauma- and stressor-related disorders often exclude individuals with high-risk substance use. Little is also known about the role of gender in the relationship between trauma- and stressor-related disorders and high-risk substance use. We examined the relationship between trauma- and stressor-related disorders, high-risk substance use, and gender.MethodsUsing the Mental Health Client-Level Data dataset, we examined 15,772 adults receiving treatment in psychiatric hospitals in the United States from 2013 to 2019.ResultsA logistic regression model showed that for men, relative to women, having multiple mental health diagnoses and having a serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance was associated with greater odds of high-risk substance use.ConclusionsThis study underscores the value of comprehensive gender-centered treatment for people with trauma- and stressor-related disorders engaging in high-risk substance use.