Differences in impulsivity and sexual risk behavior among inner-city crack/cocaine users and heroin users

Drug Alcohol Depend. 2005 Feb 14;77(2):169-75. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2004.08.013.

Abstract

The current study utilized a sample of 123 inner-city drug users in residential treatment, comparing sexual risk behavior (SRB) across primary users of (a) heroin and not crack/cocaine, (b) crack/cocaine and not heroin, and (c) both heroin and crack/cocaine. Additional analyses also examined impulsivity as a mediator of drug choice and SRB. Results indicated that SRB was higher in primary crack/cocaine users than in primary heroin users, with those using both drugs evidencing intermediate levels of SRB. Beyond differences in SRB, a similar pattern across drugs was found for impulsivity. Finally, impulsivity mediated the relationship between drug choice and SRB. Although further research is necessary to establish causal relationships, these results support a relationship between SBR and crack/cocaine, and suggest that disinhibition processes including impulsivity may underlie this relationship.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / prevention & control
  • Crack Cocaine*
  • Female
  • Heroin Dependence / epidemiology*
  • Heroin Dependence / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior / epidemiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data

Substances

  • Crack Cocaine