Assessing Stage of Change and Harm Reduction Strategies for Synthetic Cannabinoid Use Among Individuals Experiencing Homelessness in Houston, Texas

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are low-cost substances that have been associated with adverse health outcomes and an increase in emergency department visits over recent years, particularly among people experiencing homelessness. This mixed methods study explored the connection between homelessness, SC...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Celeste-Villalvir, Alane (Author) ; Crouch, Cathy (Author) ; Witte, Laura (Author) ; Heads, Angela M. (Author) ; Weaver, Michael (Author) ; Schmitz, Joy M. (Author) ; Isbell, Frances (Author) ; Schick, Vanessa (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2024
In: Journal of drug issues
Year: 2024, Volume: 54, Issue: 3, Pages: 444-456
Online Access: Volltext (kostenfrei)
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Keywords:
stages of change
Harm Reduction
synthetic cannabinoids
Substance Use
Homelessness
texas
Description
Summary:Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are low-cost substances that have been associated with adverse health outcomes and an increase in emergency department visits over recent years, particularly among people experiencing homelessness. This mixed methods study explored the connection between homelessness, SC use, and readiness to quit in order to inform the development of harm reduction strategies. Individuals (18+) residing in homeless encampments in Houston, TX with experiences of SC use were eligible to participate. Participants (N = 65) completed an interviewer-administered survey about their SC use. Most participants were Black/African American (65.7%), male (82.9%), and most (75.4%) reported using SCs to avoid positive drug tests. Many wanted to quit using SCs (69.2%) and already employed harm reduction strategies while using SCs. Organizations supporting individuals experiencing homelessness who use SCs should focus on reducing barriers to stopping SC use and increasing the availability of housing and supportive services.
ISSN:1945-1369
DOI:10.1177/00220426231161284