Examining Recovery Status and Supports before and after Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment Among Clients Who Experienced Lifetime and Recent Firearm-Related Threats. (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Logan, TK; Cole, Jennifer; Schroeder, Maggie
• Is Part Of: Journal of drug issues. Volume 52:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 306
• Page End: 328
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: gun violence -- substance abuse treatment -- recovery -- firearm-related risks; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Drug and Narcotic Control -- Periodicals; Substance-Related Disorders -- Periodicals; Toxicomanie -- Périodiques; 362.29305
• DOI: 10.1177/00220426211056601
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0426

Abstract

Firearm-related risks have often been overlooked in the sequela of substance use and substance use disorders. This study compares adult substance abuse disorder treatment (SADT) clients who experienced recent ( n = 274) and lifetime ( n = 889) firearm threats to adults who were not threatened with a firearm ( n = 2029) before and 12 months after program entry. More men experienced firearm threats (38.8%) than women (34.2%). However, among those with any firearm threats, more women (27.2%) experienced firearm threats in the year before program entry than men (20.2%). Being threatened with a firearm was associated with increased economic vulnerability, criminal justice system involvement, mental health problems, and victimization both before and after SADT program entry. A higher number of adverse childhood experiences were associated with firearm threats and particularly recent firearm threats. Results of this study underscore the importance of screening for firearm-related risks in substance abuse disorder treatment programs.