Original research
by
Epskamp, Sacha et al
Release Date
2022
Geography
International
Language of Resource
English
Full Text Available
No
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
No
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Objective
We empirically examine the stability of and transitions between three substance use states: zero-use, moderate use, and heavy use.
Findings/Key points
Results, which we make available through an extensive interactive tool, suggests that there are stable moderate use states, even after meeting criteria for a positive diagnosis of substance abuse or dependency, for both alcohol and cannabis use. Moderate use of tobacco, however, was rare. We discuss implications of recognizing three states rather than two states as a modeling target, in which the moderate use state can both act as an intervention target or as a gateway between zero use and heavy use.
Design/methods
Two large datasets from the US & the Netherlands
Keywords
Evidence base
About PWUD
Illegal drugs