A study from researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus reveals that nearly one in five U.S. adults have used multiple drugs in the past year, showing that substance use is fairly common and more complex than just using one drug at a time.
The study was published last week in the American Journal of Public Health .
The survey, which included 30,000 participants, found that adults who use prescription drugs, recreational drugs like cannabis, or illegal drugs like cocaine fit into four distinct patterns of drug use.
“Our findings reveal a more nuanced picture of substance use in the U.S. It’s essential we shift toward tailored approaches in both healthcare and public health to address these diverse drug use patterns and ensure that we provide effective prevention and treatment options,” said Karilynn Rockhill, PhD, lead author of the study and researcher at the Colorado School of Public Health at CU Anschutz.
The study revealed that 21% of adults reported using more than one drug in the past year and fit into these four common patterns.
The research also indicated that certain groups, especially those with “cannabis focused use” and “indiscriminate use,” have higher rates of substance use disorders and may not be regularly interacting with healthcare professionals.
Rockhill said the results emphasize the need for personalized strategies or new outreach strategies since current approaches may be insufficient to address the diverse ways people are currently using drugs.
“Improving screenings by doctors and public health outreach can help identify risks and support in reducing or quitting substance use,” said Rockhill.
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) .
About the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado – which see more than two million adult and pediatric patient visits yearly. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by $910 million in annual research funding, including $757 million in sponsored awards and $153 million in philanthropic gifts.
American Journal of Public Health