title: Subtype by comorbidity in young adult substance abusers.
abstract: Comorbidity of psychiatric and substance use disorders is prevalent in adult substance abusers and influences the outcome of substance abuse treatment. To study the impact of comorbid disorders, adult subjects are subtyped into primary and secondary abusers. This study assessed comorbidity in young adult substance abusers involved in treatment, and evaluated the utility of the primary/secondary distinction in this population. Over half of the sample met criteria for at least one current psychiatric diagnosis. Subtyping resulted in 20 primary and 34 secondary abusers. The groups differed on gender, age of first problem due to substance use, depressive symptomatology, and reasons for use of alcohol. Secondary abusers reported more severe family and psychiatric problems than did primary abusers. The groups did not differ in the severity of alcohol or drug problems. These results indicate that comorbidity must be evaluated and addressed when treating young adult substance abusers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick 08903.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: McCrady
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs