Nonmedical use of prescription drugs and HIV risk behavior in gay and bisexual men.
BACKGROUND
Previous research has demonstrated associations between substance use and sexual risk behavior in men who have sex with men (MSM). Recent trends in substance use show increasing use of prescription medications (e.g., Vicodin) without a physician's prescription, yet associations between the nonmedical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) and HIV risk behavior have not been well examined in MSM.


METHODS
MSM attending a gay pride festival completed a self-report measure assessing NMUPD, motivations for use, use of traditional recreational drugs, and HIV risk behavior.


RESULTS
More than one-third of the sample (38%) reported lifetime NMUPD and 17% reported NMUPD in the previous 3 months. The most common class of medications used was prescription analgesics. Men reporting NMUPD also reported higher rates of the use of marijuana, poppers, ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine, GHB, ketamine, heroin, and rohypnol, and had significantly higher rates of HIV risk behaviors, including more sexual partners and more unprotected sex.


CONCLUSIONS
A significant minority of MSM are using prescription medications without a doctor's consent. Men who do so are risking negative consequences of such use, including the potential for addiction, potentially dangerous interactions between prescription and recreational drugs, and greater risk for contracting HIV.
Benotsch
Eric G
EG
Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA. ebenotsch@VCU.edu
Martin
Aaron M
AM
Koester
Stephen
S
Cejka
Anna
A
Luckman
Diana
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001727:Bisexuality; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055553:Prescription Drugs; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D047568:Unsafe Sex; D055815:Young Adult
D000700:Analgesics; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D055553:Prescription Drugs