@article{ref1,
title="Sex-related substance use and the externalizing spectrum",
journal="Drug and alcohol dependence",
year="2017",
author="Rodriguez-Seijas, Craig and Arfer, Kodi B. and Thompson, Ronald G. and Hasin, Deborah S. and Eaton, Nicholas R.",
volume="174",
number="",
pages="39-46",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Substance use before and during sexual activity is associated with many negative health outcomes. Estimates suggest that at least 4.3 million American adults annually engage in regular sex-related alcohol consumption, indicating that the intersection of substance use and sexual behavior is of public health concern. However, it is likely that when considering broader sex-related substance use, estimates would be notably higher. While substance use disorders and antisocial personality disorder have been associated with sex-related alcohol consumption, no study has investigated how regular sex-related substance use is associated with the broader transdiagnostic externalizing spectrum. Further, no studies have assessed whether or not sexual risk-taking behaviors can be integrated into the externalizing spectrum. <br><br>METHODS: In a large internet sample (N=936), we used confirmatory factor analysis, item response theory, and logistic regression to link sex-related alcohol and drug use to an externalizing latent variable; identified psychometric characteristics of these behaviors; and determined the extent to which one's externalizing level was associated with changes in odds of regular sex-related substance use. We then replicated these findings in a nationally representative sample (N=34,653). <br><br>RESULTS: Results highlighted the close association between sex-related substance use and externalizing, with externalizing increases being associated with significantly increased odds of regular sex-related substance use. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: These findings bear notable implications for conceptualization and treatment of sex-related substance use. Transdiagnostic intervention can be an efficient means of addressing this problematic behavior as well as other comorbid presentations. <br><br>RESULTS expand the current conceptualization of the externalizing spectrum.<br><br>Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0376-8716",
doi="10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.01.008",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.01.008"
}