Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Language

English

Publication Date

9-3-2025

Journal

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine

DOI

10.1177/15598276251375455

PMID

40918265

PMCID

PMC12408548

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

9-3-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Background: Substance use disorders (SUD) are associated with metabolic dysregulation and nutritional deficiencies. Studies show that incorporating nutrition interventions into treatment may improve physical and psychological health. This study sought to explore dietary and consumer behavior in individuals currently using substances.

Methods: Data from the 2013 - 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used for this cross-sectional study. Individuals 18 - 69 who were currently using marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, or injected unprescribed drugs were compared with individuals not using substances. Dietary and consumer behavior, including alcohol consumption was assessed. Analyses were performed using Stata I/C version 15.

Results: An unweighted sample of 12 943 adults was analyzed. A weighted proportion of 14.2% reported using substances in the prior 30 days. Individuals currently using substances reported more commercially prepared meals compared to individuals not using substances (P-value ≤.001), increased food insecurity (P ≤ .001), and increased alcohol intake (P ≤ .001). Multivariable logistic regression showed that both food insecurity and alcohol intake were independently and significantly linked to substance use.

Conclusion: Nutrition interventions for those using substances or in early recovery should incorporate education on practical food preparation within the social constraints of the individual, including higher rates of food insecurity.

Keywords

substance use disorder, food prepared away from home, convenience foods, food insecurity, consumer behavior

Published Open-Access

yes

Download

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.