Sophia Karson
Live Poster Session: Zoom Link
Abstract: Social scientists and researchers have established a clear correlation between the presence of mental health disorders and substance use disorders, with millions of Americans having one or both of these conditions. Across the country and beyond, individuals with comorbid mental illness and drug use disorder have had difficulty accessing care that effectively treats both conditions, and marginalized communities are systematically denied the ability to seek out forms of treatment. Using the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (2001-2002) alongside Stata, the present study examines the relationship between anxiety and cannabis use disorder, looking at how generalized anxiety disorder may impact one’s willingness to seek treatment for drug abuse. The research revealed that individuals with anxiety and cannabis use disorder were significantly more likely to seek help than those without anxiety. When controlling for other drugs, sex, and race there was not a significant relationship, however, income levels were statistically significant in explaining the relationship between anxiety, seeking help, and cannabis use disorder.
Sophia-Karson-Final-Poster-QAC