Sex-related substance use and the externalizing spectrum

- A non-trivial proportion of American adults engages in sex-related substance use.
- Sex-related substance use is associated with myriad negative life outcomes.
- The externalizing spectrum underlies disorders of impulsivity and anti-sociality.
- Sex-related substance use is closely related to the externalizing spectrum.

BackgroundSubstance 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.MethodsIn 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).ResultsResults 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.ConclusionsThese 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. Results expand the current conceptualization of the externalizing spectrum.