(PS1-B40) Covid-related Cognitive Concerns Predict Illicit Drug Use Beyond Anxiety and Anxiety Sensitivity

Anxiety disorders often co-occur with illicit drug abuse (Sareen et al., 2006), with increases in drug use following initial anxiety disorder diagnosis (DeHaas et al., 2001; Liang et al., 2011; Sareen et al., 2006). Anxiety sensitivity (AS), or the belief that anxiety symptoms produce harmful consequences, is an established factor contributing to the maintenance and symptom severity of anxiety disorders, which is in turn associated with increased risk of illicit substance use as a maladaptive coping mechanism (Mantar et al., 2011; DeHaas et al., 2001). During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, individuals were exposed to stressors associated with considerable anxiety such as self-isolation, socioeconomic issues, viral infection concerns, and uncertainty (Taylor et al., 2021; Tsamakis et al., 2020). However, few studies have examined the role of COVID-related cognitive concerns on illicit drug use among university students who have experienced increases in anxiety as a result of the pandemic. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the effect of COVID-related cognitive concerns on illicit drug use beyond anxiety and anxiety sensitivity among a university sample. 

As part of a larger study, 262 university students (76.7% female; 21.4% Black; Mage = 19.15) completed self-report assessments designed to measure illicit drug use (Brief Addiction Monitor, Caccolia et al, 2013), anxiety symptoms (The General Anxiety Disorder-7; Spitzer et al., 2006), anxiety sensitivity (Anxiety Sensitivity Index–3; Taylor et al., 2007), and COVID-19-related cognitive concerns (COVID-19 Adult Symptom & Psychological Experience Questionnaire; Ladouceur, 2020). 

A hierarchical linear regression was conducted to examine the role of COVID-19-related distress and impairment on illicit drug use beyond anxiety symptoms and AS. Anxiety symptoms (ß =.20, p = .007) and AS (ß =.01, p = .993) were entered into the first step of the model and significantly predicted illicit drug use (R2 =.04, F(2,245) = 5.09, p = .007). COVID-19-related psychological distress and impairment (ß =.19, p = .016) was entered into the second step of the model and significantly predicted illicit drug use beyond anxiety and AS (ΔR2 = .02, ΔF(1, 244) = 5.84, p = .016). The overall model significantly predicted illicit drug use (total R2 = .06, F(3, 244) = 5.41, p < .001).  

Findings demonstrate that COVID-related cognitive concerns significantly predicted illicit drug use beyond well-established factors such as anxiety and anxiety sensitivity. Clinical implications include addressing maladaptive coping strategies, such as self-medicating, which predicts greater engagement in substance abuse and dependence (Liang et al., 2011). Limitations and future directions will also be discussed.