Food insecurity among individuals with substance use disorders in an Eastern city clinic

Food insecurity (FI) is under-researched among people experiencing substance use disorders (SUD). Given the physical and mental health consequences associated with FI, this study examined the prevalence of FI and its covariates in individuals seeking treatment for SUDs and whether any specific SUD diagnosis was associated with FI. Individuals with polysubstance use disorder (PSUD) were compared to those with a single SUD diagnosis. This study was a cross-sectional chart review at an outpatient substance use disorder treatment unit of 201 treatment-seeking adults with one or more SUD. Of 201 adults, 43.8% reported experiencing FI within the past 12 months. Only cannabis use disorder was associated with FI (p = .025). Those with PSUD had 2.08 times the odds (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.15– 3.76) of FI compared to those diagnosed with one SUD. Policy and practice recommendations are discussed regarding implementation of FI screening and interventions in substance use treatment.