Impulsivity in cocaine users compared to matched controls: Effects of sex and preferred route of cocaine use

Background: Impulsivity has been identified as playing a role in cocaine use. The purpose of this study was to explore self-report measures of impulsivity in large groups of male and female cocaine users and matched controls and to determine if differences in impulsivity measures within a group of cocaine users related to selfreported money spent on cocaine and route of cocaine use. Methods: Eight self-report impulsivity measures yielding 34 subscales were obtained in 230 cocaine users (180 M, 50 F) and a matched group of 119 healthy controls (89 M, 30 F). Correlational analysis of the questionnaires revealed 2 factors: Impulsive Action (Factor 1) consisting of many traditional impulsivity measures and Thrillseeking (Factor 2) consisting of delay discounting, sensation and thrill seeking. Results: Sex influenced within group comparisons. Impulsive Action scores did not vary as a function of sex within either group. But, male controls and male cocaine users had greater Thrill-seeking scores than females within the same group. Sex also influenced between group comparisons. Male cocaine users had greater Impulsive Action scores while female cocaine users had greater Thrill-seeking scores than their sex-matched controls. Among cocaine users, individuals who preferred insufflating (snorting) cocaine had greater Thrill-seeking scores and lower Impulsive Action scores than individuals who preferred smoking cocaine. Individuals who insufflate cocaine also spent less money on cocaine. Conclusions: Greater Impulsive Action scores in males and Thrill-seeking scores in females were associated with cocaine use relative to controls.

Automated summary

This study examined self-report measures of impulsivity in male and female cocaine users compared to healthy controls. The results showed that sex influenced impulsivity measures within groups, with males having higher Thrill-seeking scores and females having higher Impulsive Action scores. Additionally, male cocaine users had greater Impulsive Action scores while female cocaine users had greater Thrill-seeking scores compared to their sex-matched controls. Individuals who preferred snorting cocaine had higher Thrill-seeking scores and lower Impulsive Action scores, as well as spending less money on cocaine.