Examining the role of race in the relationship between anxiety sensitivity and substance of choice using a treatment-seeking sample of veterans

Authors

• Amanda M. Raines, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
• Julia D. Buckner, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
• Brittney Thompson, Florida State University, Department of Psychology, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
• Kevin G. Saulnier, VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; University of Michigan, Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
• Caroline R. Scherzer, Louisiana State University, Department of Psychology, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
• Mara L. Ferrie, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS), New Orleans, LA, USA; South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), New Orleans, LA, USA.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-2026

Publication Title

Behaviour research and therapy

Abstract

The current study was designed to examine the role of race in the relationship between anxiety sensitivity (AS) and substance of choice. The sample included 102 treatment-seeking veterans (98% Male, 52% Black) including 37 primarily using cannabis, 37 primarily using stimulants, and 28 primarily using opioids. Black individuals reported higher levels of AS than White individuals. Overall, AS was not related to substance of choice, whereas race was related to substance of choice. Black vs. White individuals had significantly lower odds of primary opioid use and greater odds of primary stimulant use compared to primary cannabis use. Further, Black vs. White individuals had significantly greater odds of primary stimulant use compared to primary opioid use. Notably, the interaction between AS and race on substance of choice was not significant. These findings highlight the importance of considering race when understanding the impact of AS on substance-related behaviors.

First Page

105016

PubMed ID

41818918

Volume

200

Publisher

Elsevier

Rights

Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Recommended Citation

Raines, Amanda M.; Buckner, Julia D.; Thompson, Brittney; Saulnier, Kevin G.; Scherzer, Caroline R.; and Ferrie, Mara L., "Examining the role of race in the relationship between anxiety sensitivity and substance of choice using a treatment-seeking sample of veterans" (2026). School of Medicine Faculty Publications. 4638.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/som_facpubs/4638
10.1016/j.brat.2026.105016