Anxiety sensitivity and drug choice in individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse

Sixty-four men and 49 women who applied for admission to outpatient substance abuse programs provided information on their preferred chemical (e.g., alcohol) and information on their alcohol and other chemical use. They also completed a package of self-report questionnaires including the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI). The results showed that men who scored high on the ASI were more likely than low ASI subjects to prefer depressants, especially alcohol. Subjects who scored low on the ASI were more likely to prefer marijuana. ASI score did not predict chemical preference among women. All female ASI groups (high, medium and low) showed a preference for alcohol. The implications of these findings are discussed.