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The current study examined the relationship between PTSD and nonmedical use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) based on level of John Henry Active Coping (JHAC) among African American incarcerated men. Data were derived from the Helping Incarcerated Men (HIM) Study (n = 208). Nonmedical use of BZDs was measured for the 30 days before incarceration. Current PTSD diagnosis and JHAC were determined using DSM-5 criteria and the JHAC Scale. Adjusted logistic regression analyses showed PTSD diagnosis was significantly associated with nonmedical BZD use (p =.011), but that JHAC did not significantly mitigate this relationship. African American incarcerated men may experience an unmet need with regards to mental health treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incarcerated African American men who use marijuana are vulnerable to polysubstance use, which is associated with greater risk for negative health and psychosocial outcomes than marijuana use alone. It is imperative to understand risk and protective factors for polysubstance use among this vulnerable population to inform the development of culturally tailored substance use interventions. The current study examined the association between John Henryism Active Coping (JHAC), family social support, psychiatric symptoms, and polysubstance use among African American incarcerated men who frequently use marijuana. Results indicated that higher John Henryism Active Coping (JHAC) is associated with decreased likelihood of engaging in polysubstance use, while psychiatric symptoms are associated with increased likelihood of polysubstance use. Incorporating elements of JHAC into concurrent mental health and substance use treatment may reduce risk for overdose and reincarceration among African American incarcerated men upon release into the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]