151
|
Vold JH, Aas C, Skurtveit S, Odsbu I, Chalabianloo F, Reutfors J, Halmøy A, Johansson KA, Fadnes LT. Potentially addictive drugs dispensing to patients receiving opioid agonist therapy: a register-based prospective cohort study in Norway and Sweden from 2015 to 2017. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e036860. [PMID: 32771988 PMCID: PMC7418685 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-036860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the use of benzodiazepines, z-hypnotics, gabapentinoids, opioids and centrally acting stimulants (CAS) among patients who had received opioid agonist therapy (OAT) in Norway and Sweden during the period 2015 - 2017. DESIGN A register-based prospective cohort study using information about dispensed drugs from the Norwegian Prescription Database and Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. SETTING Patients who were dispensed OAT opioids from pharmacies. PARTICIPANTS A total of 7176 Norwegian and 3591 Swedish patients on OAT were included. OUTCOME MEASURES The number and frequency of potentially addictive drugs dispensed were calculated for the two countries. The mean daily doses of dispensed benzodiazepines and z-hypnotics were summarised by calculating benzodiazepines in diazepam equivalents and z-hypnotics in zopiclone equivalents. RESULTS In 2017, 46% of patients in Norway, and 15% in Sweden, were dispensed a benzodiazepine. Moreover, 14% in Norway and 26% in Sweden received z-hypnotics. Gabapentinoids were dispensed to 10% of patients in Norway and 19% of patients in Sweden. In Norway, 6% and 12% of the patients received strong and weak non-OAT opioids, respectively, whereas in Sweden 10% were dispensed strong non-OAT opioids and 5% weak non-OAT opioids . CAS were dispensed to 4% in Norway and 18% in Sweden. The mean daily doses of benzodiazepines were 16 and 17 mg diazepam equivalents in Norway and Sweden, respectively. For z-hypnotics, the mean daily dose was 8 mg zopiclone equivalents in both countries. 'Benzodiazepines and z-hypnotics' was the most dispensed drug combination in 2017. Similar results were found in 2015 and 2016. CONCLUSIONS Nearly half of those patients who were dispensed an OAT opioid in Norway and Sweden were dispensed potentially addictive drugs. The differences identified between Norway and Sweden might be related to differences in eligibility guidelines and restrictions with respect to OAT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jørn Henrik Vold
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christer Aas
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Svetlana Skurtveit
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingvild Odsbu
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fatemeh Chalabianloo
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Johan Reutfors
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anne Halmøy
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
152
|
Arfken CL, Owens DD, Greenwald MK. US national treatment admissions with opioids and benzodiazepines. Drug Alcohol Rev 2020; 39:862-869. [PMID: 32748413 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Opioids and benzodiazepines (O/BZD) are increasingly involved in drug overdose deaths in the USA. Expanding treatment capacity may reduce these deaths. Knowledge about co-occurring O/BZD admissions compared to opioid admissions (opioid) is needed to plan this expansion. DESIGN AND METHODS US treatment admissions to specialty facilities for 2011-2017 were analysed for trends and 2017 for group differences. Due to 1.9 million admissions in 2017, comparisons between O/BZD and opioid admissions were summarised as effect sizes. Additional analysis compared the administratively pre-coded category 'other opiates and synthetics' to other opiates and synthetics/benzodiazepines admissions to control for possible similarity in drug source. Differences within O/BZD admissions by primary drug were explored. RESULTS Although opioid admissions showed a steady increase over time (25.9% to 38.2%), O/BZD admissions showed increases until decline in 2017 (3.2% to 4.0%). In 2017 no factor reached moderate effect size (≥0.2) in group comparisons or within the O/BZD admissions. Heroin was self-reported in 70% of both O/BZD and opioid admissions. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS No meaningful US national differences on data routinely collected were found for O/BZD compared to opioid admissions including the subgroup with other opiates and synthetics only. Efforts to expand existing opioid treatment in specialty treatments may help reduce opioid and O/BZD deaths. However, the analysis could not address whether changes in treatment would improve outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia L Arfken
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA
| | | | - Mark K Greenwald
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA.,Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA
| |
Collapse
|
153
|
Yang BR, Oh IS, Li J, Jeon HL, Shin JY. Association between opioid analgesic plus benzodiazepine use and death: A case-crossover study. J Psychosom Res 2020; 135:110153. [PMID: 32504894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate whether concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids is associated with an increased risk of death in a population-based case-crossover setting. METHODS We conducted a case-crossover study using the National Sample Cohort database. We introduced a 30-day hazard period before the onset of death and three consecutive previous 30-day control periods with a 30-day washout period. The use of opioids and/or benzodiazepines during the hazard period was compared with that in the three control periods. We performed the conditional logistic regression analysis to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS A total of 13,161 individuals who previously used benzodiazepines or opioids and died were included in the study. The risk of death was higher in patients with concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids (aOR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.71-2.02) than in those who used either benzodiazepines or opioids only. In the subgroup analysis among concomitant users, the mortality risks were highest in patients aged less than 20 years (aOR, 3.85; 95% CI, 1.65-8.99), male patients (aOR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.93-2.51), and patients with renal disease (aOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.57-3.74). CONCLUSION In this study, concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids was associated with a higher risk of death compared with use of a single drug. The risks and benefits of co-prescribing of benzodiazepines and opioids must be weighed carefully.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Ram Yang
- Medical Research Collaborating Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Sun Oh
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Junqing Li
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha-Lim Jeon
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Young Shin
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
154
|
Bech AB, Clausen T, Waal H, Vindenes V, Edvardsen HE, Frost J, Skeie I. Post-mortem toxicological analyses of blood samples from 107 patients receiving opioid agonist treatment: substances detected and pooled opioid and benzodiazepine concentrations. Addiction 2020; 116:845-855. [PMID: 32738014 DOI: 10.1111/add.15211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To present the substances and their concentrations detected post-mortem in patients receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) stratified by cause of death, estimate the pooled opioid and benzodiazepine concentrations using established conversion factors for blood concentrations from the Norwegian Road Traffic Act, and explore the association between drug-induced cause of death and the pooled opioid and benzodiazepine concentrations. DESIGN Cross-sectional nationwide study. SETTING Norway. PARTICIPANTS One hundred and seven patients who died during OAT (i.e. within 5 days after the last intake of OAT medication) between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2015, with post-mortem femoral blood available for toxicology. Data were collected from hospital records, the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry and autopsy reports. MEASUREMENTS Presence of alcohol and non-alcohol substances in the bloodstream at time of death, determined through records of toxicology of post-mortem femoral blood. FINDINGS A median of four substances was detected across the causes of death. At least one benzodiazepine was detected in 81 (76%) patients. The median pooled opioid concentration was significantly higher in drug-induced deaths compared with other causes of death (362 ng/mL versus 182 ng/mL, P < 0.001), in contrast to the pooled benzodiazepine concentration (5466 versus 5701 ng/mL, P = 0.353). The multivariate regression analysis showed that only increasing pooled opioid concentration (ng/ML) was associated with increased odds of a drug-induced cause of death (odds ratio, 1.003; 95% confidence interval: 1.001-1.006). CONCLUSIONS In Norway, overall opioid concentration seems to play an important role in drug-induced deaths during opioid agonist treatment in patients prescribed methadone or buprenorphine. Patients prescribed buprenorphine tend to replace their agonist with full agonists, while patients prescribed methadone tend to have high opioid concentrations from methadone as the only opioid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Berit Bech
- National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Department of Mental Health, P.O. Box 104, 2381, Brumunddal, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Clausen
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helge Waal
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
- National Advisory Unit on Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Oslo University Hospital, Sognsvannsveien 21, Bygg 6, P.O. Box 4959 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vigdis Vindenes
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, P. O. Box 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P. O. Box 1171 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hilde Erøy Edvardsen
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, P. O. Box 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Joachim Frost
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Olav's Hospital Trondheim University Hospital, P.O. Box 3250 Torgarden, 7006, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ivar Skeie
- National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Department of Mental Health, P.O. Box 104, 2381, Brumunddal, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
155
|
Ahmad-Molaei L, Pourhamzeh M, Ahadi R, Khodagholi F, Hassanian-Moghaddam H, Haghparast A. Time-Dependent Changes in the Serum Levels of Neurobiochemical Factors After Acute Methadone Overdose in Adolescent Male Rat. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 41:1635-1649. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00931-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
156
|
Kelly BC, Vuolo M. Nightlife scene involvement and patterns of prescription drug misuse. Drug Alcohol Rev 2020; 39:888-897. [PMID: 32633443 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Participation in nightlife influences a range of health behaviours. Participants in various nightlife scenes have increasingly adopted prescription drug misuse into their substance use repertoires. DESIGN AND METHODS With 404 young adults recruited via time-space sampling in New York, we examine the relationship of nightlife participation-measured by number of scenes and the number of nights out in nightlife scenes-to prescription drug misuse during the past 3 months. Outcomes included frequency of misuse, escalation to non-oral consumption, polydrug use, social problems and symptoms of dependence. RESULTS Negative binomial regressions indicate nightlife participation is associated with increased frequency of misuse measured by number of scenes (incidence rate ratio = 1.114, P < 0.05) and number of nights out (incidence rate ratio = 1.009, P < 0.001). Logistic regression models show nightlife participation is associated with increased odds of non-oral use (adjusted odds ratio; AOR = 1.334, P < 0.01) and polydrug use (AOR = 1.776, P < 0.001) measured by number of scenes, and non-oral use (AOR = 1.021, P < 0.001) and polydrug use (AOR = 1.023, P < 0.001) as measured by number of nights out. Nightlife participation is not associated with prescription drug problems or symptoms of dependence. Frequency of participation is associated with peer norms favourable to prescription drugs (B = 0.003, P < 0.01). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Nightlife participation has implications for prescription drug misuse. While shaping how often and in what manner young people consume prescription drugs, nightlife participation is not associated with harms experienced. Given the significance of the prescription drug trend in many world regions, these results suggest that increasing participation in nightlife shapes patterns of drug use, but in ways that do not lead to reported problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Kelly
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA
| | - Mike Vuolo
- Department of Sociology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| |
Collapse
|
157
|
Mortality Following Nonfatal Opioid and Sedative/Hypnotic Drug Overdose. Am J Prev Med 2020; 59:59-67. [PMID: 32389530 PMCID: PMC7311279 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2020.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid and sedative/hypnotic drug overdoses are major causes of morbidity in the U.S. This study compares 12-month incidence of fatal unintentional drug overdose, suicide, and other mortality among emergency department patients presenting with nonfatal opioid or sedative/hypnotic overdose. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study using statewide, longitudinally linked emergency department patient record and mortality data from California. Participants comprised all residents presenting to a licensed emergency department at least once in 2009-2011 with nonfatal unintentional opioid overdose, sedative/hypnotic overdose, or neither (a 5% random sample). Participants were followed for 1 year after index emergency department presentation to assess death from unintentional overdose, suicide, or other causes, ascertained using ICD-10 codes. Absolute death rates per 100,000 person years and standardized mortality ratios relative to the general population were calculated. Data were analyzed February-August 2019. RESULTS Following the index emergency department visit, unintentional overdose death rates per 100,000 person years were 1,863 following opioid overdose, 342 following sedative/hypnotic overdose, and 31 for reference patients without an index overdose (respective standardized mortality ratios of 106.1, 95% CI=95.2, 116.9; 24.5, 95% CI=21.3, 27.6; and 2.6, 95% CI=2.2, 3.0). Suicide mortality rates per 100,000 were 319, 174, and 32 following opioid overdose, sedative/hypnotic overdose, and reference visits, respectively. Natural causes mortality rates per 100,000 were 8,058 (opioid overdose patients), 17,301 (sedative/hypnotic overdose patients), and 3,097 (reference patients). CONCLUSIONS Emergency department patients with nonfatal opioid or sedative/hypnotic drug overdose have exceptionally high risks of death from unintentional overdose, suicide, and other causes. Emergency department-based interventions offer potential for reducing these patients' overdose and other mortality risks.
Collapse
|
158
|
May T, Holloway K, Buhociu M, Hills R. Not what the doctor ordered: Motivations for nonmedical prescription drug use among people who use illegal drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 82:102823. [PMID: 32585584 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonmedical Prescription Drug Use (NMPDU) is common among people who use illegal drugs. NMPDU is particularly problematic among this population however, as medications such as benzodiazepines and gabapentinoids can potentiate the harmful effects of opioids. Despite these harms, there is some evidence that NMPDU can have harm reducing and therapeutic potential for some people who use illegal drugs. This study provides further evidence of the harm reducing motives for NMPDU among people who use illegal drugs in community and prison settings in Wales, UK. METHODS In depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 60 interviewees recruited from statutory and third sector drug treatment providers operating in five towns and cities in Wales, and from two Welsh prisons. Eligibility was based primarily on whether the person was currently (or previously) a user of illegal drugs and had recent experience of NMPDU. RESULTS NMPDU was found to be largely driven by insufficient access to certain prescription medications and treatment. In this context, NMPDU played an important role in alleviating legitimate medical concerns and overcoming logistical and regulatory barriers associated with Opioid Substitution Therapy. NMPDU also had everyday practicality and mitigated many of the everyday harms experienced by people who use drugs, including opioid withdrawal and stimulant comedowns. CONCLUSION Results suggest that NMPDU has the potential to mitigate a number of legitimate medical concerns in the absence of treatment. Finding nuanced ways of responding to patient need whilst reducing the potential for NMPDU are therefore needed, and harm reduction strategies that harness the knowledge and expertise of people who use drugs should be encouraged. Additional policy measures that attend to the inequities and social-structural factors that produce and maintain the need to consume prescription medications in ways that are not intended are also required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom May
- Substance Use Research Group (SURG), Centre for Criminology, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, Wales.
| | - Katy Holloway
- Substance Use Research Group (SURG), Centre for Criminology, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, Wales
| | - Marian Buhociu
- Substance Use Research Group (SURG), Centre for Criminology, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, Wales
| | - Rhian Hills
- Senior Policy Manager - Substance Misuse, Welsh Government, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ, Wales
| |
Collapse
|
159
|
A Systematic Review of the Relative Frequency and Risk Factors for Prolonged Opioid Prescription Following Surgery and Trauma Among Adults. Ann Surg 2020; 271:845-854. [PMID: 31188226 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000003403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
160
|
Hockenhull J, Black JC, Haynes CM, Rockhill K, Dargan PI, Dart RC, Wood DM. Nonmedical use of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in the UK. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 87:1676-1683. [PMID: 32472941 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To estimate prevalence of last 12-month nonmedical use (NMU) of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (the nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone) in the UK. METHODS Data were collected using the Non-Medical Use of Prescription Drugs survey with poststratification weighting applied to be representative of the UK population (≥16 years). Participants were questioned about whether they had nonmedically used benzodiazepines and/or Z-drugs in the last 12-months and from where they had obtained the drug (including via a prescription, or illicitly from a friend/family member, a dealer or via the internet). Additional questions were asked about last 12-month use of illicit drugs (cannabis, cocaine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine [MDMA], non-pharmaceutical amphetamine, crack cocaine and/or heroin). RESULTS The study included 10 006 eligible participants representing approximately 52 927 000 UK adults. The estimated prevalence of past 12-month NMU of any benzodiazepine and/or Z-drug was 1.2% (95% confidence interval: 1.0-1.5) corresponding to approximately 635 000 adults; amongst this group only an estimated 4.6% (1.2-8.0) had NMU of both a benzodiazepine and a Z-drug. The highest prevalence of NMU for only Z-drugs was among those who had used heroin in the last 12-months (5.4%, 2.7-10.5), whilst the highest prevalence of NMU for only benzodiazepines was among those who had used illicit stimulants in the last 12-months: cocaine (5.9%, 3.8-8.9), amphetamine (5.6%, 3.1-10.0) and MDMA (5.2%, 3.1-8.8). The drug non-medically used was more commonly acquired without than with a prescription for both only benzodiazepines (70.2%, 59.4-81.1 compared to 51.3%, 41.5-64.6) and only Z-drugs (75.6%, 61.6-89.7 compared to 33.9%, 16.9-51.0). CONCLUSION There is little overlap between benzodiazepine and Z-drug NMU suggesting distinct nonmedical use of the drugs; future studies need to explore whether this relates to personal preference, drug availability or other factors. A significant proportion are acquiring these drugs for NMU without a prescription, so without guidance and monitoring from a medical practitioner. While the dangers of mixing benzodiazepines and heroin/other opioids are well documented, there is a paucity of data regarding concomitant NMU of benzodiazepines and stimulant drugs, or NMU of Z-drugs and opioids, and, given the prevalence of these combinations, this requires further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Hockenhull
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Joshua C Black
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Colleen M Haynes
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Karilynn Rockhill
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Paul I Dargan
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Richard C Dart
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA
| | - David M Wood
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
161
|
Rhee TG. Coprescribing of Benzodiazepines and Opioids in Older Adults: Rates, Correlates, and National Trends. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2020; 74:1910-1915. [PMID: 30561526 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/gly283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To estimate prescribing trends of and correlates independently associated with coprescribing of benzodiazepines and opioids among adults aged 65 years or older in office-based outpatient visits. METHODS I examined a nationally representative sample of office-based physician visits by older adults between 2006 and 2015 (n = 109,149 unweighted) using data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys (NAMCS). National rates and prescribing trends were estimated. Then, I used multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with coprescriptions of benzodiazepines and opioids. RESULTS From 2006 to 2015, 15,954 (14.6%) out of 109,149 visits, representative of 39.3 million visits nationally, listed benzodiazepine, opioid, or both medications prescribed. The rate of prescription benzodiazepines only increased monotonically from 4.8% in 2006-2007 to 6.2% in 2014-2015 (p < .001), and the rate of prescription opioids only increased monotonically from 5.9% in 2006-2007 to 10.0% in 2014-2015 (p < .001). The coprescribing rate of benzodiazepines and opioids increased over time from 1.1% in 2006-2007 to 2.7% in 2014-2015 (p < .001). Correlates independently associated with a higher likelihood of both benzodiazepine and opioid prescriptions included: female sex, a visit for chronic care, receipt of six or more concomitantly prescribed medications, and clinical diagnoses of anxiety and pain (p < .01 for all). CONCLUSION The coprescribing rate of benzodiazepines and opioids increased monotonically over time in outpatient care settings. Because couse of benzodiazepines and opioids is associated with medication burdens and potential harms, future research is needed to address medication safety in these vulnerable populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taeho Greg Rhee
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.,Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE), Yale-New Haven Health System, New Haven, Connecticut
| |
Collapse
|
162
|
Zhu H, Wu LT. Multiple drug use disorder diagnoses among drug-involved hospitalizations in the United States: Results from the 2016 National Inpatient Sample. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 213:108113. [PMID: 32590210 PMCID: PMC7736193 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Having more than one drug use disorders (DUDs) is an increasing public health concern, but it has been understudied. The goal of this study is to investigate the prevalence and patterns of coexisting DUD diagnoses among inpatient hospitalizations due to DUD in the United States. METHODS Data were from the 2016 National Inpatient Sample and included hospitalizations with a principal DUD diagnosis for patients aged ≥18 years (i.e., drug-involved hospitalizations, unweighted n = 31,707). The DUD diagnosis profile was categorized into three groups: single, two, and three or more DUD diagnoses. Generalized ordered logit models were used to examine correlates of DUD diagnosis groups. RESULTS Among drug-involved hospitalizations, approximately 50.1 % had multiple coexisting DUD diagnoses (2 DUD diagnoses, 32.1 %; ≥3 DUD diagnoses, 18.0 %). Particularly, opioid use disorder accounted for 58.6 % of drug-involved hospitalizations. Among specific opioid-involved hospitalizations, about 51.2 % had multiple DUD diagnoses. The most common secondary DUD diagnoses among opioid-involved hospitalizations included cocaine (21.7 %), cannabis (18.5 %), and sedatives (18.1 %). Adjusted analyses showed that being aged 18-25 years (vs. ≥ 26), living in areas with the lowest quartile of household income (vs. highest), and having a secondary diagnosis of mental disorders or tobacco/alcohol use disorder were associated with increased odds of having multiple DUD diagnoses in the total sample and in the opioid subsample. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that healthcare providers should increase the awareness of multiple DUDs while treating patients with DUD, especially those with opioid use disorder. More research is needed to better characterize treatment needs for patients with multiple DUDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- He Zhu
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Li-Tzy Wu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Center for Child and Family Policy, Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
163
|
Dai Z, Abate MA, Long DL, Smith GS, Halki TM, Kraner JC, Mock AR. Quantifying enhanced risk from alcohol and other factors in polysubstance-related deaths. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 313:110352. [PMID: 32590196 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To quantify how alcohol, polysubstance use and other factors influence opioid concentrations in drug-related deaths in West Virginia (WV), United States. METHODS Multiple linear regression models were employed to identify relationships among alcohol, other factors, and the concentrations of four commonly identified opioids (fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone), accounting for demographic, toxicological and comorbid characteristics in WV drug-related deaths from 2005 to 2018. RESULTS Alcohol concentrations of 0.08% or above were associated with significant reductions in blood concentrations of fentanyl (27.5%), hydrocodone (30.5%) and methadone (32.4%). Significantly lower predicted concentrations of all opioids studied were associated with multiple opioid vs. single opioid presence, with predicted concentration reductions ranging from 13.7% for fentanyl to 65-66% for hydrocodone and oxycodone. Benzodiazepine presence was associated with small, non-statistically significant changes in opioid concentrations, while stimulant presence was associated with statistically significant reductions in hydrocodone and oxycodone concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Co-ingestion of alcohol, multiple opioids or stimulants were associated with significantly decreased predicted concentrations of commonly identified opioids in drug deaths. Further evidence is provided for enhanced risks from polysubstance use with opioids, which has important public health implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Dai
- School of Public Health, West Virginia University, One Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States.
| | - Marie A Abate
- School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, 1124 Health Sciences North, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States
| | - D Leann Long
- School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 327F Ryals Public Health Building, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Gordon S Smith
- School of Public Health, West Virginia University, One Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States
| | - Theresa M Halki
- School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, 1124 Health Sciences North, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States
| | - James C Kraner
- West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, 619 Virginia Street West, Charleston, WV 25302, United States
| | - Allen R Mock
- West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, 619 Virginia Street West, Charleston, WV 25302, United States
| |
Collapse
|
164
|
Abstract
After participating in this activity, learners should be better able to:• Assess the misuse potential of clonazepam• Characterize the nonmedical use of clonazepam• Identify the health problems associated with long-term use of clonazepam ABSTRACT: Clonazepam, a benzodiazepine, is commonly used in treating various conditions, including anxiety disorders and epileptic seizures. Due to its low price and easy availability, however, it has become a commonly misused medication, both in medical and recreational contexts. In this review, we aim to highlight the behavioral and pharmacological aspects of clonazepam and its history following its approval for human use. We examine the circumstances commonly associated with the nonmedical use of clonazepam and raise points of particular concern. Clonazepam, alone or in combination with other psychoactive substances, can lead to unwanted effects on health, such as motor and cognitive impairment, sleep disorders, and aggravation of mood and anxiety disorders. Prolonged use of clonazepam may lead to physical dependence and tolerance. There is therefore a need to find safer therapeutic alternatives for treating seizures and anxiety disorders. Greater awareness of its frequent nonmedical use is also needed to achieve safer overall use of this medication.
Collapse
|
165
|
Pasha AK, Chowdhury A, Sadiq S, Fairbanks J, Sinha S. Substance use disorders: diagnosis and management for hospitalists. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect 2020; 10:117-126. [PMID: 32850046 PMCID: PMC7425622 DOI: 10.1080/20009666.2020.1742495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorder is a significant health concern. Hospitalists manage patient with various forms of substance use disorder on a daily basis. In this review, we have tried to synthesize evidence together to give a brief, yet succinct, review of commonly encounters disorders; alcohol intoxication and withdrawal, opioid intoxication and withdrawal, cocaine intoxication and methamphetamine intoxication. We describe clinical features, diagnosis and management, which would serve as a great resource for hospitalist when managing these complicated patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed K Pasha
- Division of Hospital Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, Southwest Minnesota Region, Mankato, MN, USA
| | - Arnab Chowdhury
- Division of Hospital Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, Southwest Minnesota Region, Mankato, MN, USA
| | - Sanah Sadiq
- Division of Hospital Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, Southwest Minnesota Region, Mankato, MN, USA
| | - Jeremiah Fairbanks
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Mankato, MN, USA
| | - Shirshendu Sinha
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Health System, Southwest Minnesota Region and Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mankato, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
166
|
Large scale consumption monitoring of benzodiazepines and z-drugs by hair analysis. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2020; 183:113151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
167
|
Barbour A, Asbury ML, Riordan PA, Webb JA, Prakken SD. Opioid-induced Somatic Activation: Prevalence in a Population of Patients With Chronic Pain. Cureus 2020; 12:e7911. [PMID: 32494526 PMCID: PMC7263729 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.7911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Context and objective Opioids have heterogeneous side effects including a well-known effect of sedation; however, the opposing effect of stimulation, or somatic activation, has been largely ignored or overlooked. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of opioid-induced somatic activation (OISA). Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of 189 patients seen by a single clinical psychiatrist/pain specialist. During the initial encounter, the clinician took a standardized history of every opioid currently or previously taken by the patients, and enquired if the patients had experienced a somatically activating or sedating effect per opioid. Results Patients recalled an average exposure to 5.1 opioids (SD: 1.9). Ninety-one patients (48.1%; mean: 1.6) reported somatic activation, while 118 (62.4%; mean: 1.7) reported sedation from at least one opioid. Fifty-eight patients (30.7%) identified at least one opioid as activating, and another as sedating. The distribution of OISA did not significantly differ by gender, race, primary pain diagnosis, or depression. The distribution of OISA by oxycodone significantly differed compared to morphine sulfate (27.3% vs 8.9%; p: 0.005), while sedation did not (29.0% vs 24.3%; p: 0.46). Conclusions In this study, we quantified the previously unstudied phenomenon of OISA. This phenomenon appears dependent on opioid type with some opioids, such as oxycodone, appearing more likely to have this effect. Given current concerns about the risks of opioids in high-risk populations, future studies are needed to study this phenomenon to arrive at an accurate determination of the potential risks and benefits of OISA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Barbour
- Anesthesia, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Melinda L Asbury
- Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, USA
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Paul A Riordan
- Psychiatry, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, USA
| | - Jason A Webb
- Palliative Care, Duke University Health System, Durham, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
168
|
Edelman EJ, Li Y, Barry D, Braden JB, Crystal S, Kerns RD, Gaither JR, Gordon KS, Manhapra A, Merlin JS, Moore BA, Oldfield BJ, Park LS, Rentsch CT, Skanderson M, Williams EC, Justice AC, Tate JP, Becker WC, Marshall BD. Trajectories of Self-Reported Opioid Use Among Patients With HIV Engaged in Care: Results From a National Cohort Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 84:26-36. [PMID: 32267658 PMCID: PMC7147724 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No prior studies have characterized long-term patterns of opioid use regardless of source or reason for use among patients with HIV (PWH). We sought to identify trajectories of self-reported opioid use and their correlates among a national sample of PWH engaged in care. SETTING Veterans Aging Cohort Study, a prospective cohort including PWH receiving care at 8 US Veterans Health Administration (VA) sites. METHODS Between 2002 and 2018, we assessed past year opioid use frequency based on self-reported "prescription painkillers" and/or heroin use at baseline and follow-up. We used group-based trajectory models to identify opioid use trajectories and multinomial logistic regression to determine baseline factors independently associated with escalating opioid use compared to stable, infrequent use. RESULTS Among 3702 PWH, we identified 4 opioid use trajectories: (1) no lifetime use (25%); (2) stable, infrequent use (58%); (3) escalating use (7%); and (4) de-escalating use (11%). In bivariate analysis, anxiety; pain interference; prescribed opioids, benzodiazepines and gabapentinoids; and marijuana use were associated with escalating opioid group membership compared to stable, infrequent use. In multivariable analysis, illness severity, pain interference, receipt of prescribed benzodiazepine medications, and marijuana use were associated with escalating opioid group membership compared to stable, infrequent use. CONCLUSION Among PWH engaged in VA care, 1 in 15 reported escalating opioid use. Future research is needed to understand the impact of psychoactive medications and marijuana use on opioid use and whether enhanced uptake of evidence-based treatment of pain and psychiatric symptoms can prevent escalating use among PWH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. Jennifer Edelman
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Yu Li
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | | | - Jennifer Brennan Braden
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
- Valley Medical Center Psychiatry and Counseling, Behavioral Health Integration Program
| | - Stephen Crystal
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Rutgers University, Rutgers, NJ
| | - Robert D. Kerns
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | | | - Kirsha S. Gordon
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - Ajay Manhapra
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | | | - Brent A. Moore
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | | | | | - Christopher T. Rentsch
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Emily C. Williams
- VA Puget Sound Health Services Research and Development and Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Amy C. Justice
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - Janet P. Tate
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - William C. Becker
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | | |
Collapse
|
169
|
Moreno-Gutíerrez PA, Gaviria-Mendoza A, Ochoa-Orozco SA, Yepes-Echeverri MC, Machado-Alba JE. Long-term users of benzodiazepines in Colombia: Patterns of use and cessation of treatment. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 210:107962. [PMID: 32220698 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benzodiazepines have low abuse potential, but patients often develop physical dependence and neurological impairments. The objective of this study was to investigate treatment cessation and use of high doses in long-term benzodiazepine users in Colombia. METHODS Retrospective study. Patients who used benzodiazepines for at least six months (long-term) were selected from a prescription database and followed from initiation of benzodiazepine treatment for up to 30 months. We investigated treatment duration and compared patients who received normal and high (≥2 mean prescribed daily dose) doses. RESULTS Only 1255 (6.1 %) out of 20,567 patientsprescribed benzodiazepines became long-term users; their mean age was 60.6 years (SD=20.0) and 61.7 % were women. Mean high doses were used by 42.5 % (n=534) of the sample. Age under 20 years was a protector, whereas the long half-life benzodiazepines and use of other neurological medications were predictors of high dosage. Overall, 44.8 % (n=563) of the sample was still using benzodiazepines at the end of the study period. The use of antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants were negatively associated with cessation of benzodiazepine treatment. CONCLUSIONS A low proportion of patients starting benzodiazepines became long-term users. Nearly half of them used high doses and continued the medication for up to 30 months. Use of concomitant neurological drugs was associated with higher doses and less cessation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Andrea Moreno-Gutíerrez
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiología y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Audifarma S.A., Pereira, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira, Colombia
| | - Andrés Gaviria-Mendoza
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiología y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Audifarma S.A., Pereira, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira, Colombia
| | - Sergio Andrés Ochoa-Orozco
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiología y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Audifarma S.A., Pereira, Colombia
| | - María Camila Yepes-Echeverri
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiología y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Audifarma S.A., Pereira, Colombia
| | - Jorge Enrique Machado-Alba
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiología y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Audifarma S.A., Pereira, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
170
|
McClure FL, Niles JK, Kaufman HW, Gudin J. Drug Misuse and Hepatitis C Virus Infection Profiles for Three Generations of Patients Being Monitored for Prescription Drug Adherence. J Addict Med 2020; 13:123-130. [PMID: 30334927 PMCID: PMC6430589 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Two epidemics in the United States are related: opioid drug injection and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study quantifies the relationship between illicit/prescription drug misuse and HCV infection in 3 population generations: baby boomers (born 1945–1965, inclusive), pre-baby boomers, and post-baby boomers. Methods: This retrospective study included prescription drug consistency (March–December 2015) and HCV (2011–2015) patient test results performed at a large national clinical reference laboratory. HCV positivity, drug use consistency/inconsistency with prescribed drug information, type of inconsistent use, and inconsistent use of individual drug classes were assessed. Results: This study evaluated 39,231 prescription drug monitoring and HCV sets of test results from 18,410 patients. Of these patients, 25.1% tested positive for HCV and 57.3% demonstrated drug test results that were inconsistent with the prescribed medication(s). The types of drug test inconsistency differed substantially between HCV-positive and -negative patients, particularly testing positive for both non-prescribed drugs and prescribed drugs. Specimens from HCV-positive baby boomer and post-baby boomers demonstrated non-prescribed use of opioids and many other drug classes more often than from HCV-negative patients. Conclusions: The rates of inconsistent drug test results and types of drugs misused suggest that HCV-positive patients are more likely than HCV-negative patients to display high-risk behavior, even beyond opioid use. This difference is most pronounced in the post-baby boomer generation. Healthcare professionals should consider these patterns and how they differ by generation when monitoring for both prescription and illicit drugs, the results of which can impact treatment decisions including prescribing analgesics.
Collapse
|
171
|
Shapira B, Berkovitz R, Rosca P, Neumark Y. Recent Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids, Synthetic Opioids, and Other Psychoactive Drug Groups among High-risk Drug Users. J Psychoactive Drugs 2020; 52:334-343. [DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2020.1754534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barak Shapira
- Hebrew University-Hadassah Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ronny Berkovitz
- Division of Enforcement and Inspection, Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Paola Rosca
- Department for the Treatment of Substance Abuse, Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yehuda Neumark
- Hebrew University-Hadassah Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
172
|
Yarborough BJH, Stumbo SP, Stoneburner A, Smith N, Dobscha SK, Deyo RA, Morasco BJ. Correlates of Benzodiazepine Use and Adverse Outcomes Among Patients with Chronic Pain Prescribed Long-term Opioid Therapy. PAIN MEDICINE 2020; 20:1148-1155. [PMID: 30204893 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pny179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the correlates and odds of receiving overlapping benzodiazepine and opioid prescriptions and whether co-prescription was associated with greater odds of falling or visiting the emergency department. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING A large private integrated health system and a Veterans Health Administration integrated health system. SUBJECTS Five hundred seventeen adults with musculoskeletal pain and current prescriptions for long-term opioid therapy. METHODS A multivariate logistic regression model examined correlates of having overlapping benzodiazepine and opioid prescriptions in the year before enrollment in the cross-sectional study. Negative binomial models analyzed the number of falls in the past three months and past-year emergency department visits. In addition to propensity score adjustment, models controlled for demographic characteristics, psychiatric diagnoses, medications, overall comorbidity score, and opioid morphine equivalent dose. RESULTS Twenty-five percent (N = 127) of participants had co-occurring benzodiazepine and opioid prescriptions in the prior year. Odds of receiving a benzodiazepine prescription were significantly higher among patients with the following psychiatric diagnoses: anxiety disorder (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.67-8.32, P < 0.001), post-traumatic stress disorder (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.14-4.38, P = 0.019), and bipolar disorder (AOR = 3.82, 95% CI = 1.49-9.81, P = 0.005). Past-year overlapping benzodiazepine and opioid prescriptions were associated with adverse outcomes, including a greater number of falls (risk ratio [RR] = 3.27, 95% CI = 1.77-6.02, P = 0.001) and emergency department visits (RR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.08-2.53, P = 0.0194). CONCLUSIONS Among patients with chronic pain prescribed long-term opioid therapy, one-quarter of patients had co-occurring prescriptions for benzodiazepines, and dual use was associated with increased odds of falls and emergency department visits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott P Stumbo
- Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon
| | - Ashley Stoneburner
- Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon
| | - Ning Smith
- Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon
| | - Steven K Dobscha
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon.,Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Richard A Deyo
- Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon.,Departments of Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and the Oregon Institute for Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Benjamin J Morasco
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon.,Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| |
Collapse
|
173
|
Applewhite D, Regan S, Koenigs K, Mackin S, Schmidt C, Wakeman SE. Use of promethazine, gabapentin and clonidine in combination with opioids or opioid agonist therapies among individuals attending a syringe service program. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 79:102752. [PMID: 32330837 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clonidine, gabapentin, and promethazine are commonly used by people who use opioids, including heroin, raising concern for increased morbidity and mortality in a vulnerable population. We aimed to characterize how and why individuals use opioids in combination with these three psychoactive medications (PAMs). METHODS Participants (n = 103) were a convenience sample of adults attending a syringe service program who reported using a PAM in addition to opioids or opioid agonist therapies (buprenorphine or methadone). Face-to-face structured interviews consisted of closed and open-ended questions. RESULTS Patterns of PAM use varied. Risky use, including use of high doses and with other sedating medications, was common. Most individuals reported multiple medical reasons for use, even while reporting the PAM had mind-altering effects. Use of high doses of PAMs was associated with a history of overdose. Among those with a history of overdose, 32% reported that a PAM was involved. CONCLUSION The use of clonidine, gabapentin and promethazine among individuals who use opioids is complex. Providers should take individualized approaches to PAM prescribing, recognizing both the risks of PAMs and the potential unintended consequences of supply-side interventions in the era of the overdose crisis. Harm reduction interventions are needed to prevent PAM-involved overdoses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dinah Applewhite
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, United States.
| | - Susan Regan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
| | - Kathleen Koenigs
- Harvard University School of Medicine, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
| | - Sarah Mackin
- AHOPE Harm Reduction Program, 1010 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, Massachusetts, 02118 United States
| | - Clare Schmidt
- AHOPE Harm Reduction Program, 1010 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, Massachusetts, 02118 United States
| | - Sarah E Wakeman
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
| |
Collapse
|
174
|
Saraiya TC, Pavlicova M, Hu MC, Nunes EV, Hien DA, Campbell ANC. Exploring gender differences among treatment-seekers who use opioids versus alcohol and other drugs. Women Health 2020; 60:821-838. [PMID: 32233747 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2020.1746952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Identifying clinical differences between opioid users (OU) and alcohol and other drug users (AOD) may help to tailor treatment to OU, particularly among the majority of OU who are not on opioid agonist treatments. Given the dearth of research on these differences, this study explored gender differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between OU and AOD. Participants (N = 506) were from a multisite, randomized controlled clinical trial of an Internet-delivered psychosocial intervention conducted in 2010-2011. Logistic regression models explored differences in demographic and clinical characteristics by substance use category within and between women and men. Women OU were more likely to be younger, White, employed, benzodiazepine users, and less likely to have children or use cocaine and cannabis than women AOD. Men OU, compared to men AOD, were more likely to be younger, White, younger at first abuse/dependence, benzodiazepine users, and reported greater psychological distress, but were less likely to be involved in criminal justice or use stimulants. Interactions by gender and substance use were also detected for age of first abuse/dependence, employment, and criminal justice involvement. These findings provide a nuanced understanding of gender differences within substance use groups to inform providers for OU seeking treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya C Saraiya
- Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University , Garden City, NY, USA.,Department of Psychology, The City College of New York , New York, NY, USA
| | - Martina Pavlicova
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University , New York, NY, USA
| | - Mei-Chen Hu
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University , New York, NY, USA
| | - Edward V Nunes
- Department of Psychiatry and New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center , New York, NY, USA
| | - Denise A Hien
- Center of Alcohol Studies, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , Piscataway Township, NJ, USA
| | - Aimee N C Campbell
- Department of Psychiatry and New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center , New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
175
|
Kahn LS, Wozniak M, Vest BM, Moore C. “Narcan encounters:” overdose and naloxone rescue experiences among people who use opioids. Subst Abus 2020; 43:113-126. [DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2020.1748165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Linda S. Kahn
- Primary Care Research Institute, Department of Family Medicine, University at Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Monika Wozniak
- Primary Care Research Institute, Department of Family Medicine, University at Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Bonnie M. Vest
- Primary Care Research Institute, Department of Family Medicine, University at Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Cheryll Moore
- Erie County Department of Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
176
|
Nielsen S, McAuley A. Etizolam: A rapid review on pharmacology, non‐medical use and harms. Drug Alcohol Rev 2020; 39:330-336. [DOI: 10.1111/dar.13052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Nielsen
- Monash Addiction Research CentreMonash University Melbourne Australia
| | - Andrew McAuley
- School of Health and Life SciencesGlasgow Caledonian University Glasgow UK
| |
Collapse
|
177
|
Luethi D, Liechti ME. Designer drugs: mechanism of action and adverse effects. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:1085-1133. [PMID: 32249347 PMCID: PMC7225206 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02693-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Psychoactive substances with chemical structures or pharmacological profiles that are similar to traditional drugs of abuse continue to emerge on the recreational drug market. Internet vendors may at least temporarily sell these so-called designer drugs without adhering to legal statutes or facing legal consequences. Overall, the mechanism of action and adverse effects of designer drugs are similar to traditional drugs of abuse. Stimulants, such as amphetamines and cathinones, primarily interact with monoamine transporters and mostly induce sympathomimetic adverse effects. Agonism at μ-opioid receptors and γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) or GABAB receptors mediates the pharmacological effects of sedatives, which may induce cardiorespiratory depression. Dissociative designer drugs primarily act as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists and pose similar health risks as the medically approved dissociative anesthetic ketamine. The cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor is thought to drive the psychoactive effects of synthetic cannabinoids, which are associated with a less desirable effect profile and more severe adverse effects compared with cannabis. Serotonergic 5-hydroxytryptamine-2A (5-HT2A) receptors mediate alterations of perception and cognition that are induced by serotonergic psychedelics. Because of their novelty, designer drugs may remain undetected by routine drug screening, thus hampering evaluations of adverse effects. Intoxication reports suggest that several designer drugs are used concurrently, posing a high risk for severe adverse effects and even death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dino Luethi
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Strasse 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Institute of Applied Physics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060, Vienna, Austria.
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Schanzenstrasse 55, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Schanzenstrasse 55, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
178
|
Tori ME, Larochelle MR, Naimi TS. Alcohol or Benzodiazepine Co-involvement With Opioid Overdose Deaths in the United States, 1999-2017. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e202361. [PMID: 32271389 PMCID: PMC7146101 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.2361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The use of benzodiazepines or alcohol together with opioids increases overdose risk, but characterization of co-involvement by predominant opioid subtype is incomplete to date. Understanding the use of respiratory depressants in opioid overdose deaths (OODs) is important for prevention efforts and policy making. OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence and number of alcohol- or benzodiazepine-involved OODs by opioid subtypes in the United States from 1999 to 2017. DESIGN AND SETTING This repeated cross-sectional analysis used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) database of all opioid-involved poisoning deaths from January 1, 1999, to December 31, 2017, for the United States. State-level binge drinking prevalence rates for 2015 to 2017 were obtained from the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and benzodiazepine prescribing rates for 2012 (most recent available data) were obtained from IMS Health, a commercial database. Data were analyzed from July 10, 2018, to May 16, 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Prevalence of alcohol or benzodiazepine co-involvement for all OODs and by opioid subtype, nationally and by state. RESULTS From 1999 to 2017, 399 230 poisoning deaths involved opioids, of which 263 601 (66.0%) were male, and 204 560 (51.2%) were aged 35 to 54 years. Alcohol co-involvement for all opioid overdose deaths increased nonlinearly from 12.4% in 1999 to 14.7% in 2017. By opioid subtype, deaths involving heroin and synthetic opioids (eg, fentanyl; excluding methadone) had the highest alcohol co-involvement at 15.5% and 14.9%, respectively, in 2017. Benzodiazepine co-involvement in all OODs increased nonlinearly from 8.7% in 1999 to 21.0% in 2017. Benzodiazepines were present in 33.1% of prescription OODs and 17.1% of synthetic OODs in 2017. State-level rates of binge drinking were significantly correlated with alcohol co-involvement in all OODs (r = 0.34; P = .02). State benzodiazepine prescribing rates were significantly correlated with benzodiazepine co-involvement in all OODs (r = 0.57; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study found that alcohol and benzodiazepine co-involvement in opioid-involved overdose deaths was common, varied by opioid subtype, and was associated with state-level binge drinking and benzodiazepine prescribing rates. These results may inform state policy initiatives in harm reduction and overdose prevention efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco E. Tori
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marc R. Larochelle
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Timothy S. Naimi
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
179
|
Emergency Department Visits Attributed to Adverse Events Involving Benzodiazepines, 2016-2017. Am J Prev Med 2020; 58:526-535. [PMID: 32089287 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2019.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Characterization of emergency department visits attributed to adverse events involving benzodiazepines can be used to guide preventive interventions. This study describes U.S. emergency department visits attributed to adverse events involving benzodiazepines by intent, patient characteristics, and clinical manifestations. METHODS Data from the 2016-2017 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-Cooperative Adverse Drug Event Surveillance project were analyzed in 2019 to calculate estimated annual numbers and rates of emergency department visits attributed to adverse events involving benzodiazepines, by intent of benzodiazepine use. RESULTS Based on 6,148 cases, there were an estimated 212,770 (95% CI=167,163, 258,377) emergency department visits annually attributed to adverse events involving benzodiazepines. More than half were visits involving nonmedical use of benzodiazepines (119,008; 55.9%, 95% CI=50.0%, 61.9%), one third were visits involving self-harm with benzodiazepines (64,721; 30.4%, 95% CI=25.6%, 35.2%), and a smaller proportion of visits involved therapeutic use of benzodiazepines (29,041; 13.6%, 95% CI=11.4%, 15.9%). The estimated population rate of visits was highest for nonmedical use of benzodiazepines by patients aged 15-34 years (7.4 visits per 10,000 people). Among visits involving nonmedical use of benzodiazepines, 54.8% (95% CI=49.8%, 59.8%) were made by patients aged 15-34 years, 82.7% (95% CI=80.1%, 85.4%) involved concurrent use of other substances (illicit drugs, alcohol, prescription opioids, and/or other pharmaceuticals), and 24.2% (95% CI=17.7%, 30.6%) involved cardiorespiratory arrest or unresponsiveness. CONCLUSIONS These findings support recommendations to assess for and address substance use disorder before initiating or continuing benzodiazepines and reinforce the need for validated self-harm risk assessment tools for clinicians.
Collapse
|
180
|
Li Y, Delcher C, Wei YJJ, Reisfield GM, Brown JD, Tighe P, Winterstein AG. Risk of Opioid Overdose Associated With Concomitant Use of Opioids and Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2020; 108:81-89. [PMID: 32022906 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.1807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The recent opioid prescribing guideline cautions about the concomitant prescribing of opioids and skeletal muscle relaxants (SMRs) given the additive central nervous system depressant effect. However, the clinical relevance remains unclear. In this retrospective cohort study, we compared the risk of opioid overdose associated with concomitant use of opioids and SMRs vs. opioid use alone. Adjusted hazard ratios were 1.09 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74-1.62) and 1.26 (95% CI, 1.00-1.58) in the incident and prevalent opioid user cohorts, respectively, generating a combined estimate of 1.21 (95% CI, 1.00-1.48). This risk seemed to increase with treatment duration (≤ 14 days: 0.91 and 95% CI, 0.67-1.22; 15-60 days: 1.37 and 95% CI, 0.81-2.37; >60 days: 1.80 and 95% CI, 1.30-2.48) and for baclofen (1.83 and 95% CI, 1.11-3.04) and carisoprodol (1.84 and 95% CI, 1.34-2.54). Concomitant users with daily opioid dose ≥50 mg (1.50 and 95% CI, 1.18-1.92) and benzodiazepine use (1.39 and 95% CI, 1.08-1.79) also had elevated risk. Clinicians should be cautious about these potentially unsafe practices to optimize pain care and improve patient safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Chris Delcher
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, Department of Pharmacy Practice & Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Yu-Jung Jenny Wei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Gary M Reisfield
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Joshua D Brown
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Patrick Tighe
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Almut G Winterstein
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions & College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
181
|
Wen X, Kogut S, Aroke H, Taylor L, Matteson KA. Chronic opioid use in women following hysterectomy: Patterns and predictors. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2020; 29:493-503. [PMID: 32102109 DOI: 10.1002/pds.4972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most women are prescribed an opioid after hysterectomy. The goal of this study was to determine the association between initial opioid prescribing characteristics and chronic opioid use after hysterectomy. METHODS This study included women enrolled in a commercial health plan who had a hysterectomy between 1 July 2010 and 31 March 2015. We used trajectory models to define chronic opioid use as patients with the highest probability of having an opioid prescription filled during the 6 months post-surgery. A multivariable logistic regression was applied to examine the association between initial opioid dispensing (amount prescribed and duration of treatment) and chronic opioid use after adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS A total of 693 of 50 127 (1.38%) opioid-naïve women met the criteria for chronic opioid use following hysterectomy. The baseline variables and initial opioid prescription characteristics predicted the pattern of long-term opioid use with moderate discrimination (c statistic = 0.70). Significant predictors of chronic opioid use included initial opioid daily dose (≥60 MME vs <40 MME, aOR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.14-1.79) and days' supply (4-7 days vs 1-3 days, aOR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.06-1.54; ≥8 days vs 1-3 days, aOR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.05-1.89). Other significant baseline predictors included older age, abdominal or laparoscopic/robotic hysterectomy, tobacco use, psychiatric medication use, back pain, and headache. CONCLUSION Initial opioid prescribing characteristics are associated with the risk of chronic opioid use after hysterectomy. Prescribing lower daily doses and shorter days' supply of opioids to women after hysterectomy may result in lower risk of chronic opioid use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuerong Wen
- Health Outcomes Research, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island
| | - Stephen Kogut
- Health Outcomes Research, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island
| | - Hilary Aroke
- Health Outcomes Research, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island
| | - Lynn Taylor
- Health Outcomes Research, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island
| | - Kristen A Matteson
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women & Infants Hospital and the Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| |
Collapse
|
182
|
Terrett G, Mercuri K, Pizarro-Campagna E, Hugrass L, Curran HV, Henry JD, Rendell PG. Social cognition impairments in long-term opiate users in treatment. J Psychopharmacol 2020; 34:254-263. [PMID: 31556782 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119875981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term opiate users experience pervasive social difficulties, but there has been surprisingly limited research focused on social-cognitive functioning in this population. AIM The aim of this study was to investigate whether three important aspects of social cognition (facial emotion recognition, theory of mind (ToM) and rapid facial mimicry) differ between long-term opiate users and healthy controls. METHODS The participants were 25 long-term opiate users who were enrolled in opiate substitution programmes, and 25 healthy controls. Facial emotion recognition accuracy was indexed by responses to 60 photographs of faces depicting the six basic emotions (happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise and disgust). ToM was assessed using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes task, which requires participants to infer mental states of others from partial facial cues. Rapid facial mimicry was assessed by recording activity in the zygomaticus major and corrugator supercilii muscle regions while participants passively viewed images of happy and angry facial expressions. RESULTS Relative to the control group, the opiate user group exhibited deficits in both facial emotion recognition and ToM. Moreover, only control participants exhibited typical rapid facial mimicry responses to happy facial expressions. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that long-term opiate users exhibit abnormalities in three distinct areas of social-cognitive processing, pointing to the need for additional work to establish how social-cognitive functioning relates to functional outcomes in this group. Such work may ultimately inform the development of interventions aimed at improving treatment outcomes for long-term opiate users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gill Terrett
- Cognition and Emotion Research Centre, School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Kimberly Mercuri
- Cognition and Emotion Research Centre, School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Pizarro-Campagna
- Cognition and Emotion Research Centre, School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Laila Hugrass
- Cognition and Emotion Research Centre, School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - H Valerie Curran
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Julie D Henry
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter G Rendell
- Cognition and Emotion Research Centre, School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
183
|
Higgins C, Smith BH, Matthews K. Comparison of psychiatric comorbidity in treatment-seeking, opioid-dependent patients with versus without chronic pain. Addiction 2020; 115:249-258. [PMID: 31386238 DOI: 10.1111/add.14768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIM To compare psychiatric morbidity in treatment-seeking, opioid-dependent patients with versus without chronic pain. DESIGN A retrospective comparative cohort design was used involving record linkage from routinely collected, nationally held data sets. Data were managed within a Scottish Government-certified Safe Haven. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Participants comprised all patients of an NHS Substance Misuse Service in the East of Scotland (n = 467) who were in treatment during 2005 and had been in treatment for varying lengths of time. Their mean age at study inception was 35.0 years in the chronic pain group and 32.1 years; 68% of the chronic pain group and 74% of the no pain group were male. MEASUREMENTS The outcomes were (a) psychiatric comorbidity assessed at study inception using the 28-item General Health Questionnaire and the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure and (b) receipt of at least one prescription for a psychiatric condition during a 5-year period following study inception. The independent variable was chronic pain measured at study inception using the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form. FINDINGS A total of 246 (52.7%) reported chronic pain and 221 (47.3%) did not. A higher proportion of patients with chronic pain had at least one psychiatric morbidity (62.4 versus 46.3%, P < 0.001). At the study inception, a higher proportion of patients with chronic pain were prescribed anxiolytics (49.0 versus 39.1%, P = 0.015) and antimanic drugs (9.9 compared with 4.9%, P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS Patients of opioid treatment services in Scotland who report chronic pain may have a higher prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity than those who do not.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassie Higgins
- Division of Neuroscience, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Blair H Smith
- Division of Population Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Way, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Keith Matthews
- Division of Neuroscience, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| |
Collapse
|
184
|
Gormley MA, Blondino CT, Taylor DDH, Lowery E, Clifford JS, Burkart B, Graves WC, Prom-Wormley EC, Lu J. Assessment of Co-Occurring Substance Use During Opiate Treatment Programs in the United States. Epidemiol Rev 2020; 42:79-102. [PMID: 33063108 DOI: 10.1093/epirev/mxaa009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of opiate treatment programs (OTPs) can be significantly influenced by co-occurring substance use, yet there are no standardized guidelines for assessing the influence of co-occurring substance use on treatment outcomes. In this review, we aim to provide an overview on the status of the assessment of co-occurring substance use during participation in OTPs in the United States. We searched 4 databases-MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL)-from database inception to November 2018 to select relevant publications on OTPs that assessed participants' co-occurring substance use. We used a standardized protocol to extract study, intervention, and co-occurring substance use characteristics. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Of the 3,219 titles screened, 614 abstracts and 191 full-text original publications were assessed, leaving 85 eligible articles. Co-occurring substance use was most often assessed during opioid treatments using combined (pharmacological and behavioral) (n = 57 studies) and pharmacological (n = 25 studies) interventions. Cocaine, alcohol, marijuana, and benzodiazepines were frequently measured, while amphetamines and tobacco were rarely assessed. Great variation existed between studies in the timing and measurement of co-occurring substance use, as well as definitions for substances and polysubstance/polydrug use. Inconsistencies in the investigation of co-occurring substance use make comparison of results across studies challenging. Standardized measures and consensus on research on co-occurring substance use is needed to produce the evidence required to develop personalized treatment programs for persons using multiple substances and to inform best-practice guidelines for addressing polydrug use during participation in OTPs.
Collapse
|
185
|
Zhong S, Yu R, Fazel S. Drug Use Disorders and Violence: Associations With Individual Drug Categories. Epidemiol Rev 2020; 42:103-116. [PMID: 33005950 PMCID: PMC7879597 DOI: 10.1093/epirev/mxaa006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review that examined the link between individual drug categories and violent outcomes. We searched for primary case-control and cohort investigations that reported risk of violence against others among individuals diagnosed with drug use disorders using validated clinical criteria, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. We identified 18 studies published during 1990–2019, reporting data from 591,411 individuals with drug use disorders. We reported odds ratios of the violence risk in different categories of drug use disorders compared with those without. We found odds ratios ranging from 0.8 to 25.0 for most individual drug categories, with generally higher odds ratios among individuals with polydrug use disorders. In addition, we explored sources of between-study heterogeneity by subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Cohort investigations reported a lower risk of violence than case-control reports (odds ratio = 2.7 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.1, 3.5) vs. 6.6 (95% CI: 5.1, 8.6)), and associations were stronger when the outcome was any violence rather than intimate partner violence (odds ratio = 5.7 (95% CI: 3.8, 8.6) vs. 1.7 (95% CI: 1.4, 2.1)), which was consistent with results from the meta-regression. Overall, these findings highlight the potential impact of preventing and treating drug use disorders on reducing violence risk and associated morbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Seena Fazel
- Correspondence to Dr. Seena Fazel, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, Oxford, United Kingdom (e-mail: )
| |
Collapse
|
186
|
Ji B, Liu S, Xue Y, He X, Man VH, Xie XQ, Wang J. Prediction of Drug-Drug Interactions Between Opioids and Overdosed Benzodiazepines Using Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Modeling and Simulation. Drugs R D 2020; 19:297-305. [PMID: 31482303 PMCID: PMC6738369 DOI: 10.1007/s40268-019-00282-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Researchers have long been interested in the potential drug–drug interactions (DDIs) between opioids and benzodiazepines. However, much remains unknown concerning the interactions between these two drug classes. The objective of this work is to study the mechanism underlying the DDIs between opioids and benzodiazepines from the perspective of their pharmacokinetic (PK) interactions. A PK interaction occurs when two drugs are metabolized by the same cytochrome P450 enzymes and is one of the most common reasons for DDIs. Methods We quantitatively predicted the DDIs between three opioids (fentanyl, oxycodone and buprenorphine) and four benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam, midazolam and triazolam) using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling approach. A set of PBPK models was first constructed for these common opioids and benzodiazepines using SimCYP software, and the DDIs between them were then explored at various dosages. Results Our simulation results suggested there were no PK interactions between normal doses of opioids and benzodiazepines; but weak interactions can be expected with the combination of opioids and overdosed benzodiazepines. Particular attention should be given to the combination of fentanyl and overdosed alprazolam since a PK interaction can be observed between them. Conclusion Our results appear to indicate that pharmacodynamics may play a more important role than PKs in causing DDIs between opioids and benzodiazepines. This study also demonstrated that molecular modeling can be a very useful tool to mitigate the problem of “missing metabolic reaction parameters” in PK modeling and simulation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s40268-019-00282-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beihong Ji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Terrace, St Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Shuhan Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Terrace, St Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Ying Xue
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Terrace, St Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Xibing He
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Terrace, St Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Viet Hoang Man
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Terrace, St Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Xiang-Qun Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Terrace, St Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Junmei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Terrace, St Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| |
Collapse
|
187
|
Pregnane steroidogenesis is altered by HIV-1 Tat and morphine: Physiological allopregnanolone is protective against neurotoxic and psychomotor effects. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 12:100211. [PMID: 32258256 PMCID: PMC7109513 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnane steroids, particularly allopregnanolone (AlloP), are neuroprotective in response to central insult. While unexplored in vivo, AlloP may confer protection against the neurological dysfunction associated with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The HIV-1 regulatory protein, trans-activator of transcription (Tat), is neurotoxic and its expression in mice increases anxiety-like behavior; an effect that can be ameliorated by progesterone, but not when 5α-reduction is blocked. Given that Tat's neurotoxic effects involve mitochondrial dysfunction and can be worsened with opioid exposure, we hypothesized that Tat and/or combined morphine would perturb steroidogenesis in mice, promoting neuronal death, and that exogenous AlloP would rescue these effects. Like other models of neural injury, conditionally inducing HIV-1 Tat in transgenic mice significantly increased the central synthesis of pregnenolone and progesterone's 5α-reduced metabolites, including AlloP, while decreasing central deoxycorticosterone (independent of changes in plasma). Morphine significantly increased brain and plasma concentrations of several steroids (including progesterone, deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, and their metabolites) likely via activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress axis. Tat, but not morphine, caused glucocorticoid resistance in primary splenocytes. In neurons, Tat depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential and increased cell death. Physiological concentrations of AlloP (0.1, 1, or 10 nM) reversed these effects. High-concentration AlloP (100 nM) was neurotoxic in combination with morphine. Tat induction in transgenic mice potentiated the psychomotor effects of acute morphine, while exogenous AlloP (1.0 mg/kg, but not 0.5 mg/kg) was ameliorative. Data demonstrate that steroidogenesis is altered by HIV-1 Tat or morphine and that physiological AlloP attenuates resulting neurotoxic and psychomotor effects.
Collapse
|
188
|
Xu L, Chockalingam A, Stewart S, Shea K, Matta MK, Narayanasamy S, Pilli NR, Volpe DA, Weaver J, Zhu H, Davis MC, Rouse R. Developing an animal model to detect drug-drug interactions impacting drug-induced respiratory depression. Toxicol Rep 2020; 7:188-197. [PMID: 32021808 PMCID: PMC6994827 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids and benzodiazepines were frequently co-prescribed to patients with pain and psychiatric or neurological disorders; however, co-prescription of these drugs increased the risk for severe respiratory depression and death. Consequently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration added boxed label warnings describing this risk for all opioids and benzodiazepines. Sedating psychotropic drugs with differing mechanisms of action (e.g., antipsychotics, antidepressants, non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics, etc.) may be increasingly prescribed in place of benzodiazepines. Despite being marketed for years, many sedating psychotropic drugs have neither human nor animal data that quantify or qualify the potential for causing respiratory depression, either alone or in combination with an opioid. In this study, diazepam was selected as the benzodiazepine to detect any additive or synergistic effects on respiratory depression caused by the opioid, oxycodone. Pharmacokinetic studies were conducted at three doses with oxycodone (6.75, 60, 150 mg/kg) and with diazepam (2, 20, 200 mg/kg). Dose dependent decrease in arterial partial pressure of oxygen and increase in arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide were observed with oxycodone. Diazepam caused similar partial pressure changes only at the highest dose. Further decreases in arterial partial pressure of oxygen and increases in arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide consistent with exacerbated respiratory depression were observed in rats co-administered oxycodone 150 mg/kg and diazepam 20 mg/kg. These findings confirm previous literature reports of exacerbated opioid-induced respiratory depression with benzodiazepine and opioid co-administration and support the utility of this animal model for assessing opioid-induced respiratory depression and its potential exacerbation by co-administered drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xu
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Ashok Chockalingam
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Sharron Stewart
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Katherine Shea
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Murali K. Matta
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Suresh Narayanasamy
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Nageswara R. Pilli
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Donna A. Volpe
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - James Weaver
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Hao Zhu
- Division of Pharmacometrics, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael C. Davis
- Division of Psychiatry Products, Office of Drug Evaluation I, Office of New Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Rodney Rouse
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
189
|
Abstract
Developing effective analgesics with fewer unwanted side effects is a pressing concern. Due to a lack of effective nonopioid options currently available, an alternative approach termed opioid-sparing evaluates the ability of a coadministered drug to reduce the amount of opioid needed to produce an antinociceptive effect. Opioids and benzodiazepines are often coprescribed. Although this approach is theoretically rational given the prevalent comorbidity of chronic pain and anxiety, it also has inherent risks of respiratory depression, which is likely responsible for the substantial percentage of fatal opioid overdoses that have involved benzodiazepines. Moreover, there have been no clinical trials to support the effectiveness of this drug combination nor has there been corroborative preclinical evidence using traditional animal models of nociception. The present studies examined the prescription µ-opioid analgesic oxycodone (0.003-0.1 mg/kg) and the prototypical benzodiazepine anxiolytic diazepam (0.03-1.0 mg/kg), alone and in combination, using an animal model of pain that examines the restoration of conflict-related operant behavior as evidence of analgesia. Results documented significant dose-related increases in thermal threshold following oxycodone treatment. Diazepam treatment alone did not produce significant antinociception. In combination, diazepam pretreatment shifted oxycodone functions upward in a dose-dependent manner, but the additive effects were limited to a narrow dose range. In addition, combinations of diazepam and oxycodone at higher doses abolished responding. Taken together, though intriguing, these findings do not provide sufficient evidence that coadministration of an anxiolytic will result in clinically relevant opioid-sparing for pain management, especially when considering the inherent risks of this drug class combination.
Collapse
|
190
|
Milani SA, Lloyd SL, Serdarevic M, Cottler LB, Striley CW. Gender differences in diversion among non-medical users of prescription opioids and sedatives. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2020; 46:340-347. [PMID: 31935131 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2019.1708086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-medical use of prescription drugs is a major public health concern in the United States. Prescription opioids and sedatives are among the most widely abused drugs and their combined use can be lethal. Increasingly rigid prescribing guidelines may contribute to the changing context of opioid use and increase drug diversion. OBJECTIVE To examine gender differences in diversion of prescription opioids and sedatives among non-medical prescription opioid and sedative polysubstance users. We hypothesize that men will be more likely than women to engage in incoming diversion. METHODS Data from the Prescription Drug Abuse, Misuse, and Dependence Study, a cross-sectional study focused on prescription drug users, were analyzed. Non-medical use was defined as use of a drug that was not prescribed or use in a way other than prescribed. Individuals who reported past 12-month non-medical opioid and sedative use were included; diversion was defined as incoming (obtaining drugs from a source other than a health professional) and outgoing (giving away/selling/trading prescription drugs). RESULTS Among the 198 polysubstance users, 41.4% were female. Men were 2.85 times as likely as women to report incoming diversion (95% CI: 1.21-6.72). Women were more likely to obtain opioids from a healthcare professional; men were more likely to obtain sedatives from a roommate, coworker, or friend. Over half of men and women reported outgoing diversion opioids or sedatives. CONCLUSION Drug diversion highlights an important point of intervention. Current prevention efforts that target prescribers should be expanded to include users and diversion activities; these interventions should be gender-specific.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Arefi Milani
- Sealy Center on Aging, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Shawnta L Lloyd
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Medicine and College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida , Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Linda B Cottler
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Medicine and College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida , Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Catherine Woodstock Striley
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Medicine and College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida , Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
191
|
Andersson L, Håkansson A, Krantz P, Johnson B. Investigating opioid-related fatalities in southern Sweden: contact with care-providing authorities and comparison of substances. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:5. [PMID: 31918732 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-019-0354-y.pmid:31918732;pmcid:pmc6953255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid-related deaths have increased in Western countries over recent decades. Despite numerous studies investigating opioid-related mortality, only a few have focused on the lives of the deceased individuals prior to their deaths, specifically regarding contact with care-providing authorities such as health, social and correctional services. Furthermore, a change has been noted in the last two decades as to which opioids cause most deaths, from heroin to prescription opioids. However, studies comparing fatalities caused by different substances are rare. The aim of this study was to investigate contact with care-providing authorities during the year prior to death among individuals who died as a result of opioid intoxication and to analyse differences relating to which opioids caused their deaths. METHODS The study is based on retrospective register data and includes 180 individuals with a history of illicit drug use, who died from opioid intoxication in Skåne, Sweden, between 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2013 and 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2016. Intoxications caused by heroin, methadone, buprenorphine and fentanyl were included. Data were collected from the National Board of Forensic Medicine, regional health care services, municipal social services and the Prison and Probation Service. Statistical testing was performed using Pearson's chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and the Mann-Whitney U test to analyse group differences. RESULTS A total of 89% of the deceased individuals had been in contact with one or more of the care-providing authorities during the year prior to death; 75% had been in contact with health care, 69% with the social services, 28% with the Prison and Probation Service, and 23% had been enrolled in opioid substitution treatment at some point during their final year of life. Few differences appeared between the substance groups with regard to which opioid contributed to the death. In addition to opioids, sedatives were present in more than 80% of the cases. Individuals whose deaths were buprenorphine-related had been in contact with the social services to a significantly lesser extent during the year prior to death. CONCLUSIONS The studied population is characterised by extensive contact with care-providing authorities, thus providing numerous opportunities for authorities to reach this group with preventive and other interventions. Few differences emerged between groups with regard to which opioid had contributed to the death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Andersson
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Anders Håkansson
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Malmö Addiction Centre, Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Peter Krantz
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Forensic Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Björn Johnson
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
192
|
Andersson L, Håkansson A, Krantz P, Johnson B. Investigating opioid-related fatalities in southern Sweden: contact with care-providing authorities and comparison of substances. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:5. [PMID: 31918732 PMCID: PMC6953255 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-019-0354-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Opioid-related deaths have increased in Western countries over recent decades. Despite numerous studies investigating opioid-related mortality, only a few have focused on the lives of the deceased individuals prior to their deaths, specifically regarding contact with care-providing authorities such as health, social and correctional services. Furthermore, a change has been noted in the last two decades as to which opioids cause most deaths, from heroin to prescription opioids. However, studies comparing fatalities caused by different substances are rare. The aim of this study was to investigate contact with care-providing authorities during the year prior to death among individuals who died as a result of opioid intoxication and to analyse differences relating to which opioids caused their deaths. Methods The study is based on retrospective register data and includes 180 individuals with a history of illicit drug use, who died from opioid intoxication in Skåne, Sweden, between 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2013 and 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2016. Intoxications caused by heroin, methadone, buprenorphine and fentanyl were included. Data were collected from the National Board of Forensic Medicine, regional health care services, municipal social services and the Prison and Probation Service. Statistical testing was performed using Pearson’s chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test and the Mann-Whitney U test to analyse group differences. Results A total of 89% of the deceased individuals had been in contact with one or more of the care-providing authorities during the year prior to death; 75% had been in contact with health care, 69% with the social services, 28% with the Prison and Probation Service, and 23% had been enrolled in opioid substitution treatment at some point during their final year of life. Few differences appeared between the substance groups with regard to which opioid contributed to the death. In addition to opioids, sedatives were present in more than 80% of the cases. Individuals whose deaths were buprenorphine-related had been in contact with the social services to a significantly lesser extent during the year prior to death. Conclusions The studied population is characterised by extensive contact with care-providing authorities, thus providing numerous opportunities for authorities to reach this group with preventive and other interventions. Few differences emerged between groups with regard to which opioid had contributed to the death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Andersson
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Anders Håkansson
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Malmö Addiction Centre, Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Peter Krantz
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Forensic Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Björn Johnson
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
193
|
Golladay M, Donner K, Nechuta S. Using statewide death certificate data to understand trends and characteristics of polydrug overdose deaths in Tennessee, 2013–2017. Ann Epidemiol 2020; 41:43-48.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
|
194
|
Pilli NR, Narayanasamy S, Xu L, Chockalingam A, Shea KI, Stewart S, Rouse R, Patel V, Matta MK. A high-throughput bioanalytical assay to support pharmacokinetic interaction study of oxycodone and diazepam in Sprague Dawley rats. RSC Adv 2020; 10:886-896. [PMID: 35494453 PMCID: PMC9047970 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra05785d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepines potentiate respiratory depression when combined with an opioid leading the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recommend updating the labels of these products with a boxed warning for respiratory depression with co-use. Potential respiratory depression upon co-administration of opioids with some psychotropic drugs is not well understood. The FDA is currently investigating various psychotropic drug interactions with the commonly used opioid, oxycodone, in a rat model assessing respiratory depression. Pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) interaction between oxycodone and diazepam was evaluated in a positive control arm of these experiments. Understanding the systemic exposure of these drugs alone and in combination exposures was used to identify PK/PD interactions. The authors developed a simple, high throughput liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) assay for the simultaneous determination of oxycodone and diazepam in rat plasma. Sample preparation was performed in 96-well protein precipitation plates using acetonitrile. Processed samples were analyzed using a C18 column with a gradient mobile phase composed of 2 mM aqueous ammonium formate with 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile. A Thermo TSQ Quantum Ultra AM triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was used to acquire data. The method was validated for selectivity, specificity, linearity, precision and accuracy, dilution integrity and stability. The validated LC-MS/MS assay was utilized for quantifying oxycodone and diazepam in concomitantly treated Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. A high-throughput bioanalytical method for the simulataneous determination of oxycodone and diazepam to support the evaluation of respiratory depression in rats upon co-administration of oxycodone and diazepam.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nageswara R. Pilli
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology
- Office of Translational Sciences
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
- Food and Drug Administration
| | - Suresh Narayanasamy
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology
- Office of Translational Sciences
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
- Food and Drug Administration
| | - Lin Xu
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology
- Office of Translational Sciences
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
- Food and Drug Administration
| | - Ashok Chockalingam
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology
- Office of Translational Sciences
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
- Food and Drug Administration
| | - Katherine I. Shea
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology
- Office of Translational Sciences
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
- Food and Drug Administration
| | - Sharron Stewart
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology
- Office of Translational Sciences
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
- Food and Drug Administration
| | - Rodney Rouse
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology
- Office of Translational Sciences
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
- Food and Drug Administration
| | - Vikram Patel
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology
- Office of Translational Sciences
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
- Food and Drug Administration
| | - Murali K. Matta
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology
- Office of Translational Sciences
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
- Food and Drug Administration
| |
Collapse
|
195
|
Orsolini L, Corkery JM, Chiappini S, Guirguis A, Vento A, De Berardis D, Papanti D, Schifano F. 'New/Designer Benzodiazepines': An Analysis of the Literature and Psychonauts' Trip Reports. Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 18:809-837. [PMID: 31933443 PMCID: PMC7569319 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666200110121333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NPS belonging to the benzodiazepine (BZD) class, e.g., 'legal/designer BZDs'/'research chemicals', have recently emerged in the drug (mainly online/virtual) market. OBJECTIVE While certain NPS belonging to the BZD class possess pharmacological profiles similar to controlled pharmaceutical BZDs, clinical and pharmacological profiles of current emerging BZDs are still not well-described. Therefore, there is a need to increase clinicians'/public health knowledge/awareness, to incentive harm reduction strategies. METHOD A comprehensive overview was carried out by using the EMCDDA/EDND database regularly monitored by our research team, by specifically looking at the 'new BZDs' so far notified. Furthermore, given the limitation of peer-reviewed data published so far, a nonparticipant multilingual qualitative netnographic study was conducted to obtain further clinical/pharmacological/ toxicological data, including psychonauts' online trip reports. RESULTS First designer BZDs appeared as NPS around 2007. So far, 29 designer BZDs have been notified to the EMCDDA, being some of them extremely powerful, also at lower dosages. They are sold as tablets/powder/pellets/capsules/blotters/liquids, at very affordable prices, and variably administered. Some are also sold on the illicit drugmarket as counterfeit forms of traditional BZDs or as either adulterants or diluents in heroin or other synthetic opioids/cannabinoids. Nowadays, there is no guarantee of the quality of designer BZDs composition/purification and, hence, most NPS consumers may be inadvertently exposed to unsafe and harmful compounds. CONCLUSION Given the limited information on their pharmacology/toxicity, variations in dosage, onset of effects, combination of substances, potency, and general patient or individual variability, the concomitant use of these substances with other drugs entails several and unpredictable risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Orsolini
- Address correspondence to this author at the Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, Herts, UK; Villa Jolanda Hospital, Neomesia Mental Health, Villa Jolanda, Italy; Polyedra, Teramo, Italy; Tel: (+39) 392 3244643; E-mail:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
196
|
Roseen EJ, Gerlovin H, Femia A, Cho J, Bertisch S, Redline S, Sherman KJ, Saper R. Yoga, Physical Therapy, and Back Pain Education for Sleep Quality in Low-Income Racially Diverse Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: a Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:167-176. [PMID: 31667747 PMCID: PMC6957649 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-05329-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor sleep is common among adults with chronic low back pain (cLBP), but the influence of cLBP treatments, such as yoga and physical therapy (PT), on sleep quality is under studied. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the effectiveness of yoga and PT for improving sleep quality in adults with cLBP. DESIGN Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. SETTING Academic safety-net hospital and 7 affiliated community health centers. PARTICIPANTS A total of 320 adults with cLBP. INTERVENTION Twelve weekly yoga classes, 1-on-1 PT sessions, or an educational book. MAIN MEASURES Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global score (0-21) at baseline, 12 weeks, and 52 weeks. Additionally, we also evaluated how the proportion of participants who achieved a clinically meaningful improvement in sleep quality (> 3-point reduction in PSQI) at 12 weeks varied by changes in pain and physical function at 6 weeks. KEY RESULTS Among participants (mean age = 46.0, 64% female, 82% non-white), nearly all (92%) reported poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5) at baseline. At 12 weeks, modest improvements in sleep quality were observed among the yoga (PSQI mean difference [MD] = - 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 1.82, - 0.55) and PT (PSQI MD = - 0.91, 95% CI - 1.61, - 0.20) groups. Participants who reported a ≥ 30% improvement in pain or physical function at 6 weeks, compared with those who improved < 10%, were more likely to be a sleep quality responder at 12 weeks (odds ratio [OR] = 3.51, 95% CI 1.73, 7.11 and OR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.18, 3.95, respectively). Results were similar at 52 weeks. CONCLUSION In a sample of adults with cLBP, virtually all with poor sleep quality prior to intervention, modest but statistically significant improvements in sleep quality were observed with both yoga and PT. Irrespective of treatment, clinically important sleep improvements at the end of the intervention were associated with mid-intervention pain and physical function improvements. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01343927.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric J. Roseen
- Department of Family Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA USA
| | - Hanna Gerlovin
- Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Alexandra Femia
- Department of Family Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Jae Cho
- Department of Family Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Suzanne Bertisch
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Susan Redline
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Karen J. Sherman
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Robert Saper
- Department of Family Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
| |
Collapse
|
197
|
Suss T, Oldani M. Little Helpers No More: A Framework for Collaborative Deprescribing of Benzodiazepines in Older Adults. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2020; 58:23-28. [DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20191218-05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
198
|
Co-use of alcohol, tobacco, and licit and illicit controlled substances among pregnant and non-pregnant women in the United States: Findings from 2006 to 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 206:107729. [PMID: 31760250 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use, misuse and co-use of alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and other licit and illicit controlled substances has increased in past decades leading to higher rates of morbidity, overdose, and mortality in women of reproductive age. Co-use compounds the adverse health effects of substance use compared to single-use of similar substances. Little is known about the full range of substance combinations used by pregnant and non-pregnant women. We sought to describe patterns of co-use of alcohol, tobacco, and controlled substances, and examine correlates of co-use in a nationally-representative sample of women. METHODS Cross-sectional study using self-reported survey data from 2006 to 2014 for women ages 18-49 years (N = 160,371) in National Survey on Drug Use and Health data. We use weighted proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to report differences in substance use patterns in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Multivariate logistic regression models assessed association between characteristics and type of substance use pattern. RESULTS Prevalence of substance co-use among pregnant women is 5.1% and among non-pregnant women is 23.6%. Nearly all of the most frequent co-use patterns included alcohol, cannabis, or tobacco. Determinants of co-use among pregnant women included: younger age (18-25 years) compared to ≥ 26 years [AOR (95% CI): 1.81 (1.18, 2.80)]; and past year history of substance use [AOR 5.42 (3.59, 8.20)]. CONCLUSIONS Co-use of several substances, including and especially of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis, persists among pregnant women in the United States. Efforts that aim to improve maternal and child health should address the complexity of substance use during pregnancy, including and beyond opioids.
Collapse
|
199
|
Dundas I, Ravnanger K, Binder PE, Stige SH. A Qualitative Study of Use of Mindfulness to Reduce Long-Term Use of Habit-Forming Prescription Drugs. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:493349. [PMID: 33281633 PMCID: PMC7689092 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.493349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to study how participants used a mindfulness-based program-Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention to reduce use of habit-forming prescription drugs after long-term use. We explored participants' descriptions of their post-intervention strategies for controlling medication intake. Method: Eighteen participants provided semi-structured qualitative interviews shortly after completion of the program and 13 participants were also interviewed 1 year after completion. Participants were asked about the conditions that originally led to use of medication, how they had attempted prior to the course to cope with problems associated with these conditions and their prescription drug-use, and whether and how their coping strategies had changed after participation in the program. Thematic analysis was performed within the framework of a realist epistemology, with an emphasis on researcher reflexivity. Results: The following themes were identified in the material: Increased present-moment sensory awareness, Observing without controlling, Self-acceptance, Making conscious choices, Non-judgmental self-guidance, Sense of control, and Challenges of learning and using mindfulness. Although these findings are closely related to the specific needs of our sample-mainly coping with tapering use of prescription drugs-they are largely in line with existing research on mindfulness interventions. An exception is the theme "Non-judgmental self-guidance," which encompasses change in individuals' inner dialogue and practical self-care. Conclusions: Analyses suggested that mindfulness might increase individuals' control over medication intake by shifting individuals' attention toward present-moment sensory awareness of concrete stimuli, thereby facilitating other kinds of control, such as non-judgmental inner self-guidance and more adaptive ways of reducing distress. We suggest that it is the moment-to-moment sensory awareness and non-controlling observation of distress, together with inner self-guidance, that differentiates mindful control from dysfunctional attempts at direct, top down control of medication-use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Dundas
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kari Ravnanger
- KOMPASSET, International Federation of the Blue Cross, Bergen, Norway
| | - Per-Einar Binder
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | |
Collapse
|
200
|
MacNeill L, Brunelle C, DiTommaso E, Skelding B. Client characteristics and substance use patterns in different models of methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2019.1704083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lillian MacNeill
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, Canada
| | - Caroline Brunelle
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, Canada
| | - Enrico DiTommaso
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, Canada
| | - Brittany Skelding
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, Canada
| |
Collapse
|