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Schwieger L, Carpenter JE, Moran TP, Erowid F, Cornelison M, Evans D, Morgan B, Murray BP. Access to, Experience with, and Attitudes towards Take Home Naloxone: An Online Survey. J Community Health 2024; 49:526-534. [PMID: 38127295 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-023-01321-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The opioid public health crisis continues to burden individuals, communities, and economies. Public health opinion has emphasized the need for increased access to harm reduction services, but there is a dearth of information on the views and experiences of people who use opioids. Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence of naloxone use, attitudes, and experiences with naloxone among an online community of people who use drugs. We performed a cross-sectional survey looking at experiences with and attitudes towards take-home naloxone. Data is presented descriptively, with analysis of the differences between people who do and do not use opioids using the χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. There were 1,143 respondents, of whom 70% were from the United States. Only 38% of participants who use opioids had received naloxone training, but 56% of these individuals said that they felt comfortable using a naloxone kit. Nearly all respondents (95%) said they would be willing to use naloxone on someone who had overdosed and approximately 90% would want naloxone used on them in case of an overdose. Regarding harm reduction, 24% of respondents said they had access to safe use programs, and 33% said they had access to clean needle exchange programs. A majority of the participants who use opioids were in favor of having naloxone with them when using drugs and believed naloxone should be freely available. This study demonstrates the receptiveness of take-home naloxone and highlights the need for better implementation of naloxone within communities that use opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tim P Moran
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Dabney Evans
- Emory University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brent Morgan
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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McDonald R, Breidahl S, Abel-Ollo K, Akhtar S, Clausen T, Day E, Kelleher M, McAuley A, Petersen H, Sefranek M, Thiesen H, Strang J. Take-Home Naloxone Kits: Attitudes and Likelihood-Of-Use Outcomes from a European Survey of Potential Overdose Witnesses. Eur Addict Res 2022; 28:220-225. [PMID: 35114666 DOI: 10.1159/000521197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injectable naloxone is already provided as take-home naloxone (THN), and new concentrated intranasal naloxone is now being introduced in Europe. Despite evidence of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of THN, little is known about the attitudes of key target populations: people who use opioids (PWUO), family/friends, and staff. We examined the acceptability of different naloxone devices (ampoule, prefilled syringe, and concentrated nasal spray) across 5 European countries. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare THN target groups (PWUO vs. family/friends vs. staff) in their past rates of witnessed overdose and THN administration (as indicators of future use), current THN device preference, and THN carriage on the day of survey. METHOD Cross-sectional survey of respondents (age ≥18) in addiction treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services in Denmark, England, Estonia, Norway, and Scotland. A purpose-developed questionnaire (59 items) was administered in the local language electronically or in a pen-and-paper format. RESULTS Among n = 725 participants, 458 were PWUO (63.2%), 214 staff (29.5%), and 53 (7.3%) family members. The groups differed significantly in their likelihood-of-future THN use (p < 0.001): PWUO had the highest rate of previously witnessing overdoses (352; 77.7%), and staff members reported the highest past naloxone use (62; 30.1%). Across all groups, most respondents (503; 72.4%) perceived the nasal spray device to be the easiest to use. Most reported willingness to use the spray in an overdose emergency (508; 73.5%), followed by the prefilled syringe (457; 66.2%) and ampoules (64; 38.2%). Average THN carriage was 18.6%, ranging from 17.4% (PWUO) to 29.6% (family members). CONCLUSION Respondents considered the concentrated naloxone nasal spray the easiest device to use. Still, most expressed willingness to use the nasal spray as well as the prefilled syringe in an overdose emergency. Carriage rates were generally low, with fewer than 1 in 5 respondents carrying their THN kit on the day of the survey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca McDonald
- National Addiction Centre, King's College London, London, United Kingdom,
| | - Sibella Breidahl
- National Addiction Centre, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,The University of Adelaide, School of Medicine, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Shabana Akhtar
- Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Clausen
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ed Day
- Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Kelleher
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew McAuley
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,NHS Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Martin Sefranek
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Henrik Thiesen
- Health Team for the Homeless, Center for Marginalized Adults and Families, Copenhagen City Social Services, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Strang
- National Addiction Centre, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Neale J, Farrugia A, Campbell AN, Dietze P, Dwyer R, Fomiatti R, Jones JD, Comer SD, Fraser S, Strang J. UNDERSTANDING PREFERENCES FOR TYPE OF TAKE-HOME NALOXONE DEVICE: INTERNATIONAL QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE VIEWS OF PEOPLE WHO USE OPIOIDS. DRUGS (ABINGDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 29:109-120. [PMID: 35813841 PMCID: PMC9268211 DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2021.1872499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background Take-home naloxone (THN) is provided to non-medically trained people to reverse potential opioid overdoses. There is an increasing range of effective intramuscular (IM) and intranasal (IN) naloxone devices and this paper explores the types preferred by people who use opioids, using consumer behaviour literature to interpret the findings. Methods Data derive from two unconnected qualitative studies involving audio-recorded semi-structured interviews. Study 1 was conducted in the United States (n=21 users of non-medical/illicit opioids). Study 2 was conducted in Australia (n=42 users of non-medical/illicit or prescribed opioids). Findings Most participants preferred IN naloxone. Preferences were based on the ease, speed, safety and comfort of each device and underpinned by accounts of overdose revivals as being very rushed and frightening situations. Preferences related to complex interactions between the naloxone device ('product'); the knowledge, skills, experience and attitudes of the lay responder ('consumer'), and when, where and how naloxone was to be used ('usage situation'). Conclusions THN programs should offer choice of device when possible and nasal naloxone if resources permit. Asking people which devices they prefer and why and treating them as valued consumers of naloxone products can generate insights that improve future naloxone technology and increase THN uptake and usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Neale
- National Addiction Centre, King’s College London, London, UK.,Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Aimee N. Campbell
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Paul Dietze
- Program on Behaviours and Health Risks, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robyn Dwyer
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Renae Fomiatti
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jermaine D. Jones
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
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Neale J, Kalk NJ, Parkin S, Brown C, Brandt L, Campbell ANC, Castillo F, Jones JD, Strang J, Comer SD. Factors associated with withdrawal symptoms and anger among people resuscitated from an opioid overdose by take-home naloxone: Exploratory mixed methods analysis. J Subst Abuse Treat 2020; 117:108099. [PMID: 32811629 PMCID: PMC7491601 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Take-home naloxone (THN) is a clinically effective and cost-effective means of reducing opioid overdose fatality. Nonetheless, naloxone administration that successfully saves a person's life can still produce undesirable and harmful effects. AIM To better understand factors associated with two widely reported adverse outcomes following naloxone administration; namely the person resuscitated displays: i. withdrawal symptoms and ii. anger. METHODS A mixed methods study combining a randomized controlled trial of overdose education and naloxone prescribing to people with opioid use disorder and semi-structured qualitative interviews with trial participants who had responded to an overdose whilst in the trial. All data were collected in New York City (2014-2019). A dataset (comprising demographic, pharmacological, situational, interpersonal, and overdose training related variables) was generated by transforming qualitative interview data from 47 overdose events into dichotomous variables and then combining these with quantitative demographic and overdose training related data from the main trial. Associations between variables within the dataset and reports of: i. withdrawal symptoms and ii. anger were explored using chi-squared tests, t-tests, and logistic regressions. RESULTS A multivariate logistic regression found that people who had overdosed were significantly more likely to display anger if the person resuscitating them criticized, berated or chastised them during resuscitation (adjusted OR = 27 [95% CI = 4.0-295]). In contrast, they were significantly less likely to display anger if the person resuscitating them communicated positively with them (OR = 0.10 [95% CI = 0.01-0.78]). Both positive and negative communication styles were independently associated with anger, and communication was associated with 59% of the variance in anger. There was no evidence that people who displayed withdrawal symptoms were more likely to display anger than those not displaying withdrawal symptoms, and neither displaying withdrawal symptoms nor displaying anger were associated with using more drugs after resuscitation. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to common assumptions, withdrawal symptoms and anger following naloxone administration may be unrelated phenomena. Findings are consistent with previous research that has suggested that a lay responder's positive or reassuring communication style may lessen anger post overdose. Implications for improving THN programmes and naloxone administration are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Neale
- National Addiction Centre, King's College London, 4 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8BB, United Kingdom; Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Camberwell, London, SE5 8AZ, United Kingdom.
| | - Nicola J Kalk
- National Addiction Centre, King's College London, 4 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8BB, United Kingdom; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Camberwell, London, SE5 8AZ, United Kingdom.
| | - Stephen Parkin
- National Addiction Centre, King's College London, 4 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8BB, United Kingdom.
| | - Caral Brown
- National Addiction Centre, King's College London, 4 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8BB, United Kingdom.
| | - Laura Brandt
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 120, New York, NY 10032, United States.
| | - Aimee N C Campbell
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 120, New York, NY 10032, United States.
| | - Felipe Castillo
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 120, New York, NY 10032, United States.
| | - Jermaine D Jones
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 120, New York, NY 10032, United States.
| | - John Strang
- National Addiction Centre, King's College London, 4 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8BB, United Kingdom; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Camberwell, London, SE5 8AZ, United Kingdom.
| | - Sandra D Comer
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 120, New York, NY 10032, United States.
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Take-Home Naloxone for the Emergency Interim Management of Opioid Overdose: The Public Health Application of an Emergency Medicine. Drugs 2020; 79:1395-1418. [PMID: 31352603 PMCID: PMC6728289 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-019-01154-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Naloxone is a well-established essential medicine for the treatment of life-threatening heroin/opioid overdose in emergency medicine. Over two decades, the concept of 'take-home naloxone' has evolved, comprising pre-provision of an emergency supply to laypersons likely to witness an opioid overdose (e.g. peers and family members of people who use opioids as well as non-medical personnel), with the recommendation to administer the naloxone to the overdose victim as interim care while awaiting an ambulance. There is an urgent need for more widespread naloxone access considering the growing problem of opioid overdose deaths, accounting for more than 100,000 deaths worldwide annually. Rises in mortality are particularly sharp in North America, where the ongoing prescription opioid problem is now overlaid with a rapid growth in overdose deaths from heroin and illicit fentanyl. Using opioids alone is dangerous, and the mortality risk is clustered at certain times and contexts, including on prison release and discharge from hospital and residential care. The provision of take-home naloxone has required the introduction of new legislation and new naloxone products. These include pre-filled syringes and auto-injectors and, crucially, new concentrated nasal sprays (four formulations recently approved in different countries) with speed of onset comparable to intramuscular naloxone and relative bioavailability of approximately 40-50%. Choosing the right naloxone dose in the fentanyl era is a matter of ongoing debate, but the safety margin of the approved nasal sprays is superior to improvised nasal kits. New legislation in different countries permits over-the-counter sales or other prescription-free methods of provision. However, access remains uneven with take-home naloxone still not provided in many countries and communities, and with ongoing barriers contributing to implementation inertia. Take-home naloxone is an important component of the response to the global overdose problem, but greater commitment to implementation will be essential, alongside improved affordable products, if a greater impact is to be achieved.
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The prevalence of non-fatal overdose among people who inject drugs: A multi-stage systematic review and meta-analysis. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 73:172-184. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Barré T, Vorspan F, Fortias M, Veyrier M, Cavagna P, Azuar J, Nicolas L, Naccache F, Barreteau H, Bellivier F, Bloch V. Pratique de l’ATU de cohorte de la naloxone intranasale (Nalscue®) : mise en place dans un CSAPA parisien. Therapie 2018; 73:495-500. [DOI: 10.1016/j.therap.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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8
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Langham S, Wright A, Kenworthy J, Grieve R, Dunlop WCN. Cost-Effectiveness of Take-Home Naloxone for the Prevention of Overdose Fatalities among Heroin Users in the United Kingdom. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2018; 21:407-415. [PMID: 29680097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heroin overdose is a major cause of premature death. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that is effective for the reversal of heroin overdose in emergency situations and can be used by nonmedical responders. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to assess the cost-effectiveness of distributing naloxone to adults at risk of heroin overdose for use by nonmedical responders compared with no naloxone distribution in a European healthcare setting (United Kingdom). METHODS A Markov model with an integrated decision tree was developed based on an existing model, using UK data where available. We evaluated an intramuscular naloxone distribution reaching 30% of heroin users. Costs and effects were evaluated over a lifetime and discounted at 3.5%. The results were assessed using deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. RESULTS The model estimated that distribution of intramuscular naloxone, would decrease overdose deaths by around 6.6%. In a population of 200,000 heroin users this equates to the prevention of 2,500 premature deaths at an incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained of £899. The sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results. CONCLUSIONS Our evaluation suggests that the distribution of take-home naloxone decreased overdose deaths by around 6.6% and was cost-effective with an incremental cost per QALY gained well below a £20,000 willingness-to-pay threshold set by UK decision-makers. The model code has been made available to aid future research. Further study is warranted on the impact of different formulations of naloxone on cost-effectiveness and the impact take-home naloxone has on the wider society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Richard Grieve
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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9
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Belackova V, Wilkins C. Consumer agency in cannabis supply - Exploring auto-regulatory documents of the cannabis social clubs in Spain. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 54:26-34. [PMID: 29367012 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing experience with the not-for-profit, consumer-driven cannabis social club (CSC) model that builds on self-supply, self-organization and harm-reduction; these are principles upon which people who use drugs (PWUD) have been engaging for decades. Recent legalization of cannabis in a number of jurisdictions and the related challenges in regulating production, sale, taxation and health-related matters have raised interest in non-commercial models of cannabis supply. The "codes of conduct" (CsoC) of CSC federations in Spain might reveal whether a consumer-based model could overcome these challenges. METHODS To examine the content of the CSC auto-regulatory documents, an online search using key terms to identify the CsoC was conducted. Six documents were found; analysis of the main thematic categories and overarching themes was conducted. It was discussed how these corresponded to the areas of cannabis policy regulation and what the main limitations of the CSC model were. RESULTS The CsoC detailed the rules for CSC administration, not-for-profit aims, "invitation only" and other conditions of membership, collective cultivation and security as well as for operation of the consumption venue and health-related initiatives. The themes in the CsoC overlapped with cannabis regulatory areas as outlined internationally. Concern over cannabis prices and potency was missing in the CsoC. The potential strengths of the CSC model might include safe environment for peer-delivered harm reduction practice, preventing illicit transactions, quality control, shifting economic surplus to the consumers and increased consumer responsibility. The limitations of the CSC model include high threshold, disguised motives, tax revenue and the risk of both under- and over-regulation. CONCLUSION CSCs represent an opportunity to enhance consumer agency and responsibility. The right "to be self-supplied" with psychoactive substances can be granted to consumer associations - but authorities need to provide a framework to facilitate this voluntary self-organization, including minimum standards around public health and safety, and to involve consumers in the development of these regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vendula Belackova
- External lecturer, Department of Institutional, Environmental and Experimental Economics, University of Economics in Prague, Nam. W. Churchilla, Prague 3, 130 00, Czech Republic; Senior Project Officer, Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, 66 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point, NSW 2011, Australia.
| | - Chris Wilkins
- Drugs Team Leader, SHORE & Whariki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
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McDonald R, Campbell ND, Strang J. Twenty years of take-home naloxone for the prevention of overdose deaths from heroin and other opioids-Conception and maturation. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 178:176-187. [PMID: 28654870 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid overdose is a major cause of mortality, but injury and fatal outcomes can be prevented by timely administration of the opioid antagonist naloxone. Pre-provision of naloxone to opioid users and family members (take-home naloxone, THN) was first proposed in 1996, and WHO Guidelines were issued in 2014. While widespread in some countries, THN is minimally available or absent elsewhere. This review traces the development of THN over twenty years, from speculative harm reduction proposal to public health strategy. METHOD Medline and PsycINFO were searched for peer-reviewed literature (1990-2016) using Boolean queries: 1) "naloxone OR Narcan"; 2) "(opioid OR opiate) AND overdose AND prevention". Grey literature and specialist websites were also searched. Data were extracted and synthesized as narrative review, with key events presented as chronological timeline. RESULTS Results are presented in 5-year intervals, starting with the original proposal and THN pilots from 1996 to 2001. Lack of familiarity with THN challenged early distribution schemes (2001-2006), leading to further testing, evaluation, and assessment of challenges and perceived medicolegal barriers. From 2006-2011, response to social and legal concerns led to the expansion of THN programs; followed by high-impact research and efforts to widen THN availability from 2011 to 2016. CONCLUSIONS Framed as a public health tool for harm reduction, THN has overcome social, clinical, and legal barriers in many jurisdictions. Nonetheless, the rising death toll of opioid overdose illustrates that current THN coverage is insufficient, and greater public investment in overdose prevention will be required if THN is to achieve its full potential impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca McDonald
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, Addictions Sciences Building, 4 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8BB, United Kingdom
| | - Nancy D Campbell
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Sage Labs 5202, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 Eighth Street Troy, NY, 12180, United States
| | - John Strang
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, Addictions Sciences Building, 4 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8BB, United Kingdom.
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Farrugia A, Fraser S, Dwyer R. Assembling the Social and Political Dimensions of Take-Home Naloxone. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/0091450917723350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Farrugia
- National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Suzanne Fraser
- National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Robyn Dwyer
- National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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12
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Mueller SR, Koester S, Glanz JM, Gardner EM, Binswanger IA. Attitudes Toward Naloxone Prescribing in Clinical Settings: A Qualitative Study of Patients Prescribed High Dose Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain. J Gen Intern Med 2017; 32:277-283. [PMID: 27798775 PMCID: PMC5331002 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-016-3895-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last 2 decades, medical providers have increasingly prescribed pharmaceutical opioids for chronic non-cancer pain, while opioid overdose death rates have quadrupled. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, can be prescribed to patients with chronic pain to reverse an opioid overdose, yet little is known about how patients perceive this emerging practice. OBJECTIVE This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes toward naloxone prescribing among non-cancer patients prescribed opioids in primary care. DESIGN Qualitative study design using semi-structured interviews. PARTICIPANTS Adults (N = 24) prescribed high-dose (≥100 morphine mg equivalent daily dose) chronic opioid therapy in eight primary care internal medicine, family medicine and HIV practices in three large Colorado health systems. APPROACH Inductive and deductive methods were used to analyze interview transcripts. KEY RESULTS Themes emerged related to knowledge of and benefits, barriers and facilitators to naloxone in primary care. Patients reported receiving limited education about opioid medication risks from providers and limited knowledge of naloxone. When provided with a description of naloxone, patients recognized its ability to reverse overdoses. In addition to pragmatic barriers, such as medication cost, barriers to naloxone acceptance included the perception that overdose risk stems from medication misuse and that providers might infer that they were misusing their opioid medication if they accepted a naloxone prescription, prompting an opioid taper. Facilitators to the acceptance of naloxone included medical providers' using empowering, non-judgmental communication practices, framing naloxone for use in "worst case scenarios" and providing education and training about opioids and naloxone. CONCLUSIONS While patients recognized the utility of naloxone prescribing, we identified important barriers to patient acceptance of naloxone prescribing. To improve the naloxone prescribing acceptability in primary care practice, medical providers and health systems may need to enhance patient education, employ empowering, non-judgmental communication styles and adequately frame discussions about naloxone to address patients' fears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane R Mueller
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, 10065 E. Harvard Ave., Suite 300, Denver, CO, 80231, USA.
- Department of Health and Behavioral Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA.
| | - Stephen Koester
- Department of Health and Behavioral Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Jason M Glanz
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, 10065 E. Harvard Ave., Suite 300, Denver, CO, 80231, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | | | - Ingrid A Binswanger
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, 10065 E. Harvard Ave., Suite 300, Denver, CO, 80231, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA
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Chronister KJ, Lintzeris N, Jackson A, Ivan M, Dietze PM, Lenton S, Kearley J, van Beek I. Findings and lessons learnt from implementing Australia's first health service based take-home naloxone program. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016; 37:464-471. [PMID: 27071354 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Opioid overdose prevention programs providing take-home naloxone have been expanding internationally. This paper summarises findings and lessons learnt from the Overdose Prevention and Emergency Naloxone Project which is the first take-home naloxone program in Australia implemented in a health care setting. METHODS The Project intervention provided education and take-home naloxone to opioid-using clients at Kirketon Road Centre and The Langton Centre in Sydney. The evaluation study examined uptake and acceptability of the intervention; participants' knowledge and attitudes regarding overdose and participants' experience in opioid overdose situations six months after the intervention. Participants completed baseline, post-training and follow-up questionnaires regarding overdose prevention and management which were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS Eighty-three people participated in the intervention, with 35 (42%) completing follow-up interviews-51% reporting using naloxone with 30 overdoses successfully reversed. There were significant improvements in knowledge and attitudes immediately following training with much retained at follow-up, particularly regarding feeling informed enough (97%) and confident to inject naloxone (100%). DISCUSSION Take-home naloxone programs can be successfully implemented in Australian health settings. Barriers to uptake, such as lengthy processes and misperceptions around interest in overdose prevention, should be addressed in future program implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Chronister
- Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Viral Hepatitis Epidemiology and Prevention Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicholas Lintzeris
- The Langton Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Division of Addiction Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anthony Jackson
- Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,The Langton Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mihaela Ivan
- Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Viral Hepatitis Epidemiology and Prevention Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Simon Lenton
- National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - John Kearley
- Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,The Langton Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ingrid van Beek
- Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
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Haug NA, Bielenberg J, Linder SH, Lembke A. Assessment of provider attitudes toward #naloxone on Twitter. Subst Abus 2016; 37:35-41. [DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2015.1129390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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15
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The imperative to integrate suicide prevention within community-based harm reduction programs for people who inject drugs: Informed by the situation in Delhi, India. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2016; 28:133-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Martins SS, Sampson L, Cerdá M, Galea S. Worldwide Prevalence and Trends in Unintentional Drug Overdose: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Am J Public Health 2016; 105:e29-49. [PMID: 26451760 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2015.302843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug overdose is an important, yet an inadequately understood, public health problem. Global attention to unintentional drug overdose has been limited by comparison with the scope of the problem. There has been a substantial increase in drug overdose incidence and prevalence in several countries worldwide over the past decade, contributing to both increased costs and mortality. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to systematically synthesize the peer-reviewed literature to document the global epidemiological profile of unintentional drug overdoses and the prevalence, time trends, mortality rates, and correlates of drug overdoses. We searched different combinations of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms in PubMed for articles published from 1980 until July 2013, and we organized these results in tabular spreadsheets and compared them. We restricted the search to English-language articles that deal with unintentional overdose, focusing on 1 or more of the following key constructs: prevalence, time trends, mortality rates, and correlates. The term "overdose" as a MeSH major topic yielded 1076 publications. In addition, we searched the following combinations of nonmajor MeSH terms: "street drugs" and "overdose" yielded 180, "death" and "overdose" yielded 114, and "poisoning" and "drug users" yielded 17. There was some overlap among the searches. Based on the search and inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected a total of 169 relevant articles for this article based on a close review of abstracts. RESULTS We found wide variability in lifetime prevalence of experiencing a nonfatal overdose or witnessing an overdose, and in mortality rates attributable to overdose. Lifetime prevalence of witnessed overdose among drug users (n = 17 samples) ranged from 50% to 96%, with a mean of 73.3%, a median of 70%, and a standard deviation of 14.1%. Lifetime prevalence of drug users personally experiencing a nonfatal overdose (n = 27 samples), ranged from 16.6% to 68.0% with a mean of 45.4%, a median of 47%, and a standard deviation of 14.4%. Population-based crude overdose mortality rates (n = 28 samples) ranged from 0.04 to 46.6 per 100 000 person-years. This range is likely attributable to the diversity in regions, time periods, and samples. Most studies on longitudinal trends of overdose death rates or overdose-related hospitalization rates showed increases in overdose death rates and in overdose-related hospitalization rates across time, which have led to peaks in these rates at the present time. An overall trend of increasing deaths from prescription opioid use and decreasing deaths from illicit drug use in the past several years has been noted across most of the literature. With the increase in prescription opioid overdose deaths, drug overdose is not just an urban problem: rural areas have seen an important increase in overdose deaths. Lastly, cocaine, prescription opioids, and heroin are the drugs most commonly associated with unintentional drug overdoses worldwide and the demographic and psychiatric correlates associated with unintentional drug overdoses are similar globally. CONCLUSIONS There is a need to invest in research to understand the distinct determinants of prescription drug overdose worldwide. Several other countries need to collect in a systematic and continuous fashion such data on sales of prescription opioids and other prescription drugs, nonmedical use of prescription drugs, and hospitalization secondary to overdoses on prescription drugs. The sparse evidence on the environmental determinants of overdose suggests a need for research that will inform the types of environmental interventions we can use to prevent drug overdose. Methodological issues for future studies include enhancing data collection methods on unintentional fatal and nonfatal overdoses, and collecting more detailed information on drug use history, source of drug use (for prescription drugs), and demographic and psychiatric history characteristics of the individual who overdosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia S Martins
- Silvia S. Martins is with the Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY. Laura Sampson and Sandro Galea are with the Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Magdalena Cerdá is with the Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis
| | - Laura Sampson
- Silvia S. Martins is with the Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY. Laura Sampson and Sandro Galea are with the Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Magdalena Cerdá is with the Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis
| | - Magdalena Cerdá
- Silvia S. Martins is with the Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY. Laura Sampson and Sandro Galea are with the Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Magdalena Cerdá is with the Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis
| | - Sandro Galea
- Silvia S. Martins is with the Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY. Laura Sampson and Sandro Galea are with the Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Magdalena Cerdá is with the Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis
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Marshall Z, Dechman MK, Minichiello A, Alcock L, Harris GE. Peering into the literature: A systematic review of the roles of people who inject drugs in harm reduction initiatives. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 151:1-14. [PMID: 25891234 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs have been central to the development of harm reduction initiatives. Referred to as peer workers, peer helpers, or natural helpers, people with lived experience of drug use leverage their personal knowledge and skills to deliver harm reduction services. Addressing a gap in the literature, this systematic review focuses on the roles of people who inject drugs in harm reduction initiatives, how programs are organized, and obstacles and facilitators to engaging people with lived experience in harm reduction programs, in order to inform practice and future research. METHODS This systematic review included searches for both peer reviewed and gray literature. All titles and abstracts were screened by two reviewers. A structured data extraction tool was developed and utilized to systematically code information concerning peer roles and participation, program characteristics, obstacles, and facilitators. RESULTS On the basis of specific inclusion criteria 164 documents were selected, with 127 peer-reviewed and 37 gray literature references. Data extraction identified key harm reduction program characteristics and forms of participation including 36 peer roles grouped into five categories, as well as obstacles and facilitators at systemic, organizational, and individual levels. CONCLUSIONS Research on harm reduction programs that involve people with lived experience can help us better understand these approaches and demonstrate their value. Current evidence provides good descriptive content but the field lacks agreed-upon approaches to documenting the ways peer workers contribute to harm reduction initiatives. Implications and ten strategies to better support peer involvement in harm reduction programs are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Marshall
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, Health Sciences Centre, 300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John's, NL, Canada A1B 3V6.
| | - M K Dechman
- Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Cape Breton University, PO Box 5300, 1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, NS, Canada B1P 6L2.
| | - A Minichiello
- Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Cape Breton University, PO Box 5300, 1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, NS, Canada B1P 6L2.
| | - L Alcock
- Health Sciences Library, Memorial University, St John's, NL, Canada A1B 3V6.
| | - G E Harris
- Faculty of Education, G. A. Hickman Building, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X8.
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Mueller SR, Walley AY, Calcaterra SL, Glanz JM, Binswanger IA. A Review of Opioid Overdose Prevention and Naloxone Prescribing: Implications for Translating Community Programming Into Clinical Practice. Subst Abus 2015; 36:240-53. [PMID: 25774771 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2015.1010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As physicians have increased opioid prescribing, overdose deaths from pharmaceutical opioids have substantially increased in the United States. Naloxone hydrochloride (naloxone), an opioid antagonist, is the standard of care for treatment of opioid induced respiratory depression. Since 1996, community-based programs have offered overdose prevention education and distributed naloxone for bystander administration to people who use opioids, particularly heroin. There is growing interest in translating overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) into conventional medical settings for patients who are prescribed pharmaceutical opioids. For this review, we summarized and classified existing publications on overdose education and naloxone distribution to identify evidence of effectiveness and opportunities for translation into conventional medical settings. METHODS For this review, we searched English language PubMed for articles on naloxone based on primary data collection from humans, including feasibility studies, program evaluations, surveys, qualitative studies, and studies comparing the effectiveness of different routes of naloxone administration. We also included cost-effectiveness studies. RESULTS We identified 41 articles that represented 5 categories: evaluations of OEND programs, effects of OEND programs on experiences and attitudes of participants, willingness of medical providers to prescribe naloxone, comparisons of different routes of naloxone administration, and the cost-effectiveness of naloxone. CONCLUSIONS Existing research suggests that people who are at risk for overdose and other bystanders are willing and able to be trained to prevent overdoses and administer naloxone. Counseling patients about the risks of opioid overdose and prescribing naloxone is an emerging clinical practice that may reduce fatalities from overdose while enhancing the safe prescribing of opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane R Mueller
- a Division of General Internal Medicine , University of Colorado School of Medicine , Aurora , Colorado , USA
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Williams AV, Marsden J, Strang J. Training family members to manage heroin overdose and administer naloxone: randomized trial of effects on knowledge and attitudes. Addiction 2014; 109:250-9. [PMID: 24103087 DOI: 10.1111/add.12360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate a heroin overdose management training programme for family members based on emergency recovery procedures and take-home naloxone (THN) administration. DESIGN A two-group, parallel-arm, non-blinded, randomized controlled trial of group-based training versus an information-only control. SETTING Training events delivered in community addiction treatment services in three locations in England. PARTICIPANTS A total of 187 family members and carers allocated to receive either THN training or basic information on opioid overdose management (n = 95 and n = 92, respectively), with 123 participants completing the study. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome measure was a self-completion Opioid Overdose Knowledge Scale (OOKS; range 0-45) and an Opioid Overdose Attitudes Scale (OOAS; range 28-140) was the secondary outcome measure. Each group was assessed before receiving their assigned condition and followed-up 3 months after. Events of witnessing and managing an overdose during follow-up were also recorded. FINDINGS At follow-up, study participants who had received THN training reported greater overdose-related knowledge relative to those receiving basic information only [OOKS mean difference, 4.08 (95% confidence interval, 2.10-6.06; P < 0.001); Cohen's d = 0.74 (0.37-1.10)]. There were also more positive opioid overdose-related attitudes among the trained group at follow-up [OOAS mean difference, 7.47 (3.13-11.82); P = 0.001; d = 0.61 (0.25-0.97)]. At the individual level 35 and 54%, respectively, of the experimental group increased their knowledge and attitudes compared with 11 and 30% of the control group. During follow-up, 13 participants witnessed an overdose with naloxone administered on eight occasions: five among the THN-trained group and three among the controls. CONCLUSIONS Take-home naloxone training for family members of heroin users increases opioid overdose-related knowledge and competence and these benefits are well retained after 3 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Williams
- Addictions Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
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Darke S, Torok M. Attitudes of regular injecting drug users towards the legal status of the major illicit drugs. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013; 32:483-8. [PMID: 23647529 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS The study aimed to determine injecting drug users' (IDU) attitudes, and correlates of attitudes, towards continued prohibition, decriminalisation or legalisation of the major illicit drugs. DESIGN AND METHODS This study used structured interview with 300 IDUs who had injected on at least a weekly basis over the preceding 12 months. RESULTS Methamphetamine was rated the most harmful of the five illicit substances and cannabis the lowest. By far the highest level of support for legislative change was for cannabis, with only 8.7% supporting continued prohibition. While there was majority support for change to the legal status of heroin, the modal position was for decriminalisation. Support for changing the status of the three illicit psychostimulants was low, with the majority believing that methamphetamine (63.3%), cocaine (53.3%) and 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (53.3%) should remain illegal. Demographic characteristics were largely unrelated to attitudes. Lower levels of perceived harm were associated with increased likelihood of support for legalisation of all substances. Recent use was positively related to support for both decriminalisation and legality of heroin, but was not associated with views on other substances. Higher lifetime polydrug use was associated with support for the legalisation of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS IDUs expressed nuanced views on different substances. In policy debates, care should be taken not to speak for IDUs by imputing their beliefs. It is clear that the fact that a group uses illegal drugs does not necessarily imply that they support changes to their legal status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Darke
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Hill D, Mcauley A. A comparative study of stakeholder views on take-home naloxone services. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2011. [DOI: 10.3109/14659891.2011.595275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Kerr D, Kelly AM, Dietze P, Jolley D, Barger B. Randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness and safety of intranasal and intramuscular naloxone for the treatment of suspected heroin overdose. Addiction 2009; 104:2067-74. [PMID: 19922572 DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02724.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Traditionally, the opiate antagonist naloxone has been administered parenterally; however, intranasal (i.n.) administration has the potential to reduce the risk of needlestick injury. This is important when working with populations known to have a high prevalence of blood-borne viruses. Preliminary research suggests that i.n. administration might be effective, but suboptimal naloxone solutions were used. This study compared the effectiveness of concentrated (2 mg/ml) i.n. naloxone to intramuscular (i.m.) naloxone for suspected opiate overdose. METHODS This randomized controlled trial included patients treated for suspected opiate overdose in the pre-hospital setting. Patients received 2 mg of either i.n. or i.m. naloxone. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who responded within 10 minutes of naloxone treatment. Secondary outcomes included time to adequate response and requirement for supplementary naloxone. Data were analysed using multivariate statistical techniques. RESULTS A total of 172 patients were enrolled into the study. Median age was 29 years and 74% were male. Rates of response within 10 minutes were similar: i.n. naloxone (60/83, 72.3%) compared with i.m. naloxone (69/89, 77.5%) [difference: -5.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -18.2 to 7.7]. No difference was observed in mean response time (i.n.: 8.0, i.m.: 7.9 minutes; difference 0.1, 95% CI -1.3 to 1.5). Supplementary naloxone was administered to fewer patients who received i.m. naloxone (i.n.: 18.1%; i.m.: 4.5%) (difference: 13.6%, 95% CI 4.2-22.9). CONCLUSIONS Concentrated intranasal naloxone reversed heroin overdose successfully in 82% of patients. Time to adequate response was the same for both routes, suggesting that the i.n. route of administration is of similar effectiveness to the i.m. route as a first-line treatment for heroin overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra Kerr
- Victoria University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, St Albans, Victoria, Australia.
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Abstract
This paper is the 31st consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2008 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration and thermoregulation (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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Lenton SR, Dietze PM, Degenhardt L, Darke S, Butler TG. Now is the time to take steps to allow peer access to naloxone for heroin overdose in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2009; 28:583-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1465-3362.2009.00125.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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