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Chiappini S, Vaccaro G, Mosca A, Miuli A, Stigliano G, Stefanelli G, Giovannetti G, Carullo R, d'Andrea G, Di Carlo F, Cavallotto C, Pettorruso M, Di Petta G, Corkery JM, Guirguis A, Stair JL, Martinotti G, Fazel S, Schifano F. New trends of drug abuse in custodial settings: A systematic review on the misuse of over-the-counter drugs, prescription-only-medications, and new psychoactive substances. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105691. [PMID: 38733894 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105691] [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] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The article presents a systematic literature review on the use and the psychiatric implications of over-the-counter drugs (OTC), prescription-only-medications (POM), and new psychoactive substances (NPS) within custodial settings. The searches wer carried out on 2 November 2022 on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science in line with PRISMA guidelines. A total of 538 records were identified, of which 37 met the inclusion criteria. Findings showed the most prevalent NPS and OTC and POM classes reported in prisons were synthetic cannabinoids receptor agonists (SCRAs) and opioids, respectively. NPS markets were shown to be in constant evolution following the pace of legislations aimed to reduce their spread. The use of such substances heavily impacts the conditions and rehabilitation of persons in custody, with consequent physical and mental health risks. It is important to raise awareness of the use and misuse of such substances in prisons (i) from an early warning perspective for law enforcement and policy makers (ii) to prompt doctors to cautiously prescribe substances that may be misused (iii) to improve and increase access to treatment provided (iv) to add such substances to routine toxicological screening procedures (v) to improve harm reduction programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Chiappini
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire AL10 9EU, UK; Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Giorgia Vaccaro
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire AL10 9EU, UK
| | - Alessio Mosca
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti 66100, Italy.
| | - Andrea Miuli
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Stigliano
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Giulia Stefanelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Giulia Giovannetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Rosalba Carullo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Giacomo d'Andrea
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Carlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Clara Cavallotto
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Mauro Pettorruso
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Gilberto Di Petta
- Department of Neuroscience Department of Mental Health, ASL Napoli 2, Napoli, Nord, Italy
| | - John Martin Corkery
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire AL10 9EU, UK
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Swansea University Medical School, Grove Building, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales SA28PP, UK
| | - Jacqueline L Stair
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire AL10 9EU, UK
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire AL10 9EU, UK; Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Seena Fazel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, England
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire AL10 9EU, UK
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Ezell JM, Pho MT, Ajayi BP, Simek E, Shetty N, Goddard-Eckrich DA, Bluthenthal RN. Opioid use, prescribing and fatal overdose patterns among racial/ethnic minorities in the United States: A scoping review and conceptual risk environment model. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:1143-1159. [PMID: 38646735 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
ISSUES To date, there has been no synthesis of research addressing the scale and nuances of the opioid epidemic in racial/ethnic minority populations in the United States that considers the independent and joint impacts of dynamics such as structural disadvantage, provider bias, health literacy, cultural norms and various other risk factors. APPROACH Using the "risk environment" framework, we conducted a scoping review on PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar of peer-reviewed literature and governmental reports published between January 2000 and February 2024 on the nature and scale of opioid use, opioid prescribing patterns, and fatal overdoses among racial/ethnic minorities in the United States, while also examining macro, meso and individual-level risk factors. KEY FINDINGS Results from this review illuminate a growing, but fragmented, literature lacking standardisation in racial/ethnic classification and case reporting, specifically in regards to Indigenous and Asian subpopulations. This literature broadly illustrates racial/ethnic minorities' increasing nonmedical use of opioids, heightened burdens of fatal overdoses, specifically in relation to polydrug use and synthetic opioids, with notable elevations among Black/Latino subgroups, in addition uneven opioid prescribing patterns. Moreover, the literature implicates a variety of unique risk environments corresponding to dynamics such as residential segregation, provider bias, overpolicing, acculturative stress, patient distrust, and limited access to mental health care services and drug treatment resources, including medications for opioid use disorder. IMPLICATIONS There has been a lack of rigorous, targeted study on racial/ethnic minorities who use opioids, but evidence highlights burgeoning increases in usage, especially polydrug/synthetic opioid use, and disparities in prescriptions and fatal overdose risk-phenomena tied to multi-level forms of entrenched disenfranchisement. CONCLUSION There is a need for further research on the complex, overlapping risk environments of racial/ethnic minorities who use opioids, including deeper inclusion of Indigenous and Asian individuals, and efforts to generate greater methodological synergies in population classification and reporting guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerel M Ezell
- Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
- Berkeley Center for Cultural Humility, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
| | - Mai T Pho
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Babatunde P Ajayi
- Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
| | - Elinor Simek
- Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
- Berkeley Center for Cultural Humility, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
| | - Netra Shetty
- University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
| | | | - Ricky N Bluthenthal
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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Russell C, George TP, Chopra N, Le Foll B, Matheson FI, Rehm J, Lange S. Feasibility and effectiveness of extended-release buprenorphine (XR-BUP) among correctional populations: a systematic review. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38940929 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2024.2360984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Background: Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) reduce risks for overdose among correctional populations. Among other barriers, daily dosing requirements hinder treatment continuity post-release. Extended-release buprenorphine (XR-BUP) may therefore be beneficial. However, limited evidence exists.Objectives: To conduct a systematic review examining the feasibility and effectiveness of XR-BUP among correctional populations.Methods: Searches were carried out in Pubmed, Embase, and PsychINFO in October 2023. Ten studies reporting on feasibility or effectiveness of XR-BUP were included, representing n = 819 total individuals (81.6% male). Data were extracted and narratively reported under the following main outcomes: 1) Feasibility; 2) Effectiveness; and 3) Barriers and Facilitators.Results: Studies were heterogeneous. Correctional populations were two times readier to try XR-BUP compared to non-correctional populations. XR-BUP was feasible and safe, with no diversion, overdoses, or deaths; several negative side effects were reported. Compared to other MOUD, XR-BUP significantly reduced drug use, resulted in similar or higher treatment retention rates, fewer re-incarcerations, and was cost-beneficial, with a lower overall monthly/yearly cost. Barriers to XR-BUP, such as side effects and a fear of needles, as well as facilitators, such as a lowered risk of opioid relapse, were also identified.Conclusion: XR-BUP appears to be a feasible and potentially effective alternative treatment option for correctional populations with OUD. XR-BUP may reduce community release-related risks, such as opioid use and overdose risk, as well as barriers to treatment retention. Efforts to expand access to and uptake of XR-BUP among correctional populations are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cayley Russell
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ontario Node, Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tony P George
- Institute of Medical Science (IMS), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nitin Chopra
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ontario Node, Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science (IMS), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Waypoint Research Institute, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada
| | - Flora I Matheson
- Institute of Medical Science (IMS), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, a site of Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Criminology & Sociolegal Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ontario Node, Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science (IMS), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institut für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Shannon Lange
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science (IMS), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
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Wai JM, Blevins D, Hunt T, Gilbert L, Campbell ANC, Levin FR, El-Bassel N, Nunes E. An Approach to Enhancing Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in the HEALing Communities Study. Psychiatr Serv 2024; 75:580-588. [PMID: 38347814 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20230159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The HEALing (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) Communities Study (HCS) aims to test the effectiveness of the Communities That HEAL intervention in decreasing opioid overdose deaths in 67 communities across four U.S. states. This intervention enlists a collaborative team of researchers, academic experts, and community coalitions to select and implement interventions from a menu of evidence-based practices, including medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). The HCS's New York team developed an integrated network systems (INS) approach with a mapping tool to coach coalitions in the selection of strategies to enhance medication treatment. With the INS approach, community coalitions develop a map of service delivery venues in their local county to better engage people with medication treatment wherever this need arises. The map is structured around core services that can provide maintenance MOUD and satellite services, which include all settings where people with opioid use disorder are encountered and can be identified, possibly given medication, and referred to core programs for ongoing MOUD care. This article describes the rationale for the INS mapping tool, with a discussion framed by the consolidated framework for implementation research, and provides a case example of its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Wai
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Wai, Blevins, Campbell, Levin, Nunes); School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York City (Hunt, Gilbert, El-Bassel)
| | - Derek Blevins
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Wai, Blevins, Campbell, Levin, Nunes); School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York City (Hunt, Gilbert, El-Bassel)
| | - Tim Hunt
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Wai, Blevins, Campbell, Levin, Nunes); School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York City (Hunt, Gilbert, El-Bassel)
| | - Louisa Gilbert
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Wai, Blevins, Campbell, Levin, Nunes); School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York City (Hunt, Gilbert, El-Bassel)
| | - Aimee N C Campbell
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Wai, Blevins, Campbell, Levin, Nunes); School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York City (Hunt, Gilbert, El-Bassel)
| | - Frances R Levin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Wai, Blevins, Campbell, Levin, Nunes); School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York City (Hunt, Gilbert, El-Bassel)
| | - Nabila El-Bassel
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Wai, Blevins, Campbell, Levin, Nunes); School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York City (Hunt, Gilbert, El-Bassel)
| | - Edward Nunes
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Wai, Blevins, Campbell, Levin, Nunes); School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York City (Hunt, Gilbert, El-Bassel)
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Chladek JS, Chui MA. Access to medications for opioid use disorder for formerly incarcerated individuals during community reentry: a mini narrative review. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1377193. [PMID: 38803812 PMCID: PMC11128549 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1377193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are especially important for formerly incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and can reduce the risk of re-arrest and overdose during community reentry. Unfortunately, few formerly incarcerated individuals are able to access MOUD within the community, missing a critical tool for rehabilitation. A mini narrative review was conducted to highlight the published work that has been done to improve access to MOUD for formerly incarcerated individuals during reentry. The results yielded 15 records describing intervention evaluations, program descriptions, and research in progress. Most work is ongoing, showing promise that researchers have identified the importance of this problem. However additional research should be done to include other stakeholders and address the limitations of existing interventions and programs. Continued efforts can help ensure that formerly incarcerated individuals can safely and successfully reintegrate into society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason S. Chladek
- Social and Administrative Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Michelle A. Chui
- Social and Administrative Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Sonderegger Research Center for Improved Medication Outcomes, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Stopka TJ, Estadt AT, Leichtling G, Schleicher JC, Mixson LS, Bresett J, Romo E, Dowd P, Walters SM, Young AM, Zule W, Friedmann PD, Go VF, Baker R, Fredericksen RJ. Barriers to opioid use disorder treatment among people who use drugs in the rural United States: A qualitative, multi-site study. Soc Sci Med 2024; 346:116660. [PMID: 38484417 PMCID: PMC10997882 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020, 2.8 million people required substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in nonmetropolitan or 'rural' areas in the U.S. Among this population, only 10% received SUD treatment from a specialty facility, and 1 in 500 received medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). We explored the context surrounding barriers to SUD treatment in the rural United States. METHODS We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews from 2018 to 2019 to assess barriers to SUD treatment among people who use drugs (PWUD) across seven rural U.S. study sites. Using the social-ecological model (SEM), we examined individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy factors contributing to perceived barriers to SUD treatment. We employed deductive and inductive coding and analytical approaches to identify themes. We also calculated descriptive statistics for participant characteristics and salient themes. RESULTS Among 304 participants (55% male, mean age 36 years), we identified barriers to SUD treatment in rural areas across SEM levels. At the individual/interpersonal level, relevant themes included: fear of withdrawal, the need to "get things in order" before entering treatment, close-knit communities and limited confidentiality, networks and settings that perpetuated drug use, and stigma. Organizational-level barriers included: strict facility rules, treatment programs managed like corrections facilities, lack of gender-specific treatment programs, and concerns about jeopardizing employment. Community-level barriers included: limited availability of treatment in local rural communities, long distances and limited transportation, waitlists, and a lack of information about treatment options. Policy-level themes included insurance challenges and system-imposed barriers such as arrest and incarceration. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight multi-level barriers to SUD treatment in rural U.S. communities. Salient barriers included the need to travel long distances to treatment, challenges to confidentiality due to small, close-knit communities where people are highly familiar with one another, and high-threshold treatment program practices. Our findings point to the need to facilitate the elimination of treatment barriers at each level of the SEM in rural America.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Stopka
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - A T Estadt
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - J C Schleicher
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Medicine, Madison, WI, USA
| | - L S Mixson
- University of Washington, Department of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - J Bresett
- Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Dept of Public Health, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - E Romo
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - P Dowd
- Chan Medical School-Baystate, University of Massachusetts, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - S M Walters
- New York University's Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - A M Young
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - W Zule
- RTI International, Research Triangle, NC, USA
| | - P D Friedmann
- Chan Medical School-Baystate, University of Massachusetts, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - V F Go
- University, of North Carolina, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - R Baker
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - R J Fredericksen
- University of Washington, Department of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Kang AW, Bailey A, Napoleon S, Martin R. Contextualizing medications for opioid use disorder and peer support service provision in the probation system with implementation science. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:658. [PMID: 38429688 PMCID: PMC10905868 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18133-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is an evidence-based approach that reduces opioid-related mortality, particularly among criminal legal-involved persons who are at increased risk of adverse outcomes related to OUD. Implementing evidence-based approaches in the context of probation settings requires an in-depth understanding of specific contexts to improve intervention efficacy and effectiveness. Here, we use the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework to understand implementation contexts for MOUD provision in the probation setting. METHODS In-depth individual interviews were conducted with key programmatic stakeholders (treatment providers and probation staff involved in service provision for people on probation). The study examined stakeholder perspectives regarding MOUD and Peer Support Service (PSS) implementation among people who are involved in community supervision. Deductive and inductive thematic analysis was conducted, and subsequently the codes, subcodes, and themes were mapped onto the EPIS framework to better understand implementation contexts. RESULTS We deduced key inner, outer, and bridging contexts that shape treatment service provision for individuals with OUD who are on probation. Inner contexts include a strong organizational climate that supports MOUD implementation and enthusiasm for peer support services. Outer contexts include difficulty navigating insurance among providers, treatment costs, and systemic stigma towards MOUD. Bridging contexts include a lack of collaboration/communication between relevant agencies (e.g., probation and courts). CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate the implementation is complex and requires a coordinated effort between correctional systems, probation agencies, and community-based treatment providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustine W Kang
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 S. Main St, Box G-121-5, Providence, RI, USA.
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Amelia Bailey
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 S. Main St, Box G-121-5, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Siena Napoleon
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 S. Main St, Box G-121-5, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Rosemarie Martin
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 S. Main St, Box G-121-5, Providence, RI, USA
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Michener PS, Evans EA, Ferguson WJ, Friedmann PD. Diffusion of medications for opioid use disorder treatment in jail settings: a convergent mixed methods study of jail staff perspectives. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:10. [PMID: 38347634 PMCID: PMC10863078 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00440-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementation of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in jails varies by facility and across states. Organizational climate, including staff attitudes toward change and exposure to education, can influence perceptions of innovations like MOUD in jails. Using a mixed methods design, we aimed to understand the association between organizational climate and jail staff perceptions of MOUD. METHODS Jail staff (n = 111) who operate MOUD programs in 6 Massachusetts jails completed surveys that included the Organizational Readiness for Implementing Change (ORIC) survey. Random effects logistic regression models assessed associations between organizational climate and several outcomes of perceived MOUD efficacy, acceptability, and knowledge, while controlling for covariates. Jail staff (N = 61) participated in qualitative interviews and focus groups focused on organizational climate and knowledge diffusion, which we analyzed using inductive and deductive methods. RESULTS The results indicate that organizational change readiness on the ORIC was associated with positive perceptions of MOUD, and educational resources facilitated MOUD implementation. Greater ORIC was associated with higher perception of methadone as highly acceptable for jail populations (Odds ratio [OR] 2.3, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.2 to 4.4), and high knowledge of methadone (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.9), with similar magnitude of effects for buprenorphine. High levels of training for jail staff on methadone and buprenorphine were also associated with higher knowledge of these medications (Methadone: OR 7.2, 95% CI 2.2 to 23.2; Buprenorphine: OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 9.5). Qualitative results point towards the importance of organizational climate and elucidate educational strategies to improve staff perceptions of MOUD. CONCLUSION Results underscore the importance of organizational climate for successful implementation of jail MOUD programs and provide support for medication-specific educational resources as a facilitator of successful MOUD implementation in jail settings. Findings highlight implementation strategies that may improve jail staff perceptions of MOUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pryce S Michener
- Clinical and Population Health Research Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Ave North, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA.
| | - Elizabeth A Evans
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Warren J Ferguson
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Ave North, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Peter D Friedmann
- Department of Medicine, University of MA Chan Medical School-Baystate, 759 Chestnut St, Springfield, MA, 01199, USA
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Evans EA, Pivovarova E, Senthilkumar R, Rottapel RE, Stopka TJ, Santelices C, Ferguson WJ, Friedmann PD. Diversion of medications to treat opioid use disorder: Qualitative findings from formerly incarcerated adults in Massachusetts. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 122:104252. [PMID: 37980776 PMCID: PMC10841635 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carceral officials often cite diversion of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) (e.g., buprenorphine) as a reason for not offering MOUD treatment in jails and prisons with little understanding of patient perspectives. We aimed to understand patient perceptions of medication diversion from jail-based MOUD programs and the factors that contribute to and reduce diversion. METHODS We conducted thematic analyses of semi-structured interviews held in 2021-22 with 38 adults who received MOUD treatment and were released from eight Massachusetts jails that had implemented a MOUD program on or after September 2019. RESULTS Consistent with prior reports from carceral staff, patients perceived MOUD diversion to happen less frequently than expected, which they attributed to dosing protocols that have effectively reduced it. Patients reported that MOUD availability reduced the contraband buprenorphine market, although other contraband substances have entered jails (fentanyl, oxycodone, K2). Patients perceived Subutex to have greater misuse potential and added diversion risks. Patients valued graduated consequences and other efforts to reduce MOUD diversion and contraband for making jails safer and for enabling patients to receive treatment. Nearly all participants reported having heard about, witnessed, or been involved in actual or attempted diversion, with variation in reports by jail. Patients suggested that dispensing MOUD to all who need it immediately upon intake would be the most effective way to reduce MOUD diversion and contraband. CONCLUSION Formerly incarcerated patients perceived MOUD diversion within jail medication programs as occurring less often than expected and that it can be reduced with appropriate protocols. To help limit medication diversion, patients recommended provision of MOUD upon intake to all individuals with opioid use disorder who need it. Findings have implications for MOUD program adaptation, successful routinization, and diffusion in carceral settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Evans
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 312 Arnold House, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, United States.
| | - Ekaterina Pivovarova
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, United States
| | - Rithika Senthilkumar
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 312 Arnold House, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Rebecca E Rottapel
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, United States
| | - Thomas J Stopka
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, United States
| | - Claudia Santelices
- Urban Health Research and Practice, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Warren J Ferguson
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, United States
| | - Peter D Friedmann
- Office of Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School - Baystate and Baystate Health, Springfield, MA, United States
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Kang A, Bailey A, Napoleon S, Martin R. Contextualizing Medications for Opioid Use Disorder and Peer Support Service Provision in the Probation System with Implementation Science. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3607705. [PMID: 38045366 PMCID: PMC10690307 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3607705/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is an evidence-based approach that reduces opioid-related mortality, particularly among criminal legal-involved persons who are at increased risk of adverse outcomes related to OUD. Implementing evidence-based approaches in the context of probation settings requires an in-depth understanding of specific contexts to improve intervention efficacy and effectiveness. Here, we use the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework to understand implementation contexts for MOUD provision to the probation setting. Methods In-depth individual interviews were conducted with key programmatic stakeholders (treatment providers and probation staff involved in service provision for people on probation). The study examined stakeholder perspectives regarding MOUD and Peer Support Service (PSS) implementation among people who are involved in community supervision. Deductive and inductive thematic analysis was conducted, and subsequently the codes, subcodes, and themes were mapped onto the EPIS framework to better understand implementation contexts. Results We deduced key inner, outer, and bridging contexts that shape treatment service provision for individuals with OUD who are on probation. Inner contexts include a strong organizational climate that supports MOUD implementation and enthusiasm for peer support services. Outer contexts include difficulty navigating insurance among providers, treatment costs, and systemic stigma towards MOUD. Bridging contexts include a lack of collaboration/communication between relevant agencies (e.g., probation and courts). Conclusions Findings indicate the implementation is complex and requires a coordinated effort between correctional systems, probation agencies, and community-based treatment providers.
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Plummer N, Guardado R, Ngassa Y, Montalvo C, Kotoujian PJ, Siddiqi K, Senst T, Simon K, Acevedo A, Wurcel AG. Racial Differences in Self-Report of Mental Illness and Mental Illness Treatment in the Community: An Analysis of Jail Intake Data. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2023; 50:966-975. [PMID: 37733128 PMCID: PMC10543583 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-023-01297-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Jails and prisons in the United States house people with elevated rates of mental health and substance use disorders. The goal of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the frequency of racial/ethnic differences in the self-report of mental illness and psychiatric medication use at jail entry. Our sample included individuals who had been incarcerated between 2016 and 2020 at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction, located in Billerica, MA. We used data from the "Offender Management System," the administrative database used by the jail containing data on people who are incarcerated, and COREMR, the electronic medical record (EMR) used in the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction. We evaluated two primary outcomes (1) self-reported mental illness history and (2) self-reported use of psychiatric medication, with the primary indicator of interest as race/ethnicity. At intake, over half (57%) of the sample self-reported history of mental illness and 20% reported the use of psychiatric medications. Among people who self-reported a history of mental illness, Hispanic (AOR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.60-0.90), Black (AOR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.43-0.64), Asian/Pacific Islander (Non-Hispanic) people (AOR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13-0.74), and people from other racial/ethnic groups (AOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.11-0.93) all had decreased odds of reporting psychiatric medications. Mental illness was reported in about one-half of people who entered jail, but only 20% reported receiving medications in the community prior to incarceration. Our findings build on the existing literature on jail-based mental illness and show racial disparities in self-report of psychiatric medications in people who self-reported mental illness. The timing, frequency, and equity of mental health services in both the community and the jail setting deserves further research, investment, and improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narcissa Plummer
- Department of Population Health, Northeastern University, Boston, MA USA
| | - Rubeen Guardado
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Yvane Ngassa
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Cristina Montalvo
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | | | | | | | - Kevin Simon
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
- Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Andrea Acevedo
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, Medford, MA USA
| | - Alysse G. Wurcel
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
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12
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Bailey A, Senthilkumar R, Evans EA. Correlates and Patterns in Use of Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder in Jail. J Addict Med 2023; 17:568-573. [PMID: 37788611 PMCID: PMC10593985 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known about the correlates of use of medications to treat opioid use disorder (MOUD, ie, buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone) offered in jails. We evaluated the implementation and outcomes of a MOUD program offered by 2 of the first jails nationwide to provide access to such care. METHODS We examined use of MOUD among adults with opioid use disorder (n = 347) incarcerated by 2 rural jails in Massachusetts (2018-2021). We examined MOUD transitions from intake to during incarceration. Using logistic regression, we examined factors associated with in-jail use of MOUD. RESULTS At jail entry, 48.7% of individuals with opioid use disorder were being treated with MOUD. During incarceration, 65.1% received MOUD, attributable to a 9.2% increase in use of methadone (from 15.9% to 25.1%) and a 10.1% increase in use of buprenorphine (from 28.5% to 38.6%). During incarceration, 32.3% of individuals were continued on the same MOUD from the community, 25.4% were started, 8.9% stopped, and 7.5% switched type. A total of 25.9% entered jail not on any MOUD and were not started on it. Use of MOUD during incarceration was positively associated with having received MOUD in the community (odds ratio, 12.2; 95% confidence interval, 5.8-25.5) and incarceration at site 1 compared with site 2 (OR, 24.6; 95% CI, 10.9-54.4). CONCLUSIONS Expanded access to MOUD in jails can engage an at-risk population with treatment. Understanding factors related to this population's use of MOUD may aid efforts to optimize care during incarceration and after community re-entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Bailey
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Rithika Senthilkumar
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth A. Evans
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts
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Textor L, Friedman J, Bourgois P, Aronowitz S, Simon C, Jauffret-Roustide M, Namirembe S, Brothers S, McNeil R, Knight KR, Hansen H. Rethinking urban-rural designations in public health surveillance of the overdose crisis and crafting an agenda for future monitoring. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 118:104072. [PMID: 37327697 PMCID: PMC10916393 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Rurality has served as a key concept in popular and scientific understandings of the US overdose crisis, with White, rural, and low-income areas thought to be most heavily affected. However, we observe that overdose trends have risen nearly uniformly across the urban-rural designations employed in most research, implying that their importance has likely been overstated or incorrectly conceptualized. Nevertheless, urbanicity/rurality does serve as a key axis to understand inequalities in overdose mortality when assessed with more nuanced modalities-employing a more granular analysis of geography at the sub-county level, and intersecting rurality sociodemographic indices such as race/ethnicity. Using national overdose data from 1999-2021, we illustrate the intersectional importance of rurality for overdose surveillance. Finally, we offer recommendations for integrating these insights into drug overdose surveillance moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Textor
- University of California Los Angeles, Medical Scientist Training Program; UCLA Department of Anthropology; Center for Social Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, UCLA, 760 Westwood Plaza Suite B7-435, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1759.
| | - Joseph Friedman
- University of California Los Angeles, Medical Scientist Training Program
| | - Philippe Bourgois
- Center for Social Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, UCLA, 760 Westwood Plaza Suite B7-435, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1759
| | | | - Caty Simon
- National Survivors Union, 1116 Grove St., Greensboro, NC, 27403; Whose Corner Is It Anyway, 1187 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA, 01040; NC Survivors Union, 1116 Grove St., Greensboro, NC, 27403
| | | | - Sarah Namirembe
- Department of Mental Health Faculty of Medicine Gulu University, P.o.Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Sarah Brothers
- The Pennsylvania State University, 316 Oswald Tower University Park, PA, 16802
| | - Ryan McNeil
- Program in Addiction Medicine at Yale University
| | - Kelly Ray Knight
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences University of California, San Francisco
| | - Helena Hansen
- Professor of Psychiatry and Chair of Research Theme in Translational Social Science and Health Equity at David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA; Interim Chair, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA; Interim Director, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at DGSOM; Interim Physician-in-Chief, Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, UCLA
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14
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Bremer W, Plaisance K, Walker D, Bonn M, Love JS, Perrone J, Sarker A. Barriers to opioid use disorder treatment: A comparison of self-reported information from social media with barriers found in literature. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1141093. [PMID: 37151596 PMCID: PMC10158842 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1141093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Medications such as buprenorphine and methadone are effective for treating opioid use disorder (OUD), but many patients face barriers related to treatment and access. We analyzed two sources of data-social media and published literature-to categorize and quantify such barriers. Methods In this mixed methods study, we analyzed social media (Reddit) posts from three OUD-related forums (subreddits): r/suboxone, r/Methadone, and r/naltrexone. We applied natural language processing to identify posts relevant to treatment barriers, categorized them into insurance- and non-insurance-related, and manually subcategorized them into fine-grained topics. For comparison, we used substance use-, OUD- and barrier-related keywords to identify relevant articles from PubMed published between 2006 and 2022. We searched publications for language expressing fear of barriers, and hesitation or disinterest in medication treatment because of barriers, paying particular attention to the affected population groups described. Results On social media, the top three insurance-related barriers included having no insurance (22.5%), insurance not covering OUD treatment (24.7%), and general difficulties of using insurance for OUD treatment (38.2%); while the top two non-insurance-related barriers included stigma (47.6%), and financial difficulties (26.2%). For published literature, stigma was the most prominently reported barrier, occurring in 78.9% of the publications reviewed, followed by financial and/or logistical issues to receiving medication treatment (73.7%), gender-specific barriers (36.8%), and fear (31.5%). Conclusion The stigma associated with OUD and/or seeking treatment and insurance/cost are the two most common types of barriers reported in the two sources combined. Harm reduction efforts addressing barriers to recovery may benefit from leveraging multiple data sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Bremer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Karma Plaisance
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Drew Walker
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Matthew Bonn
- Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs, Dartmouth, NS, Canada
| | - Jennifer S. Love
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jeanmarie Perrone
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Abeed Sarker
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Hoffman KA, Thompson E, Gaeta Gazzola M, Oberleitner LMS, Eller A, Madden LM, Marcus R, Oberleitner DE, Beitel M, Barry DT. "Just fighting for my life to stay alive": a qualitative investigation of barriers and facilitators to community re-entry among people with opioid use disorder and incarceration histories. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:16. [PMID: 36944998 PMCID: PMC10031976 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00377-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the period of community re-entry immediately following release from jail or prison, individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) face structural barriers to successful re-entry and high risk of overdose. Few published studies investigate experiences in the immediate period (i.e., first 24 h) of re-entry among people with OUD. AIM To understand the barriers and facilitators to treatment and reintegration of people with OUD during the initial transition from carceral settings back into the community. METHODS From January-December 2017, we conducted 42 semi-structured qualitative interviews with patients with a history of incarceration who were receiving methadone at a not-for-profit, low-barrier opioid treatment program. Interviews probed participants' community re-entry experiences immediately following incarceration. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a Thematic Analysis approach. RESULTS The main themes described the experiences during the 24 h following release, reacclimating and navigating re-entry barriers, and re-entry preparedness and planning. Participants noted the initial 24 h to be a period of risk for returning to substance use or an opportunity to engage with OUD treatment as well as a tenuous period where many lacked basic resources such as shelter or money. When discussing the subsequent re-entry period, participants noted social challenges and persistent barriers to stable housing and employment. Participants overall described feeling unprepared for release and suggested improvements including formal transition programs, improved education, and support to combat the risk of overdose and return to substance use after incarceration. CONCLUSIONS In this study that qualitatively examines the experiences of people with incarceration histories and OUD enrolled in methadone treatment, we found that participants faced many barriers to community re-entry, particularly surrounding basic resources and treatment engagement. Participants reported feeling unprepared for release but made concrete suggestions for interventions that might improve the barriers they encountered. Future work should examine the incorporation of these perspectives of people with lived experience into the development of transition programs or re-entry classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A Hoffman
- Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Emma Thompson
- APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, USA
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Marina Gaeta Gazzola
- APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lindsay M S Oberleitner
- APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, USA
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Anthony Eller
- APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lynn M Madden
- APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ruthanne Marcus
- APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David E Oberleitner
- APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT, USA
| | - Mark Beitel
- APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Declan T Barry
- APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Bono MH, Treitler P, Saloner B, Crystal S. Returning home during the pandemic: a thematic analysis describing experiences of people with substance use disorders released early from New Jersey prisons during COVID-19. HEALTH & JUSTICE 2023; 11:11. [PMID: 36847934 PMCID: PMC9969013 DOI: 10.1186/s40352-023-00208-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The COVID-19 pandemic created intersecting health risks for incarcerated people with a history of substance use disorder (SUD). To reduce exposure to COVID-19 in prison, several US states enacted decarceration legislation. New Jersey enacted the Public Health Emergency Credit Act (PHECA), granting early release to thousands of incarcerated persons meeting eligibility criteria. This study undertook to explore how large scale decarceration during the pandemic impacted the reentry process for released individuals with SUDs. METHODS Twenty seven participants involved in PHECA releases - 21 persons released from NJ carceral facilities with past/present SUDs (14 with opioid use disorder, 7 with other SUDs) and 6 reentry service providers acting as key informants - completed phone interviews on PHECA experiences from February-June 2021. Cross-case thematic analysis of transcripts identified common themes and divergent perspectives. RESULTS Respondents described challenges consistent with long-documented reentry difficulties including housing and food insecurity, difficulty accessing community services, insufficient employment opportunities, and limited access to transportation. Challenges that were pertinent to mass release during a pandemic included limited access to communication technology and community providers and community providers exceeding enrollment capacity. Despite reentry difficulties, respondents identified many areas where prisons and reentry service providers adapted to meet novel challenges presented by mass decarceration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Facilitators made available by prison and reentry provider staff included providing released persons with cell phones, transportation assistance at transit hubs, prescription support for medications for opioid use disorder, and pre-release assistance with ID and benefits through NJ's Joint Comprehensive Assessment Plan. CONCLUSIONS Formerly incarcerated people with SUDs experienced reentry challenges during PHECA releases similar to those that occur during ordinary circumstances. Despite barriers faced during typical releases and novel challenges unique to mass release during a pandemic, providers made adaptations to support released persons' successful reentry. Recommendations are made based on areas of need identified in interviews, including reentry service provision facilitating housing and food security, employment, medical services, technology fluency, and transportation. In anticipation of future large scale releases, providers will benefit from planning ahead and adapting to address temporary increases in resource demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline H Bono
- Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 152 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| | - Peter Treitler
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Brendan Saloner
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen Crystal
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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17
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Matsumoto A, Santelices C, Evans EA, Pivovarova E, Stopka TJ, Ferguson WJ, Friedmann PD. Jail-based reentry programming to support continued treatment with medications for opioid use disorder: Qualitative perspectives and experiences among jail staff in Massachusetts. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 109:103823. [PMID: 35994938 PMCID: PMC10206716 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with opioid use disorder released to communities after incarceration experience an elevated risk for overdose death. Massachusetts is the first state to mandate county jails to deliver all FDA approved medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). The present study considered perspectives around coordination of post-release care among jail staff engaged in MOUD programs focused on coordination of care to the community. METHODS Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 61 jail staff involved in implementation of MOUD programs. Interview guide development, and coding and analysis of qualitative data were guided by the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework. Deductive and inductive approaches were used for coding and themes were organized using the EPIS. RESULTS Salient themes in the inner context focused on the elements of reentry planning that influence coordination of post-release care including timing of initiation, staff knowledge about availability of MOUD in community settings, and internal collaborations. Findings on bridging factors highlighted the importance of interagency communication to follow pre-scheduled release dates and use of bridge scripts to minimize the gap in treatment during the transition. Use of navigators was an additional factor that influenced MOUD initiation and engagement in community settings. Outer context findings indicated partnerships with community providers and timely reinstatement of health insurance coverage as critical factors that influence coordination of post-release care. CONCLUSIONS Coordination of MOUD post-release continuity of care requires training supporting staff in reentry planning as well as resources to enhance internal collaborations and bridging partnerships between in-jail MOUD programs and community MOUD providers. In addition, efforts to reduce systemic barriers related to unanticipated timing of release and reinstatement of health insurance coverage are needed to optimize seamless post-release care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Matsumoto
- Institute for Health Equity and Social Justice Research, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, 3rd Floor INV, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Claudia Santelices
- Institute for Health Equity and Social Justice Research, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, 3rd Floor INV, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Evans
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 312 Arnold House, 715 North Pleasant St, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Ekaterina Pivovarova
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Thomas J Stopka
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Warren J Ferguson
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Peter D Friedmann
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School - Baystate and Baystate Health, 3601 Main Street, Springfield, MA, 01107, USA
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