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Wilson J, Mills KL, Sunderland M, Freeman TP, Teesson M, Haber PS, Marel C. The Long-Term Relationship Between Cannabis and Heroin Use: An 18- to 20-year Follow-Up of the Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS). Am J Psychiatry 2024; 181:135-143. [PMID: 38018142 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20230088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cannabis use is common among individuals with opioid use disorder, but it remains unclear whether cannabis use is associated with an increase or a reduction in illicit opioid use. To overcome limitations identified in previous longitudinal studies with limited follow-ups, the authors examined a within-person reciprocal relationship between cannabis and heroin use at several follow-ups over 18 to 20 years. METHODS The Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS) recruited 615 people with heroin dependence in 2001 and 2002 and reinterviewed them at 3, 12, 24, and 36 months as well as 11 and 18-20 years after baseline. Heroin and cannabis use were assessed at each time point using the Opiate Treatment Index. A random-intercept cross-lagged panel model analysis was conducted to identify within-person relationships between cannabis use and heroin use at subsequent follow-ups. RESULTS After accounting for a range of demographic variables, other substance use, and mental and physical health measures, an increase in cannabis use 24 months after baseline was significantly associated with an increase in heroin use at 36 months (estimate=0.21, SE=0.10). Additionally, an increase in heroin use at 3 months and 24 months was significantly associated with a decrease in cannabis use at 12 months (estimate=-0.27, SE=0.09) and 36 months (estimate=-0.22, SE=0.08). All other cross-lagged associations were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Although there was some evidence of a significant relationship between cannabis and heroin use at earlier follow-ups, this was sparse and inconsistent across time points. Overall, there was insufficient evidence to suggest a unidirectional or bidirectional relationship between the use of these substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Wilson
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Wilson, Mills, Sunderland, Teesson, Marel); Addiction and Mental Health Group, University of Bath, Bath, U.K. (Freeman); Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Haber); Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia (Haber)
| | - Katherine L Mills
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Wilson, Mills, Sunderland, Teesson, Marel); Addiction and Mental Health Group, University of Bath, Bath, U.K. (Freeman); Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Haber); Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia (Haber)
| | - Matthew Sunderland
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Wilson, Mills, Sunderland, Teesson, Marel); Addiction and Mental Health Group, University of Bath, Bath, U.K. (Freeman); Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Haber); Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia (Haber)
| | - Tom P Freeman
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Wilson, Mills, Sunderland, Teesson, Marel); Addiction and Mental Health Group, University of Bath, Bath, U.K. (Freeman); Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Haber); Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia (Haber)
| | - Maree Teesson
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Wilson, Mills, Sunderland, Teesson, Marel); Addiction and Mental Health Group, University of Bath, Bath, U.K. (Freeman); Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Haber); Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia (Haber)
| | - Paul S Haber
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Wilson, Mills, Sunderland, Teesson, Marel); Addiction and Mental Health Group, University of Bath, Bath, U.K. (Freeman); Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Haber); Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia (Haber)
| | - Christina Marel
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Wilson, Mills, Sunderland, Teesson, Marel); Addiction and Mental Health Group, University of Bath, Bath, U.K. (Freeman); Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Haber); Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia (Haber)
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Ackermann E, Kievit B, Xavier J, Barbic S, Ferguson M, Greer A, Loyal J, Mamdani Z, Palis H, Pauly B, Slaunwhite A, Buxton JA. Awareness and knowledge of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act among people at risk of witnessing an overdose in British Columbia, Canada: a multi-methods cross sectional study. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2022; 17:42. [PMID: 35614474 PMCID: PMC9131579 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-022-00472-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bystanders to drug overdoses often avoid or delay calling 9–1-1 and cite fear of police involvement as a main reason. In 2017, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (GSDOA) was enacted by the Canadian government to provide people present at an overdose with legal protection from charges for simple drug possession, and conditions stemming from simple possession. Few studies have taken a multi-methods approach to evaluating the GSDOA. We used quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to explore awareness, understanding, and perceptions of the GSDOA in people at risk of witnessing an overdose. Methods Quantitative cross-sectional surveys and qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with adults and youth at risk of witnessing an overdose across British Columbia. Cross-sectional survey participants were recruited at 19 Take Home Naloxone sites and online through Foundry. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed hierarchically to determine factors associated with GSDOA awareness. Telephone interview participants were recruited by research assistants with lived/living experience of substance use. Deductive and inductive thematic analyses were conducted to identify major themes. Results Overall, 52.7% (n = 296) of the quantitative study sample (N = 453) reported being aware of the GSDOA. In multivariable analysis, cellphone possession (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36, 3.54) and having recently witnessed an opioid overdose (AOR = 2.34; 95% CI 1.45, 3.80) were positively associated with GSDOA awareness. Young adults (25 – 34 years) were more likely to be aware of the Act (AOR = 2.10; 95% CI 1.11, 3.98) compared to youth (16–24 years). Qualitative interviews (N = 42) revealed that many overestimated the protections offered by the GSDOA. To increase awareness and knowledge of the Act among youth, participants recommended adding the GSDOA to school curricula and using social media. Word of mouth was suggested to reach adults. Conclusion Both awareness and knowledge of the GSDOA remain low in BC, with many overestimating the protections the Act offers. Dissemination efforts should be led by people with lived/living experience and should target those with limited awareness and understanding of the Act as misunderstandings can erode trust in law enforcement and harm reduction policy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13011-022-00472-4.
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Page R, Healey A, Siefried KJ, Harrod ME, Franklin E, Peacock A, Barratt MJ, Brett J. Barriers to help-seeking among music festival attendees in New South Wales, Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:1322-1330. [PMID: 35604869 PMCID: PMC9545606 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Prompt help‐seeking behaviour by music festival attendees can reduce risks associated with drug use; however, little is known about perceived barriers to help‐seeking when experiencing or witnessing illness at music festivals. We explored potential barriers and their association with festivalgoer characteristics. Methods We conducted an on‐site cross‐sectional survey of attendees at New South Wales music festivals in 2019/2020. Perceived barriers to help‐seeking in the hypothetical event of the respondent or a friend becoming unwell at the festival were assessed, and regression analyses were conducted to identify characteristics associated with these barriers. Results Across six festivals, 1229 people were surveyed and four‐fifths (83.2%) reported ≥1 barrier: 32.7% fear of getting in trouble with the police, 20.6% not knowing where to find help, 17.2% not knowing how unwell someone might be and 15.3% concern about friends or relatives finding out. In multivariable analyses, people of diverse sexuality and people using drugs that day had greater odds of reporting fear of trouble with the police. People reporting drug use that day had lower odds of reporting not knowing where to find help. Men, gender‐diverse people and people using drugs that day had greater odds of reporting concern about friends or relatives finding out. Discussion and Conclusions Our data substantiate concerns regarding policing strategies and their impact on festivals. Initiatives to support conversations about drugs with friends and families may be best targeted to younger people and those from gender‐diverse backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Page
- Alcohol & Drug Service, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amy Healey
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Krista J Siefried
- Alcohol & Drug Service, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Erica Franklin
- New South Wales Users and AIDS Association, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Monica J Barratt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Social and Global Studies Centre and Digital Ethnography Research Centre, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jonathan Brett
- Alcohol & Drug Service, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Coding and classification of heroin overdose calls by MPDS dispatch software: Implications for bystander response with naloxone. Resuscitation 2020; 159:13-18. [PMID: 33301886 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Take-home naloxone, a key response to heroin overdose, may be compromised by the way in which overdose cases are coded in EMS dispatch systems as call-takers direct callers at cardiac arrest events against using any medication. We examined the ways in which confirmed heroin overdose cases attended by ambulances are coded at dispatch to determine whether incorrect coding of overdoses as cardiac arrests may limit the use of take-home naloxone. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of coded ambulance clinical records collected in Victoria, Australia from 2012-2017. Counts of heroin overdose cases were examined by dispatch coding (heroin overdose, cardiac/respiratory arrest and 'other'), along with age, sex, GCS and respiratory rate. Data were analysed using chi-square and Poisson regression for quarterly counts, adjusting for age, sex and patient GCS. RESULTS A total of 5637 heroin overdose cases were attended over the period 2012-2017 (71.4% male, 36.4% aged under 35 years). Almost half (n = 2674, 47.4%) were coded as cardiac/respiratory arrest at dispatch, with 36.8% (n = 2075) coded as heroin overdose and 15.7% (n = 886) coded as other/unknown. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Almost half of the heroin overdoses were dispatched according to a protocol that would preclude the use of take-home naloxone prior to ambulance arrival and this changed little over the period in which take-home naloxone programs were operating in Victoria, Australia. EMS should move as quickly as possible to newer versions of dispatch systems that enable the use of naloxone in cases of obvious opioid overdose that may be classified as cardiac/respiratory arrest.
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Ahmed SR, Chand R, Kumar S, Mittal N, Srinivasan S, Rajabzadeh AR. Recent biosensing advances in the rapid detection of illicit drugs. Trends Analyt Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2020.116006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Cheng T, Small W, Nosova E, Hogg R, Hayashi K, Kerr T, DeBeck K. Overdose Risk and Acquiring Opioids for Nonmedical Use Exclusively from Physicians in Vancouver, Canada. Subst Use Misuse 2020; 55:1912-1918. [PMID: 32589497 PMCID: PMC7480281 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2020.1781176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A primary response to the alarming rise in overdose and mortality due to nonmedical prescription opioid (PO) use has been to restrict opioid prescribing; however, little is known about the relationship between obtaining opioids from a physician and overdose risk among people who use POs nonmedically and illicit street drugs. Objectives: Investigate the relationship between non-fatal overdose and acquiring POs exclusively from physicians for the purposes of engaging in nonmedical PO use. Methods: Data were collected between 2013 and 2016 among participants in two harmonized prospective cohort studies of people who use drugs in Vancouver: the At-Risk Youth Study (ARYS) and the Vancouver Injection Drug Users Study (VIDUS). Analyses were restricted to participants who engaged in nonmedical PO use and used generalized estimating equations. Results: Among 599 participants who used POs nonmedically, 82 (14%) individuals reported acquiring POs exclusively from a physician and 197 (33%) experienced a non-fatal overdose at some point over the study period. Acquiring POs exclusively from physicians was significantly and negatively associated with non-fatal overdose in the bivariate analysis (Odds Ratio = 0.60, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.39-0.94) but not the final multivariate analysis (Adjusted Odds Ratio =0.87, 95% CI: 0.53-1.44). Conclusions: Compared to individuals who acquired POs from friends or the streets, participants who acquired POs exclusively from a physician were not at an increased risk of non-fatal overdose. Although responsible opioid prescribing is an important priority, additional strategies to address nonmedical PO use are urgently needed to reduce overdose and related morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Cheng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, Room 11300, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, Canada, V5A 1S6
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC Canada, V6Z 2A9
| | - Will Small
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, Room 11300, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, Canada, V5A 1S6
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC Canada, V6Z 2A9
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction, SFU Faculty of Health Sciences, 515 W. Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6B 5K3
| | - Ekaterina Nosova
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC Canada, V6Z 2A9
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317 – 2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z3
| | - Robert Hogg
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, Room 11300, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, Canada, V5A 1S6
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, Room 11300, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, Canada, V5A 1S6
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC Canada, V6Z 2A9
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC Canada, V6Z 2A9
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317 – 2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z3
| | - Kora DeBeck
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC Canada, V6Z 2A9
- School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University, 515 West Hastings Street, Suite 3271, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6B 5K3
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Saini R, Rao R, Parmar A, Mishra AK, Ambekar A, Agrawal A, Dhingra N. Rates, knowledge and risk factors of non-fatal opioid overdose among people who inject drugs in India: A community-based study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2019; 39:93-97. [PMID: 31769134 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Non-fatal opioid overdose (NFOO) predicts future fatal opioid overdose and is associated with significant morbidity. There is limited literature on the rates and risk factors for NFOO in people who inject drugs (PWID) from India. We aimed to study the rates of NFOO and documented risk factors for NFOO, as well as knowledge-level of NFOO among PWID from India. DESIGN AND METHODS Community-based, cross-sectional and observational study. We interviewed 104 adult male participants receiving HIV prevention services. Drug use patterns, rates of NFOO and opioid overdose risk factors, knowledge about opioid overdose and its management were assessed. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 27.9 years. The most common opioid used for injecting was heroin followed by buprenorphine. About 45% (n = 47) participants had experienced an opioid overdose at least once in their lifetime. Around 25% (n = 26) participants had overdosed in the past year, while 21% (n = 22) participants had overdosed within the past 3 months. The majority had risk factors that could predispose them to NFOO. No participant was aware of the use of naloxone for opioid overdose. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The rates of NFOO as well as risk factors for overdose among PWID from India are high, with poor knowledge on overdose management. There is urgent need for a program to prevent and manage opioid overdose among PWID in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romil Saini
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravindra Rao
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Arpit Parmar
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashwani K Mishra
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Atul Ambekar
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Alok Agrawal
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Espelt A, Bosque-Prous M, Folch C, Sarasa-Renedo A, Majó X, Casabona J, Brugal MT. Is systematic training in opioid overdose prevention effective? PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186833. [PMID: 29088247 PMCID: PMC5663400 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives were to analyze the knowledge about overdose prevention, the use of naloxone, and the number of fatal overdoses after the implementation of Systematic Training in Overdose Prevention (STOOP) program. We conducted a quasi-experimental study, and held face-to-face interviews before (n = 725) and after (n = 722) implementation of systematic training in two different samples of people who injected opioids attending harm reduction centers. We asked participants to list the main causes of overdose and the main actions that should be taken when witnessing an overdose. We created two dependent variables, the number of (a) correct and (b) incorrect answers. The main independent variable was Study Group: Intervention Group (IG), Comparison Group (CG), Pre-Intervention Group With Sporadic Training in Overdose Prevention (PREIGS), or Pre-Intervention Group Without Training in Overdose Prevention (PREIGW). The relationship between the dependent and independent variables was assessed using a multivariate Poisson regression analysis. Finally, we conducted an interrupted time series analysis of monthly fatal overdoses before and after the implementation of systematic program during the period 2006–2015. Knowledge of overdose prevention increased after implementing systematic training program. Compared to the PREIGW, the IG gave more correct answers (IRR = 1.40;95%CI:1.33–1.47), and fewer incorrect answers (IRR = 0.33;95%CI:0.25–0.44). Forty percent of people who injected opioids who received a naloxone kit had used the kit in response to an overdose they witnessed. These courses increase knowledge of overdose prevention in people who use opioids, give them the necessary skills to use naloxone, and slightly diminish the number of fatal opioid overdoses in the city of Barcelona.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Espelt
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Plaça Lesseps, Barcelona, Spain
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red. Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Calle Melchor Fernández Almagro, Madrid, Spain
- Facultat de Ciències de la Salut de Manresa, Universitat de Vic Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVicUCC), Av. Universitària, Manresa, Spain
- Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia en Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Cinta Folch
- Centre d'Estudis Epidemiològics sobre les Infeccions de Transmissió Sexual i Sida de Catalunya (CEEISCAT), Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya (ASPC), Generalitat de Catalunya, Carretera Canyet s/n, Badalona, Spain
| | - Ana Sarasa-Renedo
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Plaça Lesseps, Barcelona, Spain
- Programa de Epidemiología Aplicada y de Campo (PEAC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Calle Sinesio Delgado, Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Majó
- Subdirecció General de Drogodependències, Departament de Salut de la Generalitat de Catalunya, Carrer de Roc Boronat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Casabona
- Subdirecció General de Drogodependències, Departament de Salut de la Generalitat de Catalunya, Carrer de Roc Boronat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M. Teresa Brugal
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Plaça Lesseps, Barcelona, Spain
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Luo X, Gong X, Zhao P, Zou X, Chen W, Ling L. Positive percentages of urine morphine tests among methadone maintenance treatment clients with HIV/AIDS: a 12-month follow-up study in Guangdong Province, China. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e014237. [PMID: 28450464 PMCID: PMC5566940 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the positive percentages of urine morphine tests and correlates among methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clients with HIV/AIDS in Guangdong, China. SETTING Fourteen MMT clinics located in nine cities of Guangdong were chosen as study sites. PARTICIPANTS In this study, we reviewed 293 clients with opioid dependence, who were HIV seropositive, 18 years or older, provided informed consent and had at least 10 records of urine morphine tests during the study period. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The positive percentages of urine morphine tests were calculated and underlying predictors were estimated. RESULTS The highest positive percentage (95.9%) was observed in the first month. After excluding the highest percentage in the first month, the average positive percentage was 40.9% for month 2 to month 12. Positive percentages of urine morphine tests that were <20%, 20-60% and >80% were 25.4%, 36.1% and 38.5% respectively. Lower percentages of continued heroin use were associated with being young (OR≤30=0.31, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.78; OR31-=0.44, 95% CI 0.20 to 1.00), and financial sources depending on family or friends (OR=0.55, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.93). Higher percentages of continued heroin use were associated with being unemployed (OR=1.99, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.49) and poor MMT attendance (OR<20%=3.60, 95% CI 1.55 to 8.33; OR20%-=2.80, 95% CI 1.48 to 5.33). CONCLUSIONS High positive percentages of urine morphine tests remain prevalent among MMT clients with HIV/AIDS in Guangdong. The present findings have implications for taking effective measures to facilitate attendance in order to decrease heroin use and ultimately improve the effectiveness among these sub-group MMT clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Luo
- Faculty of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Gong
- Faculty of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peizhen Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Skin Disease and STI Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xia Zou
- Faculty of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Faculty of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Ling
- Faculty of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS This narrative review aims to provide a brief history of the development of the heroin overdose field by discussing a selection of major 'classics' from the latter part of the 20th century. METHODS Papers considered landmarks were selected from 1972, 1977, 1983, 1984 and 1999. RESULTS Findings of earlier works suggest much of what later research was to demonstrate. These include arguing that overdoses occurred primarily among tolerant older users, that most 'overdose' deaths involved low morphine concentrations, that most overdoses involve polypharmacy, that drug purity has only a moderate influence on overdose rates and that instant death following heroin administration is rare. CONCLUSIONS Landmark studies of heroin overdose from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s laid the foundations for subsequent overdose research, mainly by identifying the major demographic characteristics of overdose cases, risk factors, survival times and behaviours at overdose events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Darke
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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McAuley A, Munro A, Bird SM, Hutchinson SJ, Goldberg DJ, Taylor A. Engagement in a National Naloxone Programme among people who inject drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 162:236-40. [PMID: 26965105 PMCID: PMC5854250 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Availability of the opioid antagonist naloxone for lay administration has grown substantially since first proposed in 1996. Gaps remain, though, in our understanding of how people who inject drugs (PWID) engage with naloxone programmes over time. AIMS This paper aimed to address three specific evidence gaps: the extent of naloxone supply to PWID; supply-source (community or prisons); and the carriage of naloxone among PWID. MATERIALS AND METHODS Analysis of Scotland's Needle Exchange Surveillance Initiative (NESI) responses in 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 was undertaken with a specific focus on the extent of Scotland's naloxone supply to PWID; including by source (community or prisons); and on the carriage of naloxone. Differences in responses between the two surveys were measured using Chi-square tests together with 95% confidence intervals for rate-differences over time. RESULTS The proportion of NESI participants who reported that they had been prescribed naloxone within the last year increased significantly from 8% (175/2146; 95% CI: 7-9%) in 2011-2012 to 32% (745/2331; 95% CI: 30% to 34%) in 2013-2014. In contrast, the proportion of NESI participants who carried naloxone with them on the day they were interviewed decreased significantly from 16% (27/169; 95% CI: 10% to 22%) in 2011-2012 to 5% (39/741; 95% CI: 4% to 7%) in 2013-2014. CONCLUSIONS The supply of naloxone to PWID has increased significantly since the introduction of a National Naloxone Programme in Scotland in January 2011. In contrast, naloxone carriage is low and decreased between the two NESI surveys; this area requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McAuley
- Health Protection Scotland, Meridian Court, Cadogan Street, Glasgow G2 6QE, UK; Institute for Applied Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Alison Munro
- School of Media, Culture and Society, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK
| | - Sheila M. Bird
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, Cambridge CB2 0SR, UK,Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Strathclyde University, Glasgow G1 1XH, UK
| | - Sharon J. Hutchinson
- Health Protection Scotland, Meridian Court, Cadogan Street, Glasgow G2 6QE, UK,Institute for Applied Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
| | - David J. Goldberg
- Health Protection Scotland, Meridian Court, Cadogan Street, Glasgow G2 6QE, UK,Institute for Applied Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
| | - Avril Taylor
- School of Media, Culture and Society, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK
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Kirwan A, Curtis M, van Beek IA, Cantwell K, Dietze PM. Take-home naloxone programs and calls to emergency services. Med J Aust 2016; 204:143. [PMID: 26937662 DOI: 10.5694/mja15.00783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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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: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [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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Espelt A, Barrio G, Álamo-Junquera D, Bravo MJ, Sarasa-Renedo A, Vallejo F, Molist G, Brugal MT. Lethality of Opioid Overdose in a Community Cohort of Young Heroin Users. Eur Addict Res 2015; 21:300-6. [PMID: 26022713 DOI: 10.1159/000377626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to estimate the lethality of opioid overdose among young heroin users. METHODS A prospective community cohort study was conducted in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain. Participants included 791 heroin users aged 18-30 years who were followed up between 2001 and 2006. Fatal overdoses were identified by record linkage of the cohort with the general mortality register, while non-fatal overdoses were self-reported at baseline and follow-up interviews. The person-years (py) at risk were computed for each participant. Fatal and non-fatal overdose rates were estimated by city. Transition towards injection shortly before the overdose could not be measured. Overdose lethality (rate of fatal overdose in proportion to total overdose) and its 95% CI was estimated using Bayesian models. RESULTS The adjusted rates of fatal and non-fatal opioid overdose were 0.7/100 py (95% CI: 0.4-1.1) and 15.8/100 py (95% CI: 14.3-17.6), respectively. The adjusted lethality was 4.2% (95% CI: 2.5-6.5). CONCLUSIONS Four out of 100 opioid overdoses are fatal. These are preventable deaths that could be avoided before or after the overdose takes place. Resources are urgently needed to prevent fatal opioid overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Espelt
- Agx00E8;ncia de Salut Px00FA;blica de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Arribas-Ibar E, Sánchez-Niubò A, Majó X, Domingo-Salvany A, Brugal MT. Coverage of overdose prevention programs for opiate users and injectors: a cross-sectional study. Harm Reduct J 2014; 11:33. [PMID: 25416534 PMCID: PMC4247710 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7517-11-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of opiates, particularly heroin, remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Half of the deaths among heroin consumers are attributed to overdose. In response to this problem, overdose prevention programs (OPPs) were designed. The objective of our study was to assess coverage of OPPs among the target population in a specific Spanish region (Catalonia) and to identify characteristics related to attendance. Methods A cross-sectional survey recruited individuals from outpatient treatment centers (OTCs), therapeutic communities (ThCs), and harm reduction facilities (HRFs) in Catalonia. From 513 participants, 306 opiate users and/or injectors were selected for this study. Coverage was calculated as the proportion of subjects who declared having participated in an OPP. A Poisson regression with robust variance was used to assess factors (socio-demographic aspects and psychoactive substance use patterns) associated to OPP participation, taking into account recruitment strategy. Results Average age of the 306 subjects was 39.7 years (s.d.: 7.7); 79% were male; 79.2% lived in urban areas and 56.3% were unemployed or had never worked. Overall OPP coverage was 43.5% (95% CI: 37%–49%). Training was received mostly in HRF (60%), followed by OTC (24.4%), prison (19%), and ThC (16%). OPP sessions were attended by 41% of Spanish-born study participants and by 63.3% of foreigners; 92.2% of the participants lived in urban areas. The Poisson regression analysis adjusted by age, sex, and type of recruitment center showed that OPP participation rates were higher for individuals with foreign nationality (PR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.04–1.72), for those living in municipalities with more than 100,000 inhabitants (PR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.37–2.81) or the Barcelona conurbation (PR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.68–3.77), and for those having ever been in prison (PR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.41–1.81) and had first consumption when they were less than 12 years old (PR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.06–1.45). Conclusion Coverage as a whole can be considered high. However, in Catalonia, new strategies ought to be developed in order to attract opiate users and injectors not currently participating, by expanding OPP offer to services and regions where coverage is poor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Antònia Domingo-Salvany
- Research group of drug abuse epidemiology, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Doctor Aiguader 88, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain.
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Strang J, Bird SM, Parmar MKB. Take-home emergency naloxone to prevent heroin overdose deaths after prison release: rationale and practicalities for the N-ALIVE randomized trial. J Urban Health 2013; 90:983-96. [PMID: 23633090 PMCID: PMC3795186 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-013-9803-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The naloxone investigation (N-ALIVE) randomized trial commenced in the UK in May 2012, with the preliminary phase involving 5,600 prisoners on release. The trial is investigating whether heroin overdose deaths post-prison release can be prevented by prior provision of a take-home emergency supply of naloxone. Heroin contributes disproportionately to drug deaths through opiate-induced respiratory depression. Take-home emergency naloxone is a novel preventive measure for which there have been encouraging preliminary reports from community schemes. Overdoses are usually witnessed, and drug users themselves and also family members are a vast intervention workforce who are willing to intervene, but whose responses are currently often inefficient or wrong. Approximately 10% of provided emergency naloxone is thought to be used in subsequent emergency resuscitation but, as yet, there have been no definitive studies. The period following release from prison is a time of extraordinarily high mortality, with heroin overdose deaths increased more than sevenfold in the first fortnight after release. Of prisoners with a previous history of heroin injecting who are released from prison, 1 in 200 will die of a heroin overdose within the first 4 weeks. There are major scientific and logistical challenges to assessing the impact of take-home naloxone. Even in recently released prisoners, heroin overdose death is a relatively rare event: hence, large numbers of prisoners need to enter the trial to assess whether take-home naloxone significantly reduces the overdose death rate. The commencement of pilot phase of the N-ALIVE trial is a significant step forward, with prisoners being randomly assigned either to treatment-as-usual or to treatment-as-usual plus a supply of take-home emergency naloxone. The subsequent full N-ALIVE trial (contingent on a successful pilot) will involve 56,000 prisoners on release, and will give a definitive conclusion on lives saved in real-world application. Advocates call for implementation, while naysayers raise concerns. The issue does not need more public debate; it needs good science.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Strang
- King's College London, National Addiction Centre (Institute of Psychiatry and The Maudsley), London, SE5 8AF, UK,
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Kinner SA, Milloy MJ, Wood E, Qi J, Zhang R, Kerr T. Incidence and risk factors for non-fatal overdose among a cohort of recently incarcerated illicit drug users. Addict Behav 2012; 37:691-6. [PMID: 22385733 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2012.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Revised: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Release from prison is associated with a markedly increased risk of both fatal and non-fatal drug overdose, yet the risk factors for overdose in recently released prisoners are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify risk and protective factors for non-fatal overdose (NFOD) among a cohort of illicit drug users in Vancouver, Canada, according to recent incarceration. METHODS Prospective cohort of 2515 community-recruited illicit drug users in Vancouver, Canada, followed from 1996 to 2010. We examined factors associated with NFOD in the past six months separately among those who did and did not also report incarceration in the last six months. RESULTS One third of participants (n=829, 33.0%) reported at least one recent NFOD. Among those recently incarcerated, risk factors independently and positively associated with NFOD included daily use of heroin, benzodiazepines, cocaine or methamphetamine, binge drug use, public injecting and previous NFOD. Older age, methadone maintenance treatment and HIV seropositivity were protective against NFOD. A similar set of risk factors was identified among those who had not been incarcerated recently. CONCLUSIONS Among this cohort, and irrespective of recent incarceration, NFOD was associated with a range of modifiable risk factors including more frequent and riskier patterns of drug use. Not all ex-prisoners are at equal risk of overdose and there remains an urgent need to develop and implement evidence-based preventive interventions, targeting those with modifiable risk factors in this high risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart A Kinner
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute 85 Commercial Road Melbourne, VIC, 3004 Australia.
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Boyd JJ, Kuisma MJ, Randell TT. Temporal differences in γ-hydroxybutyrate overdoses involving injecting drug users versus recreational drug users in Helsinki: a retrospective study. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2012; 20:7. [PMID: 22296777 PMCID: PMC3292976 DOI: 10.1186/1757-7241-20-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 02/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) have been profiled as 'party drugs' used mainly at dance parties and in nightclubs on weekend nights. The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency of injecting drug use among GHB/GBL overdose patients and whether there are temporal differences in the occurrence of GHB/GBL overdoses of injecting drug and recreational drug users. Methods In this retrospective study, the ambulance and hospital records of suspected GHB- and GBL overdose patients treated by the Helsinki Emergency Medical Service from January 1st 2006 to December 31st 2007 were reviewed. According to the temporal occurrence of the overdose, patients were divided in two groups. In group A, the overdose occurred on a Friday-Saturday or Saturday-Sunday night between 11 pm-6 am. Group B consisted of overdoses occurring on outside this time frame. Results Group A consisted of 39 patient contacts and the remaining 61 patient contacts were in group B. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in (group A vs. B, respectively): history of injecting drug abuse (33% vs. 59%, p = 0.012), reported polydrug and ethanol use (80% vs. 62%, p = 0.028), the location where the patients were encountered (private or public indoors or outdoors, 10%, 41%, 41% vs. 25%, 18%, 53%, p = 0.019) and how the knowledge of GHB/GBL use was obtained (reported by patient/bystanders or clinical suspicion, 72%, 28% vs. 85%, 10%, p = 0.023). Practically all (99%) patients were transported to emergency department after prehospital care. Conclusion There appears to be at least two distinct groups of GHB/GBL users. Injecting drug users represent the majority of GHB/GBL overdose patients outside weekend nights.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Boyd
- Helsinki Emergency Medical Service, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
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Britton PC, Bohnert ASB, Wines JD, Conner KR. A procedure that differentiates unintentional from intentional overdose in opioid abusers. Addict Behav 2012; 37:127-30. [PMID: 21955872 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2011.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2010] [Revised: 06/10/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to develop a procedure for assessing unintentional overdose (OD) in opiate abusers that differentiates it from intentional OD, and provides reliable information about the incident. METHODS A sample of 121 patients in a methadone maintenance program at an urban university hospital completed a baseline assessment. A total of 70 participants completed an identical assessment at least 14 days later. The ability of an OD item to differentiate unintentional OD from intentional OD was tested, as was the test-retest reliability of questions assessing symptoms and treatment of OD. RESULTS The procedure is reliable and differentiated unintentional OD from intentional OD. Questions assessing symptoms of OD were endorsed in almost every unintentional OD incident, although reliability was affected by loss of consciousness. The reliability of questions assessing emergency treatment and Narcan administration was outstanding. CONCLUSIONS Our procedure for assessing OD differentiates unintentional OD from intentional OD. The use of follow-up questions assessing acute treatment for OD is recommended. Items concerning symptoms of OD are not needed to confirm the presence of an OD, but may be used to clarify whether an event was an OD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Britton
- Center of Excellence, Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Canandaigua, USA.
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Pollini RA, Banta-Green CJ, Cuevas-Mota J, Metzner M, Teshale E, Garfein RS. Problematic use of prescription-type opioids prior to heroin use among young heroin injectors. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2011; 2:173-180. [PMID: 23293547 PMCID: PMC3536052 DOI: 10.2147/sar.s24800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Misuse of prescription-type opioids and related adverse health effects are increasing, but little is known about the role of these drugs as a precursor to heroin use. We conducted an exploratory study to determine the proportion of young heroin injectors reporting problematic use of prescription-type opioids prior to using heroin, and to describe the factors associated with prior problematic prescription-type opioid use. Methods Between March 2009 and June 2010, we recruited injection drug users (IDUs) for a cross-sectional study of hepatitis C virus infection risk. Participants were aged 18–40 years and had injected illicit drugs within the previous six months. A computerized self-administered survey assessed sociodemographics, drug use history, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus risk behaviors and perceptions, and medical history. We added questions on prescription-type opioid use to the parent study in March 2010; heroin injectors who subsequently enrolled and reported problematic prescription-type opioid use prior to heroin initiation were compared with other heroin IDUs using univariate and multivariate regression methods. Results Among 123 heroin IDUs, 49 (39.8%) reported problematic prescription-type opioid use prior to heroin initiation (“prescription-type opioid first injection drug users” [PTO-First IDUs]). PTO-First IDUs had higher odds of injecting with friends (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 6.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.90–19.07), getting new syringes from a spouse/family member/sex partner (AOR 23.0; 95% CI 2.33–226.0), knowing about the local syringe exchange program (AOR 7.28; 95% CI 1.17–45.05), using powder cocaine (AOR 3.75; 95% CI 1.43–9.86), and perceiving themselves as less likely than other IDUs to get HIV (AOR 4.32; 95% CI 1.26–14.77). They had lower odds of ever being tested for HIV (AOR 0.25; 95% CI 0.08–0.80). Conclusion A high proportion of young heroin IDUs reported problematic prescription-type opioid use prior to initiating heroin use. Our study provides several avenues for future investigation to help further characterize this subset of IDUs and their risks and perceptions related to HIV and other blood-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin A Pollini
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Calverton, MD
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Non-fatal overdose in the 12 months following treatment for substance use disorders. Drug Alcohol Depend 2010; 107:51-5. [PMID: 19828263 PMCID: PMC2818271 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2009] [Revised: 09/09/2009] [Accepted: 09/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overdose (OD) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity for individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), and there are limited prospective data on OD during the months following treatment for SUDs. METHODS Variables associated with an OD in the 12 months after leaving an initial treatment episode were examined in an analysis of the Drug Abuse Treatment Outcomes Study (DATOS), a longitudinal naturalistic multisite study. Participants included 2966 patients with one or more SUDs. Non-fatal OD was ascertained by a positive response to "In the past 12 months, have you overdosed on drugs?" Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify variables associated with OD. RESULTS By 12 months, 93 (3.1%) participants reported one or more ODs. Variables associated with OD were lifetime history of OD, injection drug use (IDU), male sex, greater pain, and history of sexual abuse. CONCLUSIONS OD-risk appears to be increased by IDU, lifetime OD, sexual abuse history, and pain. The latter finding is novel for a prospective report and requires further study.
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Gaston RL, Best D, Manning V, Day E. Can we prevent drug related deaths by training opioid users to recognise and manage overdoses? Harm Reduct J 2009; 6:26. [PMID: 19781073 PMCID: PMC2762999 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7517-6-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2008] [Accepted: 09/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Naloxone has been evidenced widely as a means of reducing mortality resulting from opiate overdose, yet its distribution to drug users remains limited. However, it is drug users who are most likely to be available to administer naloxone at the scene and who have been shown to be willing and motivated to deliver this intervention. The current study builds on a national training evaluation in England by assessing 6-month outcome data collected primarily in one of the participating centres. Methods Seventy patients with opioid dependence syndrome were trained in the recognition and management of overdoses in Birmingham (n = 66) and London (n = 4), and followed up six months after receiving naloxone. After successful completion of the training, participants received a supply of 400 micrograms of naloxone (in the form of a preloaded syringe) to take home. The study focused on whether participating users still had their naloxone, whether they retained the information, whether they had witnessed an overdose and whether they had naloxone available and were still willing to use it in the event of overdose. Results & Discussion The results were mixed - although the majority of drug users had retained the naloxone prescribed to them, and retention of knowledge was very strong in relation to overdose recognition and intervention, most participants did not carry the naloxone with them consistently and consequently it was generally not available if they witnessed an overdose. The paper discusses the reasons for the reluctance to carry naloxone and potential opportunities for how this might be overcome. Future issues around training and support around peer dissemination are also addressed. Conclusion Our findings confirm that training of drug users constitutes a valuable resource in the management of opiate overdoses and growth of peer interventions that may not otherwise be recognised or addressed. Obstacles have been identified at individual (transportability, stigma) and at a systems level (police involvement, prescription laws). Training individuals does not seem to be sufficient for these programmes to succeed and a coherent implementation model is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Lopez Gaston
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Birmingham, The Barberry Vincent Drive, Birmingham, UK.
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Grau LE, Green TC, Torban M, Blinnikova K, Krupitsky E, Ilyuk R, Kozlov AP, Heimer R. Psychosocial and contextual correlates of opioid overdose risk among drug users in St. Petersburg, Russia. Harm Reduct J 2009; 6:17. [PMID: 19630963 PMCID: PMC2724502 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7517-6-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2009] [Accepted: 07/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid overdose in Russia is a problem that has grown more severe as heroin abuse expanded over the past decade, yet few studies have explored it in detail. In order to gain a clearer understanding of the situation, 60 drug users, both in and out of drug treatment in St. Petersburg, were interviewed concerning their overdose experience and knowledge about overdose recognition and prevention. METHODS Using a semi-structured interview, we sought to identify and describe local attitudes, knowledge and experience (both self-sustained and witnessed) of opioid overdose. Bi-variate and multiple logistic regressions were performed in order to identify the relationship between overdose experience and sociodemographic factors, risk behaviors, and clinical psychiatric measures. RESULTS We found that having experienced or witnessed an opioid overdose within the previous year was common, overdose knowledge was generally high, but nearly half the participants reported low self-efficacy for effectively intervening in an overdose situation. In bivariate analyses, self-reported family problems (i.e., perceived problematic family interactions) were positively associated with both experiencing (t56 = 2.49; p < 0.05) and with witnessing a greater number of overdoses in the previous year (rhos = 0.31; p < 0.05). Having previously overdosed [Adjusted Risk Ratio (ARR) 1.7, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.1-2.6] and higher SCL-90-R somatization scores (ARR 1.2, 95% CI 0.96 - 1.5) were independently associated in multivariable analyses with self-sustained overdose experience in the past year. Greater perceived likelihood of experiencing a future overdose and concern about medical problems were independently associated with witnessing a higher number of overdoses within the previous year. Over two thirds of the participants expressed interest in receiving training in overdose prevention and response. CONCLUSION Opioid overdose experience is very common among drug users in St. Petersburg, Russia, and interest in receiving training for overdose recognition and prevention was high. Future research should target the development of effective overdose recognition and prevention interventions, especially ones that include naloxone distribution and involve drug users' families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauretta E Grau
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St,, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Bohnert ASB, Tracy M, Galea S. Circumstances and witness characteristics associated with overdose fatality. Ann Emerg Med 2009; 54:618-24. [PMID: 19540622 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2009.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2009] [Revised: 04/22/2009] [Accepted: 05/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Emergency physicians have an opportunity to provide overdose fatality prevention interventions to individuals at risk for experiencing or witnessing an overdose to reduce fatality. The present study uses data about the most recent overdose observed by a sample of inner-city drug users to determine the circumstances of overdose that are associated with overdose fatality. METHODS Participants (n=690) aged 18 years or older were recruited with targeted street outreach. All participants had used heroin or cocaine in the previous 2 months and had witnessed at least 1 overdose. Survey data included the circumstances of the last overdose witnessed, including actions taken, drug use behavior, the location of the event, and whether or not the overdose was fatal (the outcome measure). RESULTS One hundred fifty-two (21.7%) of the witnessed overdoses were fatal. Witness powdered cocaine use (adjusted odds ratio=1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0 to 2.6) and injection drug history (adjusted odds ratio=0.5; 95% CI 0.3 to 0.9) were associated with the last witnessed overdose being fatal. Witnessed overdoses that occurred in public or abandoned buildings compared with homes were more likely to be fatal (adjusted odds ratio=1.9; 95% CI 1.0 to 3.5), as were overdoses in which witnesses sought outside medical help (adjusted odds ratio=1.5; 95% CI 1.0 to 2.1). CONCLUSION Future prevention interventions may fruitfully target users of powdered cocaine, drug users without a history of injecting, and individuals who use drugs in public or abandoned buildings for brief interventions on responding when witnessing an overdose to reduce mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S B Bohnert
- VA National Serious Mental Illness Treatment Research and Evaluation Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.
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McKETIN REBECCA. Use of RAM to monitor illicit drug use in developed countries: can rapid assessment result in a rapid response? Drug Alcohol Rev 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/09595239996491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Ross J, Darke S, Hall W. Benzodiazepine use among heroin users in Sydney: patterns of use, availability and procurement. Drug Alcohol Rev 2009; 15:237-43. [PMID: 16203378 DOI: 10.1080/09595239600185971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A sample of 210 heroin users who had used benzodiazepines during the preceding 6 months were interviewed about their benzodiazepine use. Forty-one percent of the sample reported having used benzodiazepines more than once a week during the 6 months preceding interview. Forty-eight percent had injected benzodiazepines, with 17% having done so during the preceding 6 months. Eleven percent of the sample reported having experienced convulsions when attempting detoxification from benzodiazepines. The majority of subjects (86%) indicated that benzodiazepines are easy or very easy to obtain. Only a third of the sample reported obtaining benzodiazepines exclusively through a doctor in the last 6 months. Over a half of the sample indicated that they had given or sold benzodiazepines to someone during that time. Diazepam was considered by subjects to be the easiest benzodiazepine to procure. Doctors should avoid the prescription of benzodiazepines to injecting drug users, particularly the more readily injectable drug temazepam. Given the widespread use of benzodiazepines by injection, research needs to examine the harm associated with the parenteral use of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ross
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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DIETZE PAULM, CVETKOVSKI STEFAN, RUMBOLD GREG, MILLER PETER. Ambulance attendance at heroin overdose in Melbourne: the establishment of a database of Ambulance Service records. Drug Alcohol Rev 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/09595230096110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Kim D, Irwin KS, Khoshnood K. Expanded access to naloxone: options for critical response to the epidemic of opioid overdose mortality. Am J Public Health 2009; 99:402-7. [PMID: 19150908 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2008.136937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The United States is in the midst of a prolonged and growing epidemic of accidental and preventable deaths associated with overdoses of licit and illicit opioids. For more than 3 decades, naloxone has been used by emergency medical personnel to pharmacologically reverse overdoses. The peers or family members of overdose victims, however, are most often the actual first responders and are best positioned to intervene within an hour of the onset of overdose symptoms. Data from recent pilot programs demonstrate that lay persons are consistently successful in safely administering naloxone and reversing opioid overdose. Current evidence supports the extensive scaleup of access to naloxone. We present advantages and limitations associated with a range of possible policy and program responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kim
- American Medical Association, Chicago, IL, USA
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Kerr D, Dietze P, Kelly AM, Jolley D. Attitudes of Australian heroin users to peer distribution of naloxone for heroin overdose: perspectives on intranasal administration. J Urban Health 2008; 85:352-60. [PMID: 18347990 PMCID: PMC2329742 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-008-9273-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2007] [Accepted: 02/26/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Naloxone distribution to injecting drug users (IDUs) for peer administration is a suggested strategy to prevent fatal heroin overdose. The aim of this study was to explore attitudes of IDUs to administration of naloxone to others after heroin overdose, and preferences for method of administration. A sample of 99 IDUs (median age 35 years, 72% male) recruited from needle and syringe programs in Melbourne were administered a questionnaire. Data collected included demographics, attitudes to naloxone distribution, and preferences for method of administration. The primary study outcomes were attitudes of IDUs to use of naloxone for peer administration (categorized on a five-point scale ranging from "very good idea" to "very bad idea") and preferred mode of administration (intravenous, intramuscular, and intranasal). The majority of the sample reported positive attitudes toward naloxone distribution (good to very good idea: 89%) and 92% said they were willing to participate in a related training program. Some participants raised concerns about peer administration including the competence of IDUs to administer naloxone in an emergency, victim response on wakening and legal implications. Most (74%) preferred intranasal administration in comparison to other administration methods (21%). There was no association with age, sex, or heroin practice. There appears to be strong support among Australian IDU for naloxone distribution to peers. Intranasal spray is the preferred route of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra Kerr
- Joseph Epstein Centre for Emergency Medicine Research, Sunshine Hospital, 1st Floor, 176 Furlong Rd, St Albans, Victoria, 3021, Australia.
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Abstract
This article explores trends and correlates of Chicago's opiate-related overdose (OD) deaths. We manually examined data from every death certificate filed between 1999 and 2003 to identify all Chicago residents' accidental deaths involving acute intoxication with illicit opiates, OD, or opiate poisoning. The analysis includes an examination of contextual characteristics in 77 Chicago neighborhoods. Negative binomial regression analysis permits the calculation of incidence rate ratios (IRR) associated with time trends. OD incidence peaked in 2000 and then declined markedly by 2003 [year 2000-2003 IRR = 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.54, 0.78)]. Over the 2000-2003 period, overall incidence of fatal OD declined by 34%. Over this period, the sharpest observed declines occurred among African-Americans [IRR = 0.64, 95% CI (0.51, 0.81)] and Hispanics/Latinos [IRR = 0.53, 95% CI (0.32, 0.88)]. The opiate-related fatality incidence also declined among non-Hispanic whites [IRR = 0.743, 95% CI (0.52, 1.06)]. Even at the end of the study period, illicit opiate-related OD accounted for 35% of all accidental deaths to Chicago adults aged 18-64, with 45% of OD deaths occurring among African-American men. In summary, illicit opiate OD in Chicago peaked in 2000 and markedly declined by 2003. Opiate OD continues to pose a major threat of mortality to Chicago adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Scott
- Department of Sociology, Egan Urban Center, DePaul University, 990 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60614 USA
| | | | - Harold A. Pollack
- School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Bradley Ray
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
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Pollini RA, McCall L, Mehta SH, Vlahov D, Strathdee SA. Non-fatal overdose and subsequent drug treatment among injection drug users. Drug Alcohol Depend 2006; 83:104-10. [PMID: 16310322 PMCID: PMC3711523 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2005.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2005] [Revised: 10/25/2005] [Accepted: 10/31/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Overdose is a leading cause of death among illicit drug users. Nine hundred twenty-four injection drug users (IDUs) in Baltimore, Maryland, were interviewed to characterize overdose events and determine the circumstances under which they lead to drug treatment. Overall, 366 (39.7%) reported at least one non-fatal drug overdose. Most (96.2%) used heroin on the day of their last overdose and almost half (42.6%) used heroin and alcohol but few (4.1%) used tranquilizers or benzodiazepines. Five percent were in drug treatment when the overdose occurred and 7.1% had been incarcerated 2 weeks prior. One in four IDUs (26.2%) sought drug treatment within 30 days after their last overdose of whom 75% enrolled. Speaking with someone about drug treatment after the overdose was associated with treatment seeking (AOR 5.22; 95% CI: 3.12, 8.71). Family members were the most commonly cited source of treatment information (53.7%) but only those who spoke with spouses, crisis counselors and hospital staff were more likely to seek treatment. Not being ready for treatment (69.6%) and not viewing drug use as a problem (30.7%) were the most common reasons for not seeking treatment and being placed on a waiting list was the most common reason for not subsequently enrolling in treatment (66.7%). Of the IDUs treated by emergency medical technicians, ER staff or hospital staff, only 17.3%, 26.2% and 43.2% reported getting drug treatment information from those sources, respectively. Interventions that provide drug treatment information and enhance motivation for treatment in the medical setting and policies that reduce barriers to treatment entry among motivated drug users are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin A Pollini
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
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Hulse GK, Tait RJ, Comer SD, Sullivan MA, Jacobs IG, Arnold-Reed D. Reducing hospital presentations for opioid overdose in patients treated with sustained release naltrexone implants. Drug Alcohol Depend 2005; 79:351-7. [PMID: 15899557 PMCID: PMC1646626 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2005.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2004] [Revised: 02/21/2005] [Accepted: 02/26/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-fatal overdoses represent a significant morbidity for regular heroin users. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist capable of blocking the effects of heroin, thereby preventing accidental overdose. However, treatment with oral naltrexone is often associated with non-compliance. An alternative is the use of a sustained release preparation of naltrexone. The aim of this study was to assess the change in number of opioid and other drug overdoses in a large cohort of heroin dependent persons (n=361; 218 males) before and after treatment with a sustained release naltrexone implant. A sub-group of this cohort (n=146; 83 males) had previously received treatment with oral naltrexone, which also allowed a comparison of overdoses pre- and post-oral and also post-implant treatments. METHOD We used a pre-post design, with data prospectively collected via the West Australian Health Services Research Linked Database, and the Emergency Department Information System. Participants were treated under the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration's special access guidelines. RESULTS Most (336, 93%) of the cohort was in one or both databases. We identified 21 opioid overdoses involving 20 persons in the 6 months pre-treatment that required emergency department presentation or hospital admission: none were observed in the 6 months post-treatment. This is consistent with the existing pharmacokinetic data on this implant, which indicates maintenance of blood naltrexone levels at or above 2 ng/ml for approximately 6 months. A reduced number of opioid overdoses were also observed 7-12 months post-implant. The study found a significant increase in sedative "overdoses", some of which occurred in the 10 days following implant treatment and were likely associated with opioid withdrawal and/or implant treatment. For those previously treated with oral naltrexone, more opioid overdoses occurred in both the 6-months prior to and after oral compared to the 6-months post-implant treatment. CONCLUSIONS The findings support the clinical efficacy of this sustained release naltrexone implant in preventing opioid overdose. However, given the high prevalence of poly-substance use among dependent heroin users, programs offering this type of treatment should also focus on preventing, detecting and managing poly-substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary K. Hulse
- School of Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, QE II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Robert J. Tait
- School of Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, QE II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Sandra D. Comer
- School of Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, QE II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Division on Substance Abuse, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Maria A. Sullivan
- School of Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, QE II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Division on Substance Abuse, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Ian G. Jacobs
- Emergency Care Hospitalisation & Outcome Study, Emergency Medicine, University of Western Australia, QE II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Diane Arnold-Reed
- School of Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, QE II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
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Kelly AM, Kerr D, Dietze P, Patrick I, Walker T, Koutsogiannis Z. Randomised trial of intranasal versus intramuscular naloxone in prehospital treatment for suspected opioid overdose. Med J Aust 2005; 182:24-7. [PMID: 15651944 DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2005.tb06550.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2004] [Accepted: 10/21/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of intranasal (IN) naloxone compared with intramuscular (IM) naloxone for treatment of respiratory depression due to suspected opiate overdose in the prehospital setting. DESIGN Prospective, randomised, unblinded trial of either 2 mg naloxone injected intramuscularly or 2 mg naloxone delivered intranasally with a mucosal atomiser. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING 155 patients (71 IM and 84 IN) requiring treatment for suspected opiate overdose and attended by paramedics of the Metropolitan Ambulance Service (MAS) and Rural Ambulance Victoria (RAV) in Victoria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Response time to regain a respiratory rate greater than 10 per minute. Secondary outcome measures were proportion of patients with respiratory rate greater than 10 per minute at 8 minutes and/or a GCS score over 11 at 8 minutes; proportion requiring rescue naloxone; rate of adverse events; proportion of the IN group for whom IN naloxone alone was sufficient treatment. RESULTS The IM group had more rapid response than the IN group, and were more likely to have more than 10 spontaneous respirations per minute within 8 minutes (82% v 63%; P = 0.0173). There was no statistically significant difference between the IM and IN groups for needing rescue naloxone (13% [IM group] v 26% [IN group]; P = 0.0558). There were no major adverse events. For patients treated with IN naloxone, this was sufficient to reverse opiate toxicity in 74%. CONCLUSION IN naloxone is effective in treating opiate-induced respiratory depression, but is not as effective as IM naloxone. IN delivery of naxolone could reduce the risk of needlestick injury to ambulance officers and, being relatively safe to make more widely available, could increase access to life-saving treatment in the community.
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Abstract
Although the health impact of patients' trust in physicians has been well documented, less is known about the possible health effects of trust in police or paramedics. Homeless people frequently interact with police officers and paramedics, and these experiences may affect their health and future willingness to seek emergency assistance. We examined homeless people's self-reported interactions with police and paramedics in Toronto, Canada, and their level of trust in these emergency service providers. In a sample of 160 shelter users, 61% had interacted with police in the last 12 months, and 37% had interacted with paramedics (P = .0001). The proportion of subjects who expressed willingness to call police in an emergency was significantly lower than those willing to call paramedics in an emergency (69% vs. 92%, P = .0001). On a Likert scale ranging from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 5, trust levels were lower in police than in paramedics (median level 3 vs. 5, P = .0001). Among shelter users, 9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5% to 14%) reported an assault by a police officer in the last year, and 0% (95% CI, 0% to 4%) reported an assault by a paramedic. These findings showed that homeless people have much lower levels of trust in police than paramedics. Reports of negative interactions with police are not uncommon, and homeless people's perceptions of the police may pose a barrier to seeking emergency assistance. Further research is needed for objective characterization of homeless people's interactions with police officers and the potential health implications of low levels of trust in the police.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul A. Hamel
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stephen W. Hwang
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Fischer B, Brissette S, Brochu S, Bruneau J, el-Guebaly N, Noël L, Rehm J, Tyndall M, Wild C, Mun P, Haydon E, Baliunas D. Determinants of overdose incidents among illicit opioid users in 5 Canadian cities. CMAJ 2004; 171:235-9. [PMID: 15289420 PMCID: PMC490072 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.1031416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug overdose is a major cause of death and illness among illicit drug users. Previous research has indicated that most illicit drug users experience nonfatal overdoses and has suggested a variety of factors that are associated with risk of overdose. In this study, we examined the occurrence of and the factors associated with nonfatal overdoses within a Canadian sample of illicit opioid users not enrolled in treatment at the time of study recruitment. METHODS Interviewers used a standard questionnaire to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, drug use, health and health care, experience in the criminal justice system and treatment for drug problems; they also performed standard assessments for mental health and infectious disease. The association between overdose and sociodemographic and drug-use factors was examined with chi(2) and t test analyses; marginally significant variables were examined with logistic regression to determine independent effects. RESULTS A total of 679 subjects were interviewed; 651 provided answers sufficient for this analysis. One hundred and twelve (17.2%) of the 651 respondents reported an overdose episode in the previous 6 months. In the logistic regression analysis (after adjustment for sociodemographic factors), homelessness, noninjection use of hydromorphone in the past 30 days and involvement in drug treatment in the past 12 months were predictors of overdose (p < 0.05). INTERPRETATION Overdose poses a considerable health risk for illicit opioid users. We found that a diverse set of factors was associated with overdose episodes. Prevention efforts will likely be more effective if they can be directed to specific causal factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Fischer
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
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Tobin KE, Latkin CA. The relationship between depressive symptoms and nonfatal overdose among a sample of drug users in Baltimore, Maryland. J Urban Health 2003; 80:220-9. [PMID: 12791798 PMCID: PMC3456269 DOI: 10.1093/jurban/jtg025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Nonfatal drug overdoses are common among heroin users. While several factors that increase risk of overdose have been identified, there is little research on the role of mental health status. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between depressive symptoms and history of overdose. A sample of 729 opiate and cocaine users completed a cross-sectional survey. Of the sample, 65% reported never having overdosed, 31% had overdosed longer than 12 months before the interview, and 4% had overdosed within the past 12 months. Results indicate that a high score on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), a measure of depressive symptoms, was associated with having overdosed within the past 12 months (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 3.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33 to 7.05) after adjusting for age, gender, injection frequency, and physical health impairment. These results suggest that drug users with depressive symptoms should be targeted for overdose prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin E Tobin
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA.
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Abstract
In the past decade, the utilization of ambulance data to inform the prevalence of nonfatal heroin overdose has increased. These data can assist public health policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and health providers in planning and allocating resources. This study examined the 672 ambulance attendances at nonfatal heroin overdoses in Queensland, Australia, in 2000. Gender distribution showed a typical 70/30 male-to-female ratio. An equal number of persons with nonfatal heroin overdose were between 15 and 24 years of age and 25 and 34 years of age. Police were present in only 1 of 6 cases, and 28.1% of patients reported using drugs alone. Ambulance data are proving to be a valuable population-based resource for describing the incidence and characteristics of nonfatal heroin overdose episodes. Future studies could focus on the differences between nonfatal heroin overdose and fatal heroin overdose samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele J. Clark
- Australian Centre for Prehospital Research, Queensland Ambulance Service, University of Queensland, GPO Box 1425, 4001 Brisbane, Queensland Australia
- School of Population Health, University of Queensland, GPO Box 1425, 4001 Brisbane, Queensland Australia
| | - Angela C. Bates
- Australian Centre for Prehospital Research, Queensland Ambulance Service, University of Queensland, GPO Box 1425, 4001 Brisbane, Queensland Australia
- School of Population Health, University of Queensland, GPO Box 1425, 4001 Brisbane, Queensland Australia
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Davidson PJ, McLean RL, Kral AH, Gleghorn AA, Edlin BR, Moss AR. Fatal heroin-related overdose in San Francisco, 1997-2000: a case for targeted intervention. J Urban Health 2003; 80:261-73. [PMID: 12791802 PMCID: PMC3456286 DOI: 10.1093/jurban/jtg029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Heroin-related overdose is the single largest cause of accidental death in San Francisco. We examined demographic, location, nontoxicological, and toxicological characteristics of opiate overdose deaths in San Francisco, California. Medical examiner's case files for every opioid-positive death from July 1, 1997, to June 30, 2000, were reviewed and classified as overdose deaths or other. Demographic variables were compared to two street-based studies of heroin users and to census data. From 1997 to 2000, of all heroin-related overdoses in San Francisco, 47% occurred in low-income residential hotels; 36% occurred in one small central area of the city. In 68% of deaths, the victim was reportedly alone. When others were present between last ingestion of heroin and death, appropriate responses were rare. In three cases, police arrested the person who called emergency services or others present on the scene. We recommend the development of overdose response training targeted at heroin users and those close to them, including the staff of residential hotels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Davidson
- University of California, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, San Francisco, CA 94143-1306, USA.
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Abstract
Drug overdose is a major cause of premature death and morbidity among heroin users. This article examines recent research into heroin overdose to inform interventions that will reduce the rate of overdose death. The demographic characteristics of overdose cases are discussed, including factors associated with overdose: polydrug use, drug purity, drug tolerance, routes of administration, and suicide. Responses by heroin users at overdoses are also examined. Potential interventions to reduce the rate of overdose and overdose-related morbidity are examined in light of the emerging data in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Darke
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia.
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Seal KH, Downing M, Kral AH, Singleton-Banks S, Hammond JP, Lorvick J, Ciccarone D, Edlin BR. Attitudes about prescribing take-home naloxone to injection drug users for the management of heroin overdose: a survey of street-recruited injectors in the San Francisco Bay Area. J Urban Health 2003; 80:291-301. [PMID: 12791805 PMCID: PMC3456285 DOI: 10.1093/jurban/jtg032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Naloxone, an injectable opiate antagonist, can immediately reverse an opiate overdose and prevent overdose death. We sought to determine injection drug users' (IDUs) attitudes about being prescribed take-home naloxone. During November 1999 to February 2000, we surveyed 82 street-recruited IDUs from the San Francisco Bay Area of California who had experienced one or more heroin overdose events. We used a questionnaire that included structured and open-ended questions. Most respondents (89%) had witnessed an overdose, and 90% reported initially attempting lay remedies in an effort to help companions survive. Only 51% reported soliciting emergency assistance (calling 911) for the last witnessed overdose, with most hesitating due to fear of police involvement. Of IDUs surveyed, 87% were strongly in favor of participating in an overdose management training program to receive take-home naloxone and training in resuscitation techniques. Nevertheless, respondents expressed a variety of concerning attitudes. If provided naloxone, 35% predicted that they might feel comfortable using greater amounts of heroin, 62% might be less inclined to call 911 for an overdose, 30% might leave an overdose victim after naloxone resuscitation, and 46% might not be able to dissuade the victim from using heroin again to alleviate withdrawal symptoms induced by naloxone. Prescribing take-home naloxone to IDUs with training in its use and in resuscitation techniques may represent a life-saving, peer-based adjunct to accessing emergency services. Nevertheless, strategies for overcoming potential risks associated with the use of take-home naloxone would need to be emphasized in an overdose management training program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen H Seal
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl A Sporer
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Hargreaves K, Lenton S, Phillips M, Swensen G. Potential impacts on the incidence of fatal heroin-related overdose in Western Australia: a time-series analysis. Drug Alcohol Rev 2002; 21:321-7. [PMID: 12537700 DOI: 10.1080/0959523021000023162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In response to the rising concerns about the rate of heroin-related fatalities, overdose prevention campaigns, run by both users' organizations and government agencies, have been implemented in a number of states across Australia. In Western Australia (WA) in mid-1997, various overdose prevention initiatives were implemented. These included the implementation of a protocol limiting police presence at overdose events; the commencement of naloxone administration by ambulance staff; and the establishment of the Opiate Overdose Prevention Strategy (OOPS) which provided follow-up for individuals treated for overdose in emergency departments. This paper reports the results of a multiple linear regression analysis of 60 months of time-series data, both prior to and following the implementation of these interventions, to determine their impact on the number of fatal heroin overdoses inWA. The model employed in the analysis controlled for changes over time in proxy indicators of use and community concerns about heroin, as well as market indicators. The results suggest that, although the interventions implemented have managed to reduce the expected number of fatalities, they have become less successful in doing so as time passes. This has implications for both existing and potential interventions to reduce fatal heroin-related overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Hargreaves
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia
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Best D, Gossop M, Man LH, Stillwell G, Coomber R, Strang J. Peer overdose resuscitation: multiple intervention strategies and time to response by drug users who witness overdose. Drug Alcohol Rev 2002; 21:269-74. [PMID: 12270078 DOI: 10.1080/0959523021000002732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
One hundred and thirty-five drug users in contact with treatment services in Scotland and England were interviewed about their experiences of witnessing overdoses - both overdoses resolved successfully and those leading to death - and actions taken to effect resuscitation. One hundred and four (77%) had witnessed a mean of 11.5 overdoses, of whom 41 (30.4% of the study sample) had witnessed an average of 4.2 fatal overdoses. A wide range of actions was reported at the most recent witnessed overdose, the most common being slapping or shaking the victim (an average of 2.5 minutes after overdose was first recognised) or walking the person around the room (3.2 minutes after recognizing overdose). There was no consistent relationship between the time taken to acting and the number of actions taken. Successful resolution of last witnessed overdose was associated more strongly with immediate onset of overdose, while those that led to death were more often those that involved slow onset of overdose. There is clear evidence of the opportunity and willingness of witnesses to intervene, particularly when overdose onset is immediate, with a wide range of strategies adopted to encourage recovery, although these may often be inappropriate and wrongly prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Best
- National Addiction Centre/Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK
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