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Reddon H, Fairbairn N, Grant C, Milloy MJ. Experiencing homelessness and progression through the HIV cascade of care among people who use drugs. AIDS 2023; 37:1431-1440. [PMID: 37070552 PMCID: PMC10330029 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the longitudinal association between periods of homelessness and progression through the HIV cascade of care among people who use drugs (PWUD) with universal access to no-cost HIV treatment and care. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS Data were analysed from the ACCESS study, including systematic HIV clinical monitoring and a confidential linkage to comprehensive antiretroviral therapy (ART) dispensation records. We used cumulative link mixed-effects models to estimate the longitudinal relationship between periods of homelessness and progression though the HIV cascade of care. RESULTS Between 2005 and 2019, 947 people living with HIV were enrolled in the ACCESS study and 304 (32.1%) reported being homeless at baseline. Homelessness was negatively associated with overall progression through the HIV cascade of care [adjusted partial proportional odds ratio (APPO) = 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49-0.63]. Homelessness was significantly associated with lower odds of progressing to each subsequent stage of the HIV care cascade, with the exception of initial linkage to care. CONCLUSIONS Homelessness was associated with a 44% decrease in the odds of overall progression through the HIV cascade of care, and a 41-54% decrease in the odds of receiving ART, being adherent to ART and achieving viral load suppression. These findings support calls for the integration of services to address intersecting challenges of HIV, substance use and homelessness among marginalized populations such as PWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hudson Reddon
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nadia Fairbairn
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Wagner V, Flores-Aranda J, Villela Guilhon AC, Knight S, Bertrand K. How do Past, Present and Future Weigh into Trajectories of Precarity? The Time Perspectives of Young Psychoactive Substance Users Living in Situations of Social Precarity in Montreal. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:195-209. [PMID: 34892988 DOI: 10.1177/10497323211051671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Young psychoactive substance users in social precarity are vulnerable to a range of health and social issues. Time perspective is one aspect to consider in supporting change. This study draws on the views expressed by young adults to portray their subjective experience of time, how this perception evolves and its implications for their substance use and socio-occupational integration trajectories. The sample includes 23 young psychoactive substance users (M = 24.65 years old; 83% male) in social precarity frequenting a community-based harm reduction centre. Thematic analysis of the interviews reveals the past to be synonymous with disappointment and disillusionment, but also a constructive force. Participants expressed their present-day material and human needs as well as their need for recognition and a sense of control over their own destiny. Their limited ability to project into the future was also discussed. Avenues on how support to this population might be adapted are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Wagner
- 198734Programmes d'études et de recherche en toxicomanie, Département des sciences de la santé communautaire, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
- 49987Institut universitaire sur les dépendances, Direction de l'enseignement universitaire et de la recherche, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal, Canada
| | - Jorge Flores-Aranda
- 198734Programmes d'études et de recherche en toxicomanie, Département des sciences de la santé communautaire, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
- 49987Institut universitaire sur les dépendances, Direction de l'enseignement universitaire et de la recherche, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal, Canada
- 229169École de travail social, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada
| | - Ana Cecilia Villela Guilhon
- 198734Programmes d'études et de recherche en toxicomanie, Département des sciences de la santé communautaire, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Shane Knight
- 198734Programmes d'études et de recherche en toxicomanie, Département des sciences de la santé communautaire, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Karine Bertrand
- 198734Programmes d'études et de recherche en toxicomanie, Département des sciences de la santé communautaire, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
- 49987Institut universitaire sur les dépendances, Direction de l'enseignement universitaire et de la recherche, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal, Canada
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Docherty M, Mulvey E, Beardslee J, Sweeten G, Pardini D. Drug Dealing and Gun Carrying go Hand in Hand: Examining How Juvenile Offenders' Gun Carrying Changes Before and After Drug Dealing Spells across 84 Months. JOURNAL OF QUANTITATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2020; 36:993-1015. [PMID: 33814693 PMCID: PMC8011595 DOI: 10.1007/s10940-019-09442-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to examine whether periods of marijuana and other illicit drug dealing ("spells" of dealing) are associated with changes in young male offenders' gun carrying behavior. METHODS This paper uses 84 months of data from a sample of 479 serious juvenile male offenders who were assessed every six months for three years and then annually for four years. At each assessment, participants reported on engagement in illicit behaviors, including drug dealing and gun carrying, in each month since the prior interview. We used fixed effects models to assess within-individual changes in participants' gun carrying immediately before, during, and right after a dealing spell, while controlling for relevant time varying confounds (e.g., gang involvement, exposure to violence). Additionally, we tested moderation by type of drug sold. RESULTS There was a slight increase in gun carrying right before a drug dealing spell (OR = 1.3-1.4), then a more pronounced increase in gun carrying during the months of a drug dealing spell (OR = 8.0-12.8). Right after a dealing spell ends, youths' gun carrying dropped dramatically, but remained significantly elevated relative to their baseline levels (OR = 2.6-2.8). The association between drug dealing spells and increases in gun carrying was stronger when participants dealt hard drugs (e.g., cocaine, heroin) relative to marijuana. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that designing and implementing programs to prevent the initiation of drug dealing and decrease involvement in drug dealing may help to substantially reduce illegal gun carrying and firearm violence among delinquent males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan Docherty
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH
| | - Edward Mulvey
- Western Psychiatric Hospital, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Jordan Beardslee
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
| | - Gary Sweeten
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
| | - Dustin Pardini
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
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PARK JUNYEONG, ROUHANI SABA, BELETSKY LEO, VINCENT LOUISE, SALONER BRENDAN, SHERMAN SUSANG. Situating the Continuum of Overdose Risk in the Social Determinants of Health: A New Conceptual Framework. Milbank Q 2020; 98:700-746. [PMID: 32808709 PMCID: PMC7482387 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Policy Points This article reconceptualizes our understanding of the opioid epidemic and proposes six strategies that address the epidemic's social roots. In order to successfully reduce drug-related mortality over the long term, policymakers and public health leaders should develop partnerships with people who use drugs, incorporate harm reduction interventions, and reverse decades of drug criminalization policies. CONTEXT Drug overdose is the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. Synthetic opioids, predominantly illicit fentanyl and its analogs, surpassed prescription opioids and heroin in associated mortality rates in 2016. Unfortunately, interventions fail to fully address the current wave of the opioid epidemic and often omit the voices of people with lived experiences regarding drug use. Every overdose death is a culmination of a long series of policy failures and lost opportunities for harm reduction. METHODS In this article, we conducted a scoping review of the opioid literature to propose a novel framework designed to foreground social determinants more directly into our understanding of this national emergency. The "continuum of overdose risk" framework is our synthesis of the global evidence base and is grounded in contemporary theories, models, and policies that have been successfully applied both domestically and internationally. FINDINGS De-escalating overdose risk in the long term will require scaling up innovative and comprehensive solutions that have been designed through partnerships with people who use drugs and are rooted in harm reduction. CONCLUSIONS Without recognizing the full drug-use continuum and the role of social determinants, the current responses to drug overdose will continue to aggravate the problem they are trying to solve.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - LEO BELETSKY
- School of Law and Bouvé College of Health SciencesNortheastern University
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Nassar P, Ouanounou A. Cocaine and methamphetamine: Pharmacology and dental implications. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL HYGIENE : CJDH = JOURNAL CANADIEN DE L'HYGIENE DENTAIRE : JCHD 2020; 54:75-82. [PMID: 33240367 PMCID: PMC7668266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies have shown that illicit drug use is a persistent and growing problem in our society. Methamphetamine and cocaine are at the top of the list of stimulants commonly abused. There is a need for a disease-targeted approach to the dental management of clients who use these drugs. METHODS A review of the literature was conducted to identify the most up-to-date information for the diagnosis and treatment of dental clients who abuse methamphetamine and cocaine. Databases in the University of Toronto library system were searched for peer-reviewed articles, written in English, and containing data relevant to clinical decision making. Textbooks were chosen from a list of reference materials provided by the National Dental Examination Board. All cited articles were published within the past 5 years. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION There is robust literature on the treatment of individual signs and symptoms associated with methamphetamine and cocaine use. However, there is a dearth of information on the comprehensive, client-centred oral health care that these individuals require. CONCLUSION This article reviews the best practices to guide the clinician from the initial oral diagnosis appointment to the maintenance of care, including the pharmacological actions of these drugs of abuse, the specific challenges faced in providing care for this client population, and scientifically based treatment considerations to maximize prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Nassar
- Dental student (4th year), Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aviv Ouanounou
- Assistant professor, Department of Clinical Sciences (Pharmacology and Preventive Dentistry), Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Reddon H, Fast D, DeBeck K, Werb D, Hayashi K, Wood E, Milloy MJ. Prevalence and correlates of selling illicit cannabis among people who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada: A ten-year prospective cohort study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 69:16-23. [PMID: 31015080 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The illicit selling and use of cannabis is prevalent among marginalized people who use illicit drugs (PWUD). Given that participation in illicit drug markets has been previously associated with a range of health and social harms, we sought to examine the predictors of selling cannabis among PWUD in Vancouver, Canada, a setting with a de facto legalized cannabis market, on the eve of the planned implementation of legalized non-medical cannabis including measures to regulate the existing illicit market. METHODS Multivariable generalized estimating equations (GEE) logistic regression was used to analyze longitudinal factors associated with selling illicit cannabis among three prospective cohorts of PWUD between September 2005 and May 2015. RESULTS Among the 3258 participants included in this study, 328 (10.1%) reported selling illicit cannabis at baseline, and 46 (5.1%) initiated cannabis selling over the study period. In the multivariable analysis of the whole sample, factors significantly associated with selling cannabis included cannabis use (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 4.05), dealing other drugs (AOR = 3.87), being male (AOR = 1.83), experiencing violence (AOR = 1.40), non-medical prescription opioid use (AOR = 1.32), non-custodial involvement in the criminal justice system (AOR = 1.31), being stopped by police (AOR = 1.30), crack use (AOR = 1.25), homelessness (AOR = 1.23), age (AOR = 0.96 per year) and participation in sex work (AOR = 0.67) (all p < 0.05). The subanalyses indicated that dealing drugs other than cannabis, cannabis use, and non-custodial involvement in the criminal justice system were the only factors significantly associated with selling cannabis in all four subgroups. CONCLUSION These findings support existing evidence indicating that selling illicit cannabis is often a survival-driven strategy to support the basic needs and substance use of some PWUD. Our findings suggest jurisdictions with planned or impending cannabis legalization and regulation should consider the vulnerability of PWUD when seeking to eradicate illicit cannabis markets, for example, in setting criminal penalties for selling cannabis outside of regulatory frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hudson Reddon
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada; CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 3E6, Canada
| | - Danya Fast
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Kora DeBeck
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada; School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5K3, Canada
| | - Dan Werb
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093- 0507, USA; Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Evan Wood
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada; CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 3E6, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
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7
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Al Wahaibi N, Al Lawati A, Al Ruqeishy F, Al Khatri A, Al-Farsi Y, Juma TMA, Al Hinai F, Al-Sibani N, Mahadevan S, Al-Adawi S. The characteristics and patterns of utilization of healthcare services among Omanis with substance use disorders attending therapy for cessation. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210532. [PMID: 30703131 PMCID: PMC6354979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is indicated that Oman is witnessing an increase in issues pertinent to alcohol and psychoactive substance use. AIM The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of Omanis with substance use disorder attending a specialized hospital in Oman and the pattern of their utilization of healthcare services. A related aim was to ascertain the age group most vulnerable to alcohol and substance use in Oman. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center specialized for treatment of those engaging in substance use in Oman. The participants in the study were selected from a convenience sample among patients seeking consultation at the center for alcohol and substance use. A six-part questionnaire was designed to obtain information regarding socio-demographic background, clinical history, healthcare utilization and perceived hurdles to access. Chi-square analyses were used to evaluate the significance of differences among categorical data. Logistic regression modelling was used to obtain measures of association after adjusting for confounding factors. RESULTS Among the patients (n = 293) seeking cessation therapy, 99% were male and less than 30 years of age. Peer influences on the initiation of substance use were significant. Most patients had a history of polysubstance use, including intravenous substance use. Cannabis and alcohol were the first substances consumed by most patients and Hepatitis C and psychiatric disorders were found to be the most common co-morbidities. The participants that reported use of cannabis and benzodiazepines were more likely to perceive "improvement" upon receiving treatment. CONCLUSION This study indicated that males below 30 years of age with a history of polysubstance use were likely to attend a hospital specialized in treating substance use disorder in Oman. This study identified information regarding socio-demographic background, risk factors and perceived hurdles to healthcare that could serve as groundwork for further studies conducted on newly emerging issues of substance use in Oman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabila Al Wahaibi
- Wadi Kabir Health Centre, Directorate General of Health Services, Muscat Governorate, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Anwaar Al Lawati
- Ruwi Health Centre, Directorate General of Health Services, Muscat Governorate, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Falaah Al Ruqeishy
- Muscat Health Centre, Directorate General of Health Services, Muscat Governorate, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Yahya Al-Farsi
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Sultan Qaboos University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Muscat, Oman
| | - Tahira M. A. Juma
- Directorate of Health Services, Muttrah, Muscat Governorate, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Fatma Al Hinai
- Directorate of Health Services, Muttrah, Muscat Governorate, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Nasser Al-Sibani
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Sangeetha Mahadevan
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Samir Al-Adawi
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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Luongo NM. Disappearing in plain sight: An exploratory study of co-occurring eating and substance abuse dis/orders among homeless youth in Vancouver, Canada. WOMENS STUDIES INTERNATIONAL FORUM 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wsif.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Chang DC, Hadland SE, Nosova E, Wood E, Kerr T, DeBeck K. Socioeconomic factors associated with cessation of injection drug use among street-involved youth. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2017; 12:50. [PMID: 29212504 PMCID: PMC5719521 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-017-0136-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Although the initiation of injection drug use has been well characterized among at-risk youth, factors that support or impede cessation of injection drug use have received less attention. We sought to identify socioeconomic factors associated with cessation of injection drug use among street-involved youth. Methods From September 2005 to May 2015, data were collected from the At-Risk Youth Study (ARYS), a prospective cohort study of street-involved youth in Vancouver, Canada. Multivariate extended Cox regression was utilized to identify socioeconomic factors associated with cessation of injection drug use for six months or longer among youth who were actively injecting. Results Among 383 participants, 171 (44.6%) youth reported having ceased injection (crude incidence density 22 per 100 person-years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 19–26) at some point during study follow-up. Youth who had recently dealt drugs (adjusted hazard ration [AHR], 0.50; 95% CI, 0.29–0.87), engaged in prohibited street-based income generation (AHR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.24–0.69), and engaged in illegal income generating activities (AHR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.06–0.61) were significantly less likely to report cessation of injection drug use. Conclusions Our findings suggest that socioeconomic factors, in particular engagement in prohibited street-based and illegal income generating activities, may pose barriers to ceasing injection drug use among this population. Effort to improve access to stable and secure income, as well as employment opportunities may assist youth in transitioning away from injection drug use. Trial registration Our study is not a randomized controlled trial; thus the trial registration is not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek C Chang
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.,Department of Family Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Scott E Hadland
- Grayken Center for Addiction / Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, One Boston Medical Center Place, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, 88 East Newton St., Vose Hall, Room 322, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Ekaterina Nosova
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Evan Wood
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Kora DeBeck
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada. .,Simon Fraser University, School of Public Policy, SFU Harbor Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Suite 3271, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5K3, Canada.
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Enns B, Krebs E, DeBeck K, Hayashi K, Milloy MJ, Richardson L, Wood E, Nosyk B. The costs of crime associated with stimulant use in a Canadian setting. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 180:304-310. [PMID: 28942287 PMCID: PMC6154799 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Costs attributable to criminal activity are a major component of the economic burden of substance use disorders, yet there is a paucity of empirical evidence on this topic. Our aim was to estimate the costs of crime associated with different forms and intensities of stimulant use. METHODS Retrospective cohort study, including individuals from three prospective cohorts in Vancouver, Canada, measured biannually (2011-2015), reporting stimulant use at baseline assessment. Monthly crime costs included policing, court, corrections, and criminal victimization (2016 CAD). We estimated monthly crime costs associated with mutually exclusive categories of crack, cocaine, methamphetamine, and polystimulant use, stratified by daily/non-daily use, relative to stimulant abstinence, as well as the independent effects of treatment (opioid agonist (OAT) and other addiction treatment). We used a two-part model, capturing the probability of criminal activity and costs of crime with generalized linear logistic and gamma regression models, respectively, controlling for age, gender, education, homelessness, mental health issues, employment, prior incarceration, alcohol and opioid use. RESULTS The study sample included 1599 individuals (median age 39, 65.9% male) assessed over 5299 biannual interviews. Estimates of associated monthly crime costs ranged from $5449 [95% C.I.: $2180, $8719] for non-daily polystimulant use, to $8893 [$4196, $13,589] for daily polystimulant use. Cost differences between daily/non-daily use, injection/non-injection, and stimulant type were not statistically significant. Drug treatment was not associated with lower monthly crime costs in our sample. CONCLUSIONS Substantial crime-related costs were associated with stimulant use, emphasizing the urgency for development and implementation of efficacious treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Enns
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Emanuel Krebs
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kora DeBeck
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - M-J Milloy
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of AIDS, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lindsey Richardson
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Sociology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Evan Wood
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of AIDS, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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