1
|
Akhurst J, Price O, Sutherland R, Gibbs D, Dietze P, Bruno R, Agramunt S, Colledge-Frisby S, Lenton S, Salom C, Thomas N, Peacock A. Naloxone cascade of care among people who regularly inject drugs in Australia, 2020-2022. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 133:104572. [PMID: 39245026 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Examining take-home naloxone (THN) uptake using a 'cascade of care' framework could help identify targets for increasing THN training and carriage among people who may witness or experience opioid overdose. We describe the THN cascade and factors associated with engagement among people who inject drugs. METHODS People aged ≥18 years in Australia who inject drugs were interviewed from 2020 to 2022, reporting lifetime THN awareness and acquisition and past-month carriage. We examined factors associated with engagement using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Of 2,149 participants (64 % men, mean age 44.5), 85 % had heard of naloxone, of whom 76 % were aware of THN programs. Of these, 72 % had ever participated in THN training/brief education, 92 % of whom had acquired THN. Of those who had ever acquired THN and reported past-month opioid use, 63 % always/often carried THN when using opioids. Past six-month opioid agonist treatment (OAT) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.55; 95 %CI 1.91-3.42) and ≥daily injecting (1.32; 1.01-1.73) were associated with awareness. OAT (1.79; 1.38-2.33), past-year opioid overdose (1.68; 1.18-2.42) and older age (1.02; 1.00-1.03) were associated with acquisition. Primarily injecting methamphetamine (versus heroin) in the past month was associated with lower awareness (0.43; 0.31-0.58) and acquisition (0.59; 0.44-0.78). Reporting no accommodation (squatting/sleeping rough) was associated with reduced odds of carriage (0.46; 0.24-0.88). CONCLUSION Participants reported high THN awareness and acquisition, with lower carriage. Future efforts should focus on improving THN access and reducing barriers to carriage, particularly for people experiencing homelessness or who primarily inject non-opioids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane Akhurst
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Olivia Price
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rachel Sutherland
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Daisy Gibbs
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Raimondo Bruno
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Seraina Agramunt
- National Drug Research Institute and enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Simon Lenton
- National Drug Research Institute and enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Caroline Salom
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane Australia
| | - Natalie Thomas
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kurzhals S, Schäfer M, Bonnet U, Isbruch K, Kühnhold S, Timm J, Specka M, Scherbaum N. SARS-CoV-2-Infection in People Addicted to Illegal Drugs - Is There a Protective Effect of Opioid Maintenance Treatment? PHARMACOPSYCHIATRY 2024; 57:255-260. [PMID: 39089318 DOI: 10.1055/a-2345-7448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People addicted to illegal drugs were discussed as a risk group for SARS-CoV-2 infections, with increased susceptibility and a severe course of infection. METHODS In this study, the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infections of drug-dependent persons admitted to inpatient detoxification treatment in five psychiatric hospitals was determined by implementing routine polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-testing at admission (9/2020) up to one year. Main substance-related diagnosis, comorbid respiratory disease, housing situation, and current opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) were documented. An age-matched control group of psychiatric inpatients without dependence from illegal drugs was established. RESULTS Data from 1675 patients (male 79.5%; mean age 39.5 years; opioid dependence 81.5% homelessness; 2.4%; chronic respiratory disease 6.3%) were included. Out of 1365 patients dependent on opioids, 50.2% were currently in OMT. Six (3 female; mean age 40.3 years) patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR (0.36%), and none showed symptoms of COVID-19. All six were opioid dependent, 5 currently not in OMT. In the control group, 11 out of 1811 inpatients tested positive (0.61%). DISCUSSION The rate of SARS-CoV-2-infections in persons with dependence on illegal drugs was not increased compared to a control group of psychiatric patients. OMT is presumably a protective factor, e. g. in the participating cities, OMT facilities offered an easy access to vaccination programs. In contrast, drug addicts in the USA were severely affected by the pandemic. Differences between countries might partially be explained by social factors such as the higher availability of OMT in Germany and a much lower frequency of homelessness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Kurzhals
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie, Suchtmedizin und Psychosomatik, Kliniken Essen Mitte, Germany
| | - Martin Schäfer
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie, Suchtmedizin und Psychosomatik, Kliniken Essen Mitte, Germany
| | - Udo Bonnet
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Ev. Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, Germany
| | - Katrin Isbruch
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Ev. Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, Germany
| | - Stefan Kühnhold
- Zentrum für Suchtmedizin, LWL-Kliniken Warstein und Lippstadt, Germany
| | - Jörg Timm
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Specka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Norbert Scherbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lamonica A, Boeri M, Khan M. The impact of social isolation policies during COVID-19 on suburban mothers and pregnant women with opioid use disorder. Women Health 2024; 64:540-550. [PMID: 38987864 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2024.2377640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this qualitative research paper was to identify how social isolation policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the lives of pregnant women and mothers with opioid use disorder. Between 2020 and 2022, in-depth interviews were conducted with 37 mothers and pregnant women living in the suburbs of Newark, NJ, and New Haven, CT. Participants had to be at least 18 years old, misused or abused opioids in the last 12 months while residing in a suburban location, and pregnant or caring for children aged 12 and younger. We used syndemics theory to guide our grounded theory analysis to identify relationships between social situations, health conditions, and opioid use disorder. Five major themes emerged that were either directly or indirectly impacted by social isolation caused by policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic: Relationships, Environment, Services, Drug Use, and Health. Findings from this study reveal new insights into how mothers and their health were impacted by prolonged social isolation policies and offer suggestions for policymakers and service providers to better address future crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aukje Lamonica
- Public Health, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Miriam Boeri
- North Jersey Research Initiative, North Jersey Research Initiative, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Mishal Khan
- North Jersey Research Initiative, North Jersey Research Initiative, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Laing R, Donnelly CA. Evolution of an epidemic: Understanding the opioid epidemic in the United States and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on opioid-related mortality. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306395. [PMID: 38980856 PMCID: PMC11233025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
We conduct this research with a two-fold aim: providing a quantitative analysis of the opioid epidemic in the United States (U.S.), and exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on opioid-related mortality. The duration and persistence of the opioid epidemic lends itself to the need for an overarching analysis with extensive scope. Additionally, studying the ramifications of these concurrent severe public health crises is vital for informing policies to avoid preventable mortality. Using data from CDC WONDER, we consider opioid-related deaths grouped by Census Region spanning January 1999 to October 2022 inclusive, and later add on a demographic component with gender-stratification. Through the lens of key events in the opioid epidemic, we build an interrupted time series model to reveal statistically significant drivers of opioid-related mortality. We then employ a counterfactual to approximate trends in the absence of COVID-19, and estimate excess opioid-related deaths (defined as observed opioid-related deaths minus projected opioid-related deaths) associated with the pandemic. According to our model, the proliferation of fentanyl contributed to sustained increases in opioid-related death rates across three of the four U.S. census regions, corroborating existing knowledge in the field. Critically, each region has an immediate increase to its opioid-related monthly death rate of at least 0.31 deaths per 100,000 persons at the start of the pandemic, highlighting the nationwide knock-on effects of COVID-19. There are consistent positive deviations from the expected monthly opioid-related death rate and a sizable burden from cumulative excess opioid-related deaths, surpassing 60,000 additional deaths nationally from March 2020 to October 2022, ∼70% of which were male. These results suggest that robust, multi-faceted measures are even more important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent overdoses and educate users on the risks associated with potent synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Laing
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Christl A Donnelly
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bortz C, Armistead I, Bonaguidi A, Coyle DT. Critical incidents in Colorado's opioid treatment programs: A comparison of the COVID-19 pandemic to previous years. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 161:209342. [PMID: 38513975 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guidance allowed opioid treatment programs (OTPs) greater flexibility to provide take-home medication doses to patients. This study aims to characterize trends in the rates of critical incidents-safety events occurring in OTPs that are reportable to regulatory entities-across all Colorado OTPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This study is a retrospective review of critical incidents (CIs) for patients enrolled in Colorado OTPs between the years 2017 to 2022, as recorded in Colorado Behavioral Health Administration's (BHA) Opioid Treatment Program Critical Incident Repository Dataset. March 15, 2020 was considered the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colorado, so only incidents which occurred from March 15-December 31 of each year were included. CI rate per 100 patients was calculated by dividing CI annual count between March 15-December 31 by the census of enrolled patients at the calendar midpoint of this period, which is August 7. Means comparison tests assessed differences in CI rates. RESULTS OTP patient enrollment in Colorado increased from 4377 in 2017 to 7327 in 2022. Overall, Medication Diversion accounted for 70 % of CIs, followed by Death (14 %), and Other (5 %). There was a significant increase in the overall rate of CIs from 2017 to 2022 (1.1 % to 3.4 %). The average post-COVID CI rate was higher than pre-COVID (4.0 % vs. 2.4 %). There was no difference, however, in the post-COVID rate of CIs when exclusively compared to 2019 (4.0 % vs. 4.1 %). Post-pandemic years had significantly more CIs per month than pre-pandemic years (27.6 ± 5.6 vs 15.8 ± 3.5). There was no difference in mean monthly CIs between 2019 and post-pandemic (28.5 ± 5.3 vs 27.6 ± 5.6). CONCLUSIONS There was no increase in the rate of reportable CIs in Colorado OTPs following the SAMHSA COVID-19 guidance increasing take-home doses when comparing 2019 to post-pandemic years. The notable increase in CI incidence occurred from 2018 to 2019, predating the pandemic. These data offer a measure of reassurance for the safety of increased take-home methadone doses. There should be further consideration of how a greater number of take-home doses might benefit both patients and OTPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cole Bortz
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Isaac Armistead
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246, USA
| | - Angela Bonaguidi
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - D Tyler Coyle
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Brown CH, Johnson KA, Hills HA, Vermeer W, Clarke DL, Barnett JT, Newman RT, Burns TL, Pellan WA. Overdose deaths before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a US county. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1366161. [PMID: 38859894 PMCID: PMC11163089 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1366161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Globally, overdose deaths increased near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which created availability and access barriers to addiction and social services. Especially in times of a crisis like a pandemic, local exposures, service availability and access, and system responses have major influence on people who use drugs. For policy makers to be effective, an understanding at the local level is needed. Methods This retrospective epidemiologic study from 2019 through 2021 compares immediate and 20-months changes in overdose deaths from the pandemic start to 16 months before its arrival in Pinellas County, FL We examine toxicologic death records of 1,701 overdoses to identify relations with interdiction, and service delivery. Results There was an immediate 49% increase (95% CI 23-82%, p < 0.0001) in overdose deaths in the first month following the first COVID deaths. Immediate increases were found for deaths involving alcohol (171%), heroin (108%), fentanyl (78%), amphetamines (55%), and cocaine (45%). Overdose deaths remained 27% higher (CI 4-55%, p = 0.015) than before the pandemic through 2021.Abrupt service reductions occurred when the pandemic began: in-clinic methadone treatment dropped by two-thirds, counseling by 38%, opioid seizures by 29%, and drug arrests by 56%. Emergency transport for overdose and naloxone distributions increased at the pandemic onset (12%, 93%, respectively) and remained higher through 2021 (15%, 377%,). Regression results indicate that lower drug seizures predicted higher overdoses, and increased 911 transports predicted higher overdoses. The proportion of excess overdose deaths to excess non-COVID deaths after the pandemic relative to the year before was 0.28 in Pinellas County, larger than 75% of other US counties. Conclusions Service and interdiction interruptions likely contributed to overdose death increases during the pandemic. Relaxing restrictions on medical treatment for opioid addiction and public health interventions could have immediate and long-lasting effects when a major disruption, such as a pandemic, occurs. County level data dashboards comprised of overdose toxicology, and interdiction and service data, can help explain changes in overdose deaths. As a next step in predicting which policies and practices will best reduce local overdoses, we propose using simulation modeling with agent-based models to examine complex interacting systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. Hendricks Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kimberly A. Johnson
- Department of Mental Health Law and Policy (MHC 2636), College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Holly A. Hills
- Department of Mental Health Law and Policy (MHC 2636), College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Wouter Vermeer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Joshua T. Barnett
- Department of Human Services, Pinellas County Government, Clearwater, FL, United States
| | - Reta T. Newman
- Pinellas County Forensic Lab, District Six Medical Examiner Office, Largo, FL, United States
| | - Tim L. Burns
- Department of Human Services, Pinellas County Government, Clearwater, FL, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lewandowski ME, Delawalla CN, Butcher TJ, Oberlin BG. Changes in substance use, recovery, and quality of life during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300848. [PMID: 38776315 PMCID: PMC11111065 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives on a massive scale. While the pandemic appeared to worsen mental health outcomes broadly, its effects on alcohol/substance use and recovery are unclear. Many studies convolved the sociopolitical unrest beginning in May 2020 with the pandemic. We assessed pandemic-related changes in substance use, recovery involvement, and quality of life among US adults at two specified time periods that isolated pandemic effects from potentially confounding sociopolitical factors. OBJECTIVES We tested the following hypotheses: the pandemic and consequent policies (1) increased use of alcohol and illicit substances in active users; (2) increased use of alcohol/substances among people in early recovery; (3) reduced participation in recovery activities among those in early recovery, and that (4) use amount and use events correlated with impulsivity in both groups and that (5) substance use and abstinence correlated with resilience. METHODS We recruited 1,685 participants through Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk). We assessed demographics, quality of life, alcohol/substance use, recovery activities, and measures of impulsivity and resilience at two time points, pre-pandemic and (early) during-pandemic. Only n = 45 (Active Users; males n = 32) and n = 34 (Recovery; males n = 20) passed data quality checks and were included in the primary analyses. RESULTS Among Active Users, weekly alcohol consumption and days spent using alcohol and illicit substances decreased during the pandemic. Resilience negatively correlated with pandemic-related substance use in early recovering participants. Significant reduction in the quality of life was coincident with a trend of lower recovery activity participation (31% decline) during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS The reduced alcohol/substance use and participation in recovery activities might be expected from conditions that promote social isolation. The high prevalence of low-quality data from MTurk cautions for careful use of online data sourcing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megayn E. Lewandowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Colette N. Delawalla
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Tarah J. Butcher
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Brandon G. Oberlin
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ledlie S, Tadrous M, Bayoumi AM, McCormack D, Cheng C, Besharah J, Munro C, Gomes T. Trends in opioid toxicities among people with and without opioid use disorder and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada: A population-based analysis. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 127:104392. [PMID: 38522177 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Across Canada, the COVID-19 pandemic occurred amidst an ongoing drug toxicity crisis. Although elevated rates of substance-related harms have been observed nationally, it remains unknown if the pandemic state of emergency led to disproportionate increases in opioid toxicities among people with opioid use disorder (OUD) compared to those without. METHODS We conducted a population-based repeated cross-sectional time series analysis of fatal and non-fatal opioid toxicities between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2021, in Ontario, Canada. We used interventional autoregressive integrated moving average models to examine the impact of the pandemic on monthly rates of opioid toxicities per 100,000 Ontario residents stratified by people with and without OUD. RESULTS We identified 80,296 opioid toxicities of which 53.5 % occurred among people with OUD. Among 52,052 unique individuals, 60.5 % were male and 46.2 % were 25-44 years old. Between January 2014 and December 2021, the rate of opioid toxicities increased from 2.6 to 10.5 per 100,000 (rate ratio [RR]=4.07). The magnitude of this increase differed among people with OUD (0.8 to 7.4 per 100,000; RR=9.35) and without OUD (1.8 to 3.1 per 100,000; RR=1.74). We observed a significant ramp increase in the overall rate of opioid toxicities following the declaration of the pandemic emergency in March 2020 (+0.19 per 100,000 monthly, 95 % CI: 0.029, 0.36, p = 0.021). In a stratified analysis, we found a similar ramp increase among people with OUD (+0.19 per 100,000 monthly, 95 % CI: 0.10, 0.28, p < 0.001); however, this was not observed among people without OUD (p = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS The rate of opioid toxicities accelerated across Ontario following the pandemic-related state of emergency, with the majority of this increase among people with OUD. The important differences observed among people with OUD compared with those without, highlights the critical need for improved access to harm reduction and treatment interventions among this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaleesa Ledlie
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Mina Tadrous
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada; Women's College Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ahmed M Bayoumi
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of General Internal Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Clare Cheng
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jes Besharah
- Ontario Drug Policy Research Network Lived Experience Advisory Group, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Charlotte Munro
- Ontario Drug Policy Research Network Lived Experience Advisory Group, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tara Gomes
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Richardson L, Geddes C, Palis H, Buxton J, Slaunwhite A. An ecological study of the correlation between COVID-19 support payments and overdose events in British Columbia, Canada. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 126:104362. [PMID: 38484530 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pandemic income support payments have been speculatively linked to an increased incidence of illicit drug poisoning (overdose). However, existing research is limited. METHODS Collating Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) payment data with data on paramedic attended overdose and illicit drug toxicity deaths for the province of British Columbia at the Local Health Area (LHA) level, we conducted a correlation analysis to compare overdose rates before, during and after active CERB disbursement. RESULTS There were 20,014,270 CERB-entitled weeks identified among residents of British Columbia for the duration of the pandemic response program. Approximately 52 % of all CERB entitled weeks in the study were among females and approximately 48 % were among males. Paramedic-attended overdoses increased uniformly across the pre-CERB, CERB and post-CERB periods, while illicit drug toxicity deaths sharply increased and then remained high over the period of the study. Correlation analyses between overdose and CERB-entitled weeks approached zero for both paramedic-attended overdoses and illicit drug toxicity deaths. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that attributing the pandemic increase in overdose to income support payments is unfounded. Sustained levels of unacceptably high non-fatal and fatal drug poisonings that further increased at the start of the pandemic are reflective of complex pre-existing and pandemic-driven changes to overdose risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Richardson
- Department of Sociology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Cameron Geddes
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Heather Palis
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jane Buxton
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amanda Slaunwhite
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hou X, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Shangguan J, Qin G, Chen B, Jia Z, Xu DQ. Exploring the topic structure and abuse trends of new psychoactive Substance since the 21st century from a bibliometric perspective. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:101991. [PMID: 38414783 PMCID: PMC10897889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.101991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, NPS abuse are continuing to expand in terms of harm and scope, due to its cheap and easy to manufacture anywhere in the world. This study reviewed articles related to seven heavily abused NPS to analyze the structure and trends of NPS abuse. A total of 2476 articles were retrieved based on the search strategy for bibliometric analysis. A significant trend of research in recent years was the increasing number of research on synthetic opioids and designer benzodiazepines, but synthetic cannabinoid and synthetic cathinone still dominate, which were mainly concerned with the development of metabolic models and determining methods as well as their abuse characteristics and reasons. However, with the introduction of class-wide ban on synthetic cannabinoid in China and a series of enhancements in other countries, the abuse of it might decrease to some extent, but more than 20 kinds of synthetic cannabinoid beyond the scope of ban in China still reminded researchers of their potential threats. As for synthetic cathinone, an important phenomenon was some of the drugs first identified during certain period might be more widely distributed in the future. Besides, several problems such as the regulation and prevention mode of emerging NPS, development of testing technologies as well as the interpretation and identification of multiple NPS combinations were also worth paying attention to. This study could help entrants better understand the structure of NPS abuse and provided direction for future research in forensic toxicology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Hou
- School of Investigation, People’s Public Security University of China, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Jifen Wang
- School of Investigation, People’s Public Security University of China, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Beijing Public Security Forensic Identification Centre, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Public Security for Toxicological Analysis in Court, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Yufan Zhang
- School of Investigation, People’s Public Security University of China, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Jianyang Shangguan
- School of Investigation, People’s Public Security University of China, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Ge Qin
- School of Investigation, People’s Public Security University of China, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Boxu Chen
- School of Investigation, People’s Public Security University of China, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Zhenjun Jia
- School of Investigation, People’s Public Security University of China, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Duo qi Xu
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai 200063, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lubitz MG, Latario L, Ogbeide-Latario O, Hughes K, Clegg S, Molla V, Brown M, Busconi B, DeAngelis N. Access to an Educational Video Preoperatively Has No Effect on Postoperative Opioid Use After Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy of the Knee: A Prospective Cohort Study. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil 2024; 6:100885. [PMID: 38434603 PMCID: PMC10909595 DOI: 10.1016/j.asmr.2024.100885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine whether access to a website with an educational video would decrease postoperative opioid use in patients undergoing arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Methods Enrolled patients who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy at a single center were randomized to either the intervention or control group prior to surgery. The intervention group received a card with access to an online educational video regarding opioids with their postoperative instructions; the control group did not. The online video was just over 5 minutes long and contained general information about the dangers of opioid use, how to safely dispose of unused opioids, and local support contact information. Data were collected by telephone 10 to 14 days postoperatively and analyzed with GraphPad Prism version 9.5.0. Patient characteristics including age, sex, body mass index, allergies, smoking, depression, alcohol abuse, American Society of Anesthesiologists level, diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, diabetes, substance abuse, employment status, workers' compensation, and sports participation were analyzed and correlated with postoperative opioid use. Results A total of 166 patients were included in this study, with 78 in the control group and 88 in the intervention group. Mean number of pills consumed was 3 in the control group and 2.2 in the intervention group. This difference did not reach statistical significance. Patients who were obese, smokers, or diagnosed with depression both consumed more opioids and were less likely to take no narcotics postoperatively. Patients who participated in sports consumed fewer total opioids on average than those who did not. Subgroup analysis of patients with higher risk factors did not show a difference between the control and intervention groups in the average amount of opioid used or the likelihood of using no narcotics. Among all patients, 82 (49%) used no narcotics postoperatively and 90% used 8 or fewer tablets. Conclusions Directing patients to an educational website and video is not an effective tool in decreasing opioid consumption. Patients undergoing arthroscopic meniscectomy who are obese, active smokers, and clinically depressed or do not participate in sports are likely to use more postoperative narcotics. Regardless of access to the online educational video, half of patients used no narcotics. Level of Evidence Level II, prospective cohort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc G. Lubitz
- Department of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation, University of Massachusetts Chan, School of Medicine, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Luke Latario
- Department of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation, University of Massachusetts Chan, School of Medicine, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Oghomwen Ogbeide-Latario
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical Science Training Program, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Kevin Hughes
- Department of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation, University of Massachusetts Chan, School of Medicine, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Stephanie Clegg
- Department of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation, University of Massachusetts Chan, School of Medicine, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Vadim Molla
- Department of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation, University of Massachusetts Chan, School of Medicine, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Michael Brown
- Department of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation, University of Massachusetts Chan, School of Medicine, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Brian Busconi
- Department of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation, University of Massachusetts Chan, School of Medicine, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Nicola DeAngelis
- Department of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation, University of Massachusetts Chan, School of Medicine, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abasilim C, Friedman LS, Karch L, Holloway-Beth A. Trends in non-fatal and fatal opioid overdoses during the first two years of the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic. Ann Epidemiol 2024; 90:35-41. [PMID: 38501569 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2023.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study assessed opioid-involved overdose rates by age, sex, and race-ethnicity across strict pandemic mitigation phases and how this varied across data systems. METHODS We examined opioid-involved overdoses using medical examiner and hospital data for Cook County, Illinois between 2016-2021. Multivariable segmented regression was used to assess weekly overdose rates across subgroups of age, sex and race/ethnicity and strict pandemic mitigation phases. RESULTS The overall rate of weekly opioid-involved overdoses increased when assessing the medical examiner (β = 0.01; 95% CI = 0.01,0.02; P ≤ .001) and emergency department visits data sources (β = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.09,0.20; P ≤ .001) but not for the hospital admissions data source. We found differences in overdose rates across subgroups and phases of pandemic mandates. Fatal overdoses increased during lockdown-1 while admissions and emergency department (ED) visits for opioid-involved overdoses generally decreased across all phases of pandemic mitigation mandates except for the period following lockdown-1. Across pandemic mitigation phases, Hispanics and individuals under 25 years did not demonstrate any change in admissions and ED visits for overdoses. CONCLUSIONS We underscore the importance of utilizing multiple sources of surveillance to better characterize opioid-involved overdoses and for public health planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chibuzor Abasilim
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Lee S Friedman
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Lydia Karch
- Epidemiology Unit, Cook County Department of Public Health, Bridgeview, IL
| | - Alfreda Holloway-Beth
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL; Epidemiology Unit, Cook County Department of Public Health, Bridgeview, IL
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dhillon JS, Feulner L, Beitollahi A, Kossen K, Galarneau D. At a Crossroads: Opioid Use Disorder, the X-Waiver, and the Road Ahead. Ochsner J 2024; 24:108-117. [PMID: 38912181 PMCID: PMC11192224 DOI: 10.31486/toj.23.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) is widely considered the first-line treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), which causes significant morbidity and mortality in the United States, but prior to 2023, practitioners interested in prescribing buprenorphine/naloxone for OUD needed a special Drug Enforcement Administration certification (the X-Waiver) that imposed a patient cap and other limitations. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 considerably decreased the restrictions on prescribing practitioners. Buprenorphine/naloxone can now be prescribed like any other prescription opioid, excluding methadone. The historic context for the opioid crisis, OUD, the X-Waiver, and additional initiatives that may be needed beyond legislative change to effectively address OUD are the subjects of this review. Methods: To develop this review of the opioid crisis, OUD, and OUD treatment, we conducted a literature search of the PubMed database and constructed a timeline of the opioid crisis and changes in OUD treatment, specifically the X-Waiver, to characterize the historic context of OUD and the X-Waiver against the background of the opioid crisis. Results: The opioid crisis has had pervasive public health and economic impacts in the United States. Major changes to the treatment of OUD have occurred as a result of the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 that imposed the X-Waiver and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 that repealed the X-Waiver. Conclusion: The repeal of the X-Waiver is predicted to increase the accessibility of buprenorphine/naloxone in the United States. However, additional work beyond legislative change, including institutional support and reduction of stigma and disparities, is needed to substantially improve outcomes for OUD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Leah Feulner
- The University of Queensland Medical School, Ochsner Clinical School, New Orleans, LA
| | - Ariya Beitollahi
- The University of Queensland Medical School, Ochsner Clinical School, New Orleans, LA
| | - Kelly Kossen
- The University of Queensland Medical School, Ochsner Clinical School, New Orleans, LA
| | - David Galarneau
- The University of Queensland Medical School, Ochsner Clinical School, New Orleans, LA
- Department of Psychiatry, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shen C, Thornton JD, Li N, Zhou S, Wang L, Leslie DL, Kawasaki SS. Opioid Overdose Hospitalizations During COVID-19: The Experience of Pennsylvania. SUBSTANCE USE : RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2024; 18:11782218231222343. [PMID: 38433749 PMCID: PMC10906497 DOI: 10.1177/11782218231222343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Objective The COVID-19 pandemic placed extreme burden on hospitals, while opioid overdose is another challenging public health issue. This study aimed to examine the trends and outcomes of opioid overdose hospitalizations in Pennsylvania during 2018 to 2021. Design We identified opioid overdose hospitalizations in the state of Pennsylvania using the state-wide hospital discharge database (PHC4) 2018 to 2021. We examined the number of opioid overdose hospitalizations, the corresponding mortality and discharges against medical advice comparing the pre-COVID period (2018-2019) and the COVID period (2020-2021). We also assessed what patient and hospital characteristics were associated with in-hospital death or leaving against medical advice. Results A total of 13 446 opioid-related hospitalizations were identified in 2018 to 2021. Compared to pre-pandemic, a higher percentage of cases involving synthetics (17.0%vs 10.3%, P < .0001) were observed during COVID. After controlling for covariates, there was no significant difference in opioid overdose in-hospital deaths in the years 2020 to 2021 compared to 2018 to 2019 (OR = 0.846, 95% CI: 0.71-1.01, P = .065). The COVID period was significantly associated with more leaving against medical advice compared to years 2018 to 2019 (OR = 1.265, 95% CI: 1.11-1.44, P = .0003). Compared to commercial insurance, Medicaid insurance was associated with higher odds of both in-hospital death (OR = 1.383, 95% CI: 1.06-1.81, P = .0176) and leaving against medical advice (OR = 1.903, 95% CI: 1.56-2.33, P < .0001). Conclusion There were no substantial changes in the number of overall opioid overdose cases and deaths at hospitals following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania. This observation suggests that an increased number of patients may have succumbed to overdoses outside of hospital settings, possibly due to a higher severity of overdoses. Further, we found that patients were more likely to leave against medical advice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chan Shen
- Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - James Douglas Thornton
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Economics and Finance, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD, USA
| | - Shouhao Zhou
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Douglas L. Leslie
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Sarah S. Kawasaki
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Clingan SE, Cousins SJ, Lin C, Nguyen TE, Hser YI, Mooney LJ. Perceptions of COVID-19 risk during the pandemic: perspectives from people seeking medication for opioid use disorder. Ann Med 2023; 55:480-489. [PMID: 36692029 PMCID: PMC9879168 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2169342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had devastating consequences for persons with opioid use disorder (OUD). Yet, little is known about how people seeking treatment for OUD perceive the risks of COVID-19 and how their perception interplays with their health behaviours. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted from September 2021 to March 2022 with 32 patients seeking medication treatment for OUD (MOUD) in Southern California. All interviews were conducted virtually and lasted between one and two hours. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Two qualitative researchers independently conducted a content analysis of the transcripts to identify themes. RESULTS Three primary themes were identified: (1) perceptions and beliefs about COVID-19 susceptibility and severity; (2) perceptions of COVID-19 risk compared to substance use behaviours; and (3) vaccine hesitancy. Participants were mixed in their beliefs of susceptibility to contracting COVID-19 and the severity of the disease if contracted. Some participants reported taking precautions to mitigate their chances of acquiring COVID-19, and other participants reported that COVID was not a big concern as substance use took priority. For many of the participants, COVID-19 concerns were overshadowed by the risk of overdosing on substances and other risky substance use behaviour. Most of the participants (n = 23; 72%) had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine by the time of the interview, but over half (n = 19; 59%) expressed vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy was driven by concerns about the unknown long-term side effects and potential interactions of the vaccine with MOUD. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides insight into COVID-19 prevention measures as well as vaccination perceptions and hesitancy among people who received treatment for OUD.Key messagesParticipants expressed diverse perceptions of the seriousness of COVID-19, with some taking precautions to mitigate their chances of acquiring COVID-19 and others perceiving that the risk of contracting COVID-19 was less than the risk of overdosing.Substance use, social isolation, vaccine hesitancy and COVID-19 risk behaviours should be studied as co-occurring phenomena that have potentially overlapping relationships that can influence behaviours that impact health and well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Clingan
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sarah J. Cousins
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chunqing Lin
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tram E. Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yih-Ing Hser
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Larissa J. Mooney
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tatar M, Faraji MR, Keyes K, Wilson FA, Jalali MS. Social vulnerability predictors of drug poisoning mortality: A machine learning analysis in the United States. Am J Addict 2023; 32:539-546. [PMID: 37344967 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Drug poisoning is a leading cause of unintentional deaths in the United States. Despite the growing literature, there are a few recent analyses of a wide range of community-level social vulnerability features contributing to drug poisoning mortality. Current studies on this topic face three limitations: often studying a limited subset of vulnerability features, focusing on small sample sizes, or solely including local data. To address this gap, we conducted a national-level analysis to study the impacts of several social vulnerability features in predicting drug mortality rates in the United States. METHODS We used machine learning to investigate the role of 16 social vulnerability features in predicting drug mortality rates for US counties in 2014, 2016, and 2018-the most recent available data. We estimated each vulnerability feature's gain relative contribution in predicting drug poisoning mortality. RESULTS Among all social vulnerability features, the percentage of noninstitutionalized persons with a disability is the most influential predictor, with a gain relative contribution of 18.6%, followed by population density and the percentage of minority residents (13.3% and 13%, respectively). Percentages of households with no available vehicles, mobile homes, and persons without a high school diploma are the following features with gain relative contributions of 6.3%, 5.8%, and 5.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE We identified social vulnerability features that are most predictive of drug poisoning mortality. Public health interventions and policies targeting vulnerable communities may increase the resilience of these communities and mitigate the overdose death and drug misuse crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moosa Tatar
- Center for Value-Based Care Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Mohammad R Faraji
- Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Katherine Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fernando A Wilson
- Matheson Center for Health Care Studies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Mohammad S Jalali
- MGH Institute for Technology Assessment, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
El Ibrahimi S, Hendricks MA, Little K, Ritter GA, Flores D, Loy B, Wright D, Weiner SG. The association between community social vulnerability and prescription opioid availability with individual opioid overdose. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 252:110991. [PMID: 37862877 PMCID: PMC10754350 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to assess the association of community social vulnerability and community prescription opioid availability with individual non-fatal or fatal opioid overdose. METHODS We identified patients 12 years of age or older from the Oregon All Payer Claims database (APCD) linked to other public health datasets. Community-level characteristics were captured in an exposure period (EP) (1/1/2018-12/31/2018) and included: census tract-level social vulnerability domains (socio-economic status, household composition, racial and ethnic minority status, and housing type and transportation), census tract-level prescriptions and community-level opioid use disorder (OUD) diagnoses per 100 capita binned into quartiles or quintiles. We employed Cox models to estimate the risk of fatal and non-fatal opioid overdoses events in the 12 months following the EP. MAIN FINDINGS We identified 1,548,252 individuals. Patients were mostly female (54%), White (61%), commercially insured (54%), and lived in metropolitan areas (81%). Of the total sample, 2485 (0.2%) experienced a non-fatal opioid overdose and 297 died of opioid overdose. There was higher hazard for non-fatal overdose in communities with greater OUD per 100 capita. We also found higher non-fatal and fatal hazards for opioid overdose among patients in communities with higher housing type and transportation-related vulnerability compared to the lowest quintile. Conversely, patients were at less risk of opioid overdose when living in communities with greater prevalence of the young or the elderly, the disabled, single parent families or low English proficiency. CONCLUSION These findings underscore the importance of the environmental context when considering public health policies to reduce opioid harms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanae El Ibrahimi
- Division of Research and Evaluation, Comagine Health, Portland, OR, United States; School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, United States.
| | - Michelle A Hendricks
- General Medical Sciences division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Luis, MO, United States
| | - Kacey Little
- Division of Research and Evaluation, Comagine Health, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Grant A Ritter
- Schneider Institutes for Health Policy, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, United States
| | - Diana Flores
- Division of Research and Evaluation, Comagine Health, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Bryan Loy
- Injury and Violence Prevention Program - Public Health Division - Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Dagan Wright
- Injury and Violence Prevention Program - Public Health Division - Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Scott G Weiner
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Barrett JE, Shekarabi A, Inan S. Oxycodone: A Current Perspective on Its Pharmacology, Abuse, and Pharmacotherapeutic Developments. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:1062-1118. [PMID: 37321860 PMCID: PMC10595024 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxycodone, a semisynthetic derivative of naturally occurring thebaine, an opioid alkaloid, has been available for more than 100 years. Although thebaine cannot be used therapeutically due to the occurrence of convulsions at higher doses, it has been converted to a number of other widely used compounds that include naloxone, naltrexone, buprenorphine, and oxycodone. Despite the early identification of oxycodone, it was not until the 1990s that clinical studies began to explore its analgesic efficacy. These studies were followed by the pursuit of several preclinical studies to examine the analgesic effects and abuse liability of oxycodone in laboratory animals and the subjective effects in human volunteers. For a number of years oxycodone was at the forefront of the opioid crisis, playing a significant role in contributing to opioid misuse and abuse, with suggestions that it led to transitioning to other opioids. Several concerns were expressed as early as the 1940s that oxycodone had significant abuse potential similar to heroin and morphine. Both animal and human abuse liability studies have confirmed, and in some cases amplified, these early warnings. Despite sharing a similar structure with morphine and pharmacological actions also mediated by the μ-opioid receptor, there are several differences in the pharmacology and neurobiology of oxycodone. The data that have emerged from the many efforts to analyze the pharmacological and molecular mechanism of oxycodone have generated considerable insight into its many actions, reviewed here, which, in turn, have provided new information on opioid receptor pharmacology. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Oxycodone, a μ-opioid receptor agonist, was synthesized in 1916 and introduced into clinical use in Germany in 1917. It has been studied extensively as a therapeutic analgesic for acute and chronic neuropathic pain as an alternative to morphine. Oxycodone emerged as a drug with widespread abuse. This article brings together an integrated, detailed review of the pharmacology of oxycodone, preclinical and clinical studies of pain and abuse, and recent advances to identify potential opioid analgesics without abuse liability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James E Barrett
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Aryan Shekarabi
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Saadet Inan
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Powell D. Educational Attainment and US Drug Overdose Deaths. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2023; 4:e233274. [PMID: 37801307 PMCID: PMC10559184 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.3274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Educational attainment in the US is associated with life expectancy. As the opioid crisis worsens, it is critical to understand how overdose death rate trends evolve across education groups. Objective To investigate the association between educational attainment and overdose death rates, with emphasis on trends during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used National Vital Statistics System Mortality Multiple Cause-of-Death data describing overdose death rates in the US by educational attainment from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2021, with a focus on 2018 to 2021. Overdose deaths were aggregated by year and educational level for decedents aged 25 years or older. Exposure Educational attainment, categorized as no high school (HS) diploma, HS diploma (or General Educational Development) but no college, some college but no bachelor's degree, and bachelor's degree or more. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes were rates of all overdose deaths, overdose deaths involving opioids, and overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids. Results Of 912 057 overdose deaths with education information from 2000 to 2021 (mean [SD] age at death, 44.9 [12.3] years; 64.1% male), there were 625 400 deaths (68.6%) among individuals with no college education and 286 657 deaths (31.4%) among those with at least some college. The overdose death rate was 19.9 per 100 000 population. From 2018 to 2021, there were 301 557 overdose deaths, including 58 319 (19.3%) among individuals without an HS diploma, 153 603 (50.9%) among people with an HS diploma, 64 682 (21.4%) among individuals with some college, and 24 953 (8.3%) among individuals with a bachelor's degree. There were 3324 overdose deaths (1.1%) among American Indian or Alaska Native individuals, 2968 (1.0%) among Asian American or Pacific Islander individuals, 49 152 (16.3%) among Black individuals, 31 703 (10.5%) among Hispanic individuals, 211 359 (70.1%) among White individuals, and 3051 (1.0%) among multiracial individuals. From 2018 to 2021, the overdose death rate was 33.4 per 100 000 population, the opioid-related overdose death rate was 24.2 per 100 000 population, and the synthetic opioid overdose death rate was 19.1 per 100 000 population. From 2018 to 2021, the overdose death rate for those without a HS diploma increased by 35.4 per 100 000 population compared with 1.5 per 100 000 population for those with a bachelor's degree. This differential growth was primarily due to increased rates of death involving synthetic opioids. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study, lower educational attainment was found to be associated with higher growth in overdose deaths. As the opioid crisis has transitioned to fentanyl and polysubstance use, overdose deaths have become more prevalent in groups with lower socioeconomic status, potentially exacerbating existing life-expectancy disparities.
Collapse
|
20
|
Butelman ER, Goldstein RZ, Nwaneshiudu CA, Girdhar K, Roussos P, Russo SJ, Alia-Klein N. Neuroimmune Mechanisms of Opioid Use Disorder and Recovery: Translatability to Human Studies, and Future Research Directions. Neuroscience 2023; 528:102-116. [PMID: 37562536 PMCID: PMC10720374 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a major current cause of morbidity and mortality. Long-term exposure to short-acting opioids (MOP-r agonists such as heroin or fentanyl) results in complex pathophysiological changes to neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory functions, affected in part by peripheral mechanisms (e.g., cytokines in blood), and by neuroendocrine systems such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress axis. There are important findings from preclinical models, but their role in the trajectory and outcomes of OUD in humans is not well understood. The goal of this narrative review is to examine available data on immune and inflammatory functions in persons with OUD, and to identify major areas for future research. Peripheral blood biomarker studies revealed a pro-inflammatory state in persons with OUD in withdrawal or early abstinence, consistent with available postmortem brain studies (which show glial activation) and diffusion tensor imaging studies (indicating white matter disruptions), with gradual abstinence-associated recovery. The mechanistic roles of these neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory changes in the trajectory of OUD (including recovery and medication management) cannot be examined practically with postmortem data. Collection of longitudinal data in larger-scale human cohorts would allow examination of these mechanisms associated with OUD stage and progression. Given the heterogeneity in presentation of OUD, a precision medicine approach integrating multi-omic peripheral biomarkers and comprehensive phenotyping, including neuroimaging, can be beneficial in risk stratification, and individually optimized selection of interventions for individuals who will benefit, and assessments under refractory therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo R Butelman
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addictions and Related Conditions Research Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Depts. of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Rita Z Goldstein
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addictions and Related Conditions Research Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Depts. of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chinwe A Nwaneshiudu
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kiran Girdhar
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Genetics and Genomic Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Panos Roussos
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Genetics and Genomic Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (VISN 2 South), James J. Peters VA, Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Scott J Russo
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Brain and Body Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nelly Alia-Klein
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addictions and Related Conditions Research Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Depts. of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Stringfellow EJ, Lim TY, DiGennaro C, Hasgul Z, Jalali MS. Enumerating contributions of fentanyls and other factors to the unprecedented 2020 rise in opioid overdose deaths: model-based analysis. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad064. [PMID: 37020497 PMCID: PMC10069612 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, the ongoing US opioid overdose crisis collided with the emerging COVID-19 pandemic. Opioid overdose deaths (OODs) rose an unprecedented 38%, due to a combination of COVID-19 disrupting services essential to people who use drugs, continued increases in fentanyls in the illicit drug supply, and other factors. How much did these factors contribute to increased OODs? We used a validated simulation model of the opioid overdose crisis, SOURCE, to estimate excess OODs in 2020 and the distribution of that excess attributable to various factors. Factors affecting OODs that could have been disrupted by COVID-19, and for which data were available, included opioid prescribing, naloxone distribution, and receipt of medications for opioid use disorder. We also accounted for fentanyls' presence in the heroin supply. We estimated a total of 18,276 potential excess OODs, including 1,792 lives saved due to increases in buprenorphine receipt and naloxone distribution and decreases in opioid prescribing. Critically, growth in fentanyls drove 43% (7,879) of the excess OODs. A further 8% is attributable to first-ever declines in methadone maintenance treatment and extended-released injectable naltrexone treatment, most likely due to COVID-19-related disruptions. In all, 49% of potential excess OODs remain unexplained, at least some of which are likely due to additional COVID-19-related disruptions. While the confluence of various COVID-19-related factors could have been responsible for more than half of excess OODs, fentanyls continued to play a singular role in excess OODs, highlighting the urgency of mitigating their effects on overdoses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin J Stringfellow
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Tse Yang Lim
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- MIT Sloan School of Management, 100 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Catherine DiGennaro
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- MIT Sloan School of Management, 100 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Zeynep Hasgul
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Mohammad S Jalali
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- MIT Sloan School of Management, 100 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Butelman ER, Huang Y, Epstein DH, Shaham Y, Goldstein RZ, Volkow ND, Alia-Klein N. Overdose mortality rates for opioids or stimulants are higher in males than females, controlling for rates of drug misuse: State-level data. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.01.20.23284833. [PMID: 36711659 PMCID: PMC9882660 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.20.23284833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Importance Drug overdoses from opioids like fentanyl and heroin and stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine are a major cause of mortality in the United States, with potential sex differences across the lifespan. Objective To determine overdose mortality for specific drug categories across the lifespan of males and females, using a nationally representative state-level sample. Design State-level analyses of nationally representative epidemiological data on overdose mortality for specific drug categories, across 10-year age bins (age range: 15-74). Setting Population-based study of Multiple Cause of Death 2020-2021 data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC WONDER platform). Participants Decedents in the United States in 2020-2021. Main outcome measures The main outcome measure was sex-specific rates of overdose death (per 100,000) for: synthetic opioids excluding methadone (ICD-10 code: T40.4; predominantly fentanyl), heroin (T40.1), psychostimulants with potential for misuse, excluding cocaine (T43.6, predominantly methamphetamine; labeled "psychostimulants" hereafter), and cocaine (T40.5). Multiple regression analyses were used to control for ethnic-cultural background, household net worth, and sex-specific rate of misuse of the relevant substances (from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2018-2019). Results For each of the drug categories assessed, males had greater overall overdose mortality than females, after controlling for rates of drug misuse. The mean male/female sex ratio of mortality rate for the separate drug categories was relatively stable across jurisdictions: synthetic opioids (2.5 [95%CI, 2.4-2.7]), heroin, (2.9 [95%CI, 2.7-3.1], psychostimulants (2.4 [95%CI, 2.3-2.5]), and cocaine (2.8 [95%CI, 2.6-2.9]). With data stratified in 10-year age bins, the sex difference generally survived adjustment for state-level ethnic-cultural and economic variables, and for sex-specific misuse of each drug type (especially for bins in the 25-64 age range). For synthetic opioids, the sex difference survived adjustment across the lifespan (i.e., 10-year age bins ranging from 15-74), including adolescence, adulthood and late adulthood. Conclusions and Relevance The robustly greater overdose mortality in males versus females for synthetic opioids (predominantly fentanyl), heroin, and stimulant drugs including methamphetamine and cocaine indicate that males who misuse these drugs are significantly more vulnerable to overdose deaths. These results call for research into diverse biological, behavioral, and social factors that underlie sex differences in human vulnerability to drug overdose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo R Butelman
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addiction and Related Conditions Research Program, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Yuefeng Huang
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addiction and Related Conditions Research Program, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | - Yavin Shaham
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Baltimore, MD
| | - Rita Z Goldstein
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addiction and Related Conditions Research Program, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Nora D Volkow
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Baltimore, MD
| | - Nelly Alia-Klein
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addiction and Related Conditions Research Program, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Comparing maternal substance use and perinatal outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Perinatol 2023; 43:664-669. [PMID: 36746986 PMCID: PMC9901406 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01613-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal substance abuse and neonatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study of neonates admitted to the NICU and born to mothers with evidence of substance abuse pre-pandemic compared to during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULT We noted a significant increase in fentanyl (12% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001) and tobacco use (64% vs. 33%, p < 0.001) during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic, including an increase in fentanyl use among mothers enrolled in opioid maintenance therapy (OMT) during the pandemic (32.3% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in preterm births (58% vs. 48%, p = 0.022) and lower birth weight (2315 ± 815 vs. 2455 ± 861 g, p = 0.049) during pandemic. CONCLUSION There was a significant increase in maternal fentanyl use during the pandemic, even with OMT enrollment, with an increase in preterm births and lower birth weights among infants born to mothers with substance use.
Collapse
|
24
|
Kadi M, Bourion-Bédès S, Bisch M, Baumann C. A Structural Validation of the Brief COPE Scale among Outpatients with Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2695. [PMID: 36768059 PMCID: PMC9916298 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Recovery from substance use disorder requires access to effective coping resources. The most widely self-reported questionnaire used to assess coping responses is the Brief COPE; however, different factorial structures were found in a variety of samples. This study aimed to examine across outpatients with substance use disorders the factor structure of the short dispositional French version of the Brief Coping Orientation to Problem Experienced (COPE) inventory. The French version of the Brief COPE was administered in a sample of 318 outpatients with alcohol or opioid substance use disorder. A clustering analysis on latent variables (CLV) followed by a confirmatory factorial analysis (CFA) was conducted to examine the factor structure of the scale. The internal consistency of the Brief COPE and its subscales were also studied. The analysis revealed a nine-factor structure with a revised 24-item version consisting of functional strategies (four items), problem-solving (four items), denial (two items), substance use (two items), social support seeking (four items), behavioral disengagement (two items), religion (two items), blame (two items), and humor (two items) that demonstrated a good fit to the data. This model explained 53% of the total variance with an overall McDonald's omega (ω) of 0.96 for the revised scale. The present work offers a robust and valid nine-factor structure for assessing coping strategies in French outpatients with opioid or alcohol substance use disorder. This structure tends to simplify its use and interpretation of results for both clinicians and researchers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Kadi
- UR4360 APEMAC, Health Adjustment, Measurement and Assessment, Interdisciplinary Approaches, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Stéphanie Bourion-Bédès
- UR4360 APEMAC, Health Adjustment, Measurement and Assessment, Interdisciplinary Approaches, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France
- Versailles Hospital, University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 78157 Versailles-Le-Chesnay, France
| | - Michael Bisch
- Health Care Centre of Accompaniment and Prevention in Addictology (CSAPA), 54520 Laxou, France
| | - Cédric Baumann
- UR4360 APEMAC, Health Adjustment, Measurement and Assessment, Interdisciplinary Approaches, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France
- Methodology, Data Management and Statistics Unit, University Hospital of Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Burgess J, Hedrick T. Postoperative Analgesia in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols: Trends and Updates. Am Surg 2023; 89:178-182. [PMID: 35579300 DOI: 10.1177/00031348221103654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Multimodal analgesia is an effective strategy to decrease opioid use after surgery and has been a mainstay of the surgical contribution to combat the opioid epidemic. Postoperative multimodal analgesia in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) continues to evolve as different adjuncts are added and removed based on the most up to date literature. This review examines recent trends in ERAS analgesia and what current evidence and research supports as well as those adjuncts that may not be as beneficial as once thought.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Burgess
- Department of Surgery, 6040Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Traci Hedrick
- Department of Surgery, 12350University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Goulet J, Cheng Y, Becker W, Brandt C, Sandbrink F, Workman TE, Ma P, Libin A, Shara N, Spevak C, Kupersmith J, Zeng-Treitler Q. Opioid use and opioid use disorder in mono and dual-system users of veteran affairs medical centers. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1148189. [PMID: 37124766 PMCID: PMC10141670 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1148189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Efforts to achieve opioid guideline concordant care may be undermined when patients access multiple opioid prescription sources. Limited data are available on the impact of dual-system sources of care on receipt of opioid medications. Objective We examined whether dual-system use was associated with increased rates of new opioid prescriptions, continued opioid prescriptions and diagnoses of opioid use disorder (OUD). We hypothesized that dual-system use would be associated with increased odds for each outcome. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted using Veterans Administration (VA) data from two facilities from 2015 to 2019, and included active patients, defined as Veterans who had at least one encounter in a calendar year (2015-2019). Dual-system use was defined as receipt of VA care as well as VA payment for community care (non-VA) services. Mono users were defined as those who only received VA services. There were 77,225 dual-system users, and 442,824 mono users. Outcomes were three binary measures: new opioid prescription, continued opioid prescription (i.e., received an additional opioid prescription), and OUD diagnosis (during the calendar year). We conducted a multivariate logistic regression accounting for the repeated observations on patient and intra-class correlations within patients. Results Dual-system users were significantly younger than mono users, more likely to be women, and less likely to report white race. In adjusted models, dual-system users were significantly more likely to receive a new opioid prescription during the observation period [Odds ratio (OR) = 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.76-1.93], continue prescriptions (OR = 1.24, CI 1.22-1.27), and to receive an OUD diagnosis (OR = 1.20, CI 1.14-1.27). Discussion The prevalence of opioid prescriptions has been declining in the US healthcare systems including VA, yet the prevalence of OUD has not been declining at the same rate. One potential problem is that detailed notes from non-VA visits are not immediately available to VA clinicians, and information about VA care is not readily available to non-VA sources. One implication of our findings is that better health system coordination is needed. Even though care was paid for by the VA and presumably closely monitored, dual-system users were more likely to have new and continued opioid prescriptions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Goulet
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Yan Cheng
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Biomedical Informatics Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - William Becker
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Cynthia Brandt
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Terri Elizabeth Workman
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Biomedical Informatics Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Phillip Ma
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Biomedical Informatics Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Alexander Libin
- MedStar Health, Washington, DC, United States
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
- Georgetown Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Nawar Shara
- MedStar Health, Washington, DC, United States
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
- Georgetown Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Christopher Spevak
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
- Georgetown Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Joel Kupersmith
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
- Joel Kupersmith,
| | - Qing Zeng-Treitler
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Biomedical Informatics Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
- *Correspondence: Qing Zeng-Treitler,
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Syringe Service Program Perspectives on Barriers, Readiness, and Programmatic Needs to Support Rollout of the COVID-19 Vaccine. J Addict Med 2023; 17:e36-e41. [PMID: 35916422 PMCID: PMC9892351 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We explored syringe service program (SSP) perspectives on barriers, readiness, and programmatic needs to support coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine uptake among people who use drugs. METHODS We conducted an exploratory qualitative study, leveraging an existing sample of SSPs in the United States. Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with SSP staff between February and April 2021. Interviews were analyzed using a Rapid Assessment Process, an intensive, iterative process that allows for rapid analysis of time-sensitive qualitative data. RESULTS Twenty-seven SSPs completed a qualitative interview. Many SSP respondents discussed that COVID-19 vaccination was not a priority for their participants because of competing survival priorities, and respondents shared concerns that COVID-19 had deepened participant mistrust of health care. Most SSPs wanted to participate in COVID-19 vaccination efforts; however, they identified needed resources, including adequate space, personnel, and training, to implement successful vaccine programs. CONCLUSIONS Although SSPs are trusted resources for people who use drugs, many require additional structural and personnel support to address barriers to COVID-19 vaccination among their participants. Funding and supporting SSPs in the provision of COVID-19 prevention education and direct vaccine services should be a top public health priority.
Collapse
|
28
|
Kuehl C, Bortz C, Fussner H, Olson C, Russell N, Sumner RA, Coyle DT. How Do Colorado Public Libraries Respond to Patron Queries about Opioid Use Disorder? A Secret Shopper Study. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:198-203. [PMID: 36444398 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2151825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: Colorado's age-adjusted fatal opioid overdose rate increased over 400% from 2000 to 2020. Public libraries are increasingly valuable community resources for accessing health-related information. We sought to evaluate the availability and types of opioid use disorder (OUD)-related resources offered through Colorado Public Library branches using secret shoppers to collect data. Methods: This was a cross sectional study of 197 Colorado Public Libraries in 2021. Anonymous auditors posed as library patrons asking a brief standardized script about availability of OUD-related resources over the phone. We conducted descriptive analyses of the libraries contacted, the response types of OUD resources provided, and information about naloxone availability. Outcomes were compared between urban/rural and libraries within/outside the Denver Public Library (DPL) system via means comparison tests. Results: Approximately 50% of libraries were classified as urban. Most (81%) of the libraries offered a valid OUD-resource, and over half (51%) provided a referral to a treatment center offering at least one medication for OUD. Over a third (36%) of librarians referenced the statewide naloxone standing order allowing patients to obtain naloxone from a pharmacy without prescription. One in ten libraries provided at least one invalid referral resource. Libraries within the DPL system referenced Colorado's naloxone standing order at higher rates than non-DPL libraries. Conclusions: Public libraries may benefit from the development of a standard for OUD-related resource training/education that can be distributed across the state to create a space for community members to obtain resources related to substance use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carly Kuehl
- Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Cole Bortz
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Holly Fussner
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Courtney Olson
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Nicole Russell
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - D Tyler Coyle
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lee H, Singh GK. Estimating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rising trends in drug overdose mortality in the United States, 2018-2021. Ann Epidemiol 2023; 77:85-89. [PMID: 36455852 PMCID: PMC9703855 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE During the COVID-19 pandemic, social and economic disruption such as social isolation, job and income losses, and increased psychological distress, may have contributed to the increase in drug-overdose mortality. This study aims to measure the impact of the pandemic on monthly trends in drug-overdose mortality in the United States. METHODS We used the 2018-2020 final and 2021 provisional monthly deaths from the National Vital Statistics System and monthly population estimates from the Census Bureau to compute monthly mortality rates by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. We use log-linear regression models to estimate monthly percent increases in mortality rates from January 2018 through November 2021. RESULTS The age-adjusted drug-overdose mortality rate among individuals aged older than or equal to 15 years increased by 30% between 2019 (70,459 deaths) and 2020 (91,536 deaths). During January 2018-November 2021, the monthly drug-overdose mortality rate increased by 2.05% per month for Blacks, 2.25% for American Indians/Alaska Natives, 1.96% for Hispanics, 1.33% for Asian/Pacific Islanders, and 0.96% for non-Hispanic Whites. Average monthly increases in mortality were most marked among those aged 15-24 and 35-44 years. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on the rising trends in drug-overdose mortality during the peak months in 2020 and 2021.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjung Lee
- Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs, John McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA.
| | - Gopal K Singh
- The Center for Global Health and Health Policy, Global Health and Education Projects, Inc., Riverdale, MD
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lee H, Singh GK. Monthly Trends in Drug Overdose Mortality among Youth Aged 15-34 Years in the United States, 2018-2021: Measuring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J MCH AIDS 2022; 11:e583. [PMID: 36506108 PMCID: PMC9730739 DOI: 10.21106/ijma.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents and young adults in the United States (US) have experienced a significant increase in drug overdose mortality rates in the last two decades. During the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, they experienced a lack of access to substance use disorder treatment, stay-home orders, school closure, social isolation, increased psychological distress, and financial strain. Few studies have examined the impact of the pandemic on monthly trends in drug-overdose mortality among youth by race/ethnicity. This study estimates differential changes in monthly drug overdose mortality among youth in the US by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Methods Monthly deaths from the final 2018-2020 national mortality data and the 2021 provisional mortality data were used, and monthly population estimates were obtained from the Census Bureau. We calculated age-specific monthly drug overdose deaths per one million population and used log-linear regression models to estimate monthly percent increases in mortality rates from January 2018 through October 2021. Results Drug-overdose deaths among individuals aged 15-34 increased by 36.5% from 2019 (21,152 deaths) to 2020 (28,879 deaths). From February 2020 to May 2020, the drug-overdose mortality rate increased by 62% for males, 53% for females, 79% for Blacks, 62% for American Indians/Alaska Natives (AIANs), 57% for Hispanics, 56% for non-Hispanic Whites, and 47% for Asians. From January 2018 to October 2021, the average monthly drug-overdose mortality rate increased by 2.69% per month for Blacks, 2.54% for AIANs, 2.27% for Hispanics, 1.37% for Asians, and 0.81% for non-Hispanic Whites. Increases in drug-overdose mortality were more rapid among males than females and among youth aged 15-24 than youth aged 25-34. Conclusion and Global Health Implications During the peak months in 2020 and 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic had a disproportionate impact by race/ethnicity on trends in drug overdose mortality among the youth. Drug overdose mortality rates increased faster among Blacks, Hispanics, AIANs, and Asians compared to non-Hispanic Whites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjung Lee
- Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs, John McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 William T. Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Gopal K. Singh
- The Center for Global Health and Health Policy, Global Health and Education Projects, Inc., Riverdale, MD 20738, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Foti TR, Vereen S, Vamos C, Sappenfield W, Kirby RS. "A Lot of Things Stopped with COVID": Screening Pregnant Patients for Opioid Use and Related Conditions During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Womens Health Issues 2022; 33:242-249. [PMID: 36496340 PMCID: PMC9637513 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We explored the impact of COVID-19 on universal screening programs for opioid use and related conditions among practicing clinicians or staff who work with pregnant patients. METHODS Semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews (n = 15) were conducted with practicing clinicians or staff in West-Central Florida between May and October 2020, representing both a range of professions and clinical settings that serve pregnant patients. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and reviewed for accuracy. Independent coders conducted thematic content analysis iteratively in MaxQDA to identify emergent themes. RESULTS Four main themes were identified: worsening health and life conditions of pregnant patients, impaired patient-provider interactions, lack of priority and resources, and conducting opioid screening remotely. Pregnant patients often faced worsening mental health, lack of connection with health care providers, and socioenvironmental factors that increased the risk of overdose and intimate partner violence. Health care providers and facilities faced an infectious disease pandemic that simultaneously increased mental burden and reduced resources. Telehealth improved access to health care for many, but also came with implementation challenges such as inadequate technology, the need to address barriers to developing rapport with patients, and difficulty with certain social screens. CONCLUSION These themes describe facilitators of and barriers to implementing opioid and related screening programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the increasing urgency of screening because of socioenvironmental factors. Patients, health care providers, and health practices may benefit from emergency plans that anticipate screening challenges given their increased importance during times of heightened risk, including disasters and epidemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tara R. Foti
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente of Northern California, Oakland, California,University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, Florida,Correspondence to: Tara R. Foti, PhD, MPH, Kaiser Permanente of Northern California, Division of Research, 2000 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612. Tel.: (585) 746-3857
| | - Shanda Vereen
- University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, Florida
| | - Cheryl Vamos
- University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Russell S. Kirby
- University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lalani K, Bakos-Block C, Cardenas-Turanzas M, Cohen S, Gopal B, Champagne-Langabeer T. The Impact of COVID-19 on Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths in Texas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13796. [PMID: 36360676 PMCID: PMC9657935 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States was facing an epidemic of opioid overdose deaths, clouding accurate inferences about the impact of the pandemic at the population level. We sought to determine the existence of increases in the trends of opioid-related overdose (ORO) deaths in the Greater Houston metropolitan area from January 2015 through December 2021, and to describe the social vulnerability present in the geographic location of these deaths. We merged records from the county medical examiner's office with social vulnerability indexes (SVIs) for the region and present geospatial locations of the aggregated ORO deaths. Time series analyses were conducted to determine trends in the deaths, with a specific focus on the years 2019 to 2021. A total of 2660 deaths were included in the study and the mean (standard deviation, SD) age at death was 41.04 (13.60) years. Heroin and fentanyl were the most frequent opioids detected, present in 1153 (43.35%) and 1023 (38.46%) ORO deaths. We found that ORO deaths increased during the years 2019 to 2021 (p-value ≤ 0.001) when compared with 2015. Compared to the year 2019, ORO deaths increased for the years 2020 and 2021 (p-value ≤ 0.001). The geographic locations of ORO deaths were not associated with differences in the SVI. The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on increasing ORO deaths in the metropolitan Houston area; however, identifying the determinants to guide targeted interventions in the areas of greatest need may require other factors, in addition to community-level social vulnerability parameters.
Collapse
|
33
|
Brown KG, Chen CY, Dong D, Lake KJ, Butelman ER. Has the United States Reached a Plateau in Overdoses Caused by Synthetic Opioids After the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic? Examination of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Data to November 2021. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:947603. [PMID: 35873233 PMCID: PMC9300908 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.947603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Overdoses caused by synthetic mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists such as fentanyl are causing increasing mortality in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have complex effects on public health, including opioid use disorders (OUD). It is unclear whether recent increases in mortality caused by synthetic opioids have reached a plateau (i.e., a stable period), after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method This study examined provisional overdose mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for synthetic opioids excluding methadone (code T40.4; monthly data available from 39 States, plus New York City and Washington DC), for June 2019-November 2021. Data were first examined as crude mortality rates. The presence of a maximum plateau was analyzed for the last 4 months of available data. For authorities in which a plateau in mortality was detected, sigmoidal Boltzmann equations were used to model parameters of this phenomenon (e.g., level of the plateau). Results At the end of the study period, all but one authority (New Hampshire) reported increases in mortality rates for synthetic opioids, compared to the baseline month of June 2019 (range: 111-745% of baseline). A plateau was observed over the last 4 months of the study period (Aug 2021-Nov 2021) in 29 of the authorities. Ten other authorities had not reached a stable plateau at the end of the study period. For the authorities where a plateau was detected, a sigmoidal Boltzmann model revealed a fitted maximum of 262% rise in mortality over the study period, from the baseline month. The midpoint in the rise in mortality was fitted in September 2020. After separation of data into census regions, the highest plateau was observed in the West region, followed by South, Midwest, and Northeast (fitted plateau values were 409, 262, 204, and 149% of baseline, respectively). Discussion There were increases in overdose mortality due to synthetic opioids across most states, ranging considerably in magnitude. A plateau in overdose mortality was detected at the end of the study period in most of these authorities. The reasons for these plateaus should be explored, in order to develop optimized public health interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Eduardo R. Butelman
- Laboratory on the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|