Challenges and outcomes of parallel care for patients with co-occurring psychiatric disorder in methadone maintenance treatment

Posttraumatic stress disorder in people who use drugs: syringe services program utilization, treatment need, and preferences for onsite mental health care

BACKGROUND

Syringe services programs (SSPs) are critical healthcare access points for people with opioid use disorder (OUD) who face treatment utilization barriers. Co-locating care for common psychiatric comorbidities, like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), at SSPs may reduce harms and enhance the health of individuals with OUD. To guide the development of onsite psychiatric care at SSPs, we collected quantitative survey data on the prevalence of PTSD, drug use patterns, treatment experiences associated with a probable PTSD diagnosis, and attitudes regarding onsite PTSD care in a convenience sample of registered SSP clients in New York City.

METHODS

Study participants were administered the PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5) and asked about sociodemographic characteristics, current drug use, OUD and PTSD treatment histories, and desire for future SSP services using a structured interview. Probable PTSD diagnosis was defined as a PCL-5 score ≥ 31.

RESULTS

Of the 139 participants surveyed, 138 experienced at least one potentially traumatic event and were included in the present analysis. The sample was primarily male (n = 108, 78.3%), of Hispanic or Latinx ethnicity (n = 76, 55.1%), and middle-aged (M = 45.0 years, SD = 10.6). The mean PCL-5 score was 35.2 (SD = 21.0) and 79 participants (57.2%) had a probable PTSD diagnosis. We documented frequent SSP utilization, significant unmet PTSD treatment need, and high interest in onsite PTSD treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Study findings point to the ubiquity of PTSD in people with OUD who visit SSPs, large gaps in PTSD care, and the potential for harm reduction settings like SSPs to reach people underserved by the healthcare system who have co-occurring OUD and PTSD.

Predictors of Suicidal Ideation and Continued Substance Use Problems Among Patients Receiving Methadone Maintenance Treatment Who Have Co-Occurring Cocaine Use Disorder

BACKGROUND

Persons with polysubstance use problems are at high suicide risk, which may complicate substance use treatment. The purpose of this study was to a) examine cross-sectional and longitudinal risk factors for suicidality among persons in methadone maintenance treatment who present with co-occurring cocaine use disorder and b) evaluate whether suicidality impacts substance use outcomes independently and differentially depending on treatment type (i.e. standard methadone care [SC] vs. contingency management plus standard care [CM + SC]).

METHODS

Data come from five randomized controlled trials of CM conducted within methadone clinics (N = 562). Participants were categorized (mutually exclusive) as no history of suicidality (56.4%, n=317), past suicidal ideation (SI; 11%, n=62), recent SI (3.6%, n=20), or lifetime suicide attempt (29%, n=163).

RESULTS

Suicidality groups differed by sex and baseline employment, income, trauma history, and psychosocial functioning. Suicide attempt history was positively associated with years of polysubstance use, prior drug treatments, and unintentional overdose history. Baseline psychological problem severity and emotional abuse history were associated with SI likelihood 12 weeks later. Past SI was associated with longer durations of abstinence than no suicidality. Unexpectedly, those with recent SI reported lower drug use severity at 12 week if they received SC compared to CM + SC. Effects were small to medium.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite greater polysubstance use history, patients with suicide attempts did not show worse substance use outcomes than persons without suicidality. Patients with past SI fared better than those without suicidality on abstinence over 12 wk. Methadone clinics could be key points of entrance and continued services for suicide prevention.

Inequalities in care for Iranian women suffering from the comorbidity of substance use and mental illness: The need for integrated treatment

This paper addresses the comorbidity of substance use and mental illness among women in Iran and the barriers they encounter in accessing treatment. Research has demonstrated a higher prevalence of comorbidity of substance use disorders and mental illness among women than men. It has been suggested that women in Iran may face numerous barriers to appropriate care, such as stigma and discrimination associated with substance use. Integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders (CODs) has been highly beneficial and effective; however, personal and structural limitations impede this treatment approach, which explains the need to develop a situation- and culture-specific program. Needs assessment is necessary to achieve an integrated treatment, and the Iranian government should take the lead in this endeavor. However, if this seems unlikely, non-governmental organizations could be called upon to promote it.

Predictors of Retention and Drug Use Among Patients With Opioid Use Disorder Transferred to a Specialty "Second Chance" Methadone Program

Background

Many patients in methadone treatment have difficulty achieving or maintaining drug abstinence, and many clinics have policies that lead to discharging these patients. We designed a pilot "Second Chance" (SC) program for patients scheduled to be discharged from other local methadone clinics to be transferred to our clinic.

Aim

Determine whether SC patients' retention and opioid use is related to physical or mental health conditions, non-opioid substance use, or treatment features.

Methods

From December 2012 to December 2014, this program enrolled 70 patients who were discharged from other clinics in the area; we were their last remaining option for methadone treatment. Unlike the clinic's standard policies, the treatment focus for SC patients was retention rather than abstinence. This program focused on connection to care (eg, psychiatric services) and enabled patients to continue receiving services despite ongoing substance use. Each patient was assessed at treatment entry and followed until June 2016 to evaluate outcomes.

Results

SC patients receiving disability benefits (n = 37) vs. non-disabled (n = 33) had significantly (P < .05) higher rates of current DSM-IV Axis I psychiatric diagnosis (97% vs 70%), prescriptions for opioids (84% vs 55%) and benzodiazepines (65% vs 27%), and higher methadone doses at admission (58 vs 46 mg) but did not differ significantly in rates of 6-month or 1-year retention (77% and 56%, respectively) or all-drug use (39% positive urine drug screens). Methadone doses >65 mg predicted significantly longer retention and less opioid use, but these effects were not moderated by baseline characteristics.

Conclusions

Patients in methadone treatment struggling to achieve abstinence may benefit from retention-oriented harm-reduction programs. Higher methadone doses can improve retention and opioid abstinence despite psychiatric comorbidities. Further work is needed to improve program implementation and outcomes in this complex population.

Patient Feedback on a Mobile Medication Adherence Application for Buprenorphine/Naloxone: Feasibility and Acceptability Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND

Opioid use disorders impact the health and well-being of millions of Americans. Buprenorphine and naloxone (BUP and NAL) can reduce opioid overdose deaths, decrease misuse, and improve quality of life. Unfortunately, poor medication adherence is a primary barrier to the long-term efficacy of BUP and NAL.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine patient feedback on current and potential features of a Bluetooth-enabled pill bottle cap and associated mobile app for patients prescribed BUP and NAL for an opioid use disorder, and to solicit recommendations for improvement to effectively and appropriately tailor the technology for people in treatment for opioid use disorder.

METHODS

A convenience sample of patients at an opioid use disorder outpatient clinic were asked about medication adherence, opioid cravings, experience with technology, motivation for treatment, and their existent support system through a brief e-survey. Patients also provided detailed feedback on current features and features being considered for inclusion in a technology designed to increase medication adherence (eg, inclusion of a personal motivational factor, craving and stress tracking, incentives, and web-based coaching). Participants were asked to provide suggestions for improvement and considerations specifically applicable to people in treatment for opioid use disorder with BUP and NAL.

RESULTS

Twenty people with an opioid use disorder who were prescribed BUP and NAL participated (mean age 34, SD 8.67 years; 65% female; 80% White). Participants selected the most useful, second-most useful, and least useful features presented; 42.1% of them indicated that motivational reminders would be most useful, followed by craving and stress tracking (26.3%) and web-based support forums (21.1%). Every participant indicated that they had at least 1 strong motivating factor for staying in treatment, and half (n=10) indicated children as that factor. All participants indicated that they had, at some point in their lives, the most extreme craving a person could have; however, 42.1% indicated that they had no cravings in the last month. Most respondents (73.7%) stated that tracking cravings would be helpful. Most respondents (84.2%) also indicated that they believed reinforcers or prizes would help them achieve their treatment goals. Additionally, 94.7% of respondents approved of adherence tracking to accommodate this feature using smart packaging, and 78.9% of them approved of selfie videos of them taking their medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Engaging patients taking treatment for opioid use disorder with BUP and NAL allowed us to identify preferences and considerations that are unique to this treatment area. As the technology developer of the pill cap and associated mobile app is able to take into consideration or integrate these preferences and suggestions, the smart cap and associated mobile app will become tailored to this population and more useful for them, which may encourage patient use of the smart cap and associated mobile app.

Comorbid Affective and Substance Use Disorders of Medicaid/Medicare Beneficiaries at an Opioid Treatment Program Serving Small Urban and Rural Communities

Objectives

Identify rates and correlates of comorbid affective and substance use disorders among an understudied population, Medicaid/Medicare beneficiaries receiving care at an opioid treatment program serving patients from small urban and rural areas. Examine whether past-year non-medical opioid use status differentiates comorbidity status.

Methods

A cross-sectional, venue-based design was used to recruit a convenience sample of patients treated with methadone for opioid use disorder. Measures were assessed across three domains: (1) demographic characteristics, (2) opioid use characteristics, and (3) comorbid disorders. Brief validated screeners categorized probable comorbid disorders. Bivariate analyses examined correlates of comorbid disorders and determined variable selection for multivariable analyses.

Results

In this sample (N = 210; mean age = 38.5 years; female = 62.2%; Non-Hispanic White race/ethnicity = 86.1%), comorbid disorders were common. Rates were as follows: current anxiety (48.1%), depression (41.1%), and PTSD (33.7%), and past-year stimulant (27.6%), marijuana (19.0%), alcohol (14.9%), and sedative (7.6%). In bivariate analyses, past-year non-medical opioid use and a greater accumulation of opioid use consequences were associated with most disorders. When including demographic and opioid use characteristics in multivariable analyses, past-year non-medical opioid use was associated with anxiety, PTSD, stimulant use disorder, and sedative use disorder.

Conclusions

Few studies have investigated comorbid disorders among this understudied population. This analysis highlights a high burden, especially for affective disorders. Our findings demonstrate that routine, ongoing assessment of non-medical opioid use may be a promising and feasible strategy to detect patients needing integrated care. Future research should investigate whether changes to assessment protocols at opioid treatment programs in small urban and rural settings facilitate care coordination.

Sex-based differences in psychiatric symptoms and opioid abstinence during buprenorphine/naloxone treatment in adolescents with opioid use disorders

BACKGROUND

Recent studies indicate that sex-based differences exist in co-occurring psychiatric symptoms and disorders among individuals with opioid use disorders (OUD). Whether these associations are present in adolescent samples and change during OUD treatment is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

In the current study, we examined sex-based differences in psychiatric symptoms and relationships among sex, psychiatric symptoms, and opioid use outcomes in youth with OUD receiving buprenorphine/naloxone (Bup/Nal) and psychosocial treatment.

METHODS

The study randomly assigned one hundred and fifty-two youth (15-21 years old) diagnosed with OUD to either 12 weeks of treatment with Bup/Nal or up to 2 weeks of Bup/Nal detoxification with both treatment arms receiving weekly drug counseling as part of a multisite clinical trial (NIDA-CTN-0010). We compared psychiatric symptoms, assessed via the Youth Self Report (YSR) at baseline and week 12, across male and female OUD participants. The study used logistic regression models to identify sex and psychiatric symptom variables that were predictors of opioid positive urine (OPU) at week 12.

RESULTS

Compared to males, females with OUD had higher mean psychiatric symptom scores at baseline across broad-band and narrow-band symptom domains. The study observed significant reductions in psychiatric symptom scores in both males and females during treatment, and by week 12, females only differed from males on anxious-depressive symptom scores. Females, in general, and youth of both sexes presenting to treatment with higher anxious depression scores were less likely to have a week-12 OPU.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically significant sex-based differences in psychiatric symptoms are present at baseline among youth with OUD receiving Bup/Nal-assisted treatment and mostly resolve during treatment.

Impact of Personality Disorder on the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders in People Receiving Methadone-Assisted Treatment

This study evaluates personality disorder as a moderator of psychiatric treatment response in people receiving methadone-assisted treatment. Participants (N = 125) were enrolled in a 12-week parent study that evaluated the impact of incentives on attendance to psychiatric care. All participants had a current DSM IV-R Axis I disorder and were classified based on presence of an Axis II disorder: Axis I-only (n = 46) versus Axis I + II (n = 79). All participants received an identical protocol of psychiatric and substance use disorder care. Although Axis I + II participants endorsed more psychiatric distress (on the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-Revised) throughout treatment, they reported significant reductions in distress that paralleled reductions reported by Axis I-only participants. Rates of substance use were low and similar across groups. Results support the benefits of integrated psychiatric and substance use care for people with opioid use disorder, with or without a co-occurring personality disorder.

Three-month outcomes from a patient-centered program to treat opioid use disorder in Iowa, USA

BACKGROUND

Opioid use disorder (OUD), a chronic disease, is a major public health problem. Despite availability of effective treatment, too few people receive it and treatment retention is low. Understanding barriers and facilitators of treatment access and retention is needed to improve outcomes for people with OUD.

OBJECTIVES

To assess 3-month outcomes pilot data from a patient-centered OUD treatment program in Iowa, USA, that utilized flexible treatment requirements and prioritized engagement over compliance.

METHODS

Forty patients (62.5% female: mean age was 35.7 years, SD 9.5) receiving medication, either buprenorphine or naltrexone, to treat OUD were enrolled in an observational study. Patients could select or decline case management, counseling, and peer recovery groups. Substance use, risk and protective factors, and recovery capital were measured at intake and 3 months.

RESULTS

Most participants reported increased recovery capital. The median Assessment of Recovery Capital (ARC) score went from 37 at enrollment to 43 (p < 0.01). Illegal drug use decreased, with the median days using illegal drugs in the past month dropping from 10 to 0 (p < 0.001). Cravings improved: 29.2% reported no cravings at intake and 58.3% reported no cravings at 3 months (p < 0.001). Retention rate was 92.5% at 3 months. Retention rate for participants who were not on probation/parole was higher (96.9%) than for those on probation/parole (62.5%, p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

This study shows preliminary evidence that a care model based on easy and flexible access and strategies to improve treatment retention improves recovery capital, reduces illegal drug use and cravings, and retains people in treatment.

Diverse diagnostic profiles associated with prescription opioid use disorder in a nationwide sample: One crisis, multiple needs

OBJECTIVE

The opioid crisis has had devastating effects on individuals and communities, and it has rapidly increased in severity. However, we still lack nationally representative information on the diversity of comorbidity patterns among prescription opioid use disorder (P-OUD), other substance use disorders (SUDs), and psychopathology using the newest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). This impedes planning for multiple aspects of intervention, including society-wide allocation of treatment resources, program design at individual treatment centers, and personalized care to individual patients.

METHOD

To address this critical gap in information, we evaluated clinical profiles of American adults via latent class analysis in a large, recently collected epidemiological dataset that uses structured diagnostic assessment for DSM-5 psychopathology (National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III; N = 36,309). Variables considered for profiles included lifetime diagnosis for multiple SUDs, various externalizing and internalizing conditions, and demographic variables. We then associated clinical profiles with demographic variables and functional impairment.

RESULTS

Comorbid psychopathology and other SUDs were common in latent classes with elevated and very high rates of P-OUD. To illustrate, alcohol use disorder rates were greater than 45%, and posttraumatic stress disorder rates were greater than 28% in classes with higher P-OUD rates. Higher P-OUD rates were associated with White/non-Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. Relationships between P-OUD rates and functional impairment were inconsistent.

CONCLUSION

Many current treatment delivery systems are not designed to accommodate the heterogeneous profiles associated with high P-OUD rates. We provide specific suggestions for improvements to the mental health service system, individual clinical care programs, and future research approaches. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Interrelationship of Opioid Dependence, Impaired Impulse Control, and Depressive Symptoms: An Open-Label Cross-Sectional Study of Patients in Maintenance Therapy

OBJECTIVE

A growing number of studies indicate increased impulsivity in patients with opioid dependence (OD). However, few studies exclude concomitant drug use and consider depression as a comorbidity, both of which can bias results.

AIM

We aimed to compare impulsivity in patients with OD enrolled in maintenance therapy (ICD code F11.22) and well-matched healthy controls taking psychopathological impairments into account. Furthermore, we compared the result to risky behavioral patterns in patients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 50 patients with OD enrolled in either methadone or buprenorphine maintenance therapy and 50 healthy controls matched for gender, age, education, marital status, and premorbid intelligence. Abstinence from benzodiazepines, amphetamines, and cocaine was verified by urine analysis. We used the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11 (BIS-11), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90R), and the European version of the Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI).

RESULTS

Patients exhibited significantly worse impulse control than healthy individuals. We found no correlation between impulsiveness and reported risky behavior patterns but found a significant correlation between depressive symptoms and psychopathological impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with OD showed a higher impulsivity than healthy individuals. Impulsivity could be a cause or a consequence of a substance use disorder; further research is warranted to explain this relationship. Impulsivity was associated with depression, an important confounder; future research needs to take this into account.

The association of psychiatric comorbidity with treatment completion among clients admitted to substance use treatment programs in a U.S. national sample

BACKGROUND

Psychiatric disorders are highly comorbid with substance use disorders and play an important role in their course and recovery. However, the impact of comorbidity on treatment outcomes has not been examined in a U.S. national sample. This study explores the impact of psychiatric comorbidity on treatment completion among individuals admitted to publicly funded substance use treatment facilities across the United States.

METHODS

Using data on first-time treatment episodes in the U.S. from the Treatment Episode Dataset-Discharges (TEDS-D) for the years 2009-2011, logistic regression was used to assess the association between psychiatric comorbidity and treatment non-completion, and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the association between comorbidity and rate of attrition. Analyses were performed for all substances together and then stratified by primary substance of abuse (alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, or opioids).

RESULTS

Of 856,385 client treatment episodes included in our analysis, 28% had a psychiatric comorbidity and 38% did not complete treatment. After adjusting for socio-demographic and treatment characteristics, clients with psychiatric comorbidity had higher odds of not completing treatment relative to those without comorbidity [OR=1.28 (1.27-1.29)], and had an earlier time to attrition [HR=1.14 (1.13-1.15)]. Psychiatric comorbidity was most strongly associated with treatment non-completion and rate of attrition in those admitted primarily for alcohol [OR=1.37 (1.34-1.39); HR=1.19 (1.17-1.21), respectively].

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with psychiatric comorbidities receiving treatment for substance use disorders face unique challenges that impact their ability to complete treatment. The findings call for further efforts to integrate treatment for psychiatric comorbidities in substance use treatment settings.

Gambling Problems Among Community Cocaine Users

Cocaine use is highly prevalent and a major public health problem. While some studies have reported frequent comorbidity problems among cocaine users, few studies have included evaluation of gambling problems. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of gambling problems and compare those who were at-risk gamblers with non-problem gamblers in terms of mental health problems, substance use problems, and some risk factors (i.e. family antecedents, erroneous perceptions and coping strategies) among individuals who smoke or inject cocaine. A total of 424 smoked or injected cocaine users recruited through community-based programs in Montreal (Quebec) completed the questionnaire, including the Canadian Pathological Gambling Index, the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, the CAGE, and the Severity Dependence Scale. Of the sample, 18.4 % were considered at-risk gamblers, of whom 7.8 % had problems gambling and 10.6 % were moderate-risk gamblers. The at-risk group was more likely to have experienced a recent phobic disorder and alcohol problems than the non-problem group. A multivariate analysis showed that, compared to those who were non-problem gamblers, the at-risk ones were more likely to have lost a large sum of money when they first started gambling, believed that their luck would turn, and gambled in reaction to painful life events. These results indicate the need to include routines for screening to identify gambling problem among cocaine users.

[Investigation of the medical and social situation of patients managed by opiate replacement regimens for over 10 years by their GP]

OBJECTIVE

Management with opiate replacement regimens (ORRs) of patients presenting to primary care settings with opiate addiction has become a long-term follow-up. The aim of this survey study was to describe patients who had been prescribed ORRs for at least 10 years by their general practitioner (GP).

METHOD

In 2011, two questionnaires were sent to a sample of 38 GPs prescribing ORRs in Northern France. Doctors' questionnaires collected their typology and opinions on their patients receiving opiate substitution treatments for over 10 years. Patients' questionnaires were completed in the presence of the patient.

RESULTS

Twenty-three doctors' and 83 patients' questionnaires were suitable for analysis. The average number of listed ORR patients was 14.2 and 3.6 had been managed for 10 years or more. Misuse persisted: 30.5% of GPs considered that it was carried out by at least by 15% of patients. Average dosages were 60.3 mg for methadone and 7.0 mg for buprenorphine. Employment (46.3% of patients had a salary), dwelling and family live (46.3% of patients were in charge of children) were favored. Nevertheless, precariousness persisted: 32% of patients were indebted and help of social workers was not systematically searched. One third of the patients were alcohol and cannabis misusers, 70% were smoking and 34.5% multiple drug misusers. An important number of patients were taking anxiolytics (37.8%) and hypnotics (30.5%).

CONCLUSION

After 10 years of follow-up for an ORR by a GP, the social situation of patients seems to have stabilized, but psychoactive drugs consumption remains important.

The impact of addiction medications on treatment outcomes for persons with co-occurring PTSD and opioid use disorders

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Previous research has been inconclusive about whether adding psychosocial treatment to medication assisted treatment (MAT) improves outcomes for patients with co-occurring psychiatric and opioid use disorders. This study evaluated the impact of MAT and psychosocial therapies on treatment outcomes for patients with co-occurring opioid use disorders and PTSD.

METHODS

Patients meeting criteria for PTSD and substance use disorders were randomly assigned to one of three treatment conditions: Standard Care (SC) alone, Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) plus SC, or Individual Addiction Counseling (IAC) plus SC. Substance use and psychiatric symptoms were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Only patients with opioid use disorders were included in the present analyses (n = 126). Two-way ANOVAS and logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between treatment conditions and MAT, for substance use and psychiatric outcomes.

RESULTS

MAT patients receiving ICBT had significantly decreased odds of a positive urine drug screen, compared to non-MAT patients receiving SC alone (OR = .07, 95% CI = .01, .81, p = .03). For PTSD symptoms, a significant MAT by psychosocial treatment condition interaction demonstrated that MAT patients had comparable declines in PTSD symptoms regardless of psychosocial treatment type (F(2, 88) = 4.74, p = .011). Non-MAT patients in ICBT had significantly larger reductions in PTSD.

CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE

For patients with co-occurring opioid use disorders and PTSD, MAT plus ICBT is associated with more significant improvement in substance use. For non-MAT patients, ICBT is most beneficial for PTSD symptoms.