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Bjørnestad ED, Vederhus JK, Clausen T. Change in self-reported somatic symptoms among patients in opioid maintenance treatment from baseline to 1-year follow-up. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:149. [PMID: 38383345 PMCID: PMC10882792 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05590-w] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High somatic comorbidity is common among patients in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). The present study aims to investigate changes in self-reported somatic health conditions and somatic symptoms among patients entering opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) programs. METHODS We used data from the Norwegian Cohort of Patients in OMT and Other Drug Treatment (NorComt) study. Of 283 patients who entered OMT, 176 were included for analysis at a 1-year follow-up. Participants provided self-reported data during structured interviews on somatic conditions, somatic symptoms, substance use severity measures, and mental distress. A multivariable linear regression analysis identified factors associated with changes in the burden of somatic symptoms. RESULTS Patients entering OMT reported a high prevalence of somatic conditions at the beginning of treatment, with 3 of 5 patients reporting at least one. The most prevalent condition was hepatitis C, followed by asthma and high blood pressure. Patients reported experiencing a high number of somatic symptoms. The intensity of these symptoms varied across a wide spectrum, with oral health complaints and reduced memory perceived as the most problematic. Overall, for the entire sample, there was no significant change in somatic symptoms from baseline to 1 year. Further analysis indicated that those who reported a higher burden of somatic symptoms at baseline had the greatest improvement at the 1-year follow-up. A higher number of somatic conditions and higher mental distress at baseline was associated with improvements in somatic symptoms burden at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Patients in OMT report a range of somatic conditions and somatic symptoms. Given the wide range of symptoms reported by patients in OMT, including some at high intensity levels, healthcare providers should take into consideration the somatic healthcare needs of individuals in OMT populations. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov no. NCT05182918. Registered 10/01/2022 (the study was retrospectively registered).
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Affiliation(s)
- Endre Dahlen Bjørnestad
- Addiction Unit, Sørlandet Hospital HF, Po. box 416, Kristiansand, Norway.
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), University of Oslo, Kirkeveien 166, N-0407, Oslo, Norway.
| | - John-Kåre Vederhus
- Addiction Unit, Sørlandet Hospital HF, Po. box 416, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Thomas Clausen
- Addiction Unit, Sørlandet Hospital HF, Po. box 416, Kristiansand, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), University of Oslo, Kirkeveien 166, N-0407, Oslo, Norway
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Frost MC, Lampert H, Tsui JI, Iles-Shih MD, Williams EC. The impact of methamphetamine/amphetamine use on receipt and outcomes of medications for opioid use disorder: a systematic review. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2021; 16:62. [PMID: 34635170 PMCID: PMC8504567 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-021-00266-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Methamphetamine/amphetamine use has sharply increased among people with opioid use disorder (OUD). It is therefore important to understand whether and how use of these substances may impact receipt of, and outcomes associated with, medications for OUD (MOUD). This systematic review identified studies that examined associations between methamphetamine/amphetamine use or use disorder and 3 classes of outcomes: (1) receipt of MOUD, (2) retention in MOUD, and (3) opioid abstinence during MOUD. Methods We searched 3 databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL Complete) from 1/1/2000 to 7/28/2020 using key words and subject headings, and hand-searched reference lists of included articles. English-language studies of people with documented OUD/opioid use that reported a quantitative association between methamphetamine/amphetamine use or use disorder and an outcome of interest were included. Study data were extracted using a standardized template, and risk of bias was assessed for each study. Screening, inclusion, data extraction and bias assessment were conducted independently by 2 authors. Study characteristics and findings were summarized for each class of outcomes. Results Thirty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. Studies generally found that methamphetamine/amphetamine use or use disorder was negatively associated with receiving methadone and buprenorphine; 2 studies suggested positive associations with receiving naltrexone. Studies generally found negative associations with retention; most studies finding no association had small samples, and these studies tended to examine shorter retention timeframes and describe provision of adjunctive services to address substance use. Studies generally found negative associations with opioid abstinence during treatment among patients receiving methadone or sustained-release naltrexone implants, though observed associations may have been confounded by other polysubstance use. Most studies examining opioid abstinence during other types of MOUD treatment had small samples. Conclusions Overall, existing research suggests people who use methamphetamine/amphetamines may have lower receipt of MOUD, retention in MOUD, and opioid abstinence during MOUD. Future research should examine how specific policies and treatment models impact MOUD outcomes for these patients, and seek to understand the perspectives of MOUD providers and people who use both opioids and methamphetamine/amphetamines. Efforts to improve MOUD care and overdose prevention strategies are needed for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline C Frost
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, 1959 NE Pacific St, WA, 98195, Seattle, United States. .,Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, WA, 98108, United States.
| | - Hannah Lampert
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
| | - Judith I Tsui
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
| | - Matthew D Iles-Shih
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
| | - Emily C Williams
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, 1959 NE Pacific St, WA, 98195, Seattle, United States.,Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, WA, 98108, United States
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Medved D, Clausen T, Bukten A, Bjørnestad R, Muller AE. Large and non-specific somatic disease burdens among ageing, long-term opioid maintenance treatment patients. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2020; 15:87. [PMID: 33198799 PMCID: PMC7667746 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-020-00311-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To describe and explore somatic disease burdens of ageing long-term patients in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT), a unique population emerging in countries offering OMT as a long-term treatment. Methods We used data from the Norwegian Cohort of Patient in Opioid Maintenance Treatment and Other Drug Treatment Study (NorComt). 156 patients enrolled for at least three of the past five years provided data during structured interviews, including on chronic conditions, somatic treatment received, mental distress (SCL-25), and treatment satisfaction. A somatic disease burden was calculated from a list measuring the recent severity of 16 somatic complaints. A hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis identified correlates of somatic disease burden. Results Over half of patients reported at least seven somatic complaints. Reported somatic disease burden was associated with higher mental distress, more chronic conditions, fewer years in OMT, and treatment dissatisfaction. Age was unrelated, and there were few gender differences. These five variables explained 43.6% of the variance in disease burden. Conclusion Long-term OMT patients experience a large range of somatic complaints, and at non-acute levels. As OMT secures longevity for opioid-dependent persons, the clinical focus must be adjusted from acute to chronic care. Providers must address how to optimize health and quality of life while in treatment, as treatment may last for many years. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13011-020-00311-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Medved
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Bygg 45, Ullevål sykehus, Kirkeveien 166, 0450, Oslo, Norway.,Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Clausen
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Bygg 45, Ullevål sykehus, Kirkeveien 166, 0450, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Bukten
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Bygg 45, Ullevål sykehus, Kirkeveien 166, 0450, Oslo, Norway. .,Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | | | - Ashley Elizabeth Muller
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Bygg 45, Ullevål sykehus, Kirkeveien 166, 0450, Oslo, Norway.,Division of Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Grønnestad TE, Sagvaag H. Stuck in limbo: illicit drug users' experiences with opioid maintenance treatment and the relation to recovery. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2016; 11:31992. [PMID: 27765141 PMCID: PMC5073299 DOI: 10.3402/qhw.v11.31992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this article is to gain insight into how individuals who frequent open illicit drug scenes experience opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) and investigate how this appears to affect their recovery processes. METHOD By means of the ethnographic method, one of the researchers spent time in an open illicit drug scene over a 1-year span, and gathered data on individuals who frequent the scene on a regular basis, and their experiences with OMT. The data are based on field notes and audiotaped interviews. FINDINGS Four themes emerged as relevant for the participants' experiences with OMT: 1) the loss of hope, 2) trapped in OMT, 3) substitution treatment is not enough, and 4) stigmatization of identity. CONCLUSION The participants found the OMT to be overruling and degrading. Several of the individuals from the illicit drug scene are part of the OMT programme, but as the treatment does not remove painful emotions, they supplement OMT with illegal substances, violate the OMT regulations, and run the risk of being excluded from the programme. In fear of losing the replacement opioid, they conceal parts of the addiction they seek treatment for and end up lying and cheating instead of exploring strategies for reducing and managing the addiction. The patients' relation to the OMT personnel is negatively affected by the need to hide a large portion of their issues. The result is a feeling of hopelessness, increased stigmatization, lack of control and being trapped between two worlds-in limbo, an intermediate state which interferes with the recovery process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hildegunn Sagvaag
- Department of Health Studies, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
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Vallersnes OM, Bjornaas MA, Lund C, Jacobsen D, Ekeberg Ø, Brekke M. Follow-up of young patients after acute poisoning by substances of abuse: a comparative cohort study at an emergency outpatient clinic. BMC Res Notes 2016; 9:398. [PMID: 27506676 PMCID: PMC4979110 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-016-2200-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young patients with acute poisoning by substances of abuse have increased mortality rates in the long term. In Oslo, Norway, most of these patients are treated at the Oslo Accident and Emergency Outpatient Clinic. The majority were discharged without follow-up. In 2010, the clinic implemented an intervention program for patients under the age of 23 presenting with acute poisoning by substances of abuse. The intervention was a brief motivational interview with a social worker before discharge, followed by a telephone consultation. Patients in need of further follow-up were identified and referred. Our objective was to study short-term effects of the intervention program on referrals to follow-up and repetition rates of acute poisoning. METHODS Comparative cohorts were derived from studies of acute poisoning at the Oslo Accident and Emergency Outpatient Clinic in 2003, 2008 and 2012. Two age groups of patients presenting with acute poisoning by substances of abuse were included: 16-22 years and 23-27 years. Patients in the pre-intervention cohorts of 2003 and 2008 were compared with patients of the same age in the post-intervention cohort of 2012. Repetition rates were estimated using survival analysis. In total, 1323 patients were included; 422 in the younger pre-intervention group, 366 in the younger post-intervention group, 288 in the older pre-intervention group, and 247 in the older post-intervention group. Overall, the major toxic agents were ethanol 823/1323 (62 %) and opioids 215/1323 (16 %). 719/1323 (54 %) patients were male. RESULTS In the younger groups referrals to follow-up increased from 86/317 (27 %) to 156/366 (43 %) (p < 0.001) after the implementation of the program. Among the older patients, who were not included in the program, there was no significant change in referrals. There was no change in the repetition rate of acute poisoning in either age group. The program established contact with 225/366 (61 %) of the eligible patients. CONCLUSION More patients were referred to follow-up after the intervention. We expect this to have a beneficial effect on their substance use and reduce excess morbidity and mortality in the long term. There was no change in the repetition rate of poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odd Martin Vallersnes
- Department of General Practice, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. .,Oslo Accident and Emergency Outpatient Clinic, Department of Emergency General Practice, City of Oslo Health Agency, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Mari A Bjornaas
- Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Cathrine Lund
- Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag Jacobsen
- Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øivind Ekeberg
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Behavioural Sciences in Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mette Brekke
- Department of General Practice, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Clausen T, Åsland R, Kristensen Ø. Patients who terminate OMT--how do they fare? TIDSSKRIFT FOR DEN NORSKE LEGEFORENING 2014; 134:1146-50. [PMID: 24939781 DOI: 10.4045/tidsskr.13.0821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND OMT tends to involve treatment over an extended period of time. Some OMT patients terminate the treatment. There is a need for more knowledge about how these persons do following treatment. MATERIAL AND METHOD We undertook a retrospective review of patient records at Sørlandet Hospital in Kristiansand for patients who had undergone OMT in the period 1998-2009. Data from 103 discharged patients were included in the study, registered on two occasions--31 December 2009 and 30 June 2011. RESULTS Of the 469 patients who started their OMT during the period of study, altogether 103 patients (22%) terminated the treatment. One-half of the 103 patients who terminated their treatment did so because they no longer wanted OMT or failed to report to the hospital. The others terminated the treatment because they wanted medication from their GP other than OMT (n = 11), because they considered themselves to be no longer addicted and in need of treatment (n = 19) or because they maintained a considerable substance use (n = 21). Seven patients wanted a planned tapering-off of OMT drugs. The status for these 103 discharged patients as of 31 December 2009 (median 1,034 days after discharge) was: uncontrolled substance use: 30%; dead: 17%; other medication from GP: 14%; psychiatric treatment: 12%; imprisoned: 8%; OMT in another county: 2%; drug-free without maintenance treatment: 11%; unknown: 6%. Eighteen months later, altogether 36 of them had changed their status. The group with uncontrolled substance use (n = 31) had undergone the greatest change--altogether 14 were back in OMT, ten continued their substance use and four had died. INTERPRETATION The OMT patients who terminated the treatment had a high rate of mortality. Approximately 10 % of those discharged lived stable drug-free lives without OMT medication during the period of observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Clausen
- Avdeling for rus og avhengighetsbehandling Sørlandet sykehus og Senter for Rus- og avhengighetsforskning (SERAF) Institutt for Klinisk medisin Universitetet i Oslo
| | - Reidun Åsland
- Avdeling for rus og avhengighetsbehandling Sørlandet sykehus
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Skeie I, Clausen T, Bukten A. Legemiddelassistert rehabilitering – viktig behandling med dilemmaer. TIDSSKRIFT FOR DEN NORSKE LEGEFORENING 2014; 134:1156-8. [DOI: 10.4045/tidsskr.13.1429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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