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Zamboni L, Portoghese I, Congiu A, Zandonai T, Casari R, Fusina F, Bertoldi A, Lugoboni F. Polysubstance Use Patterns Among High Dose Benzodiazepine Users: A Latent Class Analysis and Differences Between Male and Female Use. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:811130. [PMID: 35145442 PMCID: PMC8821140 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.811130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepines (BZDs) represent one of the most widely used groups of pharmaceuticals, but if used for long periods of time they are associated with dependence and an increased risk of harmful effects. High-dose (HD) BZD dependence is a specific substance use disorder associated with a poor quality of life. It is especially important to pinpoint differences in HD BZD addict subgroups in order to tailor treatment to the individual's specific needs, also considering possible comorbidities with other substance use disorders. We conducted a study to evaluate HD BZD dependence (converted doses to diazepam equivalents, mg) in an Italian sample of 1,354 participants. We also investigated if and to which extent participants co-used other substances (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis/cannabinoids, cocaine, and heroin). We then performed latent class analysis (LCA) to identify the use patterns of these substances, finding three classes: participants in Class 1 (4.3% of the sample) had the highest probability of also using cocaine and alcohol (Polysubstance BZD users); Class 2 comprised subjects with the highest probability of being former heroin, cocaine, THC, and alcohol users (Former polysubstance BZD users); Class 3 represented mono-dependence BZD users (78.5% of the sample) and was the most prevalent among women, while young men were most prevalent in Class 1. The present study underlines different characteristics in HD BZD users both concerning other addictions and sex, and also highlights the need for a stricter control of BZD use, ranging from prescriptions to sales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Zamboni
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Igor Portoghese
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessio Congiu
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy
| | - Thomas Zandonai
- Department of Sport Sciences, Sports Research Centre, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain.,Neuropharmacology on Pain and Functional Diversity (NED), Institute of Health and Biomedical Research of Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | - Rebecca Casari
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Fusina
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Bertoldi
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy
| | - Fabio Lugoboni
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy
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Lynn E, Cousins G, Lyons S, Bennett KE. A repeated cross-sectional study of factors associated with pregabalin-positive poisoning deaths in Ireland. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 206:107741. [PMID: 31765858 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing use of pregabalin and the presence of pregabalin in poisoning deaths, particularly with opioids, highlight it as a potential drug of abuse. In this study we examined factors associated with pregabalin-positive poisoning deaths (PPPD) between 2013 and 2016 in Ireland. METHODS Data were extracted from the National Drug-Related Deaths Index (NDRDI). Analysis included univariate and multivariate logistic regression to estimate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for factors associated with PPPD (primary outcome) by logistic regression models for the total sample and stratified by gender. RESULTS Pregabalin was present on 240 (16 %) toxicology reports of 1489 poisoning deaths; significantly rising from 15 (4.5 %) in 2013 to 94 (26 %) in 2016. Women (AOR 2.69, 95 % CI: 1.95-3.70), opioid misuse (AOR 1.74, 95 % CI: 1.17-2.59), in receipt of treatment for problem drug use (AOR 1.95, 95 % CI: 1.33-2.86) and year of death (2016 vs 2013) (AOR 7.95, 95 % CI: 4.58-13.79) were associated with increased odds of PPPD. Alcohol dependence was associated with reduced odds of PPPD (AOR 0.59, 95 % CI: 0.41-0.85). For men, opioid misuse, in receipt of treatment for problem drug use, and year of death were associated with increased odds of PPPD, while alcohol dependence was associated with reduced odds of PPPD. For women, in receipt of treatment for problem drug use and year of death were associated with increased odds of PPPD. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced training to prescribers and treatment providers on the potential risks associated with pregabalin, particularly among people who use drugs, is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ena Lynn
- Health Research Board, Grattan House, Dublin, D02 H638, Ireland; School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Lower Mercer Street, Dublin, D02 DH60, Ireland; Division of Population Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Lower Mercer Street, Dublin, D02 DH60, Ireland.
| | - Gráinne Cousins
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Lower Mercer Street, Dublin, D02 DH60, Ireland
| | - Suzi Lyons
- Health Research Board, Grattan House, Dublin, D02 H638, Ireland
| | - Kathleen E Bennett
- Division of Population Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Lower Mercer Street, Dublin, D02 DH60, Ireland
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Yang M, Huang SC, Liao YH, Deng YM, Run HY, Liu PL, Liu XW, Liu TB, Xiao SY, Hao W. Clinical characteristics of poly-drug abuse among heroin dependents and association with other psychopathology in compulsory isolation treatment settings in China. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2018; 22:129-135. [PMID: 29029570 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2017.1383439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate clinical characteristics and associations of polydrug abuse among heroin-dependent patients in compulsory isolation settings in China. METHODS Structured interviews were conducted in 882 heroin-dependent patients in two compulsory isolation settings in Changsha, China. Descriptive statistics were employed to report prevalence and general information of polydrug abuse among the participants. Bivariate associations were examined between polydrug abuse and variables regarding demographics, heroin use profile and psychopathology. Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to determine independent factors associated with polydrug abuse. RESULTS Of all the participants, 40.6% reported abuse of/dependence on at least one other type of drug/alcohol than heroin/opioids during the month preceding admission, with benzodiazepines and alcohol being the most common type of drugs abused apart from heroin. Antisocial and depressive personality disorders, as well as more severe heroin use patterns, including younger age at initiate use and larger amount used per day, were found to be independently associated with polydrug abuse. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of polydrug abuse and its associated severe heroin use patterns and personality disorders suggests an urgent need of promoting treatment policies and strategies for heroin patients in China to address these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Yang
- a Mental Health Institute , Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China.,b Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Medical Department of Shenzhen University , Shenzhen , China.,c Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health , Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Shu-Cai Huang
- d The Fourth People's Hospital of Wuhu , Wuhu , Anhui Province , China
| | - Yan-Hui Liao
- a Mental Health Institute , Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Yi-Ming Deng
- b Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Medical Department of Shenzhen University , Shenzhen , China
| | - Hai-Yan Run
- b Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Medical Department of Shenzhen University , Shenzhen , China
| | - Ping-Liang Liu
- e Hunan Xinkaipu Compulsory Drug Rehabilitation Center , Changsha , China
| | - Xiong-Wen Liu
- e Hunan Xinkaipu Compulsory Drug Rehabilitation Center , Changsha , China
| | - Tie-Bang Liu
- b Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Medical Department of Shenzhen University , Shenzhen , China
| | - Shui-Yuan Xiao
- c Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health , Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Wei Hao
- a Mental Health Institute , Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China
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Agabio R, Campesi I, Pisanu C, Gessa GL, Franconi F. Sex differences in substance use disorders: focus on side effects. Addict Biol 2016; 21:1030-42. [PMID: 27001402 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although sex differences in several aspects of substance use disorders (SUDs) have been identified, less is known about the importance of possible sex differences in side effects induced by substances of abuse or by medications used to treat SUDs. In the SUD field, the perception of certain subjective effects are actively sought, while all other manifestations might operationally be considered side effects. This article was aimed at reviewing sex differences in side effects induced by alcohol, nicotine, heroin, marijuana and cocaine and by medications approved for alcohol, nicotine and heroin use disorders. A large body of evidence suggests that women are at higher risk of alcohol-induced injury, liver disease, cardiomyopathy, myopathy, brain damages and mortality. The risk of tobacco-induced coronary heart disease, lung disease and health problems is higher for women than for men. Women also experience greater exposure to side effects induced by heroin, marijuana and cocaine. In addition, women appear to be more vulnerable to the side effects induced by medications used to treat SUDs. Patients with SUDs should be advised that the risk of developing health problems may be higher for women than for men after consumption of the same amount of substances of abuse. Doses of medications for SUD women should be adjusted at least according to body weight. The sex differences observed also indicate an urgent need to recruit adequate numbers of female subjects in pre-clinical and clinical studies to improve our knowledge about SUDs in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Agabio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology; University of Cagliari; Cagliari Italy
| | - Ilaria Campesi
- National Laboratory of Gender Medicine of the National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems; Osilo, Sassari Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Sassari; Sassari Italy
| | - Claudia Pisanu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology; University of Cagliari; Cagliari Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gessa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology; University of Cagliari; Cagliari Italy
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari; National Research Council of Italy; Cagliari Italy
| | - Flavia Franconi
- National Laboratory of Gender Medicine of the National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems; Osilo, Sassari Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Sassari; Sassari Italy
- Assessorato alle Politiche per la Persona; Regione Basilicata Italy
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Evans E, Kellegan A, Li L, Min J, Huang D, Urada D, Hser YI, Nosyk B. Gender differences in mortality among treated opioid dependent patients. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 155:228-35. [PMID: 26282107 PMCID: PMC4581957 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To assess gender differences in characteristics, mortality rates, and the causes and predictors of death among treated opioid-dependent individuals. METHODS Linked vital statistics data were obtained for all individuals first enrolled in publicly funded pharmacological treatment for opioid dependence in California from 2006 to 2010. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated by gender. Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying covariates were fitted to determine the effect of gender on the hazard of all-cause mortality, controlling for covariates. RESULTS Over a median 2.6 years (interquartile range: 1.4-3.7), 1.031 deaths were observed, including 2.2% (259/11,564) of women and 3.7% (772/20,758) of men. Women had a greater increased risk of mortality compared to the general population (SMR 5.1 95% CI: 4.5, 5.7) than men (SMR 4.3 95% CI: 4.0, 4.6). The relative risk of death for women compared with men was 1.18 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.36). Women had a lower instantaneous hazard of all-cause mortality than men (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.50, 0.68), controlling for other factors. Significant interaction effects indicated that among men, mortality risk was decreased by full-time employment and increased by non-daily heroin use (relative to daily use) and medical problems. Concurrent opioid and methamphetamine/cocaine use increased mortality risk among women and decreased it among men. CONCLUSIONS Treatment for opioid dependence is likely to reduce mortality risk among men by addressing employment and medical problems, and via interventions to reduce overdose risk after heroin abstinence, and among women by attending to the concurrent use of methamphetamine/cocaine and opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Evans
- UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, United States.
| | - A Kellegan
- UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs
| | - L Li
- UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs
| | - J Min
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
| | - D Huang
- UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs
| | - D Urada
- UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs
| | - YI Hser
- UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs
| | - B Nosyk
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS,Simon Fraser University, Faculty of Health Sciences
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Amundsen EJ. Drug-related causes of death: Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the deceased. Scand J Public Health 2015; 43:571-9. [PMID: 25969166 DOI: 10.1177/1403494815585909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to describe subgroups of those who died from a drug-related cause of death employing demographic and socioeconomic data. METHODS A total of 1,628 persons with registered drug-related deaths in the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry between 2003 and 2009 were matched with research registers of data on demographic and socioeconomic factors during the five years prior to their deaths. RESULTS Three equal-sized clusters were identified: persons with very low socioeconomic status, disability pensioners and people on the edge of the workforce. CONCLUSIONS Socioeconomic situation prior to drug-related deaths was more heterogeneous than expected. Greater knowledge about the members of the disability pensioner and the edge of the workforce clusters must be established in order to make prevention efforts towards these groups more precise and goal oriented.
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Origer A, Le Bihan E, Baumann M. A social gradient in fatal opioids and cocaine related overdoses? PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125568. [PMID: 25938451 PMCID: PMC4418844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To determine the existence of a social gradient in fatal overdose cases related to non-prescribed opioids and cocaine use, recorded in Luxembourg between 1994 and 2011. Methods Overdose cases were individually matched with four controls in a nested case-control study design, according to sex, year of birth, drug administration route and duration of drug use. The study sample, composed of 272 cases and 1,056 controls, was stratified according to a Social Inequality Accumulation Score (SIAS), based on educational attainment, employment, income, financial situation of subjects and the professional status of their father or legal guardian. Least squares linear regression analysis on overdose mortality rates and ridit scores were applied to determine the Relative Index of Inequality (RII) of the study sample. Results A negative linear relationship between the overdose mortality rate and the relative socioeconomic position was observed. We found a difference in mortality of 29.22 overdose deaths per 100 drug users in the lowest socioeconomic group compared to the most advantaged group. In terms of the Relative Inequality Index, the overdose mortality rate of opioid and cocaine users with lowest socioeconomic profiles was 9.88 times as high as that of their peers from the highest socioeconomic group (95% CI 6.49–13.26). Conclusions Our findings suggest the existence of a marked social gradient in opioids and cocaine related overdose fatalities. Harm reduction services should integrate socially supportive offers, not only because of their general aim of social (re)integration but crucially in order to meet their most important objective, that is to reduce drug-related mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Origer
- Drug Coordination Office, Ministry of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Research Unit INSIDE, Institute Health & Behaviour, University of Luxembourg, Walferdange, Luxembourg
| | - Etienne Le Bihan
- Research Unit INSIDE, Institute Health & Behaviour, University of Luxembourg, Walferdange, Luxembourg
| | - Michèle Baumann
- Research Unit INSIDE, Institute Health & Behaviour, University of Luxembourg, Walferdange, Luxembourg
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Petrushevska T, Jakovski Z, Poposka V, Stefanovska VV. Drug-related deaths between 2002 and 2013 with accent to methadone and benzodiazepines. J Forensic Leg Med 2015; 31:12-8. [PMID: 25735778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of the study is to assess the trends of overdose and drug related fatalities in the Republic of Macedonia during the 11 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cross-sectional retrospective survey and reviewed of postmortem toxicological analyses which examined fatal poisonings with illegal drugs in years 2002-2013. Information about gender, age, drug consumption, reported years were analyzed. Narcotics were confirmed with toxicological semi quantitative fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) in urine (range 250-4000 ng/ml). RESULTS Total of 165 deaths were observed. Out of them 145 (87.9%) were male. There is statistical significant differences between male and female DRD due to age (Mann-Whitney U Test = 925, Z = -2626, p = 0.0087). For p < 0.05 there is significant differences between genders due to cause of overdose (Pearson Chi-square = 9743, df = 4, p = 0.0449). DRD among male were mainly because of overdose due to heroin in 80 (51.17%) cases followed by DRD due to combination of methadone and BZD in 25 (11.72%) cases. Out of all DRD cases 50 (30.3%) are related to polydrug use. For p < 0.01 there is a significant differences between analyzed age groups due to cause of overdose (Pearson Chi-square = 33,886, df = 12, p = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS Death cause analysis reveals the difficulties in determining the role of substitution drugs, as many other factors may be involved. The findings also highlight the importance of further enhancing treatment interventions for benzodiazepine misuse among patients on methadone substitution treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Petrushevska
- Ministry of Health, Head of Sector for Controlled Substances, National Focal Point for EMCDDA, Macedonia.
| | - Zlatko Jakovski
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Criminology and Medical Deontology at the Medical Faculty in Skopje, University "Sv.Kiril and Metodij", Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Verica Poposka
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Criminology and Medical Deontology at the Medical Faculty in Skopje, University "Sv.Kiril and Metodij", Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Vesna Velik Stefanovska
- Institute for Epidemiology and Medical Biostatistics, Head of Cathedra, Medical Faculty "Ss. Cyril and Methodius" University of Skopje, Skopje, Macedonia
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Espelt A, Barrio G, Álamo-Junquera D, Bravo MJ, Sarasa-Renedo A, Vallejo F, Molist G, Brugal MT. Lethality of Opioid Overdose in a Community Cohort of Young Heroin Users. Eur Addict Res 2015; 21:300-6. [PMID: 26022713 DOI: 10.1159/000377626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to estimate the lethality of opioid overdose among young heroin users. METHODS A prospective community cohort study was conducted in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain. Participants included 791 heroin users aged 18-30 years who were followed up between 2001 and 2006. Fatal overdoses were identified by record linkage of the cohort with the general mortality register, while non-fatal overdoses were self-reported at baseline and follow-up interviews. The person-years (py) at risk were computed for each participant. Fatal and non-fatal overdose rates were estimated by city. Transition towards injection shortly before the overdose could not be measured. Overdose lethality (rate of fatal overdose in proportion to total overdose) and its 95% CI was estimated using Bayesian models. RESULTS The adjusted rates of fatal and non-fatal opioid overdose were 0.7/100 py (95% CI: 0.4-1.1) and 15.8/100 py (95% CI: 14.3-17.6), respectively. The adjusted lethality was 4.2% (95% CI: 2.5-6.5). CONCLUSIONS Four out of 100 opioid overdoses are fatal. These are preventable deaths that could be avoided before or after the overdose takes place. Resources are urgently needed to prevent fatal opioid overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Espelt
- Agx00E8;ncia de Salut Px00FA;blica de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Urban overdose hotspots: a 12-month prospective study in Dublin ambulance services. Am J Emerg Med 2014; 32:1168-73. [PMID: 25154346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2014.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid overdose (OD) is the primary cause of death among drug users globally. Personal and social determinants of overdose have been studied before, but the environmental factors lacked research attention. Area deprivation or presence of addiction clinics may contribute to overdose. OBJECTIVES The objective of the study is to examine the baseline incidence of all new ODs in an ambulance service and their relationship with urban deprivation and presence of addiction services. METHODS A prospective chart review of prehospital advanced life support patients was performed on confirmed OD calls. Demographic, geographic, and clinical information, that is, presentation, treatment, and outcomes, was collected for each call. The census data were used to calculate deprivation. Geographical information software mapped the urban deprivation and addiction services against the overdose locations. RESULTS There were 469 overdoses, 13 of which were fatal; most were male (80%), of a young age (32 years), with a high rate of repeated overdoses (26%) and common polydrug use (9.6%). Most occurred in daytime (275) and on the streets (212). Overdoses were more likely in more affluent areas (r = .15; P < .05) and in a 1000-m radius of addiction services. Residential overdoses were in more deprived areas than street overdoses (mean difference, 7.8; t170 = 3.99; P < .001). Street overdoses were more common in the city center than suburbs (χ(2)(1) = 33.04; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The identified clusters of increased incidence-urban overdose hotspots-suggest a link between environment characteristics and overdoses. This highlights a need to establish overdose education and naloxone distribution in the overdose hotspots.
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Origer A, Le Bihan E, Baumann M. Social and economic inequalities in fatal opioid and cocaine related overdoses in Luxembourg: a case-control study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2014; 25:911-5. [PMID: 25002330 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate social and economic inequalities in fatal overdose cases related to opioid and cocaine use, recorded in Luxembourg between 1994 and 2011. METHODS Cross-examination of national data from law enforcement and drug use surveillance sources and of forensic evidence in a nested case-control study design. Overdose cases were individually matched with four controls, when available, according to sex, year of birth, drug administration route and duration of drug use. 272 cases vs 1056 controls were analysed. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the respective impact of a series of socioeconomic variables. RESULTS Being professionally active [OR=0.66 (95% CI 0.45-0.99)], reporting salary as main legal income source [OR=0.42 (95% CI 0.26-0.67)] and education attainment higher than primary school [OR=0.50 (95% CI 0.34-0.73)] revealed to be protective factors, whereas the professional status of the father or legal guardian of victims was not significantly associated to fatal overdoses. CONCLUSIONS Socioeconomic inequalities in drug users impact on the occurrence of fatal overdoses. Compared to their peers, users of illicit drugs with lower socioeconomic profiles show increased odds of dying from overdose. However, actual and self-referred socioeconomic characteristics of drug users, such as educational attainment and employment, may have a greater predictive value of overdose mortality than the parental socioeconomic status. Education, vocational training and socio-professional reintegration should be part of drug-related mortality prevention policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Origer
- Drug Coordination Office, Ministry of Health, Villa Louvigny, Allée Marconi, L-2120 Luxembourg, Luxembourg; INtegrative research unit on Social and Individual DEvelopment (INSIDE), University of Luxembourg, Walferdange, Luxembourg.
| | - Etienne Le Bihan
- INtegrative research unit on Social and Individual DEvelopment (INSIDE), University of Luxembourg, Walferdange, Luxembourg
| | - Michèle Baumann
- INtegrative research unit on Social and Individual DEvelopment (INSIDE), University of Luxembourg, Walferdange, Luxembourg
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