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Hughto JMW, Rich JD, Kelly PJA, Vento SA, Silcox J, Noh M, Pletta DR, Erowid E, Erowid F, Green TC. Preventing overdoses involving stimulants: the POINTS study protocol. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2325. [PMID: 39192313 PMCID: PMC11348517 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19779-x] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, overdoses involving illicit cocaine, methamphetamine, and other stimulants have increased in the U.S. The unintentional consumption of stimulants containing illicit fentanyl is a major risk factor for overdoses, particularly in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Understanding the drug use patterns and strategies used by people who use stimulants (PWUS) to prevent overdose is necessary to identify risk and protective factors for stimulant and opioid-involved overdoses. Mixed-methods research with people who distribute drugs (PWDD) can also provide critical information into the mechanisms through which fentanyl may enter the stimulant supply, and the testing of drug samples can further triangulate PWUS and PWDD perspectives regarding the potency and adulteration of the drug supply. These epidemiological methods can inform collaborative intervention development efforts with community leaders to identify feasible, acceptable, and scalable strategies to prevent fatal and non-fatal overdoses in high-risk communities. METHODS Our overall objective is to reduce stimulant and opioid-involved overdoses in regions disproportionately affected by the overdose epidemic. To meet this long-term objective, we employ a multi-pronged approach to identify risk and protective factors for unintentional stimulant and opioid-involved overdoses among PWUS and use these findings to develop a package of locally tailored intervention strategies that can be swiftly implemented to prevent overdoses. Specifically, this study aims to [1] Carry out mixed-methods research with incarcerated and non-incarcerated people who use or distribute illicit stimulants to identify risk and protective factors for stimulant and opioid-involved overdoses; [2] Conduct drug checking to examine the presence and relative quantity of fentanyl and other adulterants in the stimulant supply; and [3] Convene a series of working groups with community stakeholders involved in primary and secondary overdose prevention in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to contextualize our mixed-methods findings and identify multilevel intervention strategies to prevent stimulant-involved overdoses. DISCUSSION Completion of this study will yield a rich understanding of the social epidemiology of stimulant and opioid-involved overdoses in addition to community-derived intervention strategies that can be readily implemented and scaled to prevent such overdoses in two states disproportionately impacted by the opioid and overdose crises: Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn M W Hughto
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, P.O. Box G-S121-4, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
- Center of Biomedical Research Excellence on Opioids and Overdose, Rhode Island Hospital, 1125 North Main Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Josiah D Rich
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
- Center of Biomedical Research Excellence on Opioids and Overdose, Rhode Island Hospital, 1125 North Main Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- The Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, 222 Richmond Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Patrick J A Kelly
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Stephanie A Vento
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, P.O. Box G-S121-4, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
- The Sutherland School of Law, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joseph Silcox
- Brandeis University Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA, USA
- University of Massachusetts - Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Madeline Noh
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, P.O. Box G-S121-4, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - David R Pletta
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, P.O. Box G-S121-4, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Earth Erowid
- Erowid Center, P.O. Box 1116, Grass Valley, CA, 95945, USA
| | - Fire Erowid
- Erowid Center, P.O. Box 1116, Grass Valley, CA, 95945, USA
| | - Traci C Green
- Center of Biomedical Research Excellence on Opioids and Overdose, Rhode Island Hospital, 1125 North Main Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- The Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, 222 Richmond Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
- Brandeis University Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA, USA
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Silcox J, Rapisarda SS, Hughto JMW, Vento S, Case P, Palacios WR, Zaragoza S, Shrestha S, Stopka TJ, Green TC. Views and experiences of involuntary civil commitment of people who use drugs in Massachusetts (Section 35). Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 263:112391. [PMID: 39167986 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.112391] [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] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Involuntary civil commitment (ICC) is a court-mandated process to place people who use drugs (PWUD) into substance use treatment. Research on ICC effectiveness is mixed, but suggests that coercive drug treatment like ICC is harmful and can produce a number of adverse outcomes. We qualitatively examined the experiences and outcomes of ICC among PWUD in Massachusetts. METHODS Data for this analysis were collected between 2017 and 2023 as part of a mixed-methods study of Massachusetts residents who disclosed illicit drug use in the past 30-days. We examined the transcripts of 42 participants who completed in-depth interviews and self-reported ICC. Transcripts were coded and thematically analysed using inductive and deductive approaches to understand the diversity of ICC experiences. RESULTS Participants were predominantly male (57 %), white (71 %), age 31-40 (50 %), and stably housed (67 %). All participants experienced ICC at least once; half reported multiple ICCs. Participants highlighted perceptions of ICC for substance use treatment in Massachusetts. Themes surrounding ICC experience included: positive and negative treatment experience's, strategies for evading ICC, disrupting access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and contributing to continued substance use and risk following release. CONCLUSIONS PWUD experience farther-reaching health and social consequences beyond the immediate outcomes of an ICC. Findings suggest opportunities to amend ICC to facilitate more positive outcomes and experiences, such as providing sufficient access to MOUD and de-criminalizing the ICC processes. Policymakers, public health, and criminal justice professionals should consider possible unintended consequences of ICC on PWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Silcox
- The Heller School for Social Policy & Management at Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA; University of Massachusetts - Boston, Department of Sociology, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sabrina S Rapisarda
- The Heller School for Social Policy & Management at Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA; University of Massachusetts - Lowell, School of Criminology and Justice Studies, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Jaclyn M W Hughto
- Brown University, Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Providence, RI, USA; Brown University School of Public Health, Departments of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Stephanie Vento
- Brown University, Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Providence, RI, USA; The Sutherland School of Law, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patricia Case
- Northeastern University, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wilson R Palacios
- University of Massachusetts - Lowell, School of Criminology and Justice Studies, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Sofia Zaragoza
- The Heller School for Social Policy & Management at Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Shikhar Shrestha
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas J Stopka
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Traci C Green
- The Heller School for Social Policy & Management at Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA; Brown University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Departments of Emergency Medicine and Epidemiology, Providence, RI, USA
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Torres-Bueno C, Sanchez-Barba M, Miron-Canelo JA, Gonzalez-Nunez V. Evolution of Fentanyl Prescription Patterns and Administration Routes in Primary Care in Salamanca, Spain: A Comprehensive Analysis from 2011 to 2022. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1619. [PMID: 39201177 PMCID: PMC11353527 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12161619] [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: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The escalating use of opioids contributes to social, health, and economic crises. In Spain, a notable surge in the medical prescription of opioids in recent years has been observed. The aim of this work was to assess the consumption rate of fentanyl, categorised by the different administration routes, in Primary Care in the province of Salamanca (Spain) spanning the years 2011 to 2022, and to compare it with the national trend and with data from the US. (2) Methods: Doses per inhabitant per day (DHD) were calculated, and interannual variations, as well as consumption rates, were subject to thorough analysis. (3) Results: The prevalence of fentanyl use in Salamanca has doubled from 1.21 DHD in 2011 to 2.56 DHD in 2022, with the transdermal system (TD) as the predominant administration route. This upward trajectory mirrors the national trend, yet the rise in fentanyl use is markedly lower than the reported data in the US. This finding may be attributed to an ageing population and potentially inappropriate fentanyl prescriptions, i.e., for the management of chronic non-cancer pain and other off-label prescriptions. (4) Conclusions: The use of fentanyl in Salamanca, particularly through transdermal systems, doubled from 2011 to 2022, aligning with the national trend. Preventive measures are imperative to prevent fentanyl misuse and moderate the observed escalation in consumption rates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mercedes Sanchez-Barba
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jose-Antonio Miron-Canelo
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Veronica Gonzalez-Nunez
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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M FM, Doug LM, Peter F, Vivian F G, Wiley J, P Todd K, William M, Mai P, David S, Tom S, Ryan W, William Z, M YA, Lf CH. Correlates of overdose among 2711 people who use drugs and live in 7 rural US sites. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 258:111261. [PMID: 38581919 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overdose rates in rural areas have been increasing globally, with large increases in the United States. Few studies, however, have identified correlates of non-fatal overdose among rural people who use drugs (PWUD). The present analysis describes correlates of nonfatal overdose among a large multistate sample of rural PWUD. METHODS This is a cross-sectional analysis of data gathered via surveys with PWUD recruited through seven Rural Opioid Initiative (ROI) sites. Descriptive analyses were conducted to assess the prevalence of past 30-day overdose. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate a series of multivariable models quantifying relationships of select factors to past-month overdose; factors were selected using the Risk Environment Framework. RESULTS The multisite sample included 2711 PWUD, 6% of whom reported overdosing in the past 30 days. In the fully adjusted model, houselessness (AOR=2.27, 95%CI[1.48, 3.48]), a positive test result for Hepatitis C infection (AOR=1.73 95%CI[1.18, 2.52]) and heroin/fentanyl use (AOR= 8.58 95%CI [3.01, 24.50]) were associated with an increased risk of reporting past 30-day overdose, while having a high-school education or less was associated with reduced odds of overdose (AOR=0.52, 95% CI[0.37, 0.74]). CONCLUSION As in urban areas, houselessness, Hepatitis C infection, and the use of heroin and fentanyl were significant correlates of overdose. Widespread access to overdose prevention interventions - including fentanyl test strips and naloxone - is critical in this rural context, with particular outreach needed to unhoused populations, people living with Hepatitis C, and people using opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadanelli Monica M
- Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Dr, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | | | - Friedmann Peter
- UMass Chan Medical School - Baystate, 3601 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA
| | - Go Vivian F
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jenkins Wiley
- SIU School of Medicine, 801 N Rutledge St., Springfield, IL 62702, USA
| | - Korthuis P Todd
- Oregon Health & Science University, School of Medicine, 3266 SW Research Dr, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Miller William
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Pho Mai
- The University of Chicago Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Seal David
- Tulane School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Stopka Tom
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Public Health and Community Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Westergaard Ryan
- University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, 1685 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705-2281, USA
| | - Zule William
- Research Triangle Park, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, P.O. Box 12194, NC 27709-2194, USA
| | - Young April M
- University of Kentucky, College of Public Health, 111 Washington Ave., Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Cooper Hannah Lf
- Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Dr, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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5
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Hughto J, Rich J, Kelly P, Vento S, Silcox J, Noh M, Pletta D, Erowid E, Erowid F, Green T. Preventing Overdoses Involving Stimulants: The POINTS Study Protocol. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3993989. [PMID: 38559156 PMCID: PMC10980162 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3993989/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Background In recent years, overdoses involving illicit cocaine, methamphetamine, and other stimulants have increased in the U.S. The unintentional consumption of stimulants containing illicit fentanyl is a major risk factor for overdoses, particularly in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Understanding the drug use patterns and strategies used by people who use stimulants (PWUS) to prevent overdose is necessary to identify risk and protective factors for stimulant-involved overdoses. Mixed-methods research with people who distribute drugs (PWDD) can also provide critical information into the mechanisms through which fentanyl may enter the stimulant supply, and the testing of drug samples can further triangulate PWUS and PWDD perspectives regarding the potency and adulteration of the drug supply. These epidemiological methods can inform collaborative intervention development efforts with community leaders to identify feasible, acceptable, and scalable strategies to prevent fatal and non-fatal overdoses in high-risk communities. Methods Our overall objective is to reduce stimulant and opioid-involved overdoses in regions disproportionately affected by the overdose epidemic. To meet this long-term objective, we employ a multi-pronged approach to identify risk and protective factors for unintentional stimulant and opioid-involved overdoses among PWUS, and use these findings to develop a package of locally tailored intervention strategies that can be swiftly implemented to prevent overdoses. Specifically, this study aims to [1] Carry out mixed-methods research with incarcerated and non-incarcerated people who use or distribute illicit stimulants to identify risk and protective factors for stimulant and opioid-involved overdoses; [2] Conduct drug checking to examine the presence and relative quantity of fentanyl and other adulterants in the stimulant supply; and [3] Convene a series of working groups with community stakeholders involved in primary and secondary overdose prevention in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to contextualize our mixed-methods findings and identify multilevel intervention strategies to prevent stimulant-involved overdoses. Discussion Completion of this study will yield a rich understanding of the social epidemiology of stimulant and opioid-involved overdoses in addition to community-derived intervention strategies that can be readily implemented and scaled to prevent such overdoses in two states disproportionately impacted by the opioid and overdose crises: Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
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6
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Bodnar RJ. Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2021. Peptides 2023; 164:171004. [PMID: 36990387 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171004] [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] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
This paper is the forty-fourth consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2021 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonizts and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA.
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7
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Hertner L, Stylianopoulos P, Heinz A, Kluge U, Schäfer I, Penka S. Substance (mis)use among refugees as a matter of social ecology: insights into a multi-site rapid assessment in Germany. Confl Health 2023; 17:1. [PMID: 36658646 PMCID: PMC9850330 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-023-00499-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research concluded that substance (mis)use is increasing among forcibly displaced populations. Nevertheless, little research has been conducted within a social ecological framework aimed at identifying and understanding the factors affecting substance (mis)use embedded in the post-migration context in high-income countries. The present study aims to develop an understanding of the links and underlying mechanisms between refugees' social ecological determinants and substance (mis)using behavior. METHODS Rapid assessments (RAs), including 108 semi-structured interviews and 10 focus group discussions with key persons from various professional, and personal backgrounds, were carried out in German urban and rural areas. The RA approach of interviewing key persons and not solely refugees that (mis)use substances allowed us to gather multi-perspective knowledge on this sensitive topic. Qualitative content analysis was applied, aiming at identifying determinants of substance (mis)use embedded in the post-migration context of refugees and understanding the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS One main result of the data suggests that the link between refugees' countries of origin and their post-migration substance (mis)use is not as direct as often assumed. It is observed that refugees' prospects and opportunities in receiving countries (e.g., work permits) undermine this commonly reproduced link. Further determinants are related to living conditions in German refugee shelters and social relations with peers and families. The influence of refugees' living conditions can be summarized as potentially increasing substance availability and distress, whereas family separation produces a loss of control and responsibility, increasing the risk for substance (mis)use. Peers' influence on substance (mis)use was reported to reflect a search for a sense of belonging. CONCLUSIONS Given that refugees who (mis)use substances have limited to no control over the factors identified in our study to be associated with substance (mis)use, common treatment and prevention approaches are challenged. Furthermore, we recommend aiming for a holistic comprehension of refugees' substance (mis)use by expanding the focus beyond individuals to the social ecological context in any attempt, including prevention, treatment, research, and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hertner
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences at the Charité Campus Mitte, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of the Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Stylianopoulos
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences at the Charité Campus Mitte, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of the Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Heinz
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences at the Charité Campus Mitte, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of the Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany ,grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Berlin Institute for Empirical Integration and Migration Research at the Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Kluge
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences at the Charité Campus Mitte, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of the Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany ,grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Berlin Institute for Empirical Integration and Migration Research at the Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ingo Schäfer
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.9026.d0000 0001 2287 2617Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simone Penka
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences at the Charité Campus Mitte, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of the Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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Bailey K, Abramovitz D, Patterson TL, Harvey-Vera AY, Vera CF, Rangel MG, Friedman J, Davidson P, Bourgois P, Strathdee SA. Correlates of recent overdose among people who inject drugs in the San Diego/Tijuana border region. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 240:109644. [PMID: 36179507 PMCID: PMC9608984 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109644] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Along the Mexico-US border, illicitly manufactured fentanyls (fentanyl) have been detected in other illicit drugs, including street opioid formulations known as 'china white.' We studied correlates of recent overdose among people who inject drugs (PWID), focusing on the risk of knowlingly or unknowingly using fentanyl in china white. METHODS From October 2020 - September, 2021 we surveyed participants in San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico and employed Poisson regression to identify correlates of recent overdose. RESULTS Of 612 PWID, most were male (74.0 %), Latinx (71.9 %), US residents (67.0 %). Mean age was 43 years. In the last six months, 15.8 % experienced overdose, 31.0 % knowingly used fentanyl and 11.1 % used china white, of whom 77.9 % did not think it contained fentanyl. After controlling for sex and race, factors independently associated with risk of overdose included knowingly using fentanyl, using china white and not believing it contained fentanyl, recent drug rehabilitation, being stopped/arrested by police, and homelessness. Further, PWID who believed china white contained fentanyl were less likely to use it. CONCLUSIONS Both intentional fentanyl use and unintentional exposure to fentanyl via china white were associated with overdose risk; however, PWID who believed china white contained fentanyl were less likely to use it. These data suggest that advanced drug checking systems should be implemented to empower PWID to avoid dangerous street formulations or to plan their drug use knowing its contents. Other overdose risk factors such as decreased tolerance following drug treatment, police interactions, and homelessness also require urgent intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Bailey
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America.
| | - Daniela Abramovitz
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America.
| | - Thomas L Patterson
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America.
| | - Alicia Y Harvey-Vera
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America; US-Mexico Border Health Commission, P.º del Centenario 10851, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana, 22320 Tijuana, BC, Mexico
| | - Carlos F Vera
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America.
| | - Maria Gudelia Rangel
- US-Mexico Border Health Commission, P.º del Centenario 10851, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana, 22320 Tijuana, BC, Mexico; Universidad Xochicalco, Escuela de Medicina, Campus Tijuana, Rampa Yumalinda 4850, Chapultepec Alamar, 22110 Tijuana, BC, Mexico.
| | - Joseph Friedman
- University of California Los Angeles Center for Social Medicine, B7-435, UCLA Semel Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1759, United States of America.
| | - Peter Davidson
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America.
| | - Philippe Bourgois
- University of California Los Angeles Center for Social Medicine, B7-435, UCLA Semel Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1759, United States of America.
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America.
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9
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Nafeh F, Fusigboye S, Sornpaisarn B. Understanding injecting drug use in Afghanistan: A scoping review. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2022; 17:65. [PMID: 36123586 PMCID: PMC9484158 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-022-00491-1] [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] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several reports have described a growing prevalence of illicit drug use in Afghanistan, with recognition of a recent shift from traditional modes of consumption involving inhalation and oral ingestion to injecting drug use. Objective Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature to map the injecting drug use situation in Afghanistan. The review intends to describe risk factors and impacts of injecting drug use, drug use characteristics and risk behaviours among people who inject drugs (PWID), and access to harm reduction and treatment. Methods We searched Embase, Global Health, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and grey literature to identify English language publications up to March 26th, 2022. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they explicitly targeted PWID or injecting drug use in Afghanistan and provided information relevant to the review questions. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts for inclusion and extracted information based on the review objectives. Results A total of 25 articles were identified representing 15 studies (11 quantitative, 2 qualitative, 2 mixed methods). All but one studies were cross-sectional. In majority of the studies, over 95% of the participants were male and most were conducted over a decade ago, in urban settings, mainly Kabul. Only one study examined risk factors of injecting drug use. Eleven studies described drug use characteristics and 9 reported risk behaviours among PWID. Health and social burden of injecting drug use were reported by 8 and 5 studies, respectively. Nine studies described access to harm reduction and treatment. Afghan PWID had high levels of injecting and sexual risk behaviours compared to global estimates. They reported high prevalence of incarceration and displacement. Access to harm reduction and treatment was very limited. This scoping review revealed important knowledge gaps including a gender gap in research with serious implications for drug policy and substance use care. Conclusions Development of a national public health-oriented drug policy and substance use care programme is warranted along with efforts to develop health research capacity to address the need for epidemiological data. The current humanitarian crisis necessitates continued access to evidence-based harm reduction and treatment in Afghanistan. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13011-022-00491-1.
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Palamar JJ, Cottler LB, Goldberger BA, Geoffrey Severtson S, Grundy DJ, Iwanicki JL, Ciccarone D. Trends in characteristics of fentanyl-related poisonings in the United States, 2015-2021. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2022; 48:471-480. [PMID: 35704785 PMCID: PMC9452457 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2022.2081923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Background: Fentanyl-related deaths continue to increase in the United States; however, most national studies focus on fatal overdose. More research, including data on nonfatal overdose, is needed.Objective: We examined trends in characteristics of fatal and nonfatal fentanyl-related poisonings ("exposures") in the US.Methods: National Poison Control data were examined to estimate trends in characteristics of reported exposures between 2015 and 2021 (N = 15,391; 38.7% female). We also delineated correlates of experiencing a major adverse effect or death.Results: The proportion of exposures increased among all age groups between ages 13 and 39 (ps < .05) with the largest increase among those age 13-19 (a 127.8% increase). With respect to reasons for use, the proportion of cases involving fentanyl "abuse" increased by 63.8% (p < .001). The proportion involving fentanyl inhalation increased 427.6% from 5.7% to 29.9% and injection increased from 6.7% to 9.6%, a 42.3% increase (ps < .01). The proportion also increased for co-use of methamphetamine (by 669.0%), cocaine (by 374.0%), and heroin (by 159.5%). The proportion of major adverse effects increased from 15.5% to 39.6% (p < .001). In the multivariable model, "abuse", suspected suicide attempts, and use via inhalation were risk factors for experiencing a major effect or death, and misuse, ingestion, dermal use, and co-use of methamphetamine were associated with lower risk.Conclusion: Poison Control data suggest that characteristics of individuals exposed to fentanyl continue to shift, with use via inhalation increasing and medical outcomes of nonfatal poisonings becoming more severe. These results complement mortality data and inform prevention and harm reduction efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J. Palamar
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Linda B. Cottler
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- NDEWS, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bruce A. Goldberger
- Forensic Medicine Division, Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - David J. Grundy
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety (RMPDS) A Division of Denver Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Janetta L. Iwanicki
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety (RMPDS) A Division of Denver Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Daniel Ciccarone
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Rivera AV, Nolan ML, Paone D, Carrillo SA, Braunstein SL. Gaps in naloxone ownership among people who inject drugs during the fentanyl wave of the opioid overdose epidemic in New York City, 2018. Subst Abuse 2022; 43:1172-1179. [PMID: 35617642 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2022.2074597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Community distribution of naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdose, is an effective public health strategy to prevent overdose deaths. However, data are limited on who has naloxone during the current fentanyl wave of the opioid overdose epidemic in the United States. We aim to determine correlates of naloxone ownership among a community sample of people who inject drugs (PWID) from New York City (NYC). Methods: Data were drawn from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Study among PWID. Participants were recruited via respondent-driven sampling. Eligible participants completed an interviewer-administered survey. Log-linked Poisson regression was used to determine adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) current naloxone ownership. Results: Of 503 PWID, 60% currently owned naloxone. In the past 12 months, 74% witnessed an opioid overdose and 25% experienced one. Those who experienced current homelessness were less likely to own naloxone (aPR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.68, 0.91), as were those who had been recently incarcerated (aPR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.71, 0.97). Respondents who reported recent known or possible fentanyl use were more likely to own naloxone (aPR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.43) as were those who experienced an opioid overdose in the past 12 months (aPR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.53). Conclusions: The prevalence of naloxone ownership among PWID in NYC was high, potentially due to widespread community naloxone distribution programs; however, gaps in naloxone ownership existed. Interventions that further ease access to naloxone, such as reclassifying naloxone as an over-the-counter medication and making it available "off the shelf," should be considered. More research is needed to identify barriers to access, uptake, and sustained possession within this group to maximize the impact of naloxone distribution during the ongoing fentanyl wave of the opioid overdose epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis V Rivera
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Hepatitis, HIV, and STIs, Long Island City, New York, USA
| | - Michelle L Nolan
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use, Prevention, Care and Treatment, Long Island City, New Yoork, USA
| | - Denise Paone
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use, Prevention, Care and Treatment, Long Island City, New Yoork, USA
| | - Sidney A Carrillo
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Hepatitis, HIV, and STIs, Long Island City, New York, USA
| | - Sarah L Braunstein
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Hepatitis, HIV, and STIs, Long Island City, New York, USA
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Gottlieb A, Yatsco A, Bakos-Block C, Langabeer JR, Champagne-Langabeer T. Machine Learning for Predicting Risk of Early Dropout in a Recovery Program for Opioid Use Disorder. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10020223. [PMID: 35206838 PMCID: PMC8871589 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10020223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: An increase in opioid use has led to an opioid crisis during the last decade, leading to declarations of a public health emergency. In response to this call, the Houston Emergency Opioid Engagement System (HEROES) was established and created an emergency access pathway into long-term recovery for individuals with an opioid use disorder. A major contributor to the success of the program is retention of the enrolled individuals in the program. Methods: We have identified an increase in dropout from the program after 90 and 120 days. Based on more than 700 program participants, we developed a machine learning approach to predict the individualized risk for dropping out of the program. Results: Our model achieved sensitivity of 0.81 and specificity of 0.65 for dropout at 90 days and improved the performance to sensitivity of 0.86 and specificity of 0.66 for 120 days. Additionally, we identified individual risk factors for dropout, including previous overdose and relapse and improvement in reported quality of life. Conclusions: Our informatics approach provides insight into an area where programs may allocate additional resources in order to retain high-risk individuals and increase the chances of success in recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assaf Gottlieb
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.G.); (A.Y.); (C.B.-B.); (J.R.L.)
| | - Andrea Yatsco
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.G.); (A.Y.); (C.B.-B.); (J.R.L.)
| | - Christine Bakos-Block
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.G.); (A.Y.); (C.B.-B.); (J.R.L.)
| | - James R. Langabeer
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.G.); (A.Y.); (C.B.-B.); (J.R.L.)
- McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tiffany Champagne-Langabeer
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.G.); (A.Y.); (C.B.-B.); (J.R.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Barnes DM, Xu S, Cleland CM, McKnight C, Des Jarlais D. Recurrent Injecting Drug Use as a Mediator between Psychiatric Disorder and Non-Fatal Overdose. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:1248-1256. [PMID: 35611936 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2076877] [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: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unintentional drug overdose has increased markedly in the United States. Studies document an association between psychiatric disorder and unintentional overdose; we extend this research through a preliminary test of a causal model of recurrent injection drug use mediating this relationship. METHODS In a cross-sectional study of 241 adults in New York City with a possible current substance use disorder, we conducted conventional and Imai's mediation analyses to examine if psychiatric disorder is associated with increased prevalence of ever overdosing and if recurrent injection drug use mediates this association. Our cross-sectional data permit the first step of assessing causal models: testing if statistical associations are consistent with the model. RESULTS Fifty-eight percent of the sample endorsed previous psychiatric disorder diagnosis and 35.7% reported ever overdosing. Imai's mediation analysis showed that, adjusting for covariates, the total association between psychiatric diagnosis and ever overdosing (adjusted prevalence difference [aPD] = 0.16, 95% CI 0.04-0.28) was composed of a direct effect (aPD = 0.09, 95% CI -0.03 - 0.21, p = 0.136) and an indirect effect (aPD = 0.07, 95% CI 0.02-0.13). Recurrent injecting drug use contributed to 42% (ratio of indirect effect to total effect; 95% CI 12 - 100%, p = 0.02) of the association between psychiatric diagnosis and ever overdosing. Conventional mediation analysis produced similar results. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide a warrant for taking the necessary next step for assessing a causal model using longitudinal data, potentially providing a strong rationale for intervening on psychiatric disorders to stem overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Barnes
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shu Xu
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles M Cleland
- Department of Population Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Courtney McKnight
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Don Des Jarlais
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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