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Yang Y, Tong M, de la Monte SM. Early-Stage Moderate Alcohol Feeding Dysregulates Insulin-Related Metabolic Hormone Expression in the Brain: Potential Links to Neurodegeneration Including Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2024; 8:1211-1228. [PMID: 39247872 PMCID: PMC11380283 DOI: 10.3233/adr-240026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most prevalent causes of dementia, is mainly sporadic in occurrence but driven by aging and other cofactors. Studies suggest that excessive alcohol consumption may increase AD risk. Objective Our study examined the degree to which short-term moderate ethanol exposure leads to molecular pathological changes of AD-type neurodegeneration. Methods Long Evans male and female rats were fed for 2 weeks with isocaloric liquid diets containing 24% or 0% caloric ethanol (n = 8/group). The frontal lobes were used to measure immunoreactivity to AD biomarkers, insulin-related endocrine metabolic molecules, and proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines by duplex or multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Results Ethanol significantly increased frontal lobe levels of phospho-tau, but reduced Aβ, ghrelin, glucagon, leptin, PAI, IL-2, and IFN-γ. Conclusions Short-term effects of chronic ethanol feeding produced neuroendocrine molecular pathologic changes reflective of metabolic dysregulation, together with abnormalities that likely contribute to impairments in neuroplasticity. The findings suggest that chronic alcohol consumption rapidly establishes a platform for impairments in energy metabolism that occur in both the early stages of AD and alcohol-related brain degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Yang
- Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ming Tong
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Lifespan Academic Institutions, and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Suzanne M de la Monte
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Lifespan Academic Institutions, and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Lifespan Academic Institutions, the Providence VA Medical Center, and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Rhode Island Hospital, and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Ellis RL, Hallgren KA, Williams EC, Glass JE, Rhew IC, Oliver M, Bradley KA. Prevalence of alcohol use disorders documented in electronic health records in primary care across intersections of race or ethnicity, sex, and socioeconomic status. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:61. [PMID: 39215378 PMCID: PMC11365182 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00490-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in primary care is critical for increasing access to alcohol treatment. However, AUD is underdiagnosed and may be inequitably diagnosed due to societal structures that determine access to resources (e.g., structural racism that limits opportunities for some groups and influences interpersonal interactions in and beyond health care). This study described patterns of provider-documented AUD in primary care across intersections of race, ethnicity, sex, and community-level socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS This cross-sectional study used EHR data from a regional healthcare system with 35 primary care clinics that included adult patients who completed alcohol screenings between 3/1/2015 and 9/30/2020. The prevalence of provider-documented AUD in primary care based on International Classification of Diseases-9 (ICD-9) and ICD-10 diagnoses was compared across intersections of race, ethnicity, sex, and community-level SES. RESULTS Among 439,375 patients, 6.6% were Latine, 11.0% Asian, 5.4% Black, 1.3% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NH/PI), 1.5% American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), and 74.2% White, and 58.3% women. The overall prevalence of provider-documented AUD was 1.0% and varied across intersecting identities. Among women, the prevalence was highest for AI/AN women with middle SES, 1.5% (95% CI 1.0-2.3), and lowest for Asian women with middle SES, 0.1% (95% CI 0.1-0.2). Among men, the prevalence was highest for AI/AN men with high and middle SES, 2.0% (95% CI 1.1-3.4) and 2.0% (95% CI 1.2-3.2), respectively, and lowest for Asian men with high SES, 0.5% (95% CI 0.3-0.7). Black and Latine patients tended to have a lower prevalence of AUD than White patients, across all intersections of sex and SES except for Black women with high SES. There were no consistent patterns of the prevalence of AUD diagnosis that emerged across SES. CONCLUSION The prevalence of provider-documented AUD in primary care was highest in AI/AN men and women and lowest in Asian men and women. Findings of lower prevalence of provider-documented AUD in Black and Hispanic than White patients across most intersections of sex and SES differed from prior studies. Findings may suggest that differences in access to resources, which vary in effects across these identity characteristics and lived experiences, influence the diagnosis of AUD in clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Ellis
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA.
- Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California, Davis, 4900 Broadway Suite 1430, Sacramento, CA, 95820, USA.
| | - Kevin A Hallgren
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Emily C Williams
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Joseph E Glass
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Isaac C Rhew
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Malia Oliver
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Katharine A Bradley
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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Briggs ES, Thomas RM, Frost MC, Fletcher OV, Crothers K, Chalal CK, Shahrir SF, McClure JB, Catz SL, Williams EC. "I Thought Cancer was a Tobacco Issue": Perspectives of Veterans with and without HIV on Cancer and Other Health Risks Associated with Alcohol and Tobacco/Nicotine Use. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:2607-2618. [PMID: 38869757 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04363-6] [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] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
U.S. Veterans and people living with HIV (PWH) experience higher rates of unhealthy alcohol and tobacco/nicotine use than non-Veterans and people without HIV (PWoH). Both groups are susceptible to adverse health outcomes associated with alcohol and tobacco/nicotine use. We explored awareness of alcohol- and tobacco/nicotine-related cancer and immune health risks among Veterans Health Administration (VA) patients with and without HIV. Among a sample of 41 (46% PWH; 73% male; 39% Black) purposively-selected VA patients receiving care 2020-2021 we conducted semi-structured interviews via telephone; interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using a Rapid Assessment Process. Purposive selection was based on HIV status, alcohol and/or tobacco/nicotine use, and demographics. Among participants, 66% reported current smoking, and most screened positive for unhealthy alcohol use. Participants had high awareness of cancer and other health risks related to smoking but low awareness of synergistic risks and cancer risks associated with alcohol use despite awareness of a range of other alcohol-related risks. Awareness of alcohol and/or tobacco/nicotine's impacts on the immune system was variable. Findings did not distinctly differ between PWH and PWoH. Low awareness of alcohol-related cancer risk, risks of co-occurring use, and varying awareness of the impacts of alcohol and tobacco/nicotine on the immune system suggest a need for improved messaging regarding substance use-related cancer and immune risk. This may be especially important among PWH, for whom the prevalence and adverse effects of alcohol and tobacco use, and immune dysfunction are higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa S Briggs
- Health Services Research & Development Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Rachel M Thomas
- Health Services Research & Development Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Madeline C Frost
- Health Services Research & Development Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Olivia V Fletcher
- Health Services Research & Development Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Kristina Crothers
- Health Services Research & Development Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Clementine K Chalal
- Health Services Research & Development Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Shahida F Shahrir
- Health Services Research & Development Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for Health Workforce Studies, Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer B McClure
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Sheryl L Catz
- Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Emily C Williams
- Health Services Research & Development Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
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Mortimer DS. Military Traumatic Brain Injury. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2024; 35:559-571. [PMID: 38945651 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2024.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the military can involve distinct injury mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, treatments, and course of recovery. TBI has played a prominent role in recent conflicts, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Blast-related TBI in combat settings is often accompanied by other physical injuries. Military TBIs of all severities can lead to prolonged recoveries and persistent sequelae. The complex interplay between TBI, pain, and mental health conditions can significantly complicate diagnosis and recovery. Military and veteran health settings and programs provide comprehensive care along the continuum of TBI recovery rehabilitation with the goal of optimizing recovery and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Schretzman Mortimer
- Department of Physical Medicine, and Rehabilitation, Inpatient Brain Injury/ Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, 1 Veterans Drive, Mail Code 117, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA; Brain Injury Medicine Fellowship, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota.
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Srivastava P, Modi V, Lier AJ. Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Incidence, STI Screening, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Preexposure Prophylaxis Uptake in United States Veterans With Opioid Use Disorder in Long Island, New York. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae429. [PMID: 39086462 PMCID: PMC11289836 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Opioid use disorder (OUD) confers increased risk of contracting bloodborne and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Limited data exist on infectious disease screening and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) usage among United States Veterans (USVs) with OUD, including persons who inject drugs (PWID). This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), bacterial STIs, and PrEP uptake in USVs with OUD, including PWID. Methods A retrospective chart review of USVs with OUD seeking care at Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center between 2012 and 2022 was completed. Sociodemographics, HIV, HCV, STI testing rates and diagnosis, and PrEP uptake were compared between USVs, stratified by injection drug use history. Results We identified 502 USVs with OUD; 43% had a history of injection drug use. Overall, 2.2% of USVs had HIV and 28.7% had HCV. An STI was diagnosed in 10% of USVs, most frequently syphilis (1.8%). PWID were more likely to be tested for HIV (93.5% PWID vs. 73.1% non-PWID; P < .001), HCV (95.8% PWID vs. 80.8% non-PWID; P < .001), and syphilis (80% PWID vs. 69.2% non-PWID; P = .006). Total gonorrhea and chlamydia testing rates were 31.9% and 33.7%, respectively, without difference between the groups. PrEP was prescribed in 1.2% of USVs. Conclusions In USVs with OUD, gonorrhea and chlamydia screening occurred less frequently than syphilis, HCV, and HIV. PWID were more likely to be screened for HIV, HCV, and syphilis. PrEP uptake was low. Both PWID and non-PWID may benefit from increased STI screening and linkage to PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pronoma Srivastava
- Department of Internal Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Viraj Modi
- Department of Medicine, Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York, USA
| | - Audun J Lier
- Department of Medicine, Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York, USA
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Pahlke ML, Hoopes KH, Black HF, Connelly H, Klinger WR, Joubert K, Nazarenko EE, Marchand WR, Sheppard SR. Examining the Psychological Measures and Feasibility of Recreational Trail Rides in Reducing Cravings for Addictive Substances among Veterans: A Replication Pilot Study. Mil Med 2024:usae352. [PMID: 39002109 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usae352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Equine-assisted services have been gaining popularity as complementary therapies for a variety of populations with a diversity of diagnoses. Interventions using equines might benefit the military Veteran population through building therapeutic alliance as well as reducing symptoms. This pilot observational study is primarily aimed to investigate safety, feasibility, and acceptability of equine-assisted services for Veterans with substance abuse disorders. It is the second pilot observational study, the first being completed in 2022. Secondary outcomes included recording the impact of trail riding on psychological measures among Veterans at a large Veterans Administration medical center. METHODS The study included a total of 32 Veterans who participated in trail riding sessions from May 4, 2022 to August 31, 2022. The study utilized the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, Adult Hope Scale, and Craving Experience Questionnaire to assess changes in positive affect, negative affect, hope components, and substance craving. RESULTS The results indicated significant reductions in negative affect and substance craving after the first session, with positive effects observed in subsequent sessions. However, demographic and diagnostic variables did not predict significant changes in psychological instruments. CONCLUSION Overall, the study demonstrated that trail riding was a safe and feasible intervention and may have potential benefits for improving emotional well-being and reducing substance cravings among Veterans. It is recommended that future studies research mechanisms of action, as well as conduct more rigorous investigations, including controlled trials using larger sample sizes and longitudinal research, to best determine lasting effects of these types of complementary therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makenna L Pahlke
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
- Cooperative Extension, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84321, USA
| | - Karl H Hoopes
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
- Cooperative Extension, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84321, USA
| | - Heather F Black
- Mental Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Heather Connelly
- Mental Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - William R Klinger
- Mental Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Katryna Joubert
- Mental Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Elena E Nazarenko
- VISN 19 Whole Health Flagship site, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - William R Marchand
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
- VISN 19 Whole Health Flagship site, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Stephen R Sheppard
- Mental Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
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Ward RN, Erickson AJ, Carlson KJ, Yalch MM. The role of unit cohesion and perceived resilience in substance use disorder. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 36:403-409. [PMID: 38913766 PMCID: PMC11197915 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2023.2189861] [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: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Soldiers have high rates of substance use disorders (SUD), often in the aftermath of stressors experienced during military deployments. There are several factors that protect against SUD. For example, individual factors like perceived resilience and group factors such as unit cohesion may make someone less likely to abuse substances. However, there is little research on the differential influence of these resilience factors on SUD over and above deployment stressors. In this study, we examined the relative effects of perceived resilience, unit cohesion, and deployment stressors on SUD in a sample of 21,449 active duty and reserve soldiers from the U.S. Army (primarily White and male, mean age = 28.66, SD = 7.41) using structural equation modeling. We found that unit cohesion (ß = -.17) and perceived resilience (ß = -.16) had negative effects on SUD over and above deployment stressors. The study findings clarify research on resilience to SUD and have implications for addressing substance use in the military, specifically regarding the importance of building unit cohesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel N. Ward
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Alexander J. Erickson
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, California
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Katie J. Carlson
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Matthew M. Yalch
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, California
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Chen Y, Christensen Pacella KA, Forbush KT, Thomeczek ML, Negi S, Doan AE, Wendler AM, Morgan RW, Rasheed SI, Johnson-Munguia S, Sharma AR. Examining associations between disordered eating and harmful substance use in a nationally representative sample of US veterans. Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:1542-1554. [PMID: 38469980 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24194] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The association between eating disorders (EDs) and harmful substance use (substance use that causes psychosocial impairment) is well recognized in the literature, and military veterans may be at heightened risk for both issues due to deployment-related stressors. However, little is known about which ED-related symptoms are associated with harmful substance use in veterans, and whether gender plays a differential role in this relationship. Our aims were to: (1) examine gender differences in ED-related symptoms; and (2) examine whether ED-related symptoms differentially predict harmful substance use in US veteran men and women who had recently separated from service. METHOD This study was based on a nationally representative four-wave longitudinal sample of post-9/11 veterans (N = 835; 61.2% female). Longitudinal mixed modeling was used to test whether specific ED-related behaviors at baseline predicted harmful substance use at follow-ups. RESULTS We replicated gendered patterns of ED-related symptoms observed in civilian populations, wherein men had higher weight-and-body-related concerns (including excessive exercise and muscle building) and negative attitude toward obesity, and women had higher bulimic and restricting symptoms. For women, alcohol, drug, and marijuana problems were predicted by higher bulimic symptoms, whereas for men, these problems were predicted by higher restricting symptoms. CONCLUSION Gender played a differential role in the relationship between EDs and harmful substance use. Bulimic symptoms were the most robust predictor for harmful substance use among veteran women, whereas restricting was the most robust predictor for harmful substance use among veteran men. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE The current study found that veteran women had higher bulimic symptoms (characterized by binge eating and purging) and restricting than veteran men. In women, bulimic symptoms predicted future harmful use of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs. In contrast, veteran men had higher weight-and-body-related concerns (characterized by excessive exercise and muscle building) than veteran women. In men, restricting symptoms predicted future harmful use of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyang Chen
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | | | - Kelsie T Forbush
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | | | - Sonakshi Negi
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Alesha E Doan
- Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
- School of Public Affairs and Administration, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | | | - R William Morgan
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Samiya I Rasheed
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | | | - Anjali R Sharma
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
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Panadero TJ, Gabrielian S, Seamans MJ, Gelberg L, Tsai J, Harris T. Addressing racial and ethnic disparities in premature exits from permanent supportive housing among residents with substance use disorders. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4442590. [PMID: 38883791 PMCID: PMC11178000 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4442590/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: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is an evidence-based practice for reducing homelessness that subsidizes permanent, independent housing and provides case management-including linkages to health services. Substance use disorders (SUDs) are common contributing factors towards premature, unwanted ("negative") PSH exits; little is known about racial/ethnic differences in negative PSH exits among residents with SUDs. Within the nation's largest PSH program at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), we examined relationships among SUDs and negative PSH exits (for up to five years post-PSH move-in) across racial/ethnic subgroups. Methods We used VA administrative data to identify a cohort of homeless-experienced Veterans (HEVs) (n = 2,712) who were housed through VA Greater Los Angeles' PSH program from 2016-2019. We analyzed negative PSH exits by HEVs with and without SUDs across racial/ethnic subgroups (i.e., African American/Black, Non-Hispanic White, Hispanic/Latino, and Other/Mixed [Asian, American Indian or Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and multi-race]) in controlled models and accounting for competing risk of death. Results In competing risk models, HEVs with at least one SUD had 1.3 times the hazard of negative PSH exits compared to those without SUDs (95% CI: 1.00, 1.61). When stratifying by race/ethnicity, Other/Mixed race residents with at least one SUD had 6.4 times the hazard of negative PSH exits compared to their peers without SUDs (95% CI: 1.61-25.50). Hispanic/Latino residents with at least one SUD had 1.9 times the hazard compared to those without SUDs, also indicating a strong relationship with negative PSH exits; however, this association was not statistically significant (95% CI: 0.85-4.37). Black residents with at least one SUD had 1.2 times the hazard compared to those without SUDs (95% CI: 0.85-1.64), indicating no evidence of an association with negative PSH exits. Similarly, Non-Hispanic White residents with at least one SUD had 1.1 times the hazard compared to those without SUDs (95% CI: 0.75-1.66). Conclusions These findings suggest relationships between SUDs and negative PSH exits differ between race/ethnic groups and suggest there may be value in culturally specific tailoring and implementation of SUD services for these subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia J Panadero
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy (CSHIIP), Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles
| | - Sonya Gabrielian
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy (CSHIIP), Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles
| | | | - Lillian Gelberg
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy (CSHIIP), Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles
| | - Jack Tsai
- National Center on Homelessness among Veterans, Department of Veteran Affairs Central Office
| | - Taylor Harris
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy (CSHIIP), Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles
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10
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Cesur R, Sabia JJ, Bradford WD. The effect of combat deployments on veteran opioid abuse. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2024; 33:1284-1318. [PMID: 38424463 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Grim national statistics about the U.S. opioid crisis are increasingly well known to the American public. Far less well known is that U.S. servicemembers are at ground zero of the epidemic, with veterans facing an overdose death rate of up to twice that of civilians. Exploiting a quasi-experiment in overseas deployment assignment, this study estimates the causal impact of combat exposure among the deployed in the Global War on Terrorism on opioid abuse. We find that exposure to war theater substantially increased the risk of prescription painkiller abuse and illicit heroin use among active duty servicemen. The magnitudes of our estimates imply lower-bound combat exposure-induced healthcare costs of $1.04 billion per year for prescription painkiller abuse and $470 million per year for heroin use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Resul Cesur
- Finance Department, University of Connecticut, NBER & IZA, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joseph J Sabia
- Center for Health Economics & Policy Studies, San Diego State University and IZA, San Diego, California, USA
| | - W David Bradford
- Department of Public Administration & Policy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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Tucker BC, Gonzalez VM. Effect of enhanced informed consent on veteran hesitancy to disclose suicidal ideation and related risk factors. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2024; 54:405-415. [PMID: 38345128 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.13053] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The concealment of suicidal ideation (SI) constitutes a significant barrier to reducing veteran deaths by suicide and is associated with fear of negative consequences (e.g., involuntary hospitalization). This study examined whether augmenting informed consent with psychoeducation aimed to help patients achieve a more realistic risk appraisal of consequences associated with disclosure of SI, decreased hesitancy to disclose SI, and related risk behaviors among U.S. veterans. METHOD Participants (N = 133) were recruited from combat veteran social media groups and were randomly assigned to a video simulated treatment-as-usual informed consent (control) or to one of two psychoeducation-enhanced informed consent conditions (psychoed, psychoed + trust). RESULTS Compared with the control group, participants in both psychoeducation and enhanced informed consent conditions reported lower hesitancy to disclose SI, firearm access, and problems with drugs/thoughts of harming others, as well as greater trust and respect for the simulated clinician. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that brief psychoeducation regarding common factors that affect hesitancy to disclose SI may be beneficial for increasing trust in providers during the informed consent process and decreasing concealment of SI and firearm access among veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brock C Tucker
- Department of Psychology, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Vivian M Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
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Joudrey PJ, Wang M, DeRycke E, Williams EC, Edelman EJ. Alcohol-Related Care Among Veterans With Unhealthy Alcohol Use: The Role of Long-Term Opioid Therapy Receipt. J Addict Med 2024; 18:293-299. [PMID: 38533996 PMCID: PMC11150097 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) is potentially dangerous among patients with unhealthy alcohol use because of possible adverse interactions. We examined receipt of alcohol-related care among patients with unhealthy alcohol use receiving LTOT and without opioid receipt. METHODS We use data collected from 2009 to 2017 in the Women Veterans Cohort Study, a national cohort of Veterans engaged in Veterans Health Administration care. We included patients who screened positive for unhealthy alcohol use (score ≥5) using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Consumption questionnaire. Our primary exposure was LTOT (receipt of prescribed opioids for ≥90 days) versus no opioid receipt at the time of the first positive Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Consumption. Our primary outcome was receipt of brief intervention within 14 days of positive alcohol screen. Unadjusted and 4 adjusted modified Poisson regression models assessed prevalence and relative rates (RRs) of outcomes. RESULTS Among eligible veterans, 6222 of 113,628 (5.5%) received LTOT at screening. Among patients receiving LTOT, 67.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 66.3%-68.6%) had a documented brief intervention within 14 days of positive screen, compared with 70.1% (95% CI, 69.8%-70.4%) among patients without opioid receipt (RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.95-0.98; P < 0.001). Within adjusted models, the rate of brief intervention among patients receiving LTOT remained lower than patients without opioid receipt. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with unhealthy alcohol use, patients receiving LTOT had significantly lower rates of brief intervention receipt compared with those without opioid receipt, and they should be a focus for interventions to improve alcohol-related care and safer opioid prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Joudrey
- From the Center for Research on Health Care, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA (PJJ); Department of Medicine, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA (MW); VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT (ED); Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT (ED); Center of Innovation for Veteran Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound, Seattle, WA (ECW); Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA (ECW); Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (EJE); and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT (EJE)
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Perumalswami PV, Adams MA, Frost MC, Holleman R, Kim HM, Zhang L, Lin LA. Telehealth and delivery of alcohol use disorder treatment in the Veterans Health Administration. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 48:944-954. [PMID: 38529689 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of telehealth treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD) has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is unclear which patients are using telehealth and how telehealth visits are associated with treatment duration. This study examined characteristics associated with telehealth use among Veterans Health Administration patients receiving AUD treatment. METHODS Using a national retrospective cohort study, we examined data from March 01, 2020 to February 28, 2021 to: First, identify patient characteristics associated with (a) any telehealth versus only in-person care for AUD treatment, and (b) video (≥1 video visit) versus only telephone visits for AUD treatment (≥1 telephone visit, no video) among any telehealth users. This analysis used mixed-effects logistic regression models to adjust for potential correlation across patients treated at the same facility. Second, we assessed whether visit modality was associated with the amount of AUD treatment received (number of AUD psychotherapy visits or medication coverage days). This analysis used mixed-effects negative binomial regression models. RESULTS Among 138,619 patients who received AUD treatment, 52.8% had ≥1 video visit, 38.1% had ≥1 telephone but no video visits, and 9.1% had only in-person visits. In the regression analyses, patients who were male or had an opioid or stimulant use disorder (compared to having no non-AUD substance use disorder) were less likely to receive any telehealth-delivered AUD treatment compared to only in-person AUD treatment. Among patients who received any telehealth-delivered AUD treatment, those who were ≥45 years old (compared to 18-29 years old), Black (compared to White), diagnosed with a cannabis or stimulant use disorder, or diagnosed with a serious mental illness were less likely to receive a video visit than only telephone visits. Receiving any AUD telehealth was associated with receiving more psychotherapy visits and medication coverage days than only in-person care. CONCLUSIONS Telehealth, a common modality for AUD treatment, supported a greater number of psychotherapy visits and a longer duration of medication treatment for AUD. However, some groups were less likely to receive any video telehealth than telephone visits, suggesting that multiple treatment modalities should remain available to ensure treatment access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ponni V Perumalswami
- Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Gastroenterology Section, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Megan A Adams
- Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Gastroenterology Section, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Madeline C Frost
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Health Services Research & Development Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Rob Holleman
- Health Services Research & Development, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Hyungjin Myra Kim
- Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Consulting for Statistics, Computing & Analytics Research (CSCAR), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lan Zhang
- Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Addiction Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lewei Allison Lin
- Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Addiction Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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14
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Pogoda TK, Adams RS, Carlson KF, Dismuke-Greer CE, Amuan M, Pugh MJ. Risk of Adverse Outcomes Among Veterans Who Screen Positive for Traumatic Brain Injury in the Veterans Health Administration But Do Not Complete a Comprehensive Evaluation: A LIMBIC-CENC Study. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2024; 39:171-182. [PMID: 37335204 PMCID: PMC10728337 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000881] [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] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether post-9/11 veterans who screened positive for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) but did not complete a Comprehensive TBI Evaluation (CTBIE) were at higher risk of subsequent adverse events compared with veterans who screened positive and completed a CTBIE. Upon CTBIE completion, information assessed by a trained TBI clinician indicates whether there is mTBI history (mTBI+) or not (mTBI-). SETTING Veterans Health Administration (VHA) outpatient services. PARTICIPANTS A total of 52 700 post-9/11 veterans who screened positive for TBI were included. The follow-up review period was between fiscal years 2008 and 2019. The 3 groups studied based on CTBIE completion and mTBI status were: (1) mTBI+ (48.6%), (2) mTBI- (17.8%), and (3) no CTBIE (33.7%). DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study. Log binomial and Poisson regression models adjusting for demographic, military, pre-TBI screening health, and VHA covariates examined risk ratios of incident outcomes based on CTBIE completion and mTBI status. MAIN MEASURES Incident substance use disorders (SUDs), alcohol use disorder (AUD), opioid use disorder (OUD), overdose, and homelessness documented in VHA administrative records, and mortality as documented in the National Death Index, 3 years post-TBI screen. VHA outpatient utilization was also examined. RESULTS Compared with the no CTBIE group, the mTBI+ group had 1.28 to 1.31 times the risk of incident SUD, AUD, and overdose, but 0.73 times the risk of death 3 years following TBI screening. The mTBI- group had 0.70 times the risk of OUD compared with the no CTBIE group within the same period. The no CTBIE group also had the lowest VHA utilization. CONCLUSIONS There were mixed findings on risk of adverse events for the no CTBIE group relative to the mTBI+ and mTBI- groups. Future research is needed to explore the observed differences, including health conditions and healthcare utilization, documented outside VHA among veterans who screen positive for TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terri K Pogoda
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr Pogoda); Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts (Drs Pogoda and Adams); VHA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora, Colorado (Dr Adams); Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, and Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (Dr Carlson); Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Dr Dismuke-Greer); Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah (Ms Amuan and Dr Pugh); and Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah Spence Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (Dr Pugh)
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15
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Mathes Winnicki BM, Lee DJ, Hawn SE, Livingston NA, Marx BP, Keane TM. Alcohol consumption and dependence risk among male and female Veterans: Trajectories and predictors. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 257:111138. [PMID: 38430789 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111138] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With few exceptions, previously conducted research on hazardous drinking among Veterans has employed samples in which the majority of participants identify as male. In addition, past studies have solely focused on alcohol consumption, rather than associated risk for dependence. In this study, we expanded upon the extant literature by investigating sex differences in trajectories and predictors of change in alcohol consumption and dependence risk among post-9/11 Veterans. METHODS A national sample of 1649 Veterans (50.0% female) were recruited in a five-wave longitudinal study that followed Veterans for up to 16 years after deployment. We used growth curve modeling to investigate trajectories of change in alcohol consumption and dependence risk among men and women Veterans. We examined predictors of growth, including demographics, support and resources, psychiatric symptoms, and trauma exposure. RESULTS Among male Veterans, alcohol consumption and dependence risk remained stagnant, which is in contrast to past work using non-Veteran samples. For female Veterans, consumption exhibited initial reductions that decelerated, and dependence risk reduced at a continuous rate. PTSD diagnosis was a significant predictor of individual differences in growth for men. Psychiatric symptoms (i.e., PTSD diagnosis, probable depression diagnosis, suicidal ideation) and psychosocial functioning were significant predictors of decreasing alcohol use for women. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight important sex differences in patterns and predictors of change in alcohol consumption and dependence risk among post-9/11 Veterans. Findings are discussed in relation to screening for hazardous alcohol use and intervention strategies in this at-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany M Mathes Winnicki
- US Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Daniel J Lee
- US Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sage E Hawn
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Nicholas A Livingston
- US Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Brian P Marx
- US Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Terence M Keane
- US Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
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16
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Stevenson BL, Lee JY, Oslin DW, Polusny MA, Kehle-Forbes SM. The impact of substance use on posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and treatment discontinuation. J Trauma Stress 2024; 37:257-266. [PMID: 38085564 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
This study examined the impact of ongoing substance use during posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment on PTSD symptoms and treatment discontinuation. The study represents a secondary analysis of U.S. military veterans (N = 183) who participated in a randomized clinical trial for the treatment of both PTSD and SUD. Veterans mostly identified as Black (53.8%) or White (41.9%) and male (92.4%). Substance use, PTSD symptoms, and treatment discontinuation were measured at 4-week intervals throughout treatment. Predictors were the percentage of days with alcohol, cannabis, and other substance use (primarily cocaine and opioids) and the average number of alcoholic drinks per drinking day. Outcomes were PTSD symptoms and treatment discontinuation at concurrent and prospective assessments. Multilevel models accounted for the nested structure of the longitudinal data. Alcohol, cannabis, and other substance use did not predict PTSD symptoms or treatment discontinuation prospectively. Concurrently, we observed that as a participant's percentage of drinking days increased by 34.7% (i.e., 1 standard deviation), PTSD symptoms during the same period were 0.07 standard deviations higher (i.e., 1 point on the PCL), B = 0.03, p = .033. No other substances were related to PTSD symptoms concurrently. The findings demonstrate that PTSD symptoms improved regardless of substance use during exposure-based PTSD and SUD treatment, and treatment discontinuation was not associated with substance use. This study suggests that substance use during treatment cannot directly explain the poorer treatment outcomes observed in the literature on comorbid PTSD/SUD compared to PTSD-only populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Stevenson
- Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jenny Y Lee
- Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David W Oslin
- Philadelphia VA Medical Center and VISN 4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Melissa A Polusny
- Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Shannon M Kehle-Forbes
- Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston, National Center for PTSD, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Atkinson EA, Hershberger AR. Addressing the SUD training gap: Two pilot feasibility studies in the Department of Veteran's Affairs Health Care System. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 159:209266. [PMID: 38128650 PMCID: PMC10947902 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Substance use disorders (SUDs) are an ongoing public health crisis in the United States. A large body of research indicates an urgent need for increased training in SUD research and treatment for trainees in mental health service disciplines. The VA Health Care System is well positioned, as the largest trainer and employer of health service psychologists and other mental health professionals, to address the SUD training gap and serve as a leader in training the upcoming health care workforce. METHOD To this end, we conducted two pilot studies to (1) examine the feasibility of implementing supplemental SUD training for VA health service trainees, among current VA mental health service providers in psychology, social work, and medical care (N = 37) and (2) the efficacy of a single 2-hour interdisciplinary SUD training seminar for VA health service trainees in mental health (N = 13). The training seminar consisted of several components including lecture, facilitated discussion, and role play, aimed at increasing trainee self-efficacy in assessing and diagnosing SUDs. RESULTS Findings suggest that current providers are supportive of supplemental SUD training for VA trainees and believe that such training is beneficial for those wishing to pursue a career within the VA Health Care System. Additionally, results suggest that a single session didactic seminar improved trainees' self-reported efficacy in the assessment and referral of veterans diagnosed with SUDs. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the above studies support additional feasibility investigations that would pave the way for successful implementation of widespread SUD training programs across the VA Health Care System and beyond. Successful implementation would then serve to reduce the increasingly critical SUD provider shortage, thus leading to significant public health gains.
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Meshberg-Cohen S, Cook JM, Bin-Mahfouz A, Petrakis IL. Written exposure therapy for veterans with co-occurring substance use disorders and PTSD: Study design of a randomized clinical trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 139:107475. [PMID: 38365173 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107475] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
There are high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among treatment-seeking veterans with substance use disorders (SUD). While addiction programs traditionally do not address PTSD, there is evidence that trauma treatments for individuals with this comorbidity have improved PTSD and SUD outcomes. Written exposure therapy (WET), a five-session evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP) for PTSD, has high patient satisfaction, and lower dropout compared to other EBPs for PTSD. WET may be ideally suited for clinical settings that may not have the trauma expertise found in PTSD specialty clinics, given it requires less training time, treatment sessions, preparation time, and therapist involvement than existing EBPs, and no homework assignments. This paper describes the design, methodology, and protocol of a randomized clinical trial to evaluate whether treatment as usual (TAU) plus WET (n = 51) is superior to TAU plus a neutral topic writing condition (n = 51) on both PTSD and addiction outcomes for veterans in SUD treatment. The primary hypothesis is that participants assigned to TAU+WET, compared to those in TAU+ neutral topic writing, will report reduced symptoms of PTSD. The secondary hypothesis is that veterans receiving WET will have greater decreases in number of days of substance use compared to TAU+ neutral topic controls at follow-up. Assessments will take place at baseline, post-treatment, 8-week, and 12-week follow-up. Exploratory aims will examine the association between heart rate variability and treatment outcomes. If results prove promising, they will support WET as an effective brief, easy to disseminate, adjunct to current SUD treatment for veterans with comorbid PTSD. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05327504.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Meshberg-Cohen
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States of America; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, United States of America.
| | - Joan M Cook
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States of America
| | - Amirah Bin-Mahfouz
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States of America; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, United States of America
| | - Ismene L Petrakis
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States of America; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, United States of America
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Garrison-Desany HM, Meyers JL, Linnstaedt SD, House SL, Beaudoin FL, An X, Zeng D, Neylan TC, Clifford GD, Jovanovic T, Germine LT, Bollen KA, Rauch SL, Haran JP, Storrow AB, Lewandowski C, Musey PI, Hendry PL, Sheikh S, Jones CW, Punches BE, Swor RA, Gentile NT, Hudak LA, Pascual JL, Seamon MJ, Harris E, Pearson C, Peak DA, Domeier RM, Rathlev NK, O’Neil BJ, Sergot P, Sanchez LD, Bruce SE, Joormann J, Harte SE, McLean SA, Koenen KC, Denckla CA. Post-traumatic stress and future substance use outcomes: leveraging antecedent factors to stratify risk. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1249382. [PMID: 38525258 PMCID: PMC10957776 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1249382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use (tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis) are highly comorbid. Many factors affect this relationship, including sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics, other prior traumas, and physical health. However, few prior studies have investigated this prospectively, examining new substance use and the extent to which a wide range of factors may modify the relationship to PTSD. Methods The Advancing Understanding of RecOvery afteR traumA (AURORA) study is a prospective cohort of adults presenting at emergency departments (N = 2,943). Participants self-reported PTSD symptoms and the frequency and quantity of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use at six total timepoints. We assessed the associations of PTSD and future substance use, lagged by one timepoint, using the Poisson generalized estimating equations. We also stratified by incident and prevalent substance use and generated causal forests to identify the most important effect modifiers of this relationship out of 128 potential variables. Results At baseline, 37.3% (N = 1,099) of participants reported likely PTSD. PTSD was associated with tobacco frequency (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 1.003, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.01, p = 0.02) and quantity (IRR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.001, 1.01, p = 0.01), and alcohol frequency (IRR: 1.002, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.004, p = 0.03) and quantity (IRR: 1.003, 95% CI: 1.001, 1.01, p = 0.001), but not with cannabis use. There were slight differences in incident compared to prevalent tobacco frequency and quantity of use; prevalent tobacco frequency and quantity were associated with PTSD symptoms, while incident tobacco frequency and quantity were not. Using causal forests, lifetime worst use of cigarettes, overall self-rated physical health, and prior childhood trauma were major moderators of the relationship between PTSD symptoms and the three substances investigated. Conclusion PTSD symptoms were highly associated with tobacco and alcohol use, while the association with prospective cannabis use is not clear. Findings suggest that understanding the different risk stratification that occurs can aid in tailoring interventions to populations at greatest risk to best mitigate the comorbidity between PTSD symptoms and future substance use outcomes. We demonstrate that this is particularly salient for tobacco use and, to some extent, alcohol use, while cannabis is less likely to be impacted by PTSD symptoms across the strata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henri M. Garrison-Desany
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jacquelyn L. Meyers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Sarah D. Linnstaedt
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Stacey L. House
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Francesca L. Beaudoin
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Xinming An
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Donglin Zeng
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Thomas C. Neylan
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Gari D. Clifford
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Laura T. Germine
- Institute for Technology in Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
- The Many Brains Project, Belmont, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kenneth A. Bollen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Scott L. Rauch
- Institute for Technology in Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - John P. Haran
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Alan B. Storrow
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | | | - Paul I. Musey
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Phyllis L. Hendry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine -Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Sophia Sheikh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine -Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Christopher W. Jones
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Brittany E. Punches
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Robert A. Swor
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, United States
| | - Nina T. Gentile
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lauren A. Hudak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jose L. Pascual
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mark J. Seamon
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Surgery, Division of Traumatology, Surgical Critical Care and Emergency Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Erica Harris
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Claire Pearson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University, Ascension St. John Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - David A. Peak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Robert M. Domeier
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Trinity Health-Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, MI, United States
| | - Niels K. Rathlev
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA, United States
| | - Brian J. O’Neil
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit Receiving Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Paulina Sergot
- Department of Emergency Medicine, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Leon D. Sanchez
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Steven E. Bruce
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri - St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Jutta Joormann
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Steven E. Harte
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine-Rheumatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Samuel A. McLean
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Karestan C. Koenen
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Christy A. Denckla
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
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Norona JC, Borsari B, Yalch MM, Baxley C, Gnys M, DeMarce JM. The Impact of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders on Veterans' Interpersonal Difficulties. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:510-519. [PMID: 38037842 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2287192] [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] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Background: Substance use disorders (SUDs) negatively impact veterans and their relationships with others. Although there are several evidence-based treatments for SUD symptoms, there is less research on whether reduction in SUD symptoms coincides with reduction in interpersonal difficulties. Methods: In this study we examined the relationship between SUD and relationships in a national sample of 458 veterans who received approximately 12 sessions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders (CBT-SUD) through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Results: Parallel latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) indicated that self-reported alcohol use, drug use, and interpersonal difficulties decreased over the course of treatment. Alcohol and drug use were positively associated with each other and with interpersonal difficulties at each time point, and baseline alcohol and drug use were negatively associated with the reduction of use over time. However, there was little evidence that reductions in substance use led to a reduction in interpersonal difficulties (or vice-versa). Conclusions: Findings highlight promising strategies to further understand how CBT-SUD may enhance reductions in substance use as well as improve relationships with family and friends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerika C Norona
- Mental Health Service (116B), San Francisco Virginia Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Brian Borsari
- Mental Health Service (116B), San Francisco Virginia Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Matthew M Yalch
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Catherine Baxley
- Mental Health Service (116B), San Francisco Virginia Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Maryann Gnys
- Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- VISN 6 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham Veterans Affairs Mental Health Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Josephine M DeMarce
- Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- VISN 6 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham Veterans Affairs Mental Health Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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21
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McCann NC, Davenport MJ, Mandavia AD, Stein MD, Livingston NA. HIV Prevalence and HIV Screening History Among a Veterans Association Cohort of People with Opioid and Alcohol Use Disorders. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:403-410. [PMID: 37848765 PMCID: PMC10897116 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08452-5] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veterans face high risk for HIV and substance use, and thus could be disproportionately impacted by the HIV and substance use disorder (SUD) "syndemic." HIV prevalence among veterans with SUD is unknown. OBJECTIVE To project HIV prevalence and lifetime HIV screening history among US veterans with alcohol use disorder (AUD), opioid use disorder (OUD), or both. DESIGN We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using national Veterans Health Administration (VHA) data. PARTICIPANTS We selected three cohorts of veterans with SUD: (1) AUD, (2) OUD, and (3) AUD/OUD. Included veterans had ICD codes for AUD/OUD from 2016 to 2022 recorded in VHA electronic medical records, sourced from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW). MAIN MEASURES We estimated HIV prevalence by dividing the number of veterans who met two out of three criteria (codes for HIV diagnosis, antiretroviral therapy, or HIV screening/monitoring) by the total number of veterans in each cohort. We also estimated lifetime HIV screening history (as documented in VHA data) by cohort. We reported HIV prevalence and screening history by cohort and across demographic/clinical subgroups. KEY RESULTS Our sample included 669,595 veterans with AUD, 63,787 with OUD, and 57,015 with AUD/OUD. HIV prevalence was highest in the AUD/OUD cohort (3.9%), followed by the OUD (2.1%) and AUD (1.1%) cohorts. Veterans of Black race and Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity, with HCV diagnoses, and aged 50-64 had the highest HIV prevalence in all cohorts. Overall, 12.8%, 29.1%, and 33.1% of the AUD/OUD, OUD, and AUD cohorts did not have history of HIV screening, respectively. CONCLUSIONS HIV prevalence was high in all SUD cohorts, and was highest among veterans with AUD/OUD, with disparities by race/ethnicity and age. A substantial portion of veterans had not received HIV screening in the VHA. Findings highlight room for improvement in HIV prevention and screening services for veterans with SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C McCann
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Michael J Davenport
- Data Science Core, Boston CSPCC, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amar D Mandavia
- Medical Informatics, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael D Stein
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas A Livingston
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division, VA Boston Health Care System, Boston, MA, USA.
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22
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Marchand WR, Smith J, Nazarenko E, Joubert K, Black H, Osborne M, Andersen S, Bell K, Baldwin S, Klinger W, Connelly H, Sheppard S, Hoopes K. A Pilot Replication Study of Implementing an Equine-Assisted Services Program Within a VA Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program. Mil Med 2024; 189:e220-e226. [PMID: 37522743 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Veterans have high rates of substance use disorders and other mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder. Effective treatments for these conditions exist; however, high attrition rates and residual symptoms after completing treatment are common. Complementary treatment approaches could enhance treatment engagement and/or response among this population. We previously reported a study of one such intervention, an equine-assisted learning, and psychotherapy incorporating horses intervention provided to veterans admitted to a Veterans Health Care Administration residential substance abuse treatment program. The first aim of this study was to replicate the previous study assessing the safety, feasibility, and preliminary outcomes of this intervention. The second aim was to examine the effect of participants attending multiple intervention sessions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants were 94 veterans who participated in one to six sessions of a 3-4-hour program consisting of both equine-assisted learning and psychotherapy incorporating horses. Pre- and post-session administration of the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Craving Experience Questionnaire was utilized to assess changes in affect, anxiety, and craving. Wilcoxon signed-rank or paired two-tailed t-tests were utilized for pre- to post-session comparisons of the outcome measures for sessions 1-4. Generalized linear mixed-effects (GLME) models were constructed to determine the impact of dosage. GLME models were constructed to determine the impact of dosage. RESULTS As with our previous study, the intervention was safe and feasible to utilize for this population. There were statistically significant pre- to post-session improvements, with medium-to-large effect sizes, for sessions 1-3 for negative affect and sessions 1 and 2 for positive affect, anxiety, and craving. The GLME models revealed no statistical significance for any of the predictors. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, this study and our previous investigation of this equine-assisted services intervention suggest that it is safe and feasible to utilize for veterans admitted to a residential substance abuse treatment program and we have now found short-term benefits in two separate studies. Thus, a randomized controlled trial of this intervention is warranted to demonstrate cause and effect and determine whether longer-term benefits are associated with the intervention. The finding that there was no additional benefit from attendance at more than two intervention sessions suggests that dose-response relationship studies of equine-assisted services interventions for veterans are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Marchand
- VISN 19 Whole Health Flagship Site, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Judy Smith
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Elena Nazarenko
- VISN 19 Whole Health Flagship Site, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Katryna Joubert
- Mental Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Heather Black
- Mental Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Makenna Osborne
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Sarah Andersen
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Kylie Bell
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Shannon Baldwin
- Mental Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - William Klinger
- Mental Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Heather Connelly
- Mental Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Stephen Sheppard
- Mental Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Karl Hoopes
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
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23
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Stoltenberg CDG, Vedtofte MS, Nielsen ABS, Andersen SB, Siersma V, Christensen KS, Osler M. Mental healthcare utilisation among Danish formerly deployed military personnel and their civilian counterparts: a cohort study. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2296188. [PMID: 38227366 PMCID: PMC10795587 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2296188] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Prior studies comparing the mental healthcare utilisation (MHU) of Danish formerly deployed military personnel (FDP) with the general population have not included data on psychotherapy through the Defence or talking therapy with the general practitioner. This study included these and several other data sources in a comprehensive comparison of MHU between Danish FDP and civilians.Methods: First-time deployed military personnel (N = 10,971) who had returned from a mission to Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq or Lebanon between January 2005 and July 2017 were included. A sex and birth-year-matched civilian reference group was randomly drawn from the entire Danish non-deployed population (N = 253,714). Furthermore, a sub-cohort, including male FDP and civilians deemed eligible for military service, was defined. These cohorts were followed up in military medical records and registers covering the primary and secondary civilian health sectors from 2005 to 2018, and the rates of MHU were compared.Results: Approximately half of the initial help-seeking for FDP took place through the Defence (49.4%), and the remainder through the civilian healthcare system. When help-seeking through the Defence was not included, MHU was significantly lower among FDP in the main cohort during the first two years (IRR = 0.84, 95% CI: [0.77, 0.92]) compared to civilians. When help-seeking through the Defence was included, MHU was significantly higher among FDP compared to civilians both in the first two years of follow-up (IRR = 2.01, 95% CI: [1.89, 2.13]) and thereafter (IRR = 1.18, 95% CI: [1.13, 1.23]). In the sub-cohort, these differences were even more pronounced both in the first two years of follow-up and thereafter.Conclusions: MHU was higher among Danish FDP compared to civilians only when data from the Defence was included. The inclusion of data on both civilian and military healthcare services is necessary to evaluate the full impact of deployment on MHU among Danish FDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Ditlev Gabriel Stoltenberg
- Research and Knowledge Centre, The Danish Veterans Centre, Ringsted, Denmark
- Section for Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mia Sadowa Vedtofte
- Research and Knowledge Centre, The Danish Veterans Centre, Ringsted, Denmark
| | - Anni Brit Sternhagen Nielsen
- Research and Knowledge Centre, The Danish Veterans Centre, Ringsted, Denmark
- The Research Unit and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Bo Andersen
- Research and Knowledge Centre, The Danish Veterans Centre, Ringsted, Denmark
| | - Volkert Siersma
- The Research Unit and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kaj Sparle Christensen
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section for General Medical Practice, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Merete Osler
- Section for Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospitals, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Bjork JM, Sadicario JS, Jahan NF, Curiel E, Thumma L, Reisweber J. Virtual Hybrid Versus In-Person Administration of Transcending Self Therapy for Veterans with Substance Use Disorders. SUBSTANCE USE : RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2024; 18:29768357241255437. [PMID: 38803614 PMCID: PMC11129570 DOI: 10.1177/29768357241255437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Veterans with substance use disorder (SUD) can show high severity and are at high risk of relapse due to trauma histories and other comorbid conditions. However, evidence-based SUD therapies may not be available to many veterans due to geographic or transportation constraints. Telehealth approaches have shown promise to improve access to different SUD therapy formats but have not been well-studied in open (rolling-admission) group therapy of in-person patients as administered by a single on-screen therapist. Methods Social distancing required by the COVID-19 pandemic forced the transition of delivery of Transcending Self Therapy (TST) from an in-person therapist to a single remote (on-screen) therapist. In this virtual model, veterans continued to receive TST but the therapist was off site and provided therapy to veterans who were together in the same room during a 28 day residential Veterans Affairs treatment program. In a program evaluation, we compared their changes in quality of life (QoL), treatment satisfaction ratings and group therapy treatment outcomes with those of Veterans who received TST from an in-person therapist. Results In both groups, there was a significant increase in QoL Inventory scores from baseline to post-treatment, with no difference in improvement between treatment modalities (i.e., in-person group vs telehealth-delivered group). Veterans professed knowledge of therapy-driven skills at the end of treatment in both groups and overwhelmingly rated TST as helpful and understandable. Conclusions These data extend previous findings of patient acceptability of remotely-delivered SUD treatment, here with a remote therapist administering open group therapy, as evidenced by improvement in QoL and positive patient feedback about the remote intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Bjork
- Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
- Insitute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jaclyn S. Sadicario
- Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Nabila F. Jahan
- Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Espn Curiel
- Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Lillia Thumma
- Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
- Insitute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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25
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Watkins LE, Patton SC, Wilcox T, Drexler K, Rauch SAM, Rothbaum BO. Substance Use after Completion of an Intensive Treatment Program with Concurrent Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use among Veterans: Examining the Role of PTSD Symptoms. J Dual Diagn 2024; 20:16-28. [PMID: 38122816 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2023.2290167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Substance use disorders (SUDs) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are costly and highly co-occurring diagnoses, particularly among veterans, suggesting a need to understand this comorbidity and effectively treat both disorders among this population. METHODS The current study aimed to examine substance use outcomes among post-9/11 veterans and service members (N = 48) who completed a two-week intensive outpatient program with concurrent treatment for and PTSD using Prolonged Exposure and substance use. Substance use was assessed at two weeks and three months posttreatment. RESULTS The intensive program had high completion rates and demonstrated decreases in substance use at two weeks and three months posttreatment. Additionally, lower PTSD symptoms at treatment completion were related to less substance use posttreatment. CONCLUSIONS Concurrent intensive treatment of PTSD and SUDs can lead to symptom improvement in a short period of time. Findings support the self-medication model, such that PTSD symptoms at treatment completion were related to substance use at follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tiffany Wilcox
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Karen Drexler
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sheila A M Rauch
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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26
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Nguyen XMT, Li Y, Wang DD, Whitbourne SB, Houghton SC, Hu FB, Willett WC, Sun YV, Djousse L, Gaziano JM, Cho K, Wilson PW. Impact of 8 lifestyle factors on mortality and life expectancy among United States veterans: The Million Veteran Program. Am J Clin Nutr 2024; 119:127-135. [PMID: 38065710 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.10.032] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifestyle medicine has been proposed as a way to address the root causes of chronic disease and their associated health care costs. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate mortality risk and longevity associated with individual lifestyle factors and comprehensive lifestyle therapy. METHODS Age- and sex-specific mortality rates were calculated on the basis of 719,147 veterans aged 40-99 y enrolled in the Veteran Affairs Million Veteran Program (2011-2019). Hazard ratios and estimated increase in life expectancy were examined among a subgroup of 276,132 veterans with complete data on 8 lifestyle factors at baseline. The 8 lifestyle factors included never smoking, physical activity, no excessive alcohol consumption, restorative sleep, nutrition, stress management, social connections, and no opioid use disorder. RESULTS On the basis of 1.12 million person-years of follow-up, 34,247 deaths were recorded. Among veterans who adopted 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 lifestyle factors, the adjusted hazard ratios for mortality were 0.74 (0.60-0.90), 0.60 (95% CI: 0.49, 0.73), 0.50 (95% CI: 0.41, 0.61), 0.43 (95% CI: 0.35, 0.52), 0.35 (95% CI: 0.29, 0.43), 0.27 (95% CI: 0.22, 0.33), 0.21 (95% CI: 0.17, 0.26), and 0.13 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.16), respectively, as compared with veterans with no adopted lifestyle factors. The estimated life expectancy at age 40 y was 23.0, 26.5, 28.8, 30.8, 32.7, 35.1, 38.3, 41.3, and 47.0 y among males and 27.0, 28.8, 33.1, 38.0, 39.2, 41.4, 43.8, 46.3, and 47.5 y for females who adopted 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 lifestyle factors, respectively. The difference in life expectancy at age 40 y was 24.0 y for male veterans and 20.5 y for female veterans when comparing adoption of 8-9 lifestyle factors. CONCLUSIONS A combination of 8 lifestyle factors is associated with a significantly lower risk of premature mortality and an estimated prolonged life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan-Mai T Nguyen
- Million Veteran Program Boston Coordinating Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02111, United States; Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Yanping Li
- Million Veteran Program Boston Coordinating Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02111, United States; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Dong D Wang
- Million Veteran Program Boston Coordinating Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02111, United States; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; The Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stacey B Whitbourne
- Million Veteran Program Boston Coordinating Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02111, United States; Division of Aging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Serena C Houghton
- Million Veteran Program Boston Coordinating Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02111, United States
| | - Frank B Hu
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; The Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Walter C Willett
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yan V Sun
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Medicine, Atlanta VA Health Care System, Decatur, GA 30033, United States
| | - Luc Djousse
- Million Veteran Program Boston Coordinating Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02111, United States; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Aging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - John Michael Gaziano
- Million Veteran Program Boston Coordinating Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02111, United States; Division of Aging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kelly Cho
- Million Veteran Program Boston Coordinating Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02111, United States; Division of Aging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Peter Wf Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Medicine, Atlanta VA Health Care System, Decatur, GA 30033, United States; Cardiology Division, Emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Atlanta, GA 30033, United States
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27
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McDaniel JT, Redner R, Jayawardene W, Haun J, Clapp J, Che D, Renzaglia K, Abou-Jabal D. Moral Injury is a Risk Factor for Substance Use and Suicidality Among US Military Veterans with and without Traumatic Brain Injury. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:3926-3941. [PMID: 37679519 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01905-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
A national survey of United States veterans was conducted, yielding 252 veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and 1235 veterans without TBI. Participants were asked questions about moral injury, suicidality, substance use, and other sociodemographic variables. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to examine the previously described relationships. Increasing severity of moral injury was associated with higher scores on the substance use tool (b = 0.02, p = 0.04), although the magnitude of effect was not different from those without TBI (Z = - 0.57, p = 0.72). Increasing severity of moral injury was positively associated with suicidal behavior scores (b = 0.10, p < 0.01). The strength of this relationship was stronger in veterans with TBI than those without TBI (Z = 1.78, p = 0.04). Rehabilitation programs that treat veterans for TBI may need to consider the evaluation of moral injury given its association with adverse events in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin T McDaniel
- School of Human Sciences, Southern Illinois University, 475 Clocktower Drive, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA.
| | - Ryan Redner
- School of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | | | - Jolie Haun
- James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, US Veterans Health Administration, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - John Clapp
- School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dunren Che
- School of Computing, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Karen Renzaglia
- Department of Plant Biology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Dania Abou-Jabal
- School of Human Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
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28
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Riblet NB, Gottlieb DJ, Shiner B, Zubkoff L, Rice K, Watts BV, Rusch B. An Analysis of Irregular Discharges From Residential Treatment Programs in the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Mil Med 2023; 188:e3657-e3666. [PMID: 37167031 PMCID: PMC10644260 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad131] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Veteran populations are frequently diagnosed with mental health conditions such as substance use disorder and PTSD. These conditions are associated with adverse outcomes including a higher risk of suicide. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has designed a robust mental health system to address these concerns. Veterans can access mental health treatment in acute inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. Residential programs play an important role in meeting the needs of veterans who need more structure and support. Residential specialty types in the VHA include general mental health, substance use disorder, PTSD, and homeless/work programs. These programs are affiliated with a DVA facility (i.e., medical center). Although residential care can improve outcomes, there is evidence that some patients are discharged from these settings before achieving the program endpoint. These unplanned discharges are referred to using language such as against medical advice, self-discharge, or irregular discharge. Concerningly, unplanned discharges are associated with patient harm including death by suicide. Although there is some initial evidence to locate factors that predict irregular discharge in VHA residential programs, no work has been done to examine features associated with irregular discharge in each residential specialty. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who were discharged from VHA residential treatment programs between January 2018 and September 2022. We included the following covariates: Principal diagnosis, gender, age, race/ethnicity, number of physical health conditions, number of mental health diagnostic categories, marital status, risk of homelessness, urbanicity, and service connection. We considered two discharge types: Regular and irregular. We used logistic regression to determine the odds of irregular discharge using models stratified by bed specialty as well as combined odds ratios and 95% CIs across program specialties. The primary purposes are to identify factors that predict irregular discharge and to determine if the factors are consistent across bed specialties. In a secondary analysis, we calculated facility-level adjusted rates of irregular discharge, limiting to facilities with at least 50 discharges. We identified the amount of residual variation that exists between facilities after adjusting for patient factors. RESULTS A total of 279 residential programs (78,588 patients representing 124,632 discharges) were included in the analysis. Substance use disorder and homeless/work programs were the most common specialty types. Both in the overall and stratified analyses, the number of mental health diagnostic categories and younger age were predictors of irregular discharge. In the facility analysis, there was substantial variation in irregular discharge rates across residential specialties even after adjusting for all patient factors. For example, PTSD programs had a mean adjusted irregular discharge rate of 15.3% (SD: 7.4; range: 2.1-31.2; coefficient of variation: 48.4%). CONCLUSIONS Irregular discharge is a key concern in VHA residential care. Patient characteristics do not account for all of the observed variation in rates across residential specialty types. There is a need to develop specialty-specific measures of irregular discharge to learn about system-level factors that contribute to irregular discharge. These data can inform strategies to avoid harms associated with irregular discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie B Riblet
- Mental Health, White River Junction VA Healthcare System, White River Junction, VT 05009, USA
- Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- Dartmouth Institute, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Daniel J Gottlieb
- Mental Health, White River Junction VA Healthcare System, White River Junction, VT 05009, USA
| | - Brian Shiner
- Mental Health, White River Junction VA Healthcare System, White River Junction, VT 05009, USA
- Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- Dartmouth Institute, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Lisa Zubkoff
- Division of Preventive Medicine in the Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- Associate Director for Research, Birmingham/Atlanta Veterans Affairs Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Korie Rice
- Mental Health, White River Junction VA Healthcare System, White River Junction, VT 05009, USA
| | - Bradley V Watts
- Mental Health, White River Junction VA Healthcare System, White River Junction, VT 05009, USA
- Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- Clinical Director, VA Office of Rural Health, White River Junction, VT 05009, USA
| | - Brett Rusch
- Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- Leadership Team, White River Junction VA Healthcare System, White River Junction, VT 05009, USA
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Bennett MD, McDaniel JT, Albright DL. Chronic disease multimorbidity and substance use among African American men: veteran-non-veteran differences. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2023; 28:1145-1160. [PMID: 37331990 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2023.2224949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study was to explore the extent to which prior military service may moderate the relationship between chronic disease multimorbidity and substance use among African American men in the United States. DESIGN Data for this cross-sectional study was downloaded from the 2016 -2019 United States (US) National Survey on Drug Use and Health. We estimated three survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models, where use of each of the following substances served as the dependent variables: illicit drugs, opioids, and tobacco. Differences in these outcomes were examined along two primary independent variables: veteran status and multimorbidity (and an interaction term for these variables). We also controlled for the following covariates: age, education, income, rurality, criminal behavior, and religiosity. RESULTS From the 37,203,237 (weighted N) African American men in the sample, approximately 17% reported prior military service. Veterans with ≥ 2 chronic diseases had higher rates of illicit drug use (aOR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.87; 32% vs. 28%) than non-veterans with ≥ 2 chronic diseases. Non-veterans with one chronic disease had higher rates of tobacco use (aOR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.69, 0.93; 29% vs. 26%) and opioid misuse (aOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.36, 0.67; 29% vs. 18%) than veterans with one chronic disease. DISCUSSION Chronic disease multi-morbidity appears to be a context in which African American veterans may be at greater risk for certain undesirable health behaviors than African American non-veterans and at lower risk for others. This may be due to exposure to trauma, difficulty accessing care, socio-environmental factors, and co-occurring mental health conditions. These complex interactions may contribute to higher rates of SUDs among African American veterans compared to African American non-veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Daniel Bennett
- School of Social Work, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Justin T McDaniel
- School of Human Sciences, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - David L Albright
- Department of Political Science, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
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Valikhanova G, Kato Y, Fitzcharles MA, Ware M, Da Costa D, Lowensteyn I, Cheung HS, Grover S. Medical Cannabis Use Among Canadian Veterans and Non-Veterans: A National Survey. INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE REPORTS 2023; 2:120-128. [PMID: 37920683 PMCID: PMC10619467 DOI: 10.1089/imr.2023.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Medical cannabis (MC) is used by Canadian Veterans to manage a wide range of health issues. However, there is little information comparing the reasons for MC use and its perceived effectiveness between Veterans and non-Veterans. Objects We compared MC use among a convenience sample of Canadian Veterans and with non-Veteran controls, including demographics, reasons and patterns of use, and perceived effectiveness. Methods Between November and December 2021, Canadian Veterans using cannabis were invited to participate in a survey using a national press release, social media, and announcements on online platform dedicated to promoting health among Canadian Veterans and non-Veterans during the pandemic (www.MissionVav.com). The survey was also mentioned in a monthly newsletter from Veteran Affairs Canada. Self-reported effectiveness was evaluated using a 0 to 10 visual analogue scale (0 being not all effective, 10 being the most effective). Results The survey was completed by 157 people, including 108 (69%) males and 49 (31%) females. The mean age was 57 years (range 19 to 84). Among responders, 90 (63%) identified as Veterans. The most common reasons for MC use among Veterans included: insomnia (80%), anxiety (73%), and depression (52%). Veterans reported medical conditions such as chronic pain (88%) and arthritis (51%). Compared with non-Veterans, Veterans were significantly more likely to be male (83% vs. 49%), have a higher BMI (35.2 vs. 30.9), to report problems with sleep, anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and to use cannabis in edible form (51% vs. 22%). Self-reported mean effectiveness scores for MC were highest for PTSD (8.4), insomnia (8.2), anxiety (8.1), depression (8.0), and chronic pain (7.6). Conclusions We found important differences in user characteristics and cannabis use patterns between Canadian Veterans and non-Veterans. Further controlled studies are required to validate these findings, but these data suggest that orally administered cannabis products may be worth further study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuka Kato
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mary-Ann Fitzcharles
- Department of Rheumatology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mark Ware
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Deborah Da Costa
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ilka Lowensteyn
- McGill Comprehensive Health Improvement Program, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Ho Sum Cheung
- McGill Comprehensive Health Improvement Program, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Steven Grover
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Osilla KC, Gore KL, Pedersen ER, Hummer JF, DeYoreo M, Manuel JK, McKay JR, Kim JP, Nameth K. Study protocol for a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial to reduce risky drinking among service members and their partners. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 133:107324. [PMID: 37652360 PMCID: PMC10591961 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Military spouses and partners in relationships with a heavy drinking service member report high levels of mental health concerns and consequences, which are compounded when both partners drink heavily. Military spouses and partners -termed "concerned partners" (CPs)-may be an important gateway for motivating service members (SMs) to seek care. However, CPs may first need to reduce their own drinking and improve their communication to effectively support and encourage changes for their service member partner. Partners Connect is a web-based intervention aimed at improving communication and relationship quality and increasing SM help-seeking. METHODS The current study design is a two-stage Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) to develop an adaptive CP intervention to decrease CP drinking and increase SM help-seeking. CPs aged 18 and older (n = 408) will be recruited via social media and followed for six months. In stage one, we will randomize CPs to either a 4-session web-based intervention (Partners Connect) or to receive communication resources from the Gottman Institute website. The goal is to have CPs invite their SM to complete an online personalized normative feedback (PNF) session. If their SM completes the PNF at stage one, CPs will be considered "responders," if the SM does not complete, CPs who are "non-responders" will be re-randomized during stage two to receive either (1) a CRAFT workbook or (2) phone-based CRAFT if in Partners Connect; or (1) Partners Connect or (2) a CRAFT workbook if in Gottman. DISCUSSION By first intervening with the service member's CP, we aim to better equip them to engage their service member partner in treatment services. In doing so, we develop a model that increases treatment accessibility and appeal among a group that may not otherwise seek care. CLINICALTRIALS gov Identifier: NCT05619185.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Chan Osilla
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1070 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
| | - Kristie L Gore
- RAND Corporation, 1200 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
| | - Eric R Pedersen
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 2250 Alcazar Street, Suite 2200, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Justin F Hummer
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, PO Box 2136, Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138, USA
| | - Maria DeYoreo
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, PO Box 2136, Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138, USA
| | - Jennifer K Manuel
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; University of California San Francisco, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - James R McKay
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Crescenz VAMC, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jane P Kim
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1070 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Katherine Nameth
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1070 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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Aurora P, LoSavio ST, Kimbrel NA, Beckham JC, Calhoun PS, Dillon KH. Examining the daily relationship between guilt, shame, and substance use among veterans with psychiatric disorders. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2023; 8:100174. [PMID: 37753347 PMCID: PMC10518500 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2023.100174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Shame and guilt are key emotions known to amplify trauma-related symptoms in veterans. Maintenance of symptoms is facilitated by avoidance behaviors, such as substance use. However, limited research has examined the associations between shame, guilt, and substance use in daily life. Methods The current study sought to examine the cross-lagged association between shame, guilt, and substance use. Forty veterans completed 28 days of experience sampling reporting on their current emotional experiences and use of substances. Results Results suggest a reciprocal relationship among shame and guilt and substance use, such that shame and guilt separately predicted subsequent substance use, and substance use predicted subsequent shame and guilt. Conclusions These results highlight the dynamic relationship among shame, guilt, and substance use and suggest the potential value of conceptualizing these clinical targets as mutually reinforcing to inform integrative intervention strategies that can interrupt the in-the-moment cascade of negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Aurora
- Durham VA Health Care System, Durham NC, USA
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Stefanie T. LoSavio
- Durham VA Health Care System, Durham NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Nathan A. Kimbrel
- Durham VA Health Care System, Durham NC, USA
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jean C. Beckham
- Durham VA Health Care System, Durham NC, USA
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Patrick S. Calhoun
- Durham VA Health Care System, Durham NC, USA
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kirsten H. Dillon
- Durham VA Health Care System, Durham NC, USA
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Bahi A, Dreyer JL. Anxiety and ethanol consumption in socially defeated mice; effect of hippocampal serotonin transporter knockdown. Behav Brain Res 2023; 451:114508. [PMID: 37244437 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The comorbidity of generalized anxiety disorders (GAD) with alcohol use disorders (AUD) is common and there is an association between the serotonin transporter (SERT) genetic variation and the comorbid conditions of GAD and AUD. However, few mechanistic studies have systematically explored the role of direct SERT manipulation in stress-elicited mood disorders. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether reductions in SERT expression in the hippocampus were sufficient to ameliorate anxiety- and ethanol-related behaviors in socially defeated mice. Following stress exposure, and using stereotaxic surgery, SERT was knocked down using specific shRNA-expressing lentiviral vectors and anxiety-like behavior was evaluated by open-field, elevated plus maze, and marbles burying test. The two-bottle choice (TBC) drinking paradigm was used to assess stress-induced voluntary ethanol intake and preference. Results showed that hippocampal SERT loss-of-function prevented stress-elicited anxiogenic-like effects with no differences in spontaneous locomotor activity. Moreover, in the TBC paradigm, SERT shRNA-injected mice consistently showed a significantly decreased consumption and preference for ethanol when compared to Mock-injected controls. In contrast to ethanol, SERT shRNA-injected mice exhibited similar consumption and preference for saccharin and quinine. Interestingly, we confirmed that SERT hippocampal mRNA expression correlated with measures of anxiety- and ethanol-related behaviors by Pearson correlation analysis. Our findings show that social defeat recruits hippocampal serotoninergic system and that these neuroadaptations mediate the heightened anxiety-like behavior and voluntary alcohol intake observed following stress exposure, suggesting that this system represents a major brain stress element responsible for the negative reinforcement associated with the "dark side" of alcohol addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amine Bahi
- College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE; Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE; Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE.
| | - Jean-Luc Dreyer
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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Sprong ME, Hollender H, Lee YS, Rawlins Williams LA, Sneed Z, Garakani A, Buono FD. Disparities in program enrollment and employment outcomes for veterans with psychiatric and co-occurring substance use disorders referred or enrolled for VHA vocational rehabilitation. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1200450. [PMID: 37520235 PMCID: PMC10382058 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1200450] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The purpose of the study was to investigate factors that influence vocational rehabilitation program enrollment and employment at discharge of veterans with psychiatric and co-occurring alcohol and other substance use disorders enrolled at a veteran health administration (VHA) medical center. Methods A sample of 2,550 veteran patients referred for VHA vocational rehabilitation between 2016 and 2021 were examined for the current study. The current study was classified as quality improvement/assurance, thus resulting in exempt research by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Institutional Review Board. Results Veterans with active alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and co-occurring depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or bipolar disorders were less likely to be enrolled for vocational rehabilitation program services compared to those without these co-occurring diagnoses. Veterans with AUD (active & in-remission status combined into one category) and a diagnosis of anxiety were less likely to be employed at discharge compared to veterans with AUDs and no anxiety diagnosis (anxiety diagnosis - 3.5% vs. no anxiety diagnosis - 5.8%). Discussion VHA vocational rehabilitation can be an effective intervention to assist veterans in reintegrating back into the community. Yet, there appears to be some disparities in the program enrollment and employment at discharge, depending on the nature of the psychiatric diagnosis. Investigating the factors contributing (mediating or moderating) to these discrepancies are needed. Although it appears access is not the issue in being referred for vocational rehabilitation services, other factors are likely contributing to program entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E. Sprong
- Edward Hines Jr. VA Medical Center, Hines, IL, United States
- School of Public Management and Policy, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Heaven Hollender
- Department of Health Sciences, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Yu-Sheng Lee
- School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability, and Public Health, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Lee Ann Rawlins Williams
- Rehabilitation and Human Services, College of Education and Human Development, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Zach Sneed
- School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Amir Garakani
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, CT, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Frank D. Buono
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
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Taylor E, Patel D, Marconi V, Whitmire A, Hansen N, Kershaw T, Fiellin D, Lauckner C. Pilot Trial of a Smartphone-Based Intervention to Reduce Alcohol Consumption among Veterans with HIV. MILITARY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 2023; 11:66-77. [PMID: 38405355 PMCID: PMC10888529 DOI: 10.1080/21635781.2023.2221465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Veterans engage in disproportionate levels of alcohol use, which can impact treatment outcomes among veterans with HIV. The TRAC (Tracking and Reducing Alcohol Consumption) intervention, which combines smartphones, mobile breathalyzers, and motivational interviewing (MI), was developed to help reduce alcohol use among this population. This study reports results of an 8-week pilot trial of TRAC among veterans with HIV (N = 10). Participants attended weekly MI sessions conducted via videoconferencing or phone and completed twice-daily self-monitoring of alcohol consumption using breathalyzers and surveys. They also completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires and a qualitative interview. Analyses explored adherence to self-monitoring tasks, perceptions of the intervention, and preliminary effects of TRAC on alcohol use and readiness to change drinking behavior. Participants completed 76% of breathalyzer readings and 73% of surveys and completed more daytime than evening monitoring tasks. AUDIT hazardous drinking scores significantly decreased between baseline and post-test. Qualitative interviews revealed positive attitudes toward the technologies and MI sessions. Overall, this pilot demonstrated that the TRAC intervention has potential to reduce alcohol use among veterans with HIV, though additional effort is needed to improve adherence to mobile monitoring. Results were used to refine the intervention in preparation for a randomized controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Taylor
- Department of Health Promotion & Behavior, University of Georgia College of Public Health, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Darshti Patel
- Department of Health Promotion & Behavior, University of Georgia College of Public Health, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Vincent Marconi
- Atlanta VAMC, Emory University School of Medicine, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Nathan Hansen
- Department of Health Promotion & Behavior, University of Georgia College of Public Health, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Trace Kershaw
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - David Fiellin
- Program in Addiction Medicine and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Medicine, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Carolyn Lauckner
- Center for Health Equity Transformation, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Hunt C, Park J, Bomyea J, Colvonen PJ. Sleep efficiency predicts improvements in fear extinction and PTSD symptoms during prolonged exposure for veterans with comorbid insomnia. Psychiatry Res 2023; 324:115216. [PMID: 37099850 PMCID: PMC10395069 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115216] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged exposure (PE) is an evidenced-based psychotherapy for PTSD, but many Veterans fail to achieve a clinically meaningful response. Sleep issues are prevalent in Veterans and may interfere with PE by disrupting the learning and consolidation of fear extinction memories during PE exposures. Here, we examined whether changes in fear extinction across imaginal exposures and PTSD symptoms during PE were predicted by diary-assessed levels of nightly sleep efficiency (SE; i.e., percent of time in bed spent sleeping), which may indirectly index sleep fragmentation and sleep-facilitated memory processes. Participants were Veterans with PTSD and comorbid insomnia (N = 40) participating in a clinical trial of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia plus PE. SE was measured via nightly sleep diaries, fear extinction was operationalized as a reduction in peak distress between weekly imaginal exposures, and PTSD symptoms were assessed bi-weekly. Cross-lagged panel models revealed that higher sleep efficiency during the week predicted lower peak distress at the subsequent imaginal exposure and lower PTSD symptoms at the subsequent assessment, whereas PTSD symptoms and peak distress did not predict subsequent sleep efficiency. Efficient sleep may facilitate fear extinction and PTSD reduction during PE. Targeting sleep efficiency could improve PE effectiveness for Veterans with comorbid insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hunt
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America.
| | - Jane Park
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Jessica Bomyea
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Peter J Colvonen
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
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Perumalswami PV, Kilpatrick S, Frost MC, Adams MA, Kim HM, Zhang L, Lin L. The impact of COVID-19 on trends in alcohol use disorder treatment in Veterans Health Administration. Addiction 2023; 118:1062-1071. [PMID: 36738085 DOI: 10.1111/add.16156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health-care provision in the United States and prompted increases in telehealth-delivery of care. This study measured alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment trends across visit modalities before and during COVID-19. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS We conducted a national, retrospective cohort study with interrupted time-series models to estimate the impact of COVID-19 on AUD treatment in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in the United States during pre-COVID-19 (March 2019 to February 2020) and COVID-19 (March 2020 to February 2021) periods. We analyzed monthly trends in telephone, video and in-person visits for AUD treatment and compared patient and treatment characteristics of patients receiving AUD treatment between the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods. AUD was defined using International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) codes for alcohol abuse (F10.1) and alcohol dependence (F10.2), which have previously been used to study AUD in VHA. FINDINGS The predicted percentage of VHA patients with an AUD diagnosis receiving any AUD treatment at the beginning of the pre-COVID period was 13.8% (n = 49 494). The predicted percentage decreased by 4.3% (P = 0.001) immediately at the start of the COVID-19 period due to a decline in AUD psychotherapy. Despite an increase of 0.3% per month (P = 0.026) following the start of COVID-19, the predicted percentage of VHA patients with an AUD diagnosis receiving any AUD treatment at the end of the study period remained below the pre-COVID-19 period. In February 2021, AUD psychotherapy visits were primarily delivered by video (50%, 58 748), followed by in-person (36.6%, 43 251) and telephone (13.8%, 16 299), while AUD pharmacotherapy visits were delivered by telephone (38.9%, 3623) followed by in-person (34.3%, 3193) and video (26.8%, 2498) modalities. Characteristics of VHA patients receiving AUD treatment were largely similar between pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods. CONCLUSIONS Despite increased telehealth use, the percentage of United States Veterans Health Administration patients with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) diagnosis receiving AUD treatment declined during COVID-19 (March 2020 to February 2021) mainly due to a decrease in psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ponni V Perumalswami
- Gastroenterology Section, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sidonie Kilpatrick
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Madeline C Frost
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
- Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Megan A Adams
- Gastroenterology Section, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hyungjin Myra Kim
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Consulting for Statistics, Computing and Analytics Research (CSCAR), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lan Zhang
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lewei Lin
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Consulting for Statistics, Computing and Analytics Research (CSCAR), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Cano MT, Reavis JV, Pennington DL. Perceived discrimination enhances the association between distress and impact related to the murder of George Floyd and unhealthy alcohol use in a survey sample of U.S. Veterans who report drinking. Addict Behav Rep 2023; 17:100481. [PMID: 36713472 PMCID: PMC9876779 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2023.100481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer leading to increased social justice and antiracism movements (SJARM) across the United States. Vicarious exposure to racism and perceived discrimination are salient sources of distress which may lead to increased alcohol use as means of coping. The primary aim of the current study was to examine how perceived discrimination and the subjective impact and personal distress related to the SJARM following the George Floyd murder interact and relate to unhealthy alcohol use among U.S. Veterans. Methods 286 Veterans were assessed for unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT-10), perceived discrimination (EDS), and subjective impact and personal distress related to the SJARM. Two moderation analyses were performed to examine whether subjective impact and personal distress moderated relations between perceived discrimination and alcohol use. In-depth follow-up analyses were conducted to examine differences and relationships among variables. Results In two different moderation models, perceived discrimination moderated the association between both subjective impact (p <.001) and personal distress (p <.001) felt by the SJARM and unhealthy alcohol use. In planned exploratory analyses, Veterans who reported perceived discrimination reported higher levels of unhealthy alcohol use (M = 14.71, SD = 9.39) than those who did not t(2 8 4) = 5.61, p <.001. In post-hoc analyses, racial/ethnic minorities were significantly more likely to report perceived racial discrimination (p <.001) while non-Hispanic Whites were more likely to report perceived discrimination based on education or income level (p <.01). Conclusions In the context of a socially unjust event amidst a global pandemic, perceived discrimination contributes to unhealthy alcohol use and subjective impact and personal distress associated with the SJARM following the murder of George Floyd. Results highlight the importance of addressing discrimination experiences in Veterans who seek alcohol treatment, particularly as rates of unhealthy alcohol use are on the rise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique T. Cano
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
| | - Jill V. Reavis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
- Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| | - David L. Pennington
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
- Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE), San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
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Vickers-Smith R, Justice AC, Becker WC, Rentsch CT, Curtis B, Fernander A, Hartwell EE, Ighodaro ET, Kember RL, Tate J, Kranzler HR. Racial and Ethnic Bias in the Diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder in Veterans. Am J Psychiatry 2023; 180:426-436. [PMID: 37132202 PMCID: PMC10238581 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.21111097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Studies show that racially and ethnically minoritized veterans have a higher prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) than White veterans. The investigators examined whether the relationship between self-reported race and ethnicity and AUD diagnosis remains after adjusting for alcohol consumption, and if so, whether it varies by self-reported alcohol consumption. METHODS The sample included 700,012 Black, White, and Hispanic veterans enrolled in the Million Veteran Program. Alcohol consumption was defined as an individual's maximum score on the consumption subscale of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C), a screen for unhealthy alcohol use. A diagnosis of AUD, the primary outcome, was defined by the presence of relevant ICD-9 or ICD-10 codes in electronic health records. Logistic regression with interactions was used to assess the association between race and ethnicity and AUD as a function of maximum AUDIT-C score. RESULTS Black and Hispanic veterans were more likely than White veterans to have an AUD diagnosis despite similar levels of alcohol consumption. The difference was greatest between Black and White men; at all but the lowest and highest levels of alcohol consumption, Black men had 23%-109% greater odds of an AUD diagnosis. The findings were unchanged after adjustment for alcohol consumption, alcohol-related disorders, and other potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS The large discrepancy in the prevalence of AUD across groups despite a similar distribution of alcohol consumption levels suggests that there is racial and ethnic bias, with Black and Hispanic veterans more likely than White veterans to receive an AUD diagnosis. Efforts are needed to reduce bias in the diagnostic process to address racialized differences in AUD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Vickers-Smith
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Integrated Service Network 4, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Amy C. Justice
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516
| | - William C. Becker
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516
| | - Christopher T. Rentsch
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK WC1E 7HT
| | - Brenda Curtis
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Anita Fernander
- Department of Integrated Medical Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431
| | - Emily E. Hartwell
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Integrated Service Network 4, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | | | - Rachel L. Kember
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Integrated Service Network 4, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Janet Tate
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516
| | - Henry R. Kranzler
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Integrated Service Network 4, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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Harvey LH, Sliwinski SK, Flike K, Boudreau J, Gifford AL, Branch-Elliman W, Hyde J. The integration of harm reduction services in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA): a qualitative analysis of barriers and facilitators. J Addict Dis 2023:1-9. [PMID: 37154222 PMCID: PMC10630529 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2023.2210021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use is common among U.S. military veterans and veterans are at high risk for negative consequences associated with substance use, such as injection-related infections and overdose. Although harm reduction services (HRS) are highly evidence-based, implementation in traditional healthcare settings has been limited. This formative, qualitative study sought to identify barriers and facilitators to the integration of HRS and identify appropriate implementation strategies to support the optimized integration of a comprehensive bundle of HRS in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). METHODS Semi-structured interviews explored how harm reduction is currently understood by VHA providers and elicited input on perceived facilitators and barriers to implementation. Data were analyzed using a directed content analysis and the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) implementation framework was used to organize findings. Results were then mapped to relevant implementation strategies using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research - Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (CFIR - ERIC) tool. RESULTS 15 interviews with VHA providers were conducted across 5 sites. Respondents reported that current HRS are fragmented and dependent on the knowledge, time, and comfort level of individual providers. Stigma around substance use at the patient, provider, and institutional levels was noted to be a key barrier to HRS adoption. Based on identified barriers and facilitators, strategies that may be effective for increasing adoption of HRS include engagement of champions, communication and educational strategies, and adaptation of existing infrastructure. CONCLUSIONS Many of the barriers identified in this formative study may be addressed using evidence-based implementation strategies. Additional research is needed to identify implementation strategies that are effective for addressing stigma, which is perceived to be a persistent challenge to the provision of integrated harm reduction services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah H Harvey
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samantha K Sliwinski
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimberlee Flike
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Boudreau
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Allen L Gifford
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Westyn Branch-Elliman
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Department of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justeen Hyde
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
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Cypel YS, DePhilippis D, Davey VJ. Substance Use in U.S. Vietnam War Era Veterans and Nonveterans: Results from the Vietnam Era Health Retrospective Observational Study. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:858-870. [PMID: 37096682 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2188427] [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: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Background: Substance use (SU) is associated with physical injury and mental health disorders in older persons, but recent research has scarcely examined SU in U.S. Vietnam-era veterans who are mostly in or near their eighth decade of life. Objectives: We compared the prevalence of self-reported lifetime and current SU and modeled current usage patterns in a nationally representative sample of veterans versus a matched nonveteran cohort. Methods: Cross-sectional, self-reported survey data were analyzed from the 2016-2017 Vietnam Era Health Retrospective Observational Study (VE-HEROeS) (n = 18,866 veterans, n = 4,530 nonveterans). We assessed lifetime and current alcohol and drug use disorders; lifetime and current use of cannabis, opioids, stimulants, sedatives, "other drugs" (psychedelics, prescription or over-the-counter drugs not prescribed/used as intended); and current SU patterns (alcohol-use-only, drug-use-only, dual-SU, no SU). Weighted descriptive, bivariable, and multivariable statistics were calculated. Covariates in multinomial modeling included sociodemographic characteristics, lifetime cigarette smoking, depression, potentially traumatic events (PTEs), and current pain (SF-8TM). Results: Prevalence of lifetime opioid and sedative use (p ≤ .01), drug and alcohol use disorders (p < .001), and current "other drug" use (p < .001) were higher in veterans versus nonveterans. Current use of alcohol and cannabis was high in both cohorts. In veterans, very severe/severe pain, depression, and PTEs were highly associated with drug-use-only (p < .001) and dual-SU (p < .01), but these associations were fewer for nonveterans. Conclusion: This research confirmed existing concerns over substance misuse in older individuals. Vietnam-era veterans may be at particular risk due to service-related experiences and later-life tribulations. Era veterans' unique perceptions toward healthcare assistance for SU may need greater provider focus to maximize self-efficacy and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin S Cypel
- Epidemiology Program, Health Outcomes Military Exposures (HOME) (12POP5), Office of Patient Care Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - D DePhilippis
- Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - V J Davey
- Office of Research & Development (14RD), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Shenasa MA, Ellerman-Tayag E, Canet P, Martis B, Mishra J, Ramanathan DS. Theta Burst Stimulation Is Not Inferior to High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Reducing Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans With Depression: A Retrospective Case Series. Neuromodulation 2023:S1094-7159(23)00135-6. [PMID: 37015842 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2023.02.082] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Two commonly used forms of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) were recently shown to be equivalent for the treatment of depression: high-frequency stimulation (10 Hz), a protocol that lasts between 19 and 38 minutes, and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a protocol that can be delivered in just three minutes. However, it is unclear whether iTBS treatment offers the same benefits as those of standard 10-Hz rTMS for comorbid symptoms such as those seen in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective case series, we analyzed treatment outcomes in veterans from the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System who received 10-Hz (n = 47) or iTBS (n = 51)-rTMS treatments for treatment-resistant depression between February 2018 and June 2022. We compared outcomes between these two stimulation protocols in symptoms of depression (using changes in the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]) and PTSD (using changes in the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, or Patient Checklist [PCL]-5). RESULTS There was an imbalance of sex between groups (p < 0.05). After controlling for sex, we found no significant difference by stimulation protocol for depression (PHQ-9, F [1,94] = 0.16, p = 0.69, eta-squared = 0.002), confirming the original study previously noted. We also showed no difference by stimulation protocol of changes in PTSD symptoms (PCL-5, F [1,94] = 3.46, p = 0.067, eta-squared = 0.036). The iTBS group showed a decrease from 41.9 ± 4.4 to 25.1 ± 4.9 (a difference of 16.8 points) on the PCL-5 scale whereas the 10-Hz group showed a decrease from 43.6 ± 2.9 to 35.2 ± 3.2 on this scale (a difference of 8.4 points). Follow-up analyses restricting the sample in various ways did not meaningfully change these results (no follow-up analyses showed that there was a significant difference between stimulation protocols). CONCLUSIONS Although limited by small sample size, nonblind, and pseudorandomized assignment, our data suggest that iTBS is similar to 10-Hz stimulation in inducing reductions in PTSD symptoms and depression in military veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ali Shenasa
- Mental Health Care Line, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Em Ellerman-Tayag
- Mental Health Care Line, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Philippe Canet
- Mental Health Care Line, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Brian Martis
- Mental Health Care Line, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jyoti Mishra
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dhakshin S Ramanathan
- Mental Health Care Line, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA; Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Ward MJ, Hwang U, Hastings SN, Timko C, Chen JI, Vashi AA, Mattocks K, Abel EA, Bravata DM. Research and policy recommendations from the SOTA XVI: State of the Art Conference on VA Emergency Medicine. Acad Emerg Med 2023; 30:240-251. [PMID: 36775279 PMCID: PMC11166248 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
To better understand and prioritize research on emergency care for Veterans, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Health Services Research and Development convened the 16th State of the Art Conference on VA Emergency Medicine (SAVE) in Winter 2022 with emergency clinicians, researchers, operational leaders, and additional stakeholders in attendance. Three specific areas of focus were identified including older Veterans, Veterans with mental health needs, and emergency care in the community (non-VA) settings. Among older Veterans, identified priorities included examination of variation in care and its impact on patient outcomes, utilization, and costs; quality of emergency department (ED) care transitions and strategies to improve them; impact of geriatric ED care improvement initiatives; and use of geriatric assessment tools in the ED. For Veterans with mental health needs, priorities included enhancing the reach of effective, multicomponent suicide prevention interventions; development and evaluation of interventions to manage substance use disorders; and identifying and examining safety and effective acute psychosis practices. Community (non-VA) emergency care priorities included examining changes in patterns of use and costs in VA and the community care settings as a result of recent policy and coverage changes (with an emphasis on modifiable factors); understanding quality, safety, and Veteran experience differences between VA and community settings; and better understanding follow-up needs among Veterans who received emergency care (or urgent care) and how well those needs are being coordinated, communicated, and met. Beyond these three groups, cross-cutting themes included the use of telehealth and implementation science to refine multicomponent interventions, care coordination, and data needs from both VA and non-VA sources. Findings from this conference will be disseminated through multiple mechanisms and contribute to future funding applications focused on improving Veteran health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Ward
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Nashville, TN
| | - Ula Hwang
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Bronx NY
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - S. Nicole Hastings
- Durham VA Health Care System, HSR&D Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham, NC
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Christine Timko
- HSR&D Center for Innovation to Implementation; Center for Innovation to Implementation, VHA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Jason I. Chen
- Portland VA Medical Center, HSR&D Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University
| | - Anita A. Vashi
- HSR&D Center for Innovation to Implementation; Center for Innovation to Implementation, VHA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Affiliated), Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Kristin Mattocks
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, MA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester MA
| | - Erica A. Abel
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, HSR&D Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, West Haven, CT
- Yale Center for Medical Informatics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Dawn M. Bravata
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, VA HSR&D Center for Health Information and Communication, Indianapolis, IN
- Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
- Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN
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King L, Campbell D, Finkbeiner M, Gallimore J, Kennedy J, McCarthy E, Ketcheson F. The mySELF group: Recreation- and art-based group therapy as adjunct treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder. JOURNAL OF MILITARY, VETERAN AND FAMILY HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.3138/jmvfh-2022-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
LAY SUMMARY Military personnel and Veterans receiving psychotherapy for mental health diagnoses such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often have only modest symptom improvement. The authors wondered whether participating in a therapeutic recreation and creative arts group along with psychotherapy would aid recovery. A 12-week program called the my Social life, Expression, Leisure and Food (mySELF) group was created that offered therapeutic recreation, art, and music therapy. A total of 36 clients, most with PTSD, who had been receiving psychotherapy for an average of three years completed the program and submitted pre- and post-group questionnaires. The authors examined leisure attitudes, quality of life, and mental health symptoms before, immediately after, and four months after the group. Results showed significant improvements in leisure attitudes, environmental quality of life and depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD symptoms. These preliminary results suggest that therapeutic recreation, art, and music therapy are beneficial for military personnel, Veterans, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police receiving psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa King
- St. Joseph’s Health Care Parkwood Institute, Operational Stress Injury Clinic, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Doreen Campbell
- St. Joseph’s Health Care Parkwood Institute, Veterans Care, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marie Finkbeiner
- St. Joseph’s Health Care Parkwood Institute, Veterans Care, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jane Gallimore
- St. Joseph’s Health Care Parkwood Institute, Operational Stress Injury Clinic, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jill Kennedy
- St. Joseph’s Health Care Parkwood Institute, Veterans Care, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily McCarthy
- St. Joseph’s Health Care Parkwood Institute, Veterans Care, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Felicia Ketcheson
- St. Joseph’s Health Care Parkwood Institute, Operational Stress Injury Clinic, London, Ontario, Canada
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Miles SR, Martindale SL, Flanagan JC, Troyanskaya M, Reljic T, Gilmore AK, Wyant H, Nakase-Richardson R. Putting the pieces together to understand anger in combat veterans and service members: Psychological and physical contributors. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 159:57-65. [PMID: 36657315 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.01.013] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated anger can result in devastating health and interpersonal consequences for individuals, families, and communities. Compared to civilians, combat veterans and service members (C-V/SM) report higher levels of anger and often have risk factors for anger including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), pain, alcohol use, and impaired sleep. The current study examined the relative contributions of established variables associated with anger (e.g., combat exposure, current PTSD symptoms, history of TBI, pain interference, and hazardous alcohol use) in 1263 C-V/SM. Sleep impairments, represented by poor sleep quality and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk, were also evaluated as potential mediators of the relationships between established risk factors and anger, and therefore potential modifiable treatment targets. Multiple regression model results revealed that PTSD symptoms (β = 0.517, p < .001), OSA risk (β = 0.057, p = .016), pain interference (β = 0.214, p < .001), and hazardous alcohol use (β = 0.054, p = .009) were significantly associated with anger. Results of the mediation models revealed that OSA risk accounted for the association between PTSD and anger, in addition to the association between pain interference and anger. The current study extends previous literature by simultaneously examining factors associated with anger using a multivariable model in a large sample of C-V/SM. Additionally, treating OSA may be a novel way to reduce anger in C-V/SM who have PTSD and/or pain interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon R Miles
- Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA; Division of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Sarah L Martindale
- W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Healthcare System, Salisbury, NC, USA; Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Julianne C Flanagan
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Maya Troyanskaya
- Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Tea Reljic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Amanda K Gilmore
- Department of Health Policy & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Hannah Wyant
- University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Risa Nakase-Richardson
- Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA; Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA; Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
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Farquharson S, Shende C, Newcomb J, Petrakis IL, Arias AJ. Analysis of Drugs in Saliva of US Military Veterans Treated for Substance Use Disorders Using Supported Liquid Extraction and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectral Analysis. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052010. [PMID: 36903255 PMCID: PMC10004423 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052010] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the Center for Disease Control, there were more than 107,000 US drug overdose deaths in 2021, over 80,000 of which due to opioids. One of the more vulnerable populations is US military veterans. Nearly 250,000 military veterans suffer from substance-related disorders (SRD). For those seeking treatment, buprenorphine is prescribed to help treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Urinalysis is currently used to monitor buprenorphine adherence as well as to detect illicit drug use during treatment. Sometimes sample tampering occurs if patients seek to generate a false positive buprenorphine urine test or mask illicit drugs, both of which can compromise treatment. To address this problem, we have been developing a point-of-care (POC) analyzer that can rapidly measure both medications used for treatment and illicit drugs in patient saliva, ideally in the physi-cian's office. The two-step analyzer employs (1) supported liquid extraction (SLE) to isolate the drugs from the saliva and (2) surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to detect the drugs. A prototype SLE-SERS-POC analyzer was used to quantify buprenorphine at ng/mL concentrations and identify illicit drugs in less than 1 mL of saliva collected from 20 SRD veterans in less than 20 min. It correctly detected buprenorphine in 19 of 20 samples (18 true positives, 1 true negative and 1 false negative). It also identified 10 other drugs in patient samples: acetaminophen, amphetamine, cannabidiol, cocaethylene, codeine, ibuprofen, methamphetamine, methadone, nicotine, and norbuprenorphine. The prototype analyzer shows evidence of accuracy in measuring treatment medications and relapse to drug use. Further study and development of the system is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Farquharson
- Real-Time Analyzers, Inc., Middletown, CT 06457, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-860-635-9800
| | - Chetan Shende
- Real-Time Analyzers, Inc., Middletown, CT 06457, USA
| | - Jenelle Newcomb
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Ismene L. Petrakis
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Albert J. Arias
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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Nosek M, Meade VE. "Holding Space": A Phenomenological Exploration of Mindfulness-Based Practice With Veterans Who Have Experienced Trauma. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2023:1-9. [PMID: 36720069 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20230126-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The current phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of Veterans who completed a 4-month mindfulness program. One-on-one interviews were conducted with 12 Veterans using a Socratic method of interviewing, which yielded rich contextual narratives. Analysis was guided by a hermeneutic process to disclose concealed meanings. Findings demonstrate how holding space allowed deep healing and are presented under two distinct themes: It's a We Thing! encompasses what being in a community with nonjudgmental others afforded participants; and Quiet Your Mind, Quiet Yourself, Your Body is related to how practices of mindfulness taught participants to cope with daily challenges. Nurses working with Veterans may use mindfulness and peer support interventions to help transform trauma into profound healing and help Veterans find new meaning in life. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].
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Powell VD, Macleod C, Sussman J, Lin LA, Bohnert ASB, Lagisetty P. Variation in Clinical Characteristics and Longitudinal Outcomes in Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder Diagnosis Codes. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:699-706. [PMID: 35819683 PMCID: PMC9971398 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07732-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patterns of opioid use vary, including prescribed use without aberrancy, limited aberrant use, and potential opioid use disorder (OUD). In clinical practice, similar opioid-related International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes are applied across this spectrum, limiting understanding of how groups vary by sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, and long-term risks. OBJECTIVE (1) Examine how Veterans assigned opioid abuse/dependence ICD codes vary at diagnosis and with respect to long-term risks. (2) Determine whether those with limited aberrant use share more similarities to likely OUD vs those using opioids as prescribed. DESIGN Longitudinal observational cohort study. PARTICIPANTS National sample of Veterans categorized as having (1) likely OUD, (2) limited aberrant opioid use, or (3) prescribed, non-aberrant use based upon enhanced medical chart review. MAIN MEASURES Comparison of sociodemographic and clinical factors at diagnosis and rates of age-adjusted mortality, non-fatal opioid overdose, and hospitalization after diagnosis. An exploratory machine learning analysis investigated how closely those with limited aberrant use resembled those with likely OUD. KEY RESULTS Veterans (n = 483) were categorized as likely OUD (62.1%), limited aberrant use (17.8%), and prescribed, non-aberrant use (20.1%). Age, proportion experiencing homelessness, chronic pain, anxiety disorders, and non-opioid substance use disorders differed by group. All-cause mortality was high (44.2 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 33.9, 56.7)). Hospitalization rates per 1000 person-years were highest in the likely OUD group (831.5 (95% CI 771.0, 895.5)), compared to limited aberrant use (739.8 (95% CI 637.1, 854.4)) and prescribed, non-aberrant use (411.9 (95% CI 342.6, 490.4). The exploratory analysis reclassified 29.1% of those with limited aberrant use as having likely OUD with high confidence. CONCLUSIONS Veterans assigned opioid abuse/dependence ICD codes are heterogeneous and face variable long-term risks. Limited aberrant use confers increased risk compared to no aberrant use, and some may already have OUD. Findings warrant future investigation of this understudied population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria D Powell
- Palliative Care Program, Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Geriatrics Research, Education, and Clinical Center, LTC Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Colin Macleod
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jeremy Sussman
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lewei A Lin
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Amy S B Bohnert
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Pooja Lagisetty
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Jampel J, Quinn MJ, Catalano JL, Benca-Bachman CB, Brick L, Philip NS, Swift RM, McGeary JE. Synchronised transcranial magnetic stimulation for substance use-disordered Veterans: protocol for the pilot sham-controlled acceptability trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066175. [PMID: 36717148 PMCID: PMC9887721 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Substance use disorders (SUDs) take an enormous toll on US Veterans and civilians alike. Existing empirically supported interventions vary by substance and demonstrate only moderate efficacy. Non-invasive brain stimulation represents an innovative treatment for SUDs, yet aspects of traditional neurostimulation may hinder its implementation in SUD populations. Synchronised transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS) uses rotating rare earth magnets to deliver low-field stimulation synchronised to an individual's alpha peak frequency that is safe for at-home administration. The current trial aims to assess the acceptability and feasibility of sTMS, as well as the safety of at-home sTMS administration for substance-disordered Veterans. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Sixty Veterans in substance treatment at the Providence Veterans Affairs will be randomised to receive 6 weeks of active or sham sTMS treatment. Eligibility will be confirmed by meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria for an alcohol, cocaine or opioid use disorder. Daily supervised sTMS treatment will occur either in clinic or at home through video monitoring. Clinical and self-report assessments will be completed at baseline, end of treatment and 1-month follow-up. Urine drug screening will occur once per week during the treatment phase. Primary outcomes include treatment adherence/retention and satisfaction to evaluate sTMS feasibility and acceptability in Veterans with SUDs. The safety of at-home sTMS administration will be assessed via adverse event monitoring. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The sTMS device received a significant risk determination for at-home use by the Food and Drug Administration in July 2021. Ethics approval was obtained in August 2021 from the Providence Veterans Affairs institutional review board and research and development committee. Data collection began in September 2021 and is planned to continue through December 2023. Findings will be disseminated at national conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. Results will serve to inform the development of large-scale clinical trials of sTMS efficacy for substance-disordered Veterans. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04336293).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Jampel
- Department of Psychology, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Jamie L Catalano
- Therapeutic Sciences Graduate Program, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Chelsie B Benca-Bachman
- Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Behavioral Genetics of Addition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Leslie Brick
- Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Quantitative Sciences Program, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Noah S Philip
- The Center of Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology, Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Robert M Swift
- The Center of Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology, Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - John E McGeary
- The Center of Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology, Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Pebley K, Mallawaarachchi I, Talcott GW, Little MA. Where, When, and How Alcohol Use Occurs During Air Force Technical Training. Mil Med 2023; 188:e69-e73. [PMID: 34050674 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol use is prevalent among military personnel, with many engaging in binge drinking behaviors. Military trainees are unique, in that they experience an enforced alcohol ban for 8 weeks while in Basic Military Training. However, they are also typically young adults, who consume alcohol at higher rates than any other age group. The current study aimed to describe alcohol consumption among trainees, determine when, where, and with whom Airmen drank for the first time during Technical Training, and if these patterns were significantly different based on descriptive norms (i.e., beliefs about how many other individuals engage in a certain behavior) related to alcohol use, given that most military members consume alcohol. Last, we aimed to determine if alcohol consumption or potential alcohol use disorders were significantly different based on descriptive norms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Airmen (n = 599) were recruited at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston during their last week of Technical Training to complete a survey. Study procedures were approved by the 59th Medical Wing Institutional Review Board. Participants were asked about their beliefs related to how many other Airmen drink alcohol (i.e., less than 50%, 50%, or greater), their own experiences with alcohol (e.g., how much they drink compared with consumption before military service, blackouts after drinking during Technical Training), and when, where, and with whom they consumed alcohol for the first time after beginning military training. RESULTS Over half of the Airmen reported not engaging in drinking behaviors during Technical Training. Among those who reported drinking one or more drinks during Technical Training, most reported drinking the same amount or less than they did prior to Basic Military Training. The majority of Airmen reported that they had "maybe" experienced blackouts from drinking since Technical Training. Most Airmen drank for the first time with another someone who was not an Airman, at a restaurant, home, or other place off base, and while they were on leave. Results indicated no significant differences between groups related to beliefs about how many Airmen drink during Technical Training and where, when, and with whom Airmen drank for the first time since joining the Air Force. There were also no differences in Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores or drinks per week between these normative belief groups. CONCLUSIONS Almost half of Airmen resume drinking after alcohol restrictions are lifted during Technical Training but maintain low numbers of drinks consumed per week and low risk for alcohol use disorders, which may indicate that this is an opportune time for intervention to prevent alcohol consumption from escalating over time. Airmen reported drinking for the first time with another Airman off base during leave. Focusing on how Airmen navigate alcohol-related decision-making while their responsibilities are reduced, or how other Airmen influence their decisions to engage in risky drinking, may help prevent alcohol use rates from increasing post-enforced ban.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinsey Pebley
- Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Indika Mallawaarachchi
- School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - G Wayne Talcott
- School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.,Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, 59 MDW/59 SGOWMP, Joint Base Lackland AFB, TX 78236, USA
| | - Melissa A Little
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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