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Darke S, Duflou J, Peacock A, Farrell M, Hall W, Lappin J. A retrospective study of the characteristics and toxicology of cases of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)- and psilocybin-related death in Australia. Addiction 2024; 119:1564-1571. [PMID: 38771189 DOI: 10.1111/add.16518] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin are used as recreational drugs, and there is renewed interest in their clinical use. The current study aimed to (1) determine the circumstances of death and case characteristics of LSD- and psilocybin-related death in Australia, 2000-23; and (2) determine the toxicological profile and major autopsy findings of these cases. METHODS This was a retrospective exploratory study of all cases of LSD- and psilocybin-related death in Australia, 2000-23, retrieved from the National Coronial Information System. RESULTS A total of 43 cases were identified: 33 LSD and 10 psilocybin. The median ages were 24 years [interquartile range (IQR) = 13, range = 16-53] (LSD) and 26 years (IQR = 18.5, range = 20-58) (psilocybin), and fewer than five cases were female. The most common circumstance of death among both groups was traumatic accident (LSD 36.4%, psilocybin 40.0%). There were 12 cases of self-harm, all of which involved LSD, all by physical means. In a fifth, death was attributed to multiple drug toxicity (LSD 18.2%, psilocybin 20.0%). In one case, death was attributed solely to LSD toxicity, while in a further two cases death was attributed to a cardiovascular event following LSD consumption (one LSD only, one multiple drug toxicity). In four psilocybin cases, the cause of death was undetermined. The most common clinical presentation was severe agitation (LSD 27.3%, psilocybin 20.0%). Median blood concentrations were LSD 0.8 μg/l (IQR = 1.7, range = 0.1-3), psilocin 20 μg/l (IQR = 53.5, range = 6-83). LSD was the only drug present in 25.0% of LSD cases and psilocybin in 20.0% of psilocybin cases. Pre-existing organ pathology was uncommon. CONCLUSIONS Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)- and psilocybin-related death in Australia from 2000 to 2023 was primarily due to traumatic injury, whether through accident or self-harm. Cases of acute toxic reactions that were attributed solely to LSD were rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Darke
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Johan Duflou
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Wayne Hall
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Julia Lappin
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
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Lin YP, Chen WY, Pan CH, Su SS, Tsai SY, Chen CC, Kuo CJ. Age-stratified risk of suicide in patients with schizophrenia. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2024. [PMID: 39142799 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Schizophrenia is associated with an increased risk of suicide. Few studies have investigated the risk of suicide across different ages, likely due to limitations around sample size. METHODS From the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan, this study identified 195,787 patients with schizophrenia from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2019. During the study period, 3848 patients died from suicide. We calculated the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for suicide stratified by age. In this age-stratified, nested case-control study, risk set sampling was used to match each case with 4 living controls by age, sex, and the year of the first diagnosis with schizophrenia. Conditional logistic regression was used for estimating age-stratified risk profiles. RESULTS The SMR was the highest in the <25 years age group (52.8) and inversely correlated with age. Unemployment was associated with an increased risk of suicide in the 25 to 34, 35 to 44, 45 to 54, and 55 to 64 years age groups. Depressive and sleep disorders before suicide were more common among suicide cases with schizophrenia than among controls across all age groups. Drug-induced and alcohol-induced mental disorders were significantly associated with suicide but were observed only in the age group younger than 54. Heart disease, pneumonia, and moderate or severe renal disease were risk factors for suicide in the age groups less than 65. CONCLUSIONS The risk factors for suicide differ by age. This study's findings can be used to optimize health-care interventions for preventing suicide in patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Pin Lin
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yin Chen
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hung Pan
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Shiang Su
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Ying Tsai
- Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Chicy Chen
- Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chian-Jue Kuo
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Vallée A. Heavy Lifetime Cannabis Use and Mortality by Sex. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2415227. [PMID: 38842807 PMCID: PMC11157356 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.15227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance The association between mortality and cannabis use remains unclear. Objective To examine sex-stratified associations of cumulative lifetime cannabis use with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality in the UK Biobank population. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used data from volunteers in the UK Biobank population. Participant monitoring for mortality in the UK Biobank study commenced from the point of their inclusion between 2006 and 2010 and continued until December 19, 2020. Data regarding the causes of death were sourced from the National Health Service Information Centre. Data were analyzed from inception of study inclusion to December 2020. Exposure Cannabis use status was assessed by questionnaire and categorized as heavy, moderate, low, and never. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes were all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality. Sex-stratified associations of cumulative lifetime cannabis use with mortality were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression with adjustment for demographic and clinical variables. Results Among 121 895 participants (54.51% females with mean [SD] age of 55.15 [7.64] years; 45.49% males with mean [SD] age of 56.46 [7.79] years) during an overall median of 11.80 years (IQR, 10.53-13.22 years) of follow-up, 2375 total deaths occurred, including 1411 deaths from CVD and 440 from cancer. In males, after full adjustment, the hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.28 (95% CI, 0.90-1.81) for all-cause mortality, 0.98 (95% CI, 0.43-2.25) for CVD mortality, and 1.09 (95% CI, 0.71-1.67) for cancer mortality among heavy cannabis users compared with never users. In females, after full adjustment, the HRs were 1.49 (95% CI, 0.92-2.40) for all-cause mortality, 2.67 (95% CI, 1.19-4.32) for CVD mortality, and 1.61 (95% CI, 0.91-2.83) for cancer mortality among heavy cannabis users compared with never users. In female current tobacco users, after full adjustment, heavy cannabis use was associated with all-cause mortality (HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.12-4.53), CVD mortality (HR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.43-15.36), and cancer mortality (HR, 3.52; 95% CI, 1.50-8.33) and among never tobacco users was associated with CVD mortality (HR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.67-6.61). In male current tobacco users, heavy cannabis use was associated with cancer mortality (HR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.14-5.23). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, a positive association between CVD mortality and heavy lifetime cannabis use was observed among females. Longitudinal studies are needed in general populations to investigate the potential effects of cannabis on mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
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Reece AS, Bennett K, Hulse GK. Cannabis- and Substance-Related Carcinogenesis in Europe: A Lagged Causal Inferential Panel Regression Study. J Xenobiot 2023; 13:323-385. [PMID: 37489337 PMCID: PMC10366890 DOI: 10.3390/jox13030024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent European data facilitate an epidemiological investigation of the controversial cannabis-cancer relationship. Of particular concern were prior findings associating high-dose cannabis use with reproductive problems and potential genetic impacts. Cancer incidence data age-standardised to the world population was obtained from the European Cancer Information System 2000-2020 and many European national cancer registries. Drug use data were obtained from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Alcohol and tobacco consumption was sourced from the WHO. Median household income was taken from the World bank. Cancer rates in high-cannabis-use countries were significantly higher than elsewhere (β-estimate = 0.4165, p = 3.54 × 10-115). Eighteen of forty-one cancers (42,675 individual rates) were significantly associated with cannabis exposure at bivariate analysis. Twenty-five cancers were linked in inverse-probability-weighted multivariate models. Temporal lagging in panel models intensified these effects. In multivariable models, cannabis was a more powerful correlate of cancer incidence than tobacco or alcohol. Reproductive toxicity was evidenced by the involvement of testis, ovary, prostate and breast cancers and because some of the myeloid and lymphoid leukaemias implicated occur in childhood, indicating inherited intergenerational genotoxicity. Cannabis is a more important carcinogen than tobacco and alcohol and fulfills epidemiological qualitative and quantitative criteria for causality for 25/41 cancers. Reproductive and transgenerational effects are prominent. These findings confirm the clinical and epidemiological salience of cannabis as a major multigenerational community carcinogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Kellie Bennett
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, 208 Kent St., Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Clinical Epigenomic Explanation of the Epidemiology of Cannabinoid Genotoxicity Manifesting as Transgenerational Teratogenesis, Cancerogenesis and Aging Acceleration. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3360. [PMID: 36834053 PMCID: PMC9967951 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
As global interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabis and its' derivatives for the management of selected diseases increases, it is increasingly imperative that the toxic profile of cannabinoids be thoroughly understood in order to correctly assess the balance between the therapeutic risks and benefits. Modern studies across a number of jurisdictions, including Canada, Australia, the US and Europe have confirmed that some of the most worrying and severe historical reports of both congenital anomalies and cancer induction following cannabis exposure actually underestimate the multisystem thousand megabase-scale transgenerational genetic damage. These findings from teratogenic and carcinogenic literature are supported by recent data showing the accelerated patterns of chronic disease and the advanced DNA methylation epigenomic clock age in cannabis exposed patients. Together, the increased multisystem carcinogenesis, teratogenesis and accelerated aging point strongly to cannabinoid-related genotoxicity being much more clinically significant than it is widely supposed and, thus, of very considerable public health and multigenerational impact. Recently reported longitudinal epigenome-wide association studies elegantly explain many of these observed effects with considerable methodological sophistication, including multiple pathways for the inhibition of the normal chromosomal segregation and DNA repair, the inhibition of the basic epigenetic machinery for DNA methylation and the demethylation and telomerase acceleration of the epigenomic promoter hypermethylation characterizing aging. For cancer, 810 hits were also noted. The types of malignancy which were observed have all been documented epidemiologically. Detailed epigenomic explications of the brain, heart, face, uronephrological, gastrointestinal and limb development were provided, which amply explained the observed teratological patterns, including the inhibition of the key morphogenic gradients. Hence, these major epigenomic insights constituted a powerful new series of arguments which advanced both our understanding of the downstream sequalae of multisystem multigenerational cannabinoid genotoxicity and also, since mechanisms are key to the causal argument, inveighed strongly in favor of the causal nature of the relationship. In this introductory conceptual overview, we present the various aspects of this novel synthetic paradigmatic framework. Such concepts suggest and, indeed, indicate numerous fields for further investigation and basic science research to advance the exploration of many important issues in biology, clinical medicine and population health. Given this, it is imperative we correctly appraise the risk-benefit ratio for each potential cannabis application, considering the potency, severity of disease, stage of human development and duration of use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Epigenomic and Other Evidence for Cannabis-Induced Aging Contextualized in a Synthetic Epidemiologic Overview of Cannabinoid-Related Teratogenesis and Cannabinoid-Related Carcinogenesis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16721. [PMID: 36554603 PMCID: PMC9778714 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twelve separate streams of empirical data make a strong case for cannabis-induced accelerated aging including hormonal, mitochondriopathic, cardiovascular, hepatotoxic, immunological, genotoxic, epigenotoxic, disruption of chromosomal physiology, congenital anomalies, cancers including inheritable tumorigenesis, telomerase inhibition and elevated mortality. METHODS Results from a recently published longitudinal epigenomic screen were analyzed with regard to the results of recent large epidemiological studies of the causal impacts of cannabis. We also integrate theoretical syntheses with prior studies into these combined epigenomic and epidemiological results. RESULTS Cannabis dependence not only recapitulates many of the key features of aging, but is characterized by both age-defining and age-generating illnesses including immunomodulation, hepatic inflammation, many psychiatric syndromes with a neuroinflammatory basis, genotoxicity and epigenotoxicity. DNA breaks, chromosomal breakage-fusion-bridge morphologies and likely cycles, and altered intergenerational DNA methylation and disruption of both the histone and tubulin codes in the context of increased clinical congenital anomalies, cancers and heritable tumors imply widespread disruption of the genome and epigenome. Modern epigenomic clocks indicate that, in cannabis-dependent patients, cannabis advances cellular DNA methylation age by 25-30% at age 30 years. Data have implications not only for somatic but also stem cell and germ line tissues including post-fertilization zygotes. This effect is likely increases with the square of chronological age. CONCLUSION Recent epigenomic studies of cannabis exposure provide many explanations for the broad spectrum of cannabis-related teratogenicity and carcinogenicity and appear to account for many epidemiologically observed findings. Further research is indicated on the role of cannabinoids in the aging process both developmentally and longitudinally, from stem cell to germ cell to blastocystoids to embryoid bodies and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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White J. Associations between illicit drug use in early adulthood and mortality: Findings from a National Birth Cohort. Prev Med 2022; 159:107058. [PMID: 35461959 PMCID: PMC9227730 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Illicit drug use is known to be associated with premature mortality. Whether exposure to socioeconomic disadvantage and mental health problems in childhood help to explain this association, is unclear. We analysed data from 11,250 participants in the 1970 British Birth Cohort study. At 10-years of age, socioeconomic disadvantage (parental socioeconomic position, material disadvantage, family disruption) and mental health problems with antisocial behaviour, attention, and anxiety were reported by mothers and teachers. At 30-years of age, study members provided information on their illicit drug use, exposure to socioeconomic disadvantage and mental health problems. At 30-years, 19.2% of participants had used an illicit drug in the past year. Mortality was elevated for eight of the twelve drugs assessed. Family disruption, maternal, and teacher assessments of antisocial behaviour at 10-years were associated with illicit drug use at 30-years. There was, however, very little change in these associations when exposure to childhood socioeconomic disadvantage (% change in hazard ratios [HR] 0-10%) or mental health problems (0.4-11.9%) were added to the sex-adjusted model. Adding exposure to socioeconomic disadvantage (0.8-38.9%) and mental health problems (31.7-74.1%) in adulthood to the sex-adjusted model resulted in marked attenuation in HRs for all drugs. These findings imply that interventions which provide opportunities for education, employment and access to effective mental health treatments in early adulthood may help to reduce mortality among drug users.
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Affiliation(s)
- James White
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, 4th floor, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4YS, UK.
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Sun Y, Liu B, Wallace RB, Bao W. Association of Cannabis Use With All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality Among Younger- and Middle-Aged U.S. Adults. Am J Prev Med 2020; 59:873-879. [PMID: 33220757 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2020.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cannabis is frequently used and increasingly legalized in the U.S., and 27.7 million Americans aged ≥12 years are currently using cannabis. However, the public health effects of cannabis use in the general population remain unclear. This study examines the associations of cannabis use with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in U.S. adults. METHODS The study included 14,818 adults (aged 20-59 years) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2014 and were free of cardiovascular disease or cancer at baseline. Survey participants were linked to mortality records through December 31, 2015. The outcomes included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease mortality, and cancer mortality. All statistical analyses were conducted in 2019. RESULTS During 86,453 person-years of observation, 304 deaths occurred, including 39 deaths from cardiovascular disease and 79 deaths from cancer. After adjustment for a variety of potential confounders, the hazard ratios for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease mortality, and cancer mortality among cannabis ever users, compared with the ratios among nonusers, were 1.14 (95% CI=0.81, 1.59), 2.29 (95% CI=1.10, 4.78), and 0.67 (95% CI=0.40, 1.14), respectively. The hazard ratios for cardiovascular disease mortality among cannabis users, compared with those among nonusers, were 1.65 (95% CI=0.57, 4.89) if the use was first initiated at age ≥18 years and 3.00 (95% CI=1.41, 6.38) if the use was first initiated before age 18 years. CONCLUSIONS Cannabis use was significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality among U.S. adults, especially among those who started using cannabis before age 18 years. The reasons and mechanisms underlying this association will require future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangbo Sun
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Buyun Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Robert B Wallace
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Wei Bao
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
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Cannabis Dependence or Abuse in Kidney Transplantation: Implications for Posttransplant Outcomes. Transplantation 2020; 103:2373-2382. [PMID: 30747847 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is categorized as an illicit drug in most US states, but legalization for medical indications is increasing. Policies and guidance on cannabis use in transplant patients remain controversial. METHODS We examined a database linking national kidney transplant records (n = 52 689) with Medicare claims to identify diagnoses of cannabis dependence or abuse (CDOA) and associations [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) with 95% upper and lower confidence limits (CLs)] with graft, patient, and other clinical outcomes. RESULTS CDOA was diagnosed in only 0.5% (n = 254) and 0.3% (n = 163) of kidney transplant recipients in the years before and after transplant, respectively. Patients with pretransplant CDOA were more likely to be 19 to 30 years of age and of black race, and less likely to be obese, college-educated, and employed. After multivariate and propensity adjustment, CDOA in the year before transplant was not associated with death or graft failure in the year after transplant, but was associated with posttransplant psychosocial problems such as alcohol abuse, other drug abuse, noncompliance, schizophrenia, and depression. Furthermore, CDOA in the first year posttransplant was associated with an approximately 2-fold increased risk of death-censored graft failure (aHR, 2.29; 95% CL, 1.59-3.32), all-cause graft loss (aHR, 2.09; 95% CL, 1.50-2.91), and death (aHR, 1.79; 95% CL, 1.06-3.04) in the subsequent 2 years. Posttransplant CDOA was also associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and psychosocial problems, and with events such as accidents and fractures. CONCLUSIONS Although associations likely, in part, reflect associated conditions or behaviors, clinical diagnosis of CDOA in the year after transplant appears to have prognostic implications for allograft and patient outcomes. Recipients with posttransplant CDOA warrant focused monitoring and support.
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Turner C, Chandrakumar D, Rowe C, Santos GM, Riley ED, Coffin PO. Cross-sectional cause of death comparisons for stimulant and opioid mortality in San Francisco, 2005-2015. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 185:305-312. [PMID: 29486419 PMCID: PMC6474784 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioids and stimulants (e.g., cocaine or methamphetamine/amphetamine [MAMP]) are major contributors to acute substance toxicity deaths. Causes of stimulant death have received little attention. We sought to characterize and compare causes of death and significant contributing conditions among persons who died from acute opioid, cocaine, or MAMP toxicity. METHODS We identified all opioid, cocaine, or MAMP deaths in San Francisco from 2005 to 2015 through the California Electronic Death Reporting System. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to estimate associations between acute substance toxicity deaths (opioid versus stimulant; cocaine versus MAMP), additional reported causes of death, and significant contributing conditions most often linked to opioid and stimulant use. RESULTS From 2005-2015, there were 1252 opioid deaths and 749 stimulant deaths. Cocaine accounted for most stimulant deaths. Decedents with cardiac or cerebral hemorrhage deaths had higher adjusted odds of death due to acute stimulant toxicity versus acute opioid toxicity (aOR = 4.79, 95%CI = 2.88-7.96, p < 0.01; aOR = 58.58, 95%CI = 21.06-162.91, p < 0.01, respectively); no statistically significant associations were found for cocaine compared to MAMP deaths. Significant contributing cardiac conditions were associated with higher adjusted odds of stimulant compared to opioid (aOR = 1.46, 95%CI = 1.19-1.79, p < 0.01) and cocaine compared to MAMP death (aOR = 1.66, 95%CI = 1.13-2.45, p = .01). CONCLUSIONS Stimulant compared to opioid deaths tended to involve cardiac or cerebrovascular causes of death, and cocaine deaths were more likely than MAMP deaths to involve significant contributing cardiac conditions. Mounting evidence suggests that stimulant use be considered a cardio/cerebrovascular risk factor and clinical care be adjusted to address this heightened risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Turner
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA, United States.
| | | | - Christopher Rowe
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA, United States; School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Glenn-Milo Santos
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Elise D Riley
- Department of Medicine, Division of HIV, Infectious Disease and Global Health, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Phillip O Coffin
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Medicine, Division of HIV, Infectious Disease and Global Health, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Biasetti J, Pustavoitau A, Spazzini PG. Intracorporeal Heat Distribution from Fully Implantable Energy Sources for Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Computational Proof-of-Concept Study. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2017; 5:60. [PMID: 29094038 PMCID: PMC5651526 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2017.00060] [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: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical circulatory support devices, such as total artificial hearts and left ventricular assist devices, rely on external energy sources for their continuous operation. Clinically approved power supplies rely on percutaneous cables connecting an external energy source to the implanted device with the associated risk of infections. One alternative, investigated in the 70s and 80s, employs a fully implanted nuclear power source. The heat generated by the nuclear decay can be converted into electricity to power circulatory support devices. Due to the low conversion efficiencies, substantial levels of waste heat are generated and must be dissipated to avoid tissue damage, heat stroke, and death. The present work computationally evaluates the ability of the blood flow in the descending aorta to remove the locally generated waste heat for subsequent full-body distribution and dissipation, with the specific aim of investigating methods for containment of local peak temperatures within physiologically acceptable limits. To this aim, coupled fluid-solid heat transfer computational models of the blood flow in the human aorta and different heat exchanger architectures are developed. Particle tracking is used to evaluate temperature histories of cells passing through the heat exchanger region. The use of the blood flow in the descending aorta as a heat sink proves to be a viable approach for the removal of waste heat loads. With the basic heat exchanger design, blood thermal boundary layer temperatures exceed 50°C, possibly damaging blood cells and proteins. Improved designs of the heat exchanger, with the addition of fins and heat guides, allow for drastically lower blood temperatures, possibly leading to a more biocompatible implant. The ability to maintain blood temperatures at biologically compatible levels will ultimately allow for the body-wise distribution, and subsequent dissipation, of heat loads with minimum effects on the human physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Biasetti
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Aliaksei Pustavoitau
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Pavarin RM, Fioritti A. Mortality Trends among Cocaine Users Treated between 1989 and 2013 in Northern Italy: Results of a Longitudinal Study. J Psychoactive Drugs 2017; 50:72-80. [PMID: 28846059 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2017.1365976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A total of 852 participants attending 11 centers for addiction treatment in north Italy following problems due to cocaine abuse between 1989 and 2013 were recruited. Two typologies were created: cocaine users (never heroin) (CU) and heroin and cocaine users (HCU). During the 38-year follow-up period, 4.8% of the whole cohort died. Over the whole period, tumors were the main causes of death; starting in 2010, suicide deaths became the first cause of death. Among CUs, most deaths were due to road accidents and suicide; among HCUs, most of the deaths were from opiate overdose and from cardio-circulatory system diseases. The excess mortality observed for all causes in either sex was 6.24; higher in females (15.03) as compared in males (6.23), higher in HCUs (9.06) as compared in CUs (5.21). The directly age-sex standardized mortality rates were 5.31 per 100, higher for females, declining after 2009 for all patients and after 2004 for HCUs. Multivariate analysis confirms the decreasing trend in the risk of death and shows a higher mortality risk for participants in the under-25 age group. Among cocaine users, special attention should be paid to the prevention of suicide deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimondo Maria Pavarin
- a Doctor, Health Sociologist, and Chief of Epidemiological Monitoring Center on Addiction, Mental Health DSM-DP , Azienda USL, Bologna , Italy
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Walker ER, Pratt LA, Schoenborn CA, Druss BG. Excess mortality among people who report lifetime use of illegal drugs in the United States: A 20-year follow-up of a nationally representative survey. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 171:31-38. [PMID: 28012429 PMCID: PMC5263065 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [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] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the mortality risks, over 20 years of follow-up in a nationally representative sample, associated with illegal drug use and to describe risk factors for mortality. METHODS We analyzed data from the 1991 National Health Interview Survey, which is a nationally representative household survey in the United States, linked to the National Death Index through 2011. This study included 20,498 adults, aged 18-44 years in 1991, with 1047 subsequent deaths. A composite variable of self-reported lifetime illegal drug use was created (hierarchical categories of heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens/inhalants, and marijuana use). RESULTS Mortality risk was significantly elevated among individuals who reported lifetime use of heroin (HR=2.40, 95% CI: 1.65-3.48) and cocaine (HR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.04-1.55), but not for those who used hallucinogens/inhalants or marijuana, when adjusting for demographic characteristics. Baseline health risk factors (smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, and BMI) explained the greatest amount of this mortality risk. After adjusting for all baseline covariates, the association between heroin or cocaine use and mortality approached significance. In models adjusted for demographics, people who reported lifetime use of heroin or cocaine had an elevated mortality risk due to external causes (poisoning, suicide, homicide, and unintentional injury). People who had used heroin, cocaine, or hallucinogens/inhalants had an elevated mortality risk due to infectious diseases. CONCLUSIONS Heroin and cocaine are associated with considerable excess mortality, particularly due to external causes and infectious diseases. This association can be explained mainly by health risk behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Reisinger Walker
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
| | - Laura A Pratt
- Office of Analysis and Epidemiology, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3311 Toledo Rd., Hyattsville, MD 20782, United States.
| | - Charlotte A Schoenborn
- Division of Health Interview Statistics, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3311 Toledo Rd., Hyattsville, MD 20782, United States.
| | - Benjamin G Druss
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
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Brugal MT, Molist G, Sarasa-Renedo A, de la Fuente L, Espelt A, Mesías B, Puerta C, Guitart AM, Barrio G. Assessing gender disparities in excess mortality of heroin or cocaine users compared to the general population. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2016; 38:36-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Watkins KE, Paddock SM, Hudson TJ, Ounpraseuth S, Schrader AM, Hepner KA, Sullivan G. Association Between Quality Measures and Mortality in Individuals With Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. J Subst Abuse Treat 2016; 69:1-8. [PMID: 27568504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Individuals with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders have increased rates of mortality relative to the general population. The relationship between measures of treatment quality and mortality for these individuals is unknown. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between 5 quality measures and 12- and 24-month mortality. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective cohort study of patients with co-occurring mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression) and substance use disorders who received care for these disorders paid for by the Veterans Administration between October 2006 and September 2007. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between 12 and 24-month mortality and 5 patient-level quality measures, while risk-adjusting for patient characteristics. Quality measures included receipt of psychosocial treatment, receipt of psychotherapy, treatment initiation and engagement, and a measure of continuity of care. We also examined the relationship between number of diagnosis-related outpatient visits and mortality, and conducted sensitivity analyses to examine the robustness of our findings to an unobserved confounder. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE Mortality 12 and 24 months after the end of the observation period. RESULTS All measures except for treatment engagement at 24 months were significantly associated with lower mortality at both 12 and 24 months. At 12 months, receiving any psychosocial treatment was associated with a 21% decrease in mortality; psychotherapy, a 22% decrease; treatment initiation, a 15% decrease, treatment engagement, a 31% decrease; and quarterly, diagnosis-related visits a 28% decrease. Increasing numbers of visits were associated with decreasing mortality. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the difference in the prevalence of an unobserved confounder would have to be unrealistically large given the observed data, or there would need to be a large effect of an unobserved confounder, to render these findings non-significant. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This is the first study to show an association between process-based quality measures and mortality in patients with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders, and provides initial support for the predictive validity of the measures. By devising strategies to improve performance on these measures, health care systems may be able to decrease the mortality of this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan M Paddock
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90407, USA,.
| | - Teresa J Hudson
- Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, 2200 Ft. Roots Dr., Bldg. 58, North Little Rock, AR, 72214, USA,; Division of Health Services Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., #554, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
| | - Songthip Ounpraseuth
- Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, 2200 Ft. Roots Dr., Bldg. 58, North Little Rock, AR, 72214, USA,; College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., #820, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA,.
| | - Amy M Schrader
- Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, 2200 Ft. Roots Dr., Bldg. 58, North Little Rock, AR, 72214, USA,; College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., #820, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA,.
| | | | - Greer Sullivan
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90407, USA,; University of California, Riverside, School of Medicine, 2608 School of Medicine Education Building, 900 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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Accurso AJ, Rastegar DA, Ghazarian SR, Fingerhood MI. Impact of hepatitis C status on 20-year mortality of patients with substance use disorders. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2015; 10:20. [PMID: 26463043 PMCID: PMC4672505 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-015-0041-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The magnitude of the effect of hepatitis C viral infection on survival is still not fully understood. The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of hepatitis C viral antibodies in 1991 was associated with increased mortality 20 years later within a cohort of patients with substance use disorders. Secondary objectives were to determine other factors that were associated with increased mortality in the cohort. Methods A subset of a 1991 study cohort of patients who had presented for detoxification was reexamined 20 years later. The Social Security Death Index was queried to identify which of the original patients had died. Attributes of survivors and non-survivors were compared, with special attention to their hepatitis C status in 1991. The original study and this analysis were conducted in the chemical detoxification unit at Johns Hopkins Bayview (previously Francis Scott Key Hospital), an academic urban hospital. All participants met the criteria for alcohol or opioid dependence at the time of admission in 1991. The primary study outcome was 20-year mortality after initial admission in 1991, with a planned analysis of hepatitis C status. Results Twenty years after admission, 362 patients survived and 82 had died. Of the 284 patients who were hepatitis C positive, 228 survived (80 %). Of the 160 patients who were hepatitis C negative, 134 survived (84 %). This absolute risk increase of 4 % was not statistically significant (p = 0.37). Factors associated with increased mortality included male sex, white race, older age, and reported use of alcohol, cocaine, and illicit methadone. Binary logistic regression including hepatitis C status and these other variables yielded an adjusted odds ratio of 0.87 (95 % CI 0.49–1.55); (p = 0.64) for hepatitis C positive 20-year survival. Conclusions Hepatitis C positivity was not associated with a statistically significant difference in 20-year survival. The effect of the virus on mortality, if present, is small, relative to the effect of substance use disorders alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Accurso
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, 5200 Eastern Ave, Mason F. Lord Bldg, West Tower 5th floor, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
| | - Darius A Rastegar
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, 5200 Eastern Ave, Mason F. Lord Bldg, West Tower 5th floor, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
| | - Sharon R Ghazarian
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, 5200 Eastern Ave, Mason F. Lord Bldg, West Tower 5th floor, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
| | - Michael I Fingerhood
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, 5200 Eastern Ave, Mason F. Lord Bldg, West Tower 5th floor, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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Pavarin RM. Mortality Risk Among Heroin Abusers: Clients and Non-clients of Public Treatment Centers for Drug Addiction. Subst Use Misuse 2015; 50:1690-6. [PMID: 26595386 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2015.1027932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED In Europe, the prevalence of problematic heroin consumption is declining but, in spite of the constant rise in the number of treated patients, many of them do not turn to a public treatment center (PTC) for their drug addiction. The aim of this study is to study the mortality risk separately for heroin abusers PTC clients and non-PTC clients (i.e., those never treated at a PTC). METHODS Cohort study on 959 subjects resident in the metropolitan area of Bologna who went to a health service (i.e., hospital, emergency unit) or to a PTC following problems due to heroin abuse for the first time between 01/01/2004 and 31/12/2009. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated, and regression analysis using the Poisson method was used. RESULTS Elevated and statistically significant SMRs were found in both genders, irrespective of the contact facility, being higher for PTC clients. Among non-PTC clients 28% of deaths overall were from AIDS or infectious diseases (6% PTC clients), 17% from opiate overdose (6% PTC clients) and 14% from violent causes (6% PTC clients). Multivariate analysis showed a higher mortality risk for patients who used both heroin and cocaine and for concomitant abuse of benzodiazepines. CONCLUSIONS The characteristics of patients never before treated for addiction prompts a reflection on the presence of a hidden group of patients who are hard to reach, who have a high mortality risk and who turn to health care treatment facilities only in the event of an emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimondo Maria Pavarin
- a Epidemiological Monitoring Center on Addiction , Mental Health and Dependences , ASL Bologna , Bologna , Italy
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Feigelman W, Rosen Z. Exploring Prospective Predictors of Illicit Drug-Toxicity Deaths: Evidence From the General Social Survey. Subst Use Misuse 2015; 50:1479-89. [PMID: 26549280 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2015.1018548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was based on over 30,000 U.S. respondents who completed General Social Surveys between 1978 and 2002. AIMS We approached these respondents prospectively, comparing and contrasting the responses of those who subsequently died from drug-poisonings (N = 135) with all respondents who were still living, N = 23,559. METHOD We employed cross-tabulation and logistic regression analyses to test for statistically significant differences between drug-poisoning death casualties and all living respondents. RESULTS Consistent with past research findings, younger males were over-represented among drug death casualties. Also consistent with past studies, drug casualties showed evidence of perceiving themselves as socially marginalized in comparison to living respondents: More reported themselves in poorer health, as having been sexual minority members during the last 5 years, as having spent their younger years in homes where parents' marriages disrupted, with fewer owning homes and feeling less satisfied about their financial situations. CONCLUSIONS These exploratory findings obtained from a general population survey reinforce findings from clinical studies and help advance clinical assessments of potential at-risk individuals who might be identified sooner, lest they succumb to future fatal drug poisonings.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Feigelman
- a Sociology, Nassau Community College , Garden City , New York , USA
| | - Zohn Rosen
- b New York Medical College , New York , New York , USA
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Abstract
This study examines causes of death, years of life lost, and health and drug use characteristics associated with mortality over an 8 to 10 year period in a sample of methamphetamine users who had and had not received substance use disorder treatment (N = 563). Decedents reported initiating their methamphetamine use for different reasons than surviving methamphetamine users, and some of these differences varied by treatment status. Study findings provide additional detail on long-term health and mortality outcomes in a diverse sample of methamphetamine users, which may inform public health strategies targeting the comparable and divergent needs of treated and untreated populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane M Herbeck
- a Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California , Los Angeles , California , USA
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Weiss L, Gass J, Egan JE, Ompad DC, Trezza C, Vlahov D. Understanding prolonged cessation from heroin use: findings from a community-based sample. J Psychoactive Drugs 2014; 46:123-32. [PMID: 25052788 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2014.890765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is abundant literature describing heroin initiation, co-morbidities, and treatment. Few studies focus on cessation, examining the factors that motivate and facilitate it. METHODS The CHANGE study utilized mixed methods to investigate heroin cessation among low-income New York City participants. This paper describes findings from qualitative interviews with 20 former and 11 current heroin users. Interviews focused on background and current activities, supports, drug history, cessation attempts, and motivators and facilitators to cessation. RESULTS Participants found motivation for cessation in improved quality of life, relationships, and fear of illness, incarceration and/or death. Sustained cessation required some combination of treatment, strategic avoidance of triggers, and engagement in alternative activities, including support groups, exercise, and faith-based practice. Several reported that progress toward goals served as motivators that increased confidence and facilitated cessation. Ultimatums were key motivators for some participants. Beyond that, they could not articulate factors that distinguished successful from unsuccessful cessation attempts, although data suggest that those who were successful could describe more individualized and concrete-rather than general-motivators and strategies. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that cessation may be facilitated by multifaceted and individualized strategies, suggesting a need for personal and comprehensive approaches to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Weiss
- a Director, Center for Evaluation and Applied Research , The New York Academy of Medicine , New York , NY
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de la Fuente L, Molist G, Espelt A, Barrio G, Guitart A, Bravo MJ, Brugal MT. Mortality risk factors and excess mortality in a cohort of cocaine users admitted to drug treatment in Spain. J Subst Abuse Treat 2014; 46:219-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2013.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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24
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Flórez-Salamanca L, Secades-Villa R, Hasin DS, Cottler L, Wang S, Grant BF, Blanco C. Probability and predictors of transition from abuse to dependence on alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2013; 39:168-79. [PMID: 23721532 DOI: 10.3109/00952990.2013.772618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the transition from substance abuse to substance dependence. OBJECTIVES This study aims to estimate the cumulative probability of developing dependence and to identify predictors of transition to dependence among individuals with lifetime alcohol, cannabis, or cocaine abuse. METHODS Analyses were done for the subsample of individuals with lifetime alcohol abuse (n = 7802), cannabis abuse (n = 2832), or cocaine abuse (n = 815) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). Estimated projections of the cumulative probability of transitioning from abuse to dependence were obtained by the standard actuarial method. Discrete-time survival analyses with time-varying covariates were implemented to identify predictors of transition to dependence. RESULTS Lifetime cumulative probability estimates indicated that 26.6% of individuals with alcohol abuse, 9.4% of individuals with cannabis abuse, and 15.6% of individuals with cocaine abuse transition from abuse to dependence at some point in their lives. Half of the transitions of alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine dependence occurred approximately 3.16, 1.83, and 1.42 years after abuse onset, respectively. Several sociodemographic, psychopathological, and substance use-related variables predicted transition from abuse to dependence for all of the substances assessed. CONCLUSION The majority of individuals with abuse do not transition to dependence. Lifetime cumulative probability of transition from abuse to dependence was highest for alcohol, followed by cocaine and lastly cannabis. Time from onset of abuse to dependence was shorter for cocaine, followed by cannabis and alcohol. Although some predictors of transition were common across substances, other predictors were specific for certain substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludwing Flórez-Salamanca
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Seth P, Murray CC, Braxton ND, DiClemente RJ. The concrete jungle: city stress and substance abuse among young adult African American men. J Urban Health 2013; 90:307-13. [PMID: 22739803 PMCID: PMC3675716 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-012-9716-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Substance use is prevalent among African American men living in urban communities. The impact of substance use on the social, psychological, and physical health of African American men has important public health implications for families, communities, and society. Given the adverse consequences of alcohol and drug abuse within communities of color, this study evaluated the relationship between city stress, alcohol consumption, and drug use among African American men. Eighty heterosexual, African American men, 18 to 29 years old, completed psychosocial risk assessments that assessed substance use and city stress. Multiple logistic regression analyses, controlling for age, indicated that participants reporting high levels of urban stress, relative to low levels of urban stress, were more likely to report a history of marijuana use (AOR = 5.19, p = .05), history of ecstasy and/or GHB use (AOR = 3.34, p = .04), having family/friends expressing strong concerns about their illicit drug use (AOR = 4.06, p = .02), and being unable to remember what happened the night before due to drinking (AOR = 4.98, p = .01). African American men living within the confines of a stressful urban environment are at increased risk for exposure to and utilization of illicit substances. Culturally competent public health interventions for substance use/abuse should address psychological factors, such as stress and neighborhood violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puja Seth
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Barrio G, Molist G, de la Fuente L, Fernández F, Guitart A, Bravo MJ, Brugal MT. Mortality in a cohort of young primary cocaine users: controlling the effect of the riskiest drug-use behaviors. Addict Behav 2013; 38:1601-4. [PMID: 23254204 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2012.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Revised: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Published studies indicate that primary cocaine users (PCUs) have a mortality rate 4-8 times higher than their age-sex peers in the general population. Most PCUs are primary intranasal cocaine users, never-injectors and never-opioid users (PICUNINOs) and are usually underrepresented in cohort mortality studies. The aim is to estimate excess mortality in all PCUs and in the subgroups of never-opioid users and PICUNINOs in Spain. METHODS 714 PCUs aged 18-30 were street-recruited in 2004-2006 in Spain and followed until 2010 to ascertain vital status. Drug use was self-reported at baseline and 1-2years later. Mortality was compared with that of the general population using standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). RESULTS SMRs were 4.7 (95% CI: 2.4-9.0), 2.5 (95%CI: 0.8-7.8) and 3.1 (95% CI: 1.0-9.6), respectively, among all participants, never-opioid users and PICUNINOS when using only baseline data on drug use, and 1.2 (95% CI: 0.2-8.5) and 1.4 (95% CI: 0.2-9.9) among the latter two subgroups, when using baseline plus follow-up data. CONCLUSION Short-term mortality in young Spanish PCUs is 5 times higher than in the general population. This excess mortality may largely be explained by a history of opioid use or the risk of starting such use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregorio Barrio
- National School of Public Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain.
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Frost L, Mostofsky E, Rosenbloom JI, Mukamal KJ, Mittleman MA. Marijuana use and long-term mortality among survivors of acute myocardial infarction. Am Heart J 2013; 165:170-5. [PMID: 23351819 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2012.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/11/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smoking marijuana has been reported to increase risk of myocardial infarction (MI) immediately after use, but less is known about the long-term impact of marijuana use among patients with established coronary disease. METHODS The Determinants of MI Onset Study is a multicenter inception cohort study of myocardial infarction (MI) patients enrolled in 1989 to 1996 and followed up for mortality using the National Death Index. In an initial analysis of 1,935 MI survivors followed up for a median of 3.8 years, we found an increased mortality rate among marijuana users. The current article includes 3,886 Determinants of MI Onset Study patients followed up for up to 18 years. We used Cox proportional hazards models to calculate the hazard ratio and 95% CI for the association between marijuana use and mortality and a propensity score matched analysis to further control confounding. RESULTS Over up to 18 years of follow-up, 519 patients died, including 22 of the 109 reporting marijuana use in the year before their MI. There was no statistically significant association between marijuana use and mortality. Compared with nonusers, the mortality rate was 29% higher (95% CI 0.81-2.05, P = .28) among those reporting any marijuana use. CONCLUSIONS Habitual marijuana use among patients presenting with acute MI was associated with an apparent increased mortality rate over the following 18 years that did not reach nominal statistical significance. Larger studies with repeated measures of marijuana use are needed to definitively establish whether there are adverse cardiovascular consequences of smoking marijuana among patients with established coronary heart disease.
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Zayats T, Yang BZ, Xie P, Poling J, Farrer LA, Gelernter J. A complex interplay between personality domains, marital status and a variant in CHRNA5 on the risks of cocaine, nicotine dependences and cocaine-induced paranoia. PLoS One 2013; 8:e49368. [PMID: 23308091 PMCID: PMC3538653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Personality correlates highly with both cocaine and nicotine dependencies (CD, ND), and their co-morbid psychopathologies. However, little is known about the nature of these relationships. This study examined if environment (marriage) or genetics (a single SNP, CHRNA5*rs16969968) would moderate the correlation of personality with CD, ND and cocaine-induced paranoia (CIP) in African and European Americans (AAs, EAs). Methods 1432 EAs and 1513 AAs were examined using logistic regression. Personality was assessed by NEO-PI-R, while CD, ND and CIP were diagnosed according to DSM-IV. ND and CD were examined as binary traits and for the analysis of CIP, subjects were divided into 3 groups: (A) Controls with no CIP; (B) CD cases without CIP; and (C) CD cases with CIP. Multiple testing was Bonferroni-corrected. Results For CD and ND in the EA population, marital status proved to be a significant moderator in their relationship with openness only (OR = 1.90, 95%CI = 1.36–2.64, p = 1.54e-04 and OR = 2.12, 95%CI = 1.52–2.90, p = 4.65e-06 respectively). For CIP, marriage was observed to moderate its correlation with openness and neuroticism (OR = 1.39, 95%CI = 1.18–1.63, p = 7.64e-04 and OR = 1.26, 95%CI = 1.12–1.42, p = 1.27e-03 respectively). The correlations moderated by rs16969968 were those of conscientiousness and CD (OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.23–2.12, p = 8.94e-04) as well as CIP (OR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.11–1.32, p = 4.93e-04 when comparing group A versus group C). No significant interactions were observed in AA population. The Bonferroni-corrected significance threshold was set to be 1.67e-03. Conclusion The role of personality in CD and CIP may be interceded by both environment and genetics, while in ND by environment only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana Zayats
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Bao-Zhu Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Pingxing Xie
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - James Poling
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- VACT Healthcare Center, West Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Lindsay A. Farrer
- Departments of Medicine, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Genomics, Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- VACT Healthcare Center, West Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Departments of Neurobiology and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Correlates of perceiving a need for treatment among adults with substance use disorder: results from a national survey. Addict Behav 2011; 36:1213-22. [PMID: 21855225 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2011.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Although millions of adults meet criteria for substance use disorder (SUD) in the U.S., only a fraction receive treatment. This may be due to individuals with SUD not perceiving a need for treatment. In order to distinguish persons with SUD who perceive a need for treatment from those who do not, correlates for the perceived need for treatment were assessed for respondents with alcohol use disorder only, drug use disorder only and both alcohol and drug use disorder. Data were from the combined 2005-2009 datasets of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals. Results demonstrated that among respondents who need treatment but did not receive treatment for alcohol use disorder, drug use disorder and both alcohol and drug use disorders, 3.3%, 8.3% and 12.4% perceived a need for treatment, respectively. No single socio-demographic correlate was predictive of perceiving a need across the three subpopulations suggesting that screenings for substance use disorder should be done in a setting where the general population may be accessed, e.g. primary care settings. Correlates associated with perceiving a need for treatment for all three subpopulations included psychological distress, disorder severity and substance type. Although respondents with greater disorder severity were more likely to perceive a need for treatment, a large proportion of those still do not perceive a need for treatment. Screening and brief interventions would facilitate treatment entry among those with the most severe disorders.
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