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Stevens-Watkins D. Opioid-related overdose deaths among African Americans: Implications for research, practice and policy. Drug Alcohol Rev 2020; 39:857-861. [PMID: 32281200 PMCID: PMC7554142 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Opioid-related overdose deaths among African Americans have only recently received national attention despite evidence of increase in death rates among this population spanning the past decade. Numerous authors have highlighted how the 'opioid epidemic' has largely been portrayed as a problem mostly affecting White America. The purpose of this commentary is to provide a synthesis spotlighting the unique structural and cultural considerations involved in research, practice and policy related to opioid use and treatment for opioid use disorders among African Americans. The commentary concludes with considerations for future research and practice intended to reduce deaths among this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danelle Stevens-Watkins
- Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA
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2
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Smith KE, Tillson MD, Staton M, Winston EM. Characterization of diverted buprenorphine use among adults entering corrections-based drug treatment in Kentucky. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 208:107837. [PMID: 31951906 PMCID: PMC7418075 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Illicit, medically unsupervised use of buprenorphine (i.e., "diverted use") among vulnerable and underserved populations, such as corrections-involved adults, remains underexplored. METHODS Survey data (2016-2017) collected as part of a clinical assessment of incarcerated adults entering corrections-based substance use treatment in Kentucky were analyzed. For years examined, 12,915 completed the survey. Removing cases for participants who did not reside in Kentucky for >6 months during the one-year pre-incarceration period (n = 908) resulted in a final sample size of 12,007. RESULTS Over a quarter of the sample reported past-year diverted buprenorphine use prior to incarceration and 21.8 % reported use during the 30-days prior to incarceration, using 6.5 months and 14.3 days on average, respectively. A greater proportion of participants who reported diverted buprenorphine use had previously been engaged with some substance use treatment (77.0 %) and reported greater perceived need for treatment (79.4 %) compared to those who did not report use. Use was more likely among participants who were younger, white, male, and who reported rural or Appalachian residence. Diverted buprenorphine users also evidenced extensive polydrug use and presented with greater substance use disorder severity. Non-medical prescription opioid, heroin, and diverted methadone use were associated with increased odds of diverted buprenorphine use while kratom was not. Diverted methadone use was associated with a 252.9 % increased likelihood of diverted buprenorphine use. CONCLUSIONS Diverted buprenorphine use among participants in this sample was associated with concerning high-risk behaviors and may indicate barriers to accessing opioid agonist therapies for corrections-involved Kentucky residents, particularly those in rural Appalachia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten E Smith
- Center on Drug and Alcohol and Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40508, United States; Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 40292, United States.
| | - Martha D Tillson
- Center on Drug and Alcohol and Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40508, United States; Department of Sociology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40508, United States
| | - Michele Staton
- Center on Drug and Alcohol and Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40508, United States; Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40508, United States
| | - Erin M Winston
- Center on Drug and Alcohol and Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40508, United States
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Smith KE, Bunting AM, Walker R, Hall MT, Grundmann O, Castillo O. Non-Prescribed Buprenorphine Use Mediates the Relationship between Heroin Use and Kratom Use among a Sample of Polysubstance Users. J Psychoactive Drugs 2019; 51:311-322. [PMID: 30961450 PMCID: PMC10083077 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2019.1597224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In Asia, Mitragyna speciosa (e.g., "kratom") has been used to mitigate alcohol and drug dependence. Some preliminary findings suggest kratom's potential use as an informal harm-reduction method in the United States, such as an opioid substitute or as a means of lessening opioid withdrawal symptoms. To determine correlates of past-year kratom use among a sample of polysubstance users enrolled in residential recovery programs in Kentucky, an anonymous survey was completed by clients in April 2017. Logistic regression was used to identify significant associations with past-year kratom use. Of the final sample (N = 478), 10.4% reported past-year kratom use. Past-year heroin use, but not past-year prescription opioid (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone) use, was significantly associated with kratom use, such that individuals who reported past-year heroin use were 2.5 times more likely to also report past-year kratom use. Non-prescribed buprenorphine (i.e., Suboxone) use partially mediated the relationship between past-year heroin and kratom use by explaining 36% of the association between the two drugs. Though amphetamines were highly preferred, past-year use was negatively correlated with past-year kratom use. Rates of past-year kratom use were lower than rates of alcohol and illicit drug use. Kratom was not preferred over heroin or prescription opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten E. Smith
- Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | - Robert Walker
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Martin T. Hall
- Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Oliver Grundmann
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Olivia Castillo
- University of Miami School of Law, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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Schalkoff CA, Lancaster KE, Gaynes BN, Wang V, Pence BW, Miller WC, Go VF. The opioid and related drug epidemics in rural Appalachia: A systematic review of populations affected, risk factors, and infectious diseases. Subst Abus 2019; 41:35-69. [PMID: 31403903 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2019.1635555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Background/aims: To examine trends in rural Appalachian opioid and related drug epidemics during the past 10 years, including at-risk populations, substance use shifts and correlates, and associated infections. Methods: We conducted this review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. Seven databases were searched for quantitative studies, published between January 2006 and December 2017, of drug use, drug-related mortality, or associated infections in rural Appalachia. Results: Drug-related deaths increased in study states, and a high incidence of polydrug toxicity was noted. Rural substance use was most common among young, white males, with low education levels. A history of depression/anxiety was common among study populations. Prescription opioids were most commonly used, often in conjunction with sedatives. Women emerged as a distinct user subpopulation, with different routes of drug use initiation and drug sources. Injection drug use was accompanied by risky injection behaviors and was associated with hepatitis C. Conclusions: This review can help to inform substance use intervention development and implementation in rural Appalachian populations. Those at highest risk are young, white males who often engage in polysubstance use and have a history of mental health issues. Differences in risk factors among other groups and characteristics of drug use in rural Appalachian populations that are conducive to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) spread also warrant consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A Schalkoff
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Bradley N Gaynes
- Department of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vivian Wang
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Brian W Pence
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - William C Miller
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Vivian F Go
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Johnson B, Richert T. Non-prescribed use of methadone and buprenorphine prior to opioid substitution treatment: lifetime prevalence, motives, and drug sources among people with opioid dependence in five Swedish cities. Harm Reduct J 2019; 16:31. [PMID: 31046774 PMCID: PMC6498489 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-019-0301-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid substitution treatment (OST) with methadone or buprenorphine is the most effective means of treating opioid dependence. If these substances are used by people who are not undergoing OST, they can however carry serious risks. This article examines the lifetime prevalence, motives, and drug sources for such use, as well as geographical differences in these variables. METHODS Structured interviews were conducted with 411 patients from 11 OST clinics in five Swedish cities. The researchers carried out 280 interviews on-site, while 131 interviews were conducted by specially trained patients through privileged access interviewing. Data were analyzed by frequency and average calculations, cross-tabulations, and χ2 tests. RESULTS The lifetime prevalence of non-prescribed use was 87.8% for methadone, 80.5% for buprenorphine, and 50.6% for buprenorphine/naloxone. Pseudo-therapeutic motives-avoiding withdrawal symptoms, staying clean from heroin, detoxification, or taking care of one's own OST-were commonly cited as driving the use, while using the drugs for euphoric purposes was a less common motive. Most respondents had bought or received the substances from patients in OST, but dealers were also a significant source of non-prescribed methadone and buprenorphine. Geographical differences of use, motives, and sources suggest that prescription practices in OST have a great impact on which substances are used outside of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS Experiences of non-prescribed use of methadone and buprenorphine are extremely common among those in OST in southern Sweden. As the use is typically driven by pseudo-therapeutic motives, increased access to OST might decrease the illicit demand for these substances. Buprenorphine/naloxone has a lower abuse potential than buprenorphine and should therefore be prioritized as the prescribed drug. Supervised dosage and other control measures are important provisions in the prevention of drug diversion and non-prescribed use among people not undergoing OST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Johnson
- Department of Social Work, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Torkel Richert
- Department of Social Work, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
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Dombrowski K, Crawford D, Khan B, Tyler K. Current Rural Drug Use in the US Midwest. JOURNAL OF DRUG ABUSE 2016; 2:22. [PMID: 27885362 PMCID: PMC5119476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The nature and challenge of illicit drug use in the United States continues to change rapidly, evolving in reaction to myriad social, economic, and local forces. While the use of illicit drugs affects every region of the country, most of our current information about drug use comes from large urban areas. Data on rural drug use and its harms justify greater attention. Record overdose rates, unexpected outbreaks of HIV, and a dearth of treatment facilities point to a rapidly worsening health situation. While health sciences have made considerable progress in understanding the etiology of drug use and uncovering the link between drug use and its myriad associated harms, this promising scientific news has not always translated to better health outcomes. The scope of the problem in the Central Plains of the US is growing, and can be estimated from available sources. Clear remedies for this rising level of abuse are available, but few have been implemented. Suggestions for short-term policy remedies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk Dombrowski
- Department of Sociology, Oldfather 708, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln NE 68588, USA
| | - Devan Crawford
- Department of Sociology, Oldfather 708, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln NE 68588, USA
| | - Bilal Khan
- Department of Sociology, Oldfather 708, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln NE 68588, USA
| | - Kimberly Tyler
- Department of Sociology, Oldfather 708, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln NE 68588, USA
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Harris JK, Beatty K, Leider JP, Knudson A, Anderson BL, Meit M. The Double Disparity Facing Rural Local Health Departments. Annu Rev Public Health 2016; 37:167-84. [PMID: 26735428 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-031914-122755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Residents of rural jurisdictions face significant health challenges, including some of the highest rates of risky health behaviors and worst health outcomes of any group in the country. Rural communities are served by smaller local health departments (LHDs) that are more understaffed and underfunded than their suburban and urban peers. As a result of history and current need, rural LHDs are more likely than their urban peers to be providers of direct health services, leading to relatively lower levels of population-focused activities. This review examines the double disparity faced by rural LHDs and their constituents: pervasively poorer health behaviors and outcomes and a historical lack of investment by local, state, and federal public health entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenine K Harris
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130;
| | - Kate Beatty
- Department of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee 37614;
| | - J P Leider
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205;
| | - Alana Knudson
- Public Health Department.,NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637; , ,
| | - Britta L Anderson
- NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637; , ,
| | - Michael Meit
- Public Health Department.,NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637; , ,
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Tucker D, Milloy MJ, Hayashi K, Nguyen P, Kerr T, Wood E. Factors associated with illicit methadone injecting in a Canadian setting. Am J Addict 2015; 24:532-7. [PMID: 26282339 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Revised: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES While methadone is well established as an evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder, safety concerns persist regarding its diversion. The authors examine the prevalence of and risk factors associated with injection of methadone in an urban population. METHODS Between December 2005 and November 2013, data were derived from two open prospective studies of persons who inject drugs (PWID) in Vancouver, Canada. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) logistic regression was used to determine factors independently associated with illicit methadone injecting. RESULTS During the study, 1911 individuals (34% women) were recruited; 134 (7%) participants reported methadone injecting at least once. In multivariable analysis, Caucasian ethnicity [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.20-3.00]; homelessness (AOR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.09-1.95); drug dealing (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.50-2.93); ≥daily heroin injection (AOR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.08-2.26); ≥daily crack smoking (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.44-2.95); being a victim of violence (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.04-2.12); and non-fatal overdose (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.67 (1.00-2.79) were independently and positively associated with methadone injection; female gender (AOR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.30-0.75) was negatively associated. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The diversion of methadone for illicit injection in this urban setting was associated with several markers of addiction severity and other health and social vulnerabilities. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE These findings underscore the need to ensure methadone accessibility while limiting diversion-related risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin Tucker
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul Nguyen
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Evan Wood
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Diversion of methadone and buprenorphine by patients in opioid substitution treatment in Sweden: Prevalence estimates and risk factors. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015; 26:183-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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