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Veskimäe L, Vorobjov S, Pärna K. Tranquilisers and sedatives misuse and associated factors among adolescents in Estonia: findings from cross-sectional ESPAD surveys, 2003-2019. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e077899. [PMID: 38777588 PMCID: PMC11116880 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to (1) to describe trends of tranquilliser and sedative (TS) misuse in Estonia during 2003-2019 and (2) to analyse the associations between TS misuse and explanatory factors (perceived access to TS, medical use of TS, family-related, friends-related, school-related factors, risk behaviour and leisure time physical activity). DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTING Data were collected from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) from 2003 to 2019 in Estonia. PARTICIPANTS Estonian schoolchildren aged 15-16 years old (n=11 328), 48.6% were boys. OUTCOME MEASURES Prevalence, crude and adjusted ORs with 95% CIs for TS misuse. RESULTS The prevalence of lifetime TS misuse significantly increased from 2003 (5.0% of boys and 12.6% of girls) to 2019 (11.3% and 17.5%, respectively) (p<0.001). Among boys, TS misuse increased significantly among those reporting medical use of TS from 21.1% to 41.4% in 2003-2019 (p=0.006). Medical use of TS multiplied the odds of misuse by 6.89 (95% CI 5.15 to 9.24) for boys and by 4.53 (95% CI 3.58 to 5.73) for girls. Perceived easy access to TS increased the odds of misuse by 6.57 (95% CI 4.13 to 10.46) times for boys and by 4.66 (95% CI 3.25 to 6.70) times for girls. Having many friends who misuse TS increased the odds of misuse by 3.27 (95% CI 2.16 to 4.95) times for boys and by 5.07 (95% CI 3.79 to 6.77) times for girls. Furthermore, higher odds of TS misuse were observed among adolescents who smoked cigarettes and engaged in less sports. CONCLUSIONS TS misuse prevalence among Estonian adolescents increased significantly from 2003 to 2019. Misuse was strongly associated with medical use, perceived easy access and friends' TS misuse. These findings emphasise the need for targeted prevention strategies, including improving prescription practices, limiting TS access and promoting healthy behaviours and positive peer relationships among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liina Veskimäe
- Department of Risk Behaviour Studies, National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu Faculty of Medicine, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sigrid Vorobjov
- Department of Risk Behaviour Studies, National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu Faculty of Medicine, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kersti Pärna
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu Faculty of Medicine, Tartu, Estonia
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Hoffman KL, Milazzo F, Williams NT, Samples H, Olfson M, Diaz I, Doan L, Cerda M, Crystal S, Rudolph KE. Independent and joint contributions of physical disability and chronic pain to incident opioid use disorder and opioid overdose among Medicaid patients. Psychol Med 2024; 54:1419-1430. [PMID: 37974483 PMCID: PMC10994776 DOI: 10.1017/s003329172300332x] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain has been extensively explored as a risk factor for opioid misuse, resulting in increased focus on opioid prescribing practices for individuals with such conditions. Physical disability sometimes co-occurs with chronic pain but may also represent an independent risk factor for opioid misuse. However, previous research has not disentangled whether disability contributes to risk independent of chronic pain. METHODS Here, we estimate the independent and joint adjusted associations between having a physical disability and co-occurring chronic pain condition at time of Medicaid enrollment on subsequent 18-month risk of incident opioid use disorder (OUD) and non-fatal, unintentional opioid overdose among non-elderly, adult Medicaid beneficiaries (2016-2019). RESULTS We find robust evidence that having a physical disability approximately doubles the risk of incident OUD or opioid overdose, and physical disability co-occurring with chronic pain increases the risks approximately sixfold as compared to having neither chronic pain nor disability. In absolute numbers, those with neither a physical disability nor chronic pain condition have a 1.8% adjusted risk of incident OUD over 18 months of follow-up, those with physical disability alone have an 2.9% incident risk, those with chronic pain alone have a 3.6% incident risk, and those with co-occurring physical disability and chronic pain have a 11.1% incident risk. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that those with a physical disability should receive increased attention from the medical and healthcare communities to reduce their risk of opioid misuse and attendant negative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L. Hoffman
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
| | - Floriana Milazzo
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
| | - Nicholas T. Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
| | | | - Mark Olfson
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
| | - Ivan Diaz
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine
| | - Lisa Doan
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine
| | | | | | - Kara E. Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
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3
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Ran X, Meara E, Morden NE, Moen EL, Rockmore DN, O’Malley AJ. Estimating the impact of physician risky-prescribing on the network structure underlying physician shared-patient relationships. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4139630. [PMID: 38585838 PMCID: PMC10996792 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4139630/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Social network analysis and shared-patient physician networks have become effective ways of studying physician collaborations. Assortative mixing or "homophily" is the network phenomenon whereby the propensity for similar individuals to form ties is greater than for dissimilar individuals. Motivated by the public health concern of risky-prescribing among older patients in the United States, we develop network models and tests involving novel network measures to study whether there is evidence of geographic homophily in prescribing and deprescribing in the specific shared-patient network of physicians linked to the US state of Ohio in 2014. Evidence of homophily in risky-prescribing would imply that prescribing behaviors help shape physician networks and could inform interventions to reduce risky-prescribing (e.g., should interventions target groups of physicians or select physicians at random). Furthermore, if such effects varied depending on the structural features of a physician's position in the network (e.g., by whether or not they are involved in cliques - groups of actors that are fully connected to each other - such as closed triangles in the case of three actors), this would further strengthen the case for targeting of select physicians for interventions. Using accompanying Medicare Part D data, we converted patient longitudinal prescription receipts into novel measures of the intensity of each physician's risky-prescribing. Exponential random graph models were used to simultaneously estimate the importance of homophily in prescribing and deprescribing in the network beyond the characteristics of physician specialty (or other metadata) and network-derived features. In addition, novel network measures were introduced to allow homophily to be characterized in relation to specific triadic (three-actor) structural configurations in the network with associated non-parametric randomization tests to evaluate their statistical significance in the network against the null hypothesis of no such phenomena. We found physician homophily in prescribing and deprescribing in both the state-wide and multiple HRR sub-networks, and that the level of homophily varied across HRRs. We also found that physicians exhibited within-triad homophily in risky-prescribing, with the prevalence of homophilic triads significantly higher than expected by chance absent homophily. These results may explain why communities of prescribers emerge and evolve, helping to justify group-level prescriber interventions. The methodology could be applied to arbitrary shared-patient networks and even more generally to other kinds of network data that underlies other kinds of social phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ran
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, 03756, NH, USA
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, 03756, NH, USA
| | - Ellen Meara
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, 02115, MA, USA
- National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA
| | - Nancy E. Morden
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, 03756, NH, USA
- United HealthCare, Minnetonka, 55343, MN, USA
| | - Erika L. Moen
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, 03756, NH, USA
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, 03756, NH, USA
| | - Daniel N. Rockmore
- Department of Mathematics, Dartmouth College, Hanover, 03755, NH, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, 03755, NH, USA
- The Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, 87502, NM, USA
| | - A. James O’Malley
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, 03756, NH, USA
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, 03756, NH, USA
- Department of Mathematics, Dartmouth College, Hanover, 03755, NH, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, 03755, NH, USA
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Best CS, Matheson C, Robertson J, Ritchie T, Cowden F, Dumbrell J, Duncan C, Kessavalou K, Woolston C, Schofield J. Association between benzodiazepine coprescription and mortality in people on opioid replacement therapy: a population-based cohort study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e074668. [PMID: 38485490 PMCID: PMC10941108 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074668] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between opioid replacement therapy (ORT) and benzodiazepine (BZD) coprescription and all-cause mortality compared with the prescription of ORT alone. DESIGN Population-based cohort study. SETTING Scotland, UK. PARTICIPANTS Participants were people prescribed ORT between January 2010 and end of December 2020 aged 18 years or above. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES All-cause mortality, drug-related deaths and non-drug related deaths. SECONDARY OUTCOME ORT continuous treatment duration. ANALYSIS Cox regression with time-varying covariates. RESULTS During follow-up, 5776 of 46 899 participants died: 1398 while on coprescription and 4378 while on ORT only. The mortality per 100 person years was 3.11 during coprescription and 2.34 on ORT only. The adjusted HR for all-cause mortality was 1.17 (1.10 to 1.24). The adjusted HR for drug-related death was 1.14 (95% CI, 1.04 to 1.24) and the hazard for death not classified as drug-related was 1.19 (95% CI, 1.09 to 1.30). CONCLUSION Coprescription of BZDs in ORT was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, although with a small effect size than the international literature. Coprescribing was also associated with longer retention in treatment. Risk from BZD coprescription needs to be balanced against the risk from illicit BZDs and unplanned treatment discontinuation. A randomised controlled trial is urgently needed to provide a clear clinical direction. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04622995.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James Robertson
- Muirhouse Medical Group, Edinburgh, UK
- University of Edinburgh, Usher Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Joe Schofield
- School of Health in Social Science, The University of Edinburgh College of Humanities and Social Science, Edinburgh, UK
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5
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Cid A, Mahajan N, Wong WWL, Beazely M, Grindrod KA. An economic evaluation of community pharmacy-dispensed naloxone in Canada. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2024; 157:84-94. [PMID: 38463179 PMCID: PMC10924576 DOI: 10.1177/17151635241228241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Aims To determine the cost-effectiveness of pharmacy-based intranasal (IN) and intramuscular (IM) naloxone distribution in Canada. Methods We developed a state-transition model for pharmacy-based naloxone distribution, every 3 years, to illicit, prescription, opioid-agonist therapy and nonopioid use populations compared to no naloxone distribution. We used a monthly cycle length, lifetime horizon and a Canadian provincial Ministry of Health perspective. Transition probabilities, cost and utility data were retrieved from the literature. Costs (2020) and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) were discounted 1.5% annually. Microsimulation, 1-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. Results Distribution of naloxone to all Canadians compared to no distribution prevented 151 additional overdose deaths per 10,000 persons, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $50,984 per QALY for IM naloxone and an ICER of $126,060 per QALY for IN naloxone. Distribution of any naloxone to only illicit opioid users was the most cost-effective. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that survival rates for illicit opioid users were most influenced by the availability of either emergency medical services or naloxone. Conclusion Distribution of IM and IN naloxone to all Canadians every 3 years is likely cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $140,000 Canadian dollars/QALY (~3 × gross domestic product from the World Health Organization). Distribution to people who use illicit opioids was most cost-effective and prevented the most deaths. This is important, as more overdose deaths could be prevented through nationwide public funding of IN naloxone kits through pharmacies, since individuals report a preference for IN naloxone and these formulations are easier to use, save lives and are cost-effective. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2024;157:xx-xx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Cid
- From the School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario
| | - Nikita Mahajan
- From the School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario
| | - William W L Wong
- From the School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario
| | - Michael Beazely
- From the School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario
| | - Kelly A Grindrod
- From the School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario
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6
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Torrico T, Patel K, Nikolov N, Salam MT, Padhy R, Weinstein D. Presence of kratom in opioid overdose deaths: findings from coroner postmortem toxicological report. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1332999. [PMID: 38268564 PMCID: PMC10806006 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1332999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) use in the United States is becoming increasingly popular and its legal status varies widely from state to state. Multiple reports of adverse events associated with kratom use have ranged from liver injury, seizures, psychiatric disturbance, and rarely death. Methods This study investigated coroner autopsy reports from Kern County in California for the year 2020 which included qualitative data on substances from blood toxicological reports. Of the 214 opioid-associated accidental overdoses reported, 4 subjects (1.9%) had mitragynine (kratom) exposure on the autopsy report and were included in the study. We reported available demographic information and comorbid substance findings from the associated autopsy reports. Results All 4 individuals with mitragynine (kratom) toxicology had accidental opioid overdose deaths noted in autopsy reports. Each subject also had toxicology positive for at least one other substance. Fentanyl was found in 3 (75%) of the cases and suspected to be the primary contributor to opioid-related deaths in those cases. However, one fatality was without fentanyl, but instead had tested positive for benzodiazepines, cannabis, and other psychiatric medications. Discussion The findings of this brief report provide insight into the role that mitragynine (kratom) may have in modulating risk of opioid-related deaths. The combined use of kratom with opioids such as fentanyl appears most likely to increase the risk of a fatal overdose, but it may also occur with other medications such as benzodiazepines and psychiatric medications. It is a serious concern that in the midst of the opioid overdose epidemic there is a growing presence of kratom use in the U.S. population with a largely unregulated status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Torrico
- Department of Psychiatry, Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, United States
| | - Kajal Patel
- Ross University School of Medicine, Miramar, FL, United States
| | - Nicole Nikolov
- Ross University School of Medicine, Miramar, FL, United States
| | - Md Towhid Salam
- Department of Psychiatry, Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, United States
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ranjit Padhy
- Department of Psychiatry, Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, United States
| | - David Weinstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, United States
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7
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Ferguson M, Choisil P, Lamb J, Burmeister C, Newman C, Lock K, Tobias S, Liu L, Buxton JA. Associations with experience of non-fatal opioid overdose in British Columbia, Canada: a repeated cross sectional survey study. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:178. [PMID: 38093272 PMCID: PMC10717189 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00912-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lives lost in North America due to the unregulated drug poisoning emergency are preventable and those who survive an opioid overdose may suffer long-term disability. Rates of opioid overdose more than doubled following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia, Canada. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our analytical sample was comprised of 1447 participants from the 2018, 2019, and 2021 Harm Reduction Client Survey who responded yes or no to having experienced an opioid overdose in the past 6 months. Participants were recruited from harm reduction sites from across British Columbia. We used logistic regression to explore associations of experiencing an opioid overdose. RESULTS Overall, 21.8% of participants reported experiencing an opioid overdose in the last six months (18.2% in 2019 and 26.6% in 2021). The following factors were positively associated with increased adjusted odds of experiencing a non-fatal opioid overdose: cis men relative to cis women (AOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.10-2.02), unstably housed compared to people with stable housing (AOR 1.87, 95% CI 1.40-2.50), and participants from 2021 compared to those from 2019 (AOR 3.06, 95% CI 1.57-5.97). The effects of both previous experience of a stimulant overdose and having witnessed an opioid overdose depended on the year of study, with both effects decreasing over subsequent years. CONCLUSIONS Overdoses have increased over time; in 2021 more than one in four participants experienced an overdose. There is an urgent need for policy and program development to meaningfully address the unregulated drug poisoning emergency through acceptable life-saving interventions and services to prevent overdoses and support overdose survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Ferguson
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul Choisil
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jessica Lamb
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Cheri Newman
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kurt Lock
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Samuel Tobias
- British Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lisa Liu
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jane A Buxton
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Hochstatter KR, Nordeck C, Mitchell SG, Schwartz RP, Welsh C, Gryczynski J. Polysubstance use and post-discharge mortality risk among hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder. Prev Med Rep 2023; 36:102494. [PMID: 38116282 PMCID: PMC10728463 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102494] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Polysubstance use is becoming increasingly common and presents several harms. This study aimed to examine the association of comorbid cocaine, alcohol (binge drinking), and sedative use with mortality among hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). A subsample of adult medical/surgical hospital patients with OUD who were seen by a hospital addiction consultation service in Baltimore City and enrolled in a randomized trial of a patient navigation intervention were included in this study (N = 314; 45 % female; 48 % White; mean age = 44). Death certificate data from the Maryland Division of Vital Records was used, covering 3.3-5.5 years post-discharge. Multivariable proportional hazards Cox regression and competing risks regression were used to estimate all-cause mortality and overdose mortality, respectively, as a function of concurrent use of cocaine, alcohol (binge drinking), and non-prescribed sedatives at baseline. In the 30 days prior to hospital admission, 230 (73 %) participants used cocaine, 64 (20 %) binge drank, and 45 (14 %) used non-prescribed sedatives. Nearly one-third (N = 98; 31 %) died during the observation period. Drug overdose caused 53 % (N = 52) of deaths. Older age (HR = 1.03 [1.01,1.05]; P = 0.001), less than high school education (HR = 0.36 [0.24,0.54]; P < 0.001), and past 30-day sedative use (HR = 2.05 [1.20,3.50]; P = 0.008) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality. The risk of overdose mortality was 62 % lower (HR = 0.38 [0.22,0.66]; P = 0.001) for those who completed high school. No other characteristics were significantly associated with overdose mortality. The concurrent use of opioids and sedatives increases the post-discharge mortality risk among hospitalized patients with OUD. Interventions are needed to prevent mortality among this high-risk population.
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9
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Syed O, Jancic P, Fink AB, Knezevic NN. Drug Safety and Suicidality Risk of Chronic Pain Medications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1497. [PMID: 37895968 PMCID: PMC10609967 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is one of the main leading causes of disability in the world at present. A variety in the symptomatology, intensity and duration of this phenomenon has led to an ever-increasing demand of pharmacological treatment and relief. This demand for medication, ranging from well-known groups, such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines, to more novel drugs, was followed by a rise in safety concerns of such treatment options. The validity, frequency, and diversity of such concerns are discussed in this paper, as well as their possible effect on future prescription practices. A specific caution is provided towards the psychological safety and toll of these medications, regarding suicidality and suicidal ideation. Most significantly, this paper highlights the importance of pharmacovigilance and underscores the necessity of surveillance programs when considering chronic pain medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Syed
- Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Chicago, IL 60657, USA; (O.S.); (P.J.); (A.B.F.)
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
| | - Predrag Jancic
- Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Chicago, IL 60657, USA; (O.S.); (P.J.); (A.B.F.)
| | - Adam B. Fink
- Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Chicago, IL 60657, USA; (O.S.); (P.J.); (A.B.F.)
- Harborview Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Nebojsa Nick Knezevic
- Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Chicago, IL 60657, USA; (O.S.); (P.J.); (A.B.F.)
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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10
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Wolitzky-Taylor K, Mooney LJ, Otto MW, Metts A, Parsons EM, Hanano M, Ram R. Augmenting the efficacy of benzodiazepine taper with telehealth-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders in patients using prescription opioids: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 133:107334. [PMID: 37730196 PMCID: PMC10960249 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
The risks of concomitant benzodiazepine (BZ) and opioid use are significant. Despite the urgent need to reduce BZ use among patients taking opioids, no treatment intervention research to our knowledge has addressed treatment for this concurrent, high-risk use. The current study will evaluate the efficacy of augmenting BZ taper procedures with CBT for anxiety disorders that has been adapted specifically for patients with concomitant BZ and opioid use (either use as prescribed or misuse), a high-risk patient population. Research combining rapidly scalable behavioral interventions ancillary to pharmacological approaches delivered via telehealth in primary care settings is innovative and important given concerning trends in rising prevalence of BZ/opioid co-prescription, BZ-associated overdose deaths, and known barriers to implementation of behavioral health interventions in primary care. CBT delivery using telehealth has the potential to aid adherence and promote access and dissemination of procedures in primary care. Lastly, the current study will utilize an experimental therapeutics approach to preliminarily explore the mechanism of action for the proposed interventions. The overall aim of the present pilot randomized controlled trial is to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a BZ taper with CBT for anxiety disorders adapted for patients with concomitant BZ (BZT + CBT) and opioid use to a BZ taper with a control health education program (BZT + HE) in a sample of individuals (N = 54) who have been prescribed and are taking benzodiazepines and opioids for at least 3 months prior to baseline and experience anxious distress. Screening and outcome measures, methods, and implications are described. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05573906).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Larissa J Mooney
- UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, USA; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, USA
| | - Michael W Otto
- Boston University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - E Marie Parsons
- Boston University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria Hanano
- UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Reuben Ram
- UCLA Toluca Lake Clinic, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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11
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Martin CJ, Woods S, Bertke S, Pinkerton L, Jin C. Increased Mortality Associated With Disability Among Workers' Compensation Claimants With Upper Extremity Neuropathy. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:798-802. [PMID: 37367631 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare mortality after disabling and nondisabling occupational injuries. METHODS Vital status was ascertained through 2020 for 2077 individuals with a workers' compensation claim for upper extremity neuropathy in West Virginia in 1998 or 1999. Standardized mortality ratios compared mortality to the West Virginia general population. Hazard ratios (HRs) obtained from Cox regression models compared mortality among those with and without lost work time or permanent disability. RESULTS Overall, the standardized mortality ratio for accidental poisoning deaths was elevated (1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-2.68). All-cause mortality HRs and cancer HRs were elevated for lost work time (HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.93-1.28; HR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.09-2.08, respectively) and permanent disability (HR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.04-1.44; HR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.27-2.48, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Work-related disability was associated with broad elevations in mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Martin
- From the West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia (C.J.M., S.W., C.J.); National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio (S.B.); and Maximus, Inc, McLean, Virginia (L.P.)
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12
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Hutchison RW, Carhart J. Opioid and benzodiazepine utilization patterns in metropolitan and rural Texas. J Opioid Manag 2023; 19:433-443. [PMID: 37968977 DOI: 10.5055/jom.0817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although many drugs are implicated in the crisis, opioids and concomitant sedatives are associated with increased overdose risk in both rural and urban communities. Individuals in rural areas are up to 5-fold more likely to experience adverse outcomes related to opioids. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate concomitant use of opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions in Texas, compare metropolitan and rural differences, and use these data to inform clinicians and to help develop harm reduction strategies. METHODS Prescribing data were extracted from the Texas Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) public use data file, the statewide monitoring program administered by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. An overlapping drug combination prescription day was defined as any day in which a patient had at least one of the overlapping drug types-eg, opioid + benzodiazepine, opioid + benzodiazepine + carisoprodol. RESULTS In Texas, 47.4 percent of the counties with the highest number of overlapping days (per patient) bordered other states. Providers who practice in rural areas prescribe opioid and benzodiazepine medications with 8.2 more overlapping days per quarter. DISCUSSION Taking both opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions is associated with increased overdose risk. Opioid prescription data provide a distinct view into the opioid epidemic that allows all states and counties to view the trends of opioid utilization. There are only a few studies using PDMP data to compare urban and rural trends. CONCLUSIONS Rural patients had more benzodiazepine and opioid days overlap than urban patients. The prevalence is higher among older adults and providers who practice in rural areas (average 8.2 more days per quarter). Our findings in Texas indicate a trend downward in overlap for both rural and urban areas over the last year of measurement. However, rural areas are still significantly higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Hutchison
- Texas A&M University, Round Rock, Texas. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0013-328X
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13
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Howard-Azzeh M, Pearl DL, O'Sullivan TL, Berke O. Comparing the diagnostic performance of ordinary, mixed, and lasso logistic regression models at identifying opioid and cannabinoid poisoning in U.S. dogs using pet demographic and clinical data reported to an animal poison control center (2005-2014). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288339. [PMID: 37428780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Researchers have begun studying the impact of human opioid and cannabinoid use on dog populations. These studies have used data from an animal poison control center (APCC) and there are concerns that due to the illicit nature and social stigma concerning the use of these drugs, owners may not always be forthcoming with veterinarians or APCC staff regarding pet exposures to these toxicants. As a result, models derived from APCC data that examine the predictability of opioid and cannabinoid dog poisonings using pet demographic and health disorder information may help veterinarians or APCC staff more reliably identify these toxicants when examining or responding to a call concerning a dog poisoned by an unknown toxicant. The fitting of epidemiologically informed statistical models has been useful for identifying factors associated with various health conditions and as predictive tools. However, machine learning, including lasso regression, has many useful features as predictive tools, including the ability to incorporate large numbers of independent variables. Consequently, the objectives of our study were: 1) identify pet demographic and health disorders associated with opioid and cannabinoid dog poisonings using ordinary and mixed logistic regression models; and 2) compare the predictive performance of these models to analogous lasso logistic regression models. Data were obtained from reports of dog poisoning events collected by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (ASPCA) Animal Poisoning Control Center, from 2005-2014. We used ordinary and mixed logistic regression models as well as lasso logistic regression models with and without controlling for autocorrelation at the state level to train our models on half the dataset and test their predictive performance on the remainder. Although epidemiologically informed logistic regression models may require substantial knowledge of the disease systems being investigated, they had the same predictive abilities as lasso logistic regression models. All models had relatively high predictive parameters except for positive predictive values, due to the rare nature of calls concerning opioid and cannabinoid poisonings. Ordinary and mixed logistic regression models were also substantially more parsimonious than their lasso equivalents while still allowing for the epidemiological interpretation of model coefficients. Controlling for autocorrelation had little effect on the predictive performance of all models, but it did reduce the number of variables included in lasso models. Several disorder variables were associated with opioid and cannabinoid calls that were consistent with the acute effects of these toxicants. These models may help build diagnostic evidence concerning dog exposure to opioids and cannabinoids, saving time and resources when investigating these cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David L Pearl
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terri L O'Sullivan
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Olaf Berke
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Maust DT, Bohnert ASB, Strominger J, Goldstick JE. Prescription characteristics associated with drug overdose risk among adults prescribed benzodiazepines: a cohort study. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 24:34. [PMID: 37208726 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-023-00674-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug overdose (OD) deaths in the U.S. continue to rise. After opioids, benzodiazepines (BZD) are the medication most commonly involved in prescription overdoses, yet OD risk factors among those prescribed BZD are not well understood. Our objective was to examine characteristics of BZD, opioid, and other psychotropic prescriptions associated with increased drug OD risk following a BZD prescription. METHODS We completed a retrospective cohort study using a 20% sample of Medicare beneficiaries with prescription drug coverage. We identified patients with a BZD prescription ("index") claim between 1 April 2016 and 31 December 2017. In the 6 months pre-index, those without and with BZD claims comprised incident and continuing cohorts, which were split by age (incident < 65 [n = 105,737], 65 + [n = 385,951]; continuing < 65 [n = 240,358], 65 + [n = 508,230]). Exposures of interest were: average daily dose and days prescribed of the index BZD; baseline BZD medication possession ratio (MPR) for the continuing cohort; co-prescribed opioids and psychotropics. Our primary outcome was a treated drug OD event (including accidental, intentional, undetermined, or adverse effect) within 30 days of the index BZD, examined using Cox proportional hazards. RESULTS Among incident and continuing BZD cohorts, 0.78% and 0.56% experienced an OD event. Compared to 14-30 days, a < 14-day fill corresponded to higher OD risk in incident (< 65 adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.16 [95% CI 1.03-1.31]; 65 + : aHR 1.21 [CI 1.13-1.30]) and continuing (< 65: aHR 1.33 [CI 1.15-1.53]; 65 + : aHR 1.43 [CI 1.30-1.57]) cohorts. Among continuing users, lower baseline exposure (i.e., MPR < 0.5) was associated with increased OD risk for those < 65 (aHR 1.20 [CI 1.06-1.36]); 65 + (aHR 1.12 [CI 1.01-1.24]). Along with opioids, concurrent antipsychotic use and antiepileptic use were associated with elevated risk of OD in all 4 cohorts (e.g., aHRs for the continuing 65 + cohort: opioid, 1.73 [CI 1.58-1.90]; antipsychotic, 1.33 [CI 1.18-1.50]; antiepileptic, 1.18 [1.08-1.30]). CONCLUSIONS In both the incident and continuing cohorts, patients dispensed fewer days' supply were at increased OD risk; those in the continuing cohort with more limited baseline BZD exposure were also at elevated risk. Concurrent medication exposures including opioids, antipsychotics, and antiepileptics were associated with short-term elevated OD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donovan T Maust
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Amy S B Bohnert
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Julie Strominger
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jason E Goldstick
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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15
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Hechter RC, Pak KJ, Chang CK, Xie F, Gray PL, Ling Grant DS, Barreras JL, Zhou H. Chronic and Sustained High-Dose Opioid Use in an Integrated Health System. Am J Prev Med 2023; 64:167-174. [PMID: 36653099 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.09.013] [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: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain released in 2016 had led to decreases in opioid prescribing. This study sought to examine chronic and sustained high-dose prescription opioid use in an integrated health system. METHODS A serial cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 to estimate the annual age-adjusted prevalence and incidence of chronic and high-dose opioid use among demographically diverse noncancer adults in an integrated health system in Southern California during 2013-2020. Interrupted time-series analysis with segmented regression was conducted to estimate changes in the trends in annual rates before (2013-2015) and after (2017-2020) the 2016 guideline, treating 2016 as a wash-out period. RESULTS Prevalence and incidence of chronic use and sustained high-dose use had started to decrease after a health system intervention program before the 2016 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guideline release and continued to decline after the guideline. Among those with sustained high-dose use, there was a substantial decrease in persons with an average daily dosage ≥90 morphine milligram equivalent and concurrent benzodiazepine use. An accelerated decrease in prevalent chronic use after the guideline was observed (slope change: -11.1 [95% CI= -20.3, -1.9] users/10,000 person-years, p=0.03). The incidence of chronic use and sustained high-dose use continued to decrease after the guideline release but at a slower pace. CONCLUSIONS Implementing evidence-based prescribing guidelines was associated with a decrease in chronic and sustained high-dose prescription opioid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rulin C Hechter
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California; Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California.
| | - Katherine J Pak
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
| | - Craig K Chang
- Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente, Panorama City, California
| | - Fagen Xie
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
| | - Patricia L Gray
- Clinical Pharmacy Operations, Kaiser Permanente, Riverside, California
| | - Deborah S Ling Grant
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
| | - Joanna L Barreras
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
| | - Hui Zhou
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California; Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California
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Tozer T, MacKenzie M, Burgess S, Loubani O, Neville H. Opioid and Sedative Coprescription: Prescribing Patterns after an ICU Admission. Can J Hosp Pharm 2023; 76:29-39. [PMID: 36683658 PMCID: PMC9817220 DOI: 10.4212/cjhp.3245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Opioid misuse constitutes a health care crisis in Canada, and coprescription of opioids with sedatives has been associated with adverse events. Opioids and sedatives are frequently administered in the intensive care unit (ICU). The rate of continuation of opioid-sedative combinations after an ICU admission at the study institution was unknown. Objectives To determine the rates of opioid and sedative coprescriptions following an ICU admission and to identify factors associated with continuation of hospital-initiated opioid-sedative coprescriptions at ICU transfer and hospital discharge. Methods This retrospective chart review involved patients admitted to ICUs at a tertiary care centre between April 1, 2018, and March 31, 2019. Baseline characteristics were obtained from a clinical database and medication information from medication reconciliation forms. An opioid coprescription was defined as prescription of an opioid in combination with a sedative (benzodiazepine, z-drug, gabapentinoid, tricyclic antidepressant, or antipsychotic), and hospital-initiated coprescriptions encompassed various predefined scenarios of therapy started or modified before ICU transfer. Factors associated with hospital-initiated opioid coprescription were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression. Results A total of 735 patients met the inclusion criteria. At ICU transfer, 23.0% (169/735) of the patients had an opioid coprescription, and 87.0% (147/169) of these coprescriptions were hospital-initiated. At hospital discharge, 8.6% (44/514) of the patients had an opioid coprescription, and 56.8% (25/44) of these coprescriptions were hospital-initiated. Male sex, home opioid coprescription, surgical patient, prolonged hospital stay, and in-hospital death were significantly associated with hospital-initiated opioid coprescription at the time of ICU transfer. Home opioid coprescription was significantly associated with opioid coprescription at the time of hospital discharge. Conclusions Hospital-initiated opioid coprescriptions accounted for the majority of opioid coprescriptions at ICU transfer and hospital discharge. Pharmacists should assess all opioid coprescriptions to determine whether discontinuation and/or dose reduction is appropriate.
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Kroenke K, Hirschtritt ME. Walking the Benzodiazepine High Wire. Psychiatr Serv 2023; 74:73-75. [PMID: 36321316 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The number of benzodiazepine (BZD) prescriptions has substantially increased over the past decade, leading to a parallel rise in rates of misuse and overdose. These increases have prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to update its "boxed warning" and have caused organizations to revisit prescribing guidelines. Concurrently, strong evidence from clinical trials supports the anxiolytic efficacy of BZDs. Although antidepressants and psychotherapy remain preferred treatments for chronic anxiety, BZDs remain helpful in treating acute or severe and persistent anxiety that does not respond to first-line therapy. Provider and patient education, coupled with prescribing surveillance, may be preferable to an overly stringent regulatory approach to guiding BZD use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Kroenke
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (Kroenke); Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis (Kroenke); Division of Research and Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland (Hirschtritt); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (Hirschtritt)
| | - Matthew E Hirschtritt
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (Kroenke); Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis (Kroenke); Division of Research and Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland (Hirschtritt); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (Hirschtritt)
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18
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Hayes CJ, Koonce RM, Gressler LE, Hu B, Williams JS, Martin BC. Association between opioid therapy trajectories and potential opioid-related adverse health events. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2022; 31:1075-1090. [PMID: 35695189 PMCID: PMC10052807 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We identified associations between membership in seven group-based trajectories based on supply of filled opioid prescriptions and potential opioid-related adverse health events over a 720-day window. METHODS We identified two veteran cohorts with chronic non-cancer pain who initiated treatment with long-term opioid therapy between 2008 and 2015, excluding those with prior substance use disorder (n = 373 941) or non-SUD, opioid-related adverse outcome (n = 405 631) diagnoses. Outcomes of interest included opioid use disorder, non-opioid drug use disorder, and alcohol use disorder for the first cohort; or accidents resulting in wounds or injuries, self-inflicted injuries, opioid-related accidents and overdoses, alcohol and non-opioid drug-related accidents and overdoses, and violence-related injuries for the second cohort. Using a cross-sectional design, Veterans were followed until the specific outcome of interest was diagnosed, they died, the study ended, or they were lost to follow up. Accelerated failure time models were estimated for each outcome. RESULTS Membership in persistent moderate days covered and persistent modest days covered trajectories was associated with decreased risk of opioid use disorder (Moderate: θ = 0.59, 95%CI:0.54, 0.64; Modest: θ = 0.54, 95%CI:0.50, 0.59) and opioid overdose (Moderate: θ = 0.67,95%CI: 0.57, 0.79; Modest: θ = 0.72, 95%CI:0.61, 0.85) versus higher-utilizing persistent users. Rapid discontinuation was associated with decreased risk of opioid use disorder (θ = 0.86, 95% CI:0.77, 0.95) and opioid overdose (θ = 0.54, 95%CI:0.41, 0.71), but increased risk of alcohol use disorder (θ = 1.07, 95%CI:1.00, 1.15) and other substance use disorders. Delayed discontinuation or delayed reduction was associated with increased risk for most opioid related adverse health events. CONCLUSION Persistent use trajectories with low levels of opioid utilization were associated with lower risks of potential opioid-related adverse health events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey J Hayes
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.,Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Ruston M Koonce
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Laura Elisabeth Gressler
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Bo Hu
- Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - James Silas Williams
- Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Bradley C Martin
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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Young AM, Brown JL, Hunt T, Sprague Martinez LS, Chandler R, Oga E, Winhusen TJ, Baker T, Battaglia T, Bowers-Sword R, Button A, Fallin-Bennett A, Fanucchi L, Freeman P, Glasgow LM, Gulley J, Kendell C, Lofwall M, Lyons MS, Quinn M, Rapkin BD, Surratt HL, Walsh SL. Protocol for community-driven selection of strategies to implement evidence-based practices to reduce opioid overdoses in the HEALing Communities Study: a trial to evaluate a community-engaged intervention in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York and Ohio. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059328. [PMID: 36123106 PMCID: PMC9486330 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid-involved overdose deaths continue to surge in many communities, despite numerous evidence-based practices (EBPs) that exist to prevent them. The HEALing Communities Study (HCS) was launched to develop and test an intervention (ie, Communities That HEAL (CTH)) that supports communities in expanding uptake of EBPs to reduce opioid-involved overdose deaths. This paper describes a protocol for a process foundational to the CTH intervention through which community coalitions select strategies to implement EBPs locally. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The CTH is being implemented in 67 communities (randomised to receive the intervention) in four states in partnership with coalitions (one per community). Coalitions must select at least five strategies, including one to implement each of the following EBPs: (a) overdose education and naloxone distribution; expanded (b) access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), (c) linkage to MOUD, (d) retention in MOUD and (e) safer opioid prescribing/dispensing. Facilitated by decision aid tools, the community action planning process includes (1) data-driven goal setting, (2) discussion and prioritisation of EBP strategies, (3) selection of EBP strategies and (4) identification of next steps. Following review of epidemiologic data and information on existing local services, coalitions set goals and discuss, score and/or rank EBP strategies based on feasibility, appropriateness within the community context and potential impact on reducing opioid-involved overdose deaths with a focus on three key sectors (healthcare, behavioural health and criminal justice) and high-risk/vulnerable populations. Coalitions then select EBP strategies through consensus or majority vote and, subsequently, suggest or choose agencies with which to partner for implementation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The HCS protocol was approved by a central Institutional Review Board (Advarra). Results of the action planning process will be disseminated in academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals, online and print media, and in meetings with community stakeholders. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04111939.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Young
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jennifer L Brown
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Timothy Hunt
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Redonna Chandler
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Emmanuel Oga
- Center for Applied Public Health Research, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - T John Winhusen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Trevor Baker
- General Internal Medicine-CARE Unit, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tracy Battaglia
- Evans Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Bowers-Sword
- General Internal Medicine-CARE Unit, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amy Button
- Montefiore Hudson Valley Collaborative, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | | | - Laura Fanucchi
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Patricia Freeman
- College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - LaShawn M Glasgow
- Community & Workplace Health, Research Triangle International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Charles Kendell
- Franklin County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy Board, Frankfort, Kentucky, USA
| | - Michelle Lofwall
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Michael S Lyons
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Maria Quinn
- Center for Behavioral Health, Holyoke Medical Center, Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruce David Rapkin
- Epiemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Hilary L Surratt
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Sharon L Walsh
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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20
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Suvada K, Zimmer A, Soodalter J, Malik JS, Kavalieratos D, Ali MK. Coprescribing of opioids and high-risk medications in the USA: a cross-sectional study with data from national ambulatory and emergency department settings. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057588. [PMID: 35710252 PMCID: PMC9207755 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Describe trends in opioid plus high-risk medication coprescribing in the USA. DESIGN Analyses of serial, cross-sectional, nationally representative data of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) over 2007-2016 and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) over 2007-2018. SETTING US ambulatory (NAMCS) and emergency department (ED, NHAMCS) settings. PARTICIPANTS Patient visits in which the patient was 18 years and older with an opioid prescription in the NAMCS or NHAMCS databases. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Frequency of opioid plus high-risk medication coprescribing. RESULTS From a combined sample of 700 499 visits over 2007-2018, there were 105 720 visits (15.1%) where opioids were prescribed. n=31 825 were from NAMCS and n=73 895 were from NHAMCS. The mean prevalence of coprescription of opioids and high-risk medications for the combined NAMCS and NHAMCS sample was 18.4% in 2007, peaked at 33.2% in 2014 and declined to 23.8% in 2016. Compared with adults receiving opioid prescriptions alone, those coprescribed opioids and high-risk medications were older, more likely female, white and using private or Medicare insurance (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Coprescribing is more common in ambulatory than ED settings and has been declining, yet one in four patient visits where opioids were prescribed resulted in coprescribed, high-risk medications in 2016. Efforts and research to help lower the rates of high-risk prescribing are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Suvada
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anna Zimmer
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jesse Soodalter
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jimi S Malik
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dio Kavalieratos
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mohammed K Ali
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Abstract
This paper is the forty-third consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2020 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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22
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Mannes ZL, Hasin DS, Abdallah AB, Cottler LB. Co-Use of Opioids and Sedatives Among Retired National Football League Athletes. Clin J Sport Med 2022; 32:322-328. [PMID: 35470340 PMCID: PMC9043466 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001007] [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: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Among the general population, co-use of opioids and sedatives is associated with greater risk of overdose compared with opioid use alone. National Football League (NFL) retirees experience higher rates of opioid use than the general population, although little is known about their co-use with sedatives. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and risk factors of opioid and sedative co-use among NFL retirees. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Professional American football. PARTICIPANTS NFL retirees (N = 644). INDEPENDENT VARIABLES Self-reported concussions, pain intensity, heavy alcohol use, physical and mental health impairment, disability status. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Any past 30-day co-use of opioids and sedatives. RESULTS Approximately 4.9% of the sample reported past 30-day co-use of opioids and sedatives, although nearly 30% of retirees using opioids also used sedatives. Greater pain was associated with co-use of opioids and sedatives (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.23-1.98), although retirees with moderate/severe mental health impairment (vs none/mild; aOR = 2.47; 95% CI = 1.04-5.91) and disability (vs no disability; aOR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.05-1.73) demonstrated greater odds of co-use compared with retirees not using either substance. CONCLUSIONS Given the high rate of sedative use among participants also using opioids, NFL retirees may be susceptible to the negative health consequences associated with co-use. Interventions focused on improving pain and mental health may be especially effective for reducing co-use of these substances among NFL retirees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary L. Mannes
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deborah S. Hasin
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arbi Ben Abdallah
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Linda B. Cottler
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions & College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Development and validation of a risk-score model for opioid overdose using a national claims database. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4974. [PMID: 35322156 PMCID: PMC8943129 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09095-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid overdose can be serious adverse effects of opioid analgesics. Thus, several strategies to mitigate risk and reduce the harm of opioid overdose have been developed. However, despite a marked increase in opioid analgesic consumption in Korea, there have been no tools predicting the risk of opioid overdose in the Korean population. Using the national claims database of the Korean population, we identified patients who were incidentally prescribed non-injectable opioid analgesic (NIOA) at least once from 2017 to 2018 (N = 1,752,380). Among them, 866 cases of opioid overdose occurred, and per case, four controls were selected. Patients were randomly allocated to the development (80%) and validation (20%) cohort. Thirteen predictive variables were selected via logistic regression modelling, and a risk-score was assigned for each predictor. Our model showed good performance with c-statistics of 0.84 in the validation cohort. The developed risk score model is the first tool to identify high-risk patients for opioid overdose in Korea. It is expected to be applicable in the clinical setting and useful as a national level surveillance tool due to the easily calculable and identifiable predictors available from the claims database.
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Tardelli VS, Bianco MC, Prakash R, Segura LE, Castaldelli-Maia JM, Fidalgo TM, Martins SS. Overdose deaths involving non-BZD hypnotic/sedatives in the USA: Trends analyses. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2022; 10:100190. [PMID: 36777690 PMCID: PMC9904096 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2022.100190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Background There is sparse knowledge on overdose deaths resulting from non-benzodiazepines and gabapentinoids usage. We examined overdose death rate across demographics categories and the overdose death trends over time. Methods Using data from the National Center for Health Statistics (USA), we identified 21,167 persons that died with an overdose ICD code as the underlying cause of death and had a T42.6/T42.7 ICD code, which include gabapentinoids and z-drugs, among their multiple causes of death. The overdose death rate was calculated per 100,000 persons for every year between 2000 and 2018. We used joinpoint regression analyses to assess trends over time. Results We identified a rise in the proportion of deaths with a T42.6/T42.7 ICD code between 2000 and 2006 (yearly change: +0.06) and between 2006 and 2015 (yearly change: +0.32). From 2000 to 2008, the proportion of deaths with any other T code rose significantly (yearly change: +3.56). Between 2008 and 2018, there was also a significant rise (yearly change: +1.31). From 2000 to 2015, the proportion of deaths with a T42.6/T42.7 ICD code with any other T code rose (yearly change: +2.58). From 2000 to 2015, the proportion of deaths with a T42.6/T42.7 ICD code with a concurrent benzodiazepine T code rose (yearly change: +1.98). From 2000 to 2005, the proportion of alcohol T codes rose non-significantly (yearly change: +0.35). Finally, the proportion of alcohol T codes fell significantly between 2008 and 2018 (yearly change: - 0.74). Interpretation Deaths due to non-benzodiazepine hypnotics and gabapentinoids increased significantly over the last two decades. Clinicians should not assume that replacing benzodiazepines and opioids with these medications necessarily lowers risk to the patient. Funding This study was funded by an internal grant from the Columbia University President's Global Innovation Fund (PI: Martins).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor S. Tardelli
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil,Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada,Corresponding author at: Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Marina C.M. Bianco
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rashmika Prakash
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Luis E. Segura
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - João M. Castaldelli-Maia
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil,Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, FMABC University Center, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago M. Fidalgo
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Silvia S. Martins
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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25
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Weiner SG, El Ibrahimi S, Hendricks MA, Hallvik SE, Hildebran C, Fischer MA, Weiss RD, Boyer EW, Kreiner PW, Wright DA, Flores DP, Ritter GA. Factors Associated With Opioid Overdose After an Initial Opioid Prescription. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2145691. [PMID: 35089351 PMCID: PMC8800077 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.45691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The opioid epidemic continues to be a public health crisis in the US. OBJECTIVE To assess the patient factors and early time-varying prescription-related factors associated with opioid-related fatal or nonfatal overdose. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study evaluated opioid-naive adult patients in Oregon using data from the Oregon Comprehensive Opioid Risk Registry, which links all payer claims data to other health data sets in the state of Oregon. The observational, population-based sample filled a first (index) opioid prescription in 2015 and was followed up until December 31, 2018. Data analyses were performed from March 1, 2020, to June 15, 2021. EXPOSURES Overdose after the index opioid prescription. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The outcome was an overdose event. The sample was followed up to identify fatal or nonfatal opioid overdoses. Patient and prescription characteristics were identified. Prescription characteristics in the first 6 months after the index prescription were modeled as cumulative, time-dependent measures that were updated monthly through the sixth month of follow-up. A time-dependent Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess patient and prescription characteristics that were associated with an increased risk for overdose events. RESULTS The cohort comprised 236 921 patients (133 839 women [56.5%]), of whom 667 (0.3%) experienced opioid overdose. Risk of overdose was highest among individuals 75 years or older (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 3.22; 95% CI, 1.94-5.36) compared with those aged 35 to 44 years; men (aHR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.10-1.51); those who were dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare Advantage (aHR, 4.37; 95% CI, 3.09-6.18), had Medicaid (aHR, 3.77; 95% CI, 2.97-4.80), or had Medicare Advantage (aHR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.44-3.31) compared with those with commercial insurance; those with comorbid substance use disorder (aHR, 2.74; 95% CI, 2.15-3.50), with depression (aHR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.03-1.55), or with 1 to 2 comorbidities (aHR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.08-1.62) or 3 or more comorbidities (aHR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.42-2.53) compared with none. Patients were at an increased overdose risk if they filled oxycodone (aHR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.04-2.77) or tramadol (aHR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.34-5.84) compared with codeine; used benzodiazepines (aHR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.11); used concurrent opioids and benzodiazepines (aHR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.70-2.62); or filled opioids from 3 or more pharmacies over 6 months (aHR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.09-1.75). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study used a comprehensive data set to identify patient and prescription-related risk factors that were associated with opioid overdose. These findings may guide opioid counseling and monitoring, the development of clinical decision-making tools, and opioid prevention and treatment resources for individuals who are at greatest risk for opioid overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott G. Weiner
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sanae El Ibrahimi
- Division of Research and Evaluation, Comagine Health, Portland, Oregon
- School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
| | | | - Sara E. Hallvik
- Division of Research and Evaluation, Comagine Health, Portland, Oregon
| | - Christi Hildebran
- Division of Research and Evaluation, Comagine Health, Portland, Oregon
| | - Michael A. Fischer
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Roger D. Weiss
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Edward W. Boyer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Peter W. Kreiner
- Schneider Institutes for Health Policy, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | | | - Diana P. Flores
- Division of Research and Evaluation, Comagine Health, Portland, Oregon
| | - Grant A. Ritter
- Schneider Institutes for Health Policy, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
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26
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Oueini R, Goodin AJ, Hincapie-Castillo JM, Vouri SM. Co-utilization of opioids and nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic drugs in U.S. ambulatory care visits, 2006-2016. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2021; 62:468-474.e2. [PMID: 34799261 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2021.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S) This study aimed to characterize the co-utilization of non-benzodiazepine sedative 'Z'-drugs with opioids at ambulatory care visits in the United States. DESIGN A cross-sectional analysis of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) from 2006 to 2016 was completed. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Ambulatory care visits in the United States involving adult patients with an opioid prescription were included in the analysis. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was initiation or continuation of a Z-drug (zolpidem, eszopiclone, or zaleplon) in a patient visit in conjunction with an opioid medication. RESULTS The authors analyzed 564,090,296 visits (weighted from a sample of 28,773) with a reported opioid prescription. Co-utilization of opioids with Z-drugs fluctuated during the study period beginning at 4.0% in 2006 (95% CI 2.2%-5.7%), 6.3% in 2012 (3.7%-8.9%), and 4.7% in 2016 (2.8%-6.5%). Among all opioid visits in the study period, co-utilization with a Z-drug was not significantly different among female patients compared with male patients (5.26% vs. 4.63%, P = 0.26). Among visits with concomitant opioid and Z-drugs, 7.0% reported new initiation of both medications in the same visit. CONCLUSION At ambulatory care visits between 2006 and 2016, co-utilization of opioids and Z-drugs fluctuated with some differences by sex. Major regulatory advisories and policy changes during this period may have contributed to these varying rates of utilization. Additional work is needed to identify predictors of co-utilization and downstream consequences more widely.
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27
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Tseregounis IE, Henry SG. Assessing opioid overdose risk: a review of clinical prediction models utilizing patient-level data. Transl Res 2021; 234:74-87. [PMID: 33762186 PMCID: PMC8217215 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Drug, and specifically opioid-related, overdoses remain a major public health problem in the United States. Multiple studies have examined individual risk factors associated with overdose risk, but research developing clinical risk prediction tools for overdose has only emerged in the last few years. We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on patient-level factors associated with opioid-related overdose risk, with an emphasis on clinical risk prediction models for opioid-related overdose in the United States. Studies that developed and/or validated clinical prediction models were closely reviewed and evaluated to determine the state of the field. We identified 12 studies that reported risk prediction models for opioid-related overdose risk. Published models were developed from a variety of data sources, including Veterans Health Administration data, Medicare data, commercial insurance data, and statewide linked datasets. Studies reported model performance using measures of discrimination, usually at good-to-excellent levels, though they did not always assess calibration. C-statistics were better for models that included clinical predictors (c-statistics: 0.75-0.95) compared to models without them (c-statistics: 0.69-0.82). External validation of models was rare, and we found no studies evaluating implementation of models or risk prediction tools into clinical practice. A common feature of these models was a high rate of false positives, largely because opioid-related overdose is rare in the general population. Thus, efforts to implement prediction models into practice should take into account that published models overestimate overdose risk for many low-risk patients. Future prediction models assessing overdose risk should employ external validation and address model calibration. In order to translate findings from prediction models into clinical public health benefit, future studies should focus on developing clinical prediction tools based on prediction models, implementing these tools into clinical practice, and evaluating the impact of these models on treatment decisions, patient outcomes, and, ultimately, opioid overdose rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iraklis Erik Tseregounis
- Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Stephen G Henry
- Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.
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28
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Alobaidi A, Pickard AS, Jarrett JB, Lee TA. Hospitalizations for opioid-related overdose and timing of concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use: A nested case-control study. Pharmacotherapy 2021; 41:722-732. [PMID: 34170554 DOI: 10.1002/phar.2608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine (BZD) use is a prevalent high-risk prescribing behavior that increases the risk of opioid overdose. However, there is limited evidence on the relationship between timing of concurrent use and risk of opioid overdose. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the likelihood of opioid-related overdose across levels of duration, recency, and daily dose of concurrent use. DESIGN A nested case-control study was conducted using Truven MarketScan claims data (2009-2018). PARTICIPANTS Commercially insured adults (age 18-64 years old) with a new opioid dispensing in 2010-2018. MAIN MEASURES Cases of opioid-related overdose were identified based on hospitalization diagnosis codes. Controls were matched to cases in a 10:1 ratio by age, sex, opioid start date, and cancer history. Concurrent use was classified based on duration, timing, and daily dose of overlapping opioids and BZDs during 90 days before the event. Conditional logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between concurrent use and opioid-related overdose. KEY RESULTS Among 11,137,866 dispensed a new opioid, a total of 3388 patients experienced opioid-related overdose and were matched to 33,893 controls. Cases and controls were 34 years old on average and 54% female. Patients with concurrent use were significantly more likely to have opioid-related overdose compared to patients receiving opioids, BZDs, or neither (OR 9.28; 95% CI 7.87, 10.93). Longer concurrent use of 1-7, 8-30, and 31-90 days was associated with 4.6, 12.1, and 26.7-fold higher likelihood of opioid-related overdose (p < 0.01). Patients with overlapping prescriptions during previous 0-30, 31-60, and 61-90 days were 13.2, 6.0, and 3.2-times more likely to experience an overdose (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Patients with an opioid-related overdose were more likely to be prescribed concurrent opioid and BZD across all levels of duration, timing, and daily dose. Future policies and quality measures should be pursued to prevent concurrent use unless medically necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Alobaidi
- Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - A Simon Pickard
- Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jennie B Jarrett
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Todd A Lee
- Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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29
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Hayes CJ, Gressler LE, Hu B, Jones BL, Williams JS, Martin BC. Trajectories of Opioid Coverage After Long-Term Opioid Therapy Initiation Among a National Cohort of US Veterans. J Pain Res 2021; 14:1745-1762. [PMID: 34163232 PMCID: PMC8214015 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s308196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The objective of this study was to identify the trajectories that patients take after initiating long-term opioid therapy (LTOT). Materials and Methods Using a retrospective cohort design, veterans with chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) initiating LTOT were identified. Group-based trajectory models were used to identify opioid therapy trajectories based on days of opioid supply (primary outcome) and average daily morphine milligram equivalent dose (AMME; secondary outcome) in each 180-day period following initiation of LTOT. Results A total of 438,398 veterans with CNCP initiated LTOT. Nine trajectories were identified: 33.7% with persistent, high days covered, 17.7% with persistent, moderate days covered, 16.6% with slow, persistent days-covered reduction, 2.4% with days-covered reduction followed by increase, 4.6% with delayed days-covered reduction, 4.1% with rapid days-covered reduction, 10.9% with moderate-paced discontinuation, 3.4% with delayed discontinuation, and 6.5% with rapid discontinuation. Patients following discontinuation trajectories were more likely to be younger, persons of color, use more supportive services (eg, physical therapy), and received less opioid days' supply and lower doses prior to initiating LTOT as compared to patients following persistent opioid days-covered trajectories. AMME trajectories were similar to days-covered trajectories. Conclusion Among persons initiating LTOT, nine opioid trajectories emerged which can be broadly characterized into three main trajectory groups: persistent opioid therapy (2 trajectories), reductions in opioid therapy (4 trajectories), and discontinuation (3 trajectories). A majority of patients (51.4%) maintained persistent opioid therapy. Further research is needed to assess the risks of opioid-related adverse outcomes among the identified trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey J Hayes
- Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock, AR, USA.,Center of Health Services Research, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Laura E Gressler
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bo Hu
- Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock, AR, USA.,Center of Health Services Research, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Bobby L Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - J Silas Williams
- Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock, AR, USA.,Center of Health Services Research, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Bradley C Martin
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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30
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Cerdá M, Krawczyk N, Hamilton L, Rudolph KE, Friedman SR, Keyes KM. A Critical Review of the Social and Behavioral Contributions to the Overdose Epidemic. Annu Rev Public Health 2021; 42:95-114. [PMID: 33256535 PMCID: PMC8675278 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-090419-102727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
More than 750,000 people in the United States died from an overdose between 1999 and 2018; two-thirds of those deaths involved an opioid. In this review, we present trends in opioid overdose rates during this period and discuss how the proliferation of opioid prescribing to treat chronic pain, changes in the heroin and illegally manufactured opioid synthetics markets, and social factors, including deindustrialization and concentrated poverty, contributed to the rise of the overdose epidemic. We also examine how current policies implemented to address the overdose epidemic may have contributed to reducing prescription opioid overdoses but increased overdoses involving illegal opioids. Finally, we identify new directions for research to understand the causes and solutions to this critical public health problem, including research on heterogeneous policy effects across social groups, effective approaches to reduce overdoses of illegal opioids, and the role of social contexts in shaping policy implementation and impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Cerdá
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA; , , ,
| | - Noa Krawczyk
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA; , , ,
| | - Leah Hamilton
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA; , , ,
| | - Kara E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; ,
| | - Samuel R Friedman
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA; , , ,
| | - Katherine M Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; ,
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31
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Liu EY, Tamblyn R, Filion KB, Buckeridge DL. Concurrent prescriptions for opioids and benzodiazepines and risk of opioid overdose: protocol for a retrospective cohort study using linked administrative data. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042299. [PMID: 33602708 PMCID: PMC7896580 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid overdoses have increased substantially over the last 20 years, with over 400 000 deaths in North America. While opioid prescribing has been a target of research, benzodiazepine and opioid co-intoxication has emerged as a potential risk factor. Our aim was to assess the risk of opioid overdose associated with concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines relative to opioids alone. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A retrospective cohort study will be conducted using medical claims data from adult residents of Montréal, Canada. We will create a cohort of new users of opioids (ie, no opioid dispensations in prior year) in 2000-2014 from people with at least 2 years of continuous health insurance. Those with any diagnosis or hospitalisation for cancer or palliative care in the 2 years before their first opioid dispensation will be excluded. On each person-day of follow-up, exposure status will be classified into one of four mutually exclusive categories: (1) opioid-only, (2) benzodiazepine-only, (3) both opioid and benzodiazepine (concurrent use) or (4) neither. Opioid overdose will be measured using diagnostic codes documented in the hospital discharge abstract database, physician billing claims from emergency department visits and death records. Using a marginal structural Cox proportional hazards model, we will compare the hazard of overdose during intervals of concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use to intervals of opioid use alone, adjusted for sociodemographics, medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and substance use disorders. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study is approved by the McGill Faculty of Medicine Institutional Review Board and the Commission d'access à l'information (Québec privacy commission). Results will be relevant to clinicians, policymakers and other researchers interested in co-prescribing practices of opioids and benzodiazepines. Study findings will be disseminated at relevant conferences and published in biomedical and epidemiological peer-reviewed journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Y Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Clinical and Health Informatics, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robyn Tamblyn
- McGill Clinical and Health Informatics, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Departments of Medicine and of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kristian B Filion
- Departments of Medicine and of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David L Buckeridge
- McGill Clinical and Health Informatics, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Departments of Medicine and of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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32
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Ceasar RC, Kral AH, Simpson K, Wenger L, Goldshear JL, Bluthenthal RN. Factors associated with health-related cannabis use intentions among a community sample of people who inject drugs in Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA 2016 to 2018. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 219:108421. [PMID: 33301996 PMCID: PMC7856255 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cannabis motivations have been studied extensively among patients of medicinal cannabis dispensaries, but less is known about motivations in community samples of opioid-using people who inject drugs. Our objective is to describe cannabis use motivations associated with self-treatment of physical pain, emotional issues, and as an opioid substitute. METHODS Data come from 6-month follow-up interviews with people who inject drugs who participated in a study on the efficacy of an injection initiation prevention intervention in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California from 2016-18. The analytic sample consists of 387 people who inject drugs who reported past-month cannabis use. We developed multivariable logistic regression models by reported cannabis use motivations: physical pain relief, emotional problems, and opioid substitute. RESULTS The most common cannabis use motivations reported by people who inject drugs was to "get high," relieve physical pain and emotional problems, and reduce opioid use. In separate multivariate models, using cannabis for physical pain relief was associated with higher odds of using cannabis as a substitute for opioids; cannabis for emotional problems was associated with being diagnosed with depression; and cannabis as a substitute for opioids was associated with non-prescribed, non-injection methadone use. CONCLUSION People who inject drugs reported using cannabis for health-related motivations. This motivation aligns with health needs and suggests the acceptability of cannabis use for health reasons in this population. Studies to determine the medical effectiveness of cannabis products for these common health and mental health needs among people who inject drugs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Carmen Ceasar
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA.
| | - Alex H Kral
- Behavioral Health Research Division, RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 800, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
| | - Kelsey Simpson
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Lynn Wenger
- Behavioral Health Research Division, RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 800, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
| | - Jesse L Goldshear
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Ricky N Bluthenthal
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
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Winhusen T, Walley A, Fanucchi LC, Hunt T, Lyons M, Lofwall M, Brown JL, Freeman PR, Nunes E, Beers D, Saitz R, Stambaugh L, Oga EA, Herron N, Baker T, Cook CD, Roberts MF, Alford DP, Starrels JL, Chandler RK. The Opioid-overdose Reduction Continuum of Care Approach (ORCCA): Evidence-based practices in the HEALing Communities Study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 217:108325. [PMID: 33091842 PMCID: PMC7533113 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of opioid-involved overdose deaths in the United States remains a national crisis. The HEALing Communities Study (HCS) will test whether Communities That HEAL (CTH), a community-engaged intervention, can decrease opioid-involved deaths in intervention communities (n = 33), relative to wait-list communities (n = 34), from four states. The CTH intervention seeks to facilitate widespread implementation of three evidence-based practices (EBPs) with the potential to reduce opioid-involved overdose fatalities: overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND), effective delivery of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and safer opioid analgesic prescribing. A key challenge was delineating an EBP implementation approach useful for all HCS communities. METHODS A workgroup composed of EBP experts from HCS research sites used literature reviews and expert consensus to: 1) compile strategies and associated resources for implementing EBPs primarily targeting individuals 18 and older; and 2) determine allowable community flexibility in EBP implementation. The workgroup developed the Opioid-overdose Reduction Continuum of Care Approach (ORCCA) to organize EBP strategies and resources to facilitate EBP implementation. CONCLUSIONS The ORCCA includes required and recommended EBP strategies, priority populations, and community settings. Each EBP has a "menu" of strategies from which communities can select and implement with a minimum of five strategies required: one for OEND, three for MOUD, and one for prescription opioid safety. Identification and engagement of high-risk populations in OEND and MOUD is an ORCCArequirement. To ensure CTH has community-wide impact, implementation of at least one EBP strategy is required in healthcare, behavioral health, and criminal justice settings, with communities identifying particular organizations to engage in HCS-facilitated EBP implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Winhusen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3131 Harvey Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Alexander Walley
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Laura C Fanucchi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Tim Hunt
- Columbia University, School of Social Work, Center for Healing of Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders (CHOSEN), 1255 Amsterdam, Avenue, Rm 806, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Mike Lyons
- Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Michelle Lofwall
- Departments of Behavioral Science and Psychiatry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Jennifer L Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3131 Harvey Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Patricia R Freeman
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, 789 S Limestone St, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Edward Nunes
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Division on Substance Use, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Donna Beers
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Richard Saitz
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue 4th Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Leyla Stambaugh
- Center for Applied Public Health Research, Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 902, Rockville. MD 20852, USA
| | - Emmanuel A Oga
- Center for Applied Public Health Research, Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 902, Rockville. MD 20852, USA
| | - Nicole Herron
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3131 Harvey Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Trevor Baker
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Christopher D Cook
- Opioid/Substance Use Priority Research Area, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Ave Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Monica F Roberts
- Opioid/Substance Use Priority Research Area, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Ave Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Daniel P Alford
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Joanna L Starrels
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, 111 E. 210th Street, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Redonna K Chandler
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
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Antoniou T, McCormack D, Campbell T, Sutradhar R, Tadrous M, Lum-Wilson N, Leece P, Munro C, Gomes T. Geographic variation in the provision of naloxone by pharmacies in Ontario, Canada: A population-based small area variation analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 216:108238. [PMID: 32891910 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108238] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regional variation in pharmacy-dispensed naloxone rates could create access disparities that undermine the effectiveness of this approach. We explored individual and public health unit (PHU)-level determinants of regional variation in naloxone distribution through the Ontario Naloxone Program for Pharmacies. METHODS We conducted a population-based study between April 1, 2017 and March 31, 2018. We calculated age- and sex-standardized pharmacy-dispensed naloxone rates for the 35 Ontario PHUs, and identified determinants of these rates using generalized estimating equations negative binomial regression. RESULTS The age- and sex-standardized pharmacy-dispensed naloxone rate in Ontario was 5.5 (range 1.8-11.6) kits per 1000 population. Variables associated with higher naloxone dispensing rates included opioid use disorder history [rate ratio (RR) 2.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.75-2.96], opioid agonist therapy (RR 11.17; 95% CI 7.15-17.44), and PHU opioid overdose rate (RR 1.09 per 10 deaths; 95% CI 1.06-1.13). Pharmacy-dispensed naloxone rates were lower in rural areas (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.73-0.94) and among individuals dispensed one (RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.65-0.79), two to five (RR 0.67; 95% CI 0.54-0.84) or 6-10 (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.74-1.14) opioids in the prior year relative to those receiving no opioids. CONCLUSION Pharmacy-dispensed naloxone programs are important components of a public health response to the opioid overdose crisis. We found considerable variation in pharmacy-dispensed naloxone rates that could limit program effectiveness, particularly in rural settings with limited access to health and harm reduction services..
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Antoniou
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Canada; Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, Canada
| | | | | | - Rinku Sutradhar
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mina Tadrous
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, Canada
| | | | - Pamela Leece
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Public Health Ontario Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Tara Gomes
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, Canada.
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Maust DT, Lin LA, Goldstick JE, Haffajee RL, Brownlee R, Bohnert ASB. Association of Medicare Part D Benzodiazepine Coverage Expansion With Changes in Fall-Related Injuries and Overdoses Among Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e202051. [PMID: 32242907 PMCID: PMC7125434 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.2051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Benzodiazepines, which are associated with safety-related harms for older adults, were not covered when the US Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit began. Coverage was extended to benzodiazepines in 2013. OBJECTIVE To examine whether the expansion of benzodiazepine coverage among Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries was associated with increases in fall-related injuries or overdoses among older adults. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This ecological study used interrupted time-series with comparison-series analyses of MA claims data from 4 635 312 age-eligible MA beneficiaries and 940 629 commercially insured individuals (comparison group) stratified by age (65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and ≥80 years) to separately compare trends in fall-related injury and overdose before (January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2012) and after (January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015) coverage expansion for benzodiazepines. Data analysis was performed from September 1, 2018, to August 31, 2019. EXPOSURES Expansion of benzodiazepine coverage in Medicare Part D in 2013. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Monthly rate of fall-related injury and overdose. RESULTS In 2012 (the year before the policy change), women constituted 57.5% of the MA group and 47.4% of the comparison group. A total of 25.8% of individuals in the MA group were aged 65 to 69 years, and 29.3% were 80 years or older (mean [SD], 75.1 [6.4] years); 56.7% of individuals in the comparison group were aged 65 to 69 years, and 15.1% were 80 years or older (mean [SD] age, 70.9 [6.5] years). In the MA group, 4 635 312 individuals contributed 156 754 749 person-months from 2010 through 2015; in the comparison group, 940 629 individuals contributed 25 104 534 person-months. After coverage of benzodiazepines began, the rate (ie, slope) of fall-related injury among MA beneficiaries increased from before to after coverage among all age groups. Compared with the comparison group, the increase in rate was statistically significant for those 80 years or older (rate changes for the MA vs comparison groups: 0.12 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.17] vs -0.01 [95% CI, -0.11 to 0.10]; P = .04 for interaction). The overdose trend changed from decreasing to increasing among MA beneficiaries after coverage for all age groups, with a statistically significant increase compared with the comparison group among those aged 65 to 69 years (rate changes for the MA vs comparison groups: 0.23 [95% CI, 0.17 to 0.30] vs 0.02 [95% CI, -0.06 to 0.11]; P < .001 for interaction) and among those 80 years or older (rate changes for the MA vs comparison groups: 0.07 [95% CI, 0.00 to 0.14] vs -0.20 [95% CI, -0.35 to -0.05]; P = .002 for interaction). Results among MA beneficiaries were consistent when stratified by sex and when limited to those prescribed opioids. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Medicare's expansion of benzodiazepine coverage may have been associated with increases in the rates of overdose among adults ages 65 to 69 years and in the rates of overdose and fall-related injury among those 80 years or older.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donovan T. Maust
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
- Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Lewei Allison Lin
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
- Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Jason E. Goldstick
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Rebecca L. Haffajee
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor
- Economics, Sociology, and Statistics Department, RAND Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rebecca Brownlee
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Amy S. B. Bohnert
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
- Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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