Attempted suicide among entrants to three treatment modalities for heroin dependence in the Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS): prevalence and risk factors

The Zero Suicide Model in Addiction Treatment Settings: Recognizing the Need for Feasibility and Implementation Data

The Zero Suicide (ZS) model is a promising approach for preventing all suicides across health care settings. ZS provides guidelines for health care systems to implement best practices in suicide prevention. Patients with substance use disorders are at increased risk for suicide, but no known research has investigated how to integrate the ZS model into addiction treatment settings. This Open Forum encourages clinicians and researchers to integrate ZS into such settings and to study its feasibility and effectiveness. ZS integration into addiction treatment may improve both suicide and addiction outcomes, but additional research is needed.

Suicide Risk among Patients with Substance Use Disorders, A Cross Sectional Study In Suez Canal Area Hospitals.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3076857/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Background: Substance Use Disorders are serious health issues that have been linked to numerous clinical correlations and mental health comorbidities. One of the most important health dangers linked to substance addiction was suicide. The current study aims to investigate the phenomena using a bio-psycho-social framework. The aim was to investigate the risk of suicide in a sample of substance use disorders patients. A case control comparison was performed between 190 substance abusers versus 30 controls. Addiction Severity Index, Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale, Arab Religiosity Scale, Socioeconomic Status Scale, as well as multiple historical variables, have been investigated. Results: Suicidality was prevalent among alcohol and opioids abusers, poly substance abusers, those with a family history of suicide, and those with a history of a previous attempt. Having a positive family history of suicide could predict an 8.3 point rise in Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale score, while having any previous attempt of suicide could predict 9.04 point rise in Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale score. Suicidality scores correlated with Addiction Severity Index scores, and indirectly with socioeconomic status and Religiosity. Combinations of drugs with other mental illness showed a significant predictive effect on suicidality score. Conclusion: Suicidality is expected among substance abusers, and is affected by multiple bio-psycho-social variables.

Prevalence of and Factors Influencing Suicide Ideation, Attempt, and Completion in Heroin Users: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Suicide is considered a fundamental problem in discussions on public and global health. Thus, the current study aimed to review the prevalence of and reasons for successful suicide attempts in heroin users.

METHODS

This study was conducted by systematically searching the electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO from 1960/1/1 to 2021/11/1 based on the PRISMA checklist and using MeSH keywords with no temporal or linguistic limitations. The primary and secondary impacts of suicide were identified, and all studies following an observational design (cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies) were included in the research. Data analysis was performed using Stata version 13. Finally, 17 studies were included in the work process for systematic review and meta-analysis.

FINDINGS

The results showed the most frequent reasons for suicide among the studied individuals were gender (being female), youngness, heroin overdose, multi-drug abuse, history of repeated suicide attempts, history of psychiatric disorder (especially depression), joblessness, homelessness, distorted family relationships, etc. Moreover, the results of synthesizing the studies revealed the prevalence of suicide attempts equaled the effect size (95% CI=0.3 [0.23-0.37]) among these individuals, and the prevalence of successful suicides approached the effect size (95% CI=0.03 [0.01-0.05]).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study showed the high prevalence of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts among the heroin-abusing population. Furthermore, according to the findings, the prevalence of unsuccessful suicide attempts was ten times more than that of successful ones in the target population.

Posttraumatic stress disorder and risk of suicidal behavior: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and (i) death by suicide, (ii) attempted suicide (AS), and (iii) suicidal ideation (SI).

METHODS

The systematic review identified seven studies on PTSD and suicide, 33 studies for AS, and 20 studies for SI. A series of stratified meta-analyses were conducted to estimate pooled effects, in addition to meta-regression to investigate sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

A higher relative risk of suicide was evident among those diagnosed with PTSD (RR = 2.09 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-3.94]), with strongest associations among combat veterans (RR = 3.97, 95% CI 2.22-7.10). A lower relative risk of suicide among those with PTSD and co-morbid psychiatric conditions was evident (RR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.63-0.86). A strong association between PTSD and attempted suicide (RR = 4.05, 95% CI 3.14-5.23) and suicidal ideation (RR = 2.91, 95% CI 2.22-3.82) was also found, with a consistently strong association among those with co-morbid psychiatric conditions and non-clinical cohorts.

CONCLUSION

This review found a strong association between PTSD and death by suicide, attempted suicide, and suicidal ideation, and also suicide among veteran populations. Early identification and treatment of PTSD across both clinical and non-clinical cohorts should be a priority for suicide prevention.

Suicidal ideation and attempt and associated factors among patients with substance use disorder: institution-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

No published research in Ethiopia has examined the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts and associated factors among patients with substance use disorder.

AIMS

The main aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt and associated factors among patients with substance use disorders.

METHOD

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 5 May to 13 June 2019 in Addis Ababa. A total of 408 patients were identified using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected through interviews using the suicidality module of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Data were entered into EpiData and analysed using SPSS. Logistic regression analyses were employed. Variables with P < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Prevalence rates of suicidal ideation and attempt were found to be 39.5% and 18.6%, respectively. Family history of mental illness (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.60, 95% CI: 2.17, 5.97), comorbid mental illness (AOR = 3.61, 95% CI: 2.11, 6.16), perceived stigma related to substance misuse (AOR = 4.00, 95% CI: 2.26, 7.07) and alcohol use (AOR = 7.49, 95% CI: 1.99, 28.19) were associated with suicidal ideation. Being female (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.08, 5.70), family history of suicide (AOR = 3.08, 95% CI: 1.68, 5.64), comorbid mental illness (AOR = 4.09, 95% CI: 2.23, 7.49) and khat use (AOR = 3.73, 95% CI: 1.24, 11.17) were associated with suicide attempt.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt were both found to be high. In particular, patients who had a comorbid mental illness were at high risk of both suicidal ideation and attempt. Therefore, special attention should be given to those with a family history of suicide or comorbid mental illness.

Number of opioid overdoses and depression as a predictor of suicidal thoughts

BACKGROUND

Opioid use disorders are associated with increased risk of suicide thoughts, attempts, and death. We explored key variables from two theories of the development of suicidal thoughts and attempts (the interpersonal and three-step theories of suicide) to understand possible mechanisms underlying the association between opioid use and suicide risk. We hypothesized that interpersonal connections, variables reflecting psychological and physical pain, and variables that reduce fear of death (prior overdoses and risk-taking behaviors) would be associated with increased risk of thoughts of suicide.

METHODS

Participants (N = 141) were opioid users recruited from an epicenter of the opioid crisis in Philadelphia using a mobile research center and completed an interview to assess substance use, depression, medical comorbidities, and suicidal thoughts among other variables.

RESULTS

Univariate analyses showed that prior history of overdose, diagnosis of depression, older age, homelessness, and interpersonal connection were each associated with increased likelihood of endorsing thoughts of death/suicide. Multivariable analyses revealed prior history of overdose and depression were the variables most strongly associated with risk for thoughts of suicide.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with two theories of the development of suicidal thoughts and attempts, exposure to variables that reduce fear of death (e.g., overdoses) were associated with suicidal thoughts. In contrast, other risk-taking behaviors, medical comorbidities, and substance use were not key predictors of suicidal thoughts in this sample. Implications for targeted risk assessment among clinicians are discussed.

Prevalence, sociodemographic variables, mental health condition, and type of drug use associated with suicide behaviors among people with substance use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

We assessed the prevalence, sociodemographic variables, mental health condition, and type of drug use associated with suicide behaviors among patients with substance use disorders (SUD). Studies in English published from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 2020 were searched on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Web of Science to identify studies on variables associated with suicidal behaviors (ideations and attempts) among patients with SUD. After reviewing for study duplicates, the full-text of selected articles were assessed for eligibility using Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes (PICO) criteria: (i) population: patients with SUD; (ii) intervention: suicide behaviors in the past year; (iii) comparator: SUD who had not suicide behaviors; (iv) outcome: suicide ideations or attempts in the last year; and (v) study type: cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies. Out of 10,810 articles, 48 studies met eligibility criteria. Our findings showed a pooled prevalence rate of suicide ideations of 35% (95% CI, 22% 48%) and suicide attempts of 20% (95% CI, 17% 23%) in the last year among patients with SUD. Smoking, previous history of sexual abuse, depression, and alcohol and cannabis use disorders were significantly associated with suicide ideations. Study findings also showed that being female, smoking, history of physical and sexual abuse, depression and alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine use disorders, and polysubstance abuse were significantly associated with suicide attempts among patients with SUD. These findings have implications for developing prevention programs. Appropriate initiatives for reducing the risk of suicide behaviors like systematic assessments of changes in drug use pattern at the emergency departments or at other key health providers may be more broadly implemented. Motivational therapy to improve help-seeking, increased information on adverse consequences of heavy substance use, and crisis plan resolutions to face suicide behaviors could also be consolidated.

Suicide Risk and Addiction: The Impact of Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorders

Purpose of Review

Suicide is a major public health concern and a leading cause of death in the US. Alcohol and opioid use disorders (AUD/OUD) significantly increase risk for suicidal ideation, attempts, and death, and are the two most frequently implicated substances in suicide risk. We provide a brief overview of shared risk factors and pathways in the pathogenesis of AUD/OUD and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. We also review clinical recommendations on inpatient care, pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapeutic interventions for people with AUD/OUD and co-occurring suicidal ideation and behavior.

Recent Findings

Among people with an underlying vulnerability to risk-taking and impulsive behaviors, chronic alcohol intoxication can increase maladaptive coping behaviors and hinder self-regulation, thereby increasing the risk of suicide. Additionally, chronic opioid use can result in neurobiological changes that lead to increases in negative affective states, jointly contributing to suicide risk and continued opioid use. Despite significantly elevated suicide risk in individuals with AUD/OUD, there is a dearth of research on pharmacological and psychosocial interventions for co-occurring AUD/OUD and suicidal ideation and behavior.

Summary

Further research is needed to understand the effects of alcohol and opioid use on suicide risk, as well as address notable gaps in the literature on psychosocial and pharmacological interventions to lower risk for suicide among individuals with AUD/OUD.

Prevalence of Severe Mental Illness Dual Diagnosis Among Inpatients in a Psychiatric Hospital in Malaysia

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of alcohol or non-alcohol substance use dual diagnosis among inpatients with severe mental illness in a psychiatric institution in Malaysia. In addition, this study aimed to determine adverse outcomes between dual diagnosis versus single diagnosis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the inpatient ward using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) to establish the diagnosis of severe mental illness and to screen for alcohol or non-alcohol substance use disorder comorbidity. Outcomes and severity of different domains among severe mental illness patients were assessed using the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). Results: Out of 152 patients who participated in this study, 51.3% (n = 78) had comorbid alcohol use disorder, and 29.6% (n = 45) had non-alcohol substance use disorder. Males with Kadazan ethnicity with severe mental illness and alcohol use disorder had a higher risk of having comorbid non-alcohol substance use disorder. Similarly, male Kadazan patients with severe mental illness and non-alcohol substance use disorder had a higher risk of having a comorbid alcohol use disorder. Dual diagnosis patients with alcohol and non-alcohol substance use disorder had higher rates of hospitalizations (p < .001 and p = .001). Family and social relationships were affected among the alcohol use disorder group as shown by the higher composite score for family status (FCOMP; p < .001). This group also showed more severe psychiatric status, as the composite score for psychiatric status (PCOMP) was high (p = .004). Suicidality was higher among patients with alcohol use disorder and severe mental illness (p < .001). Conclusions: The prevalence of severe mental illness dual diagnosis was high in this study with poorer outcomes, higher rates of admissions, and risk of suicidality. This highlights the importance of provisions for a more holistic treatment approach among patients with dual diagnosis.

Suicide attempts and death among heroin-involved women seeking methadone treatment in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

The present study aims to profile the hazard fluctuation of suicide attempts and deaths among heroin-involved women seeking methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) and to investigate sociodemographic and clinical factors predicting the time to have suicidal behaviors.

METHODS

We identified a retrospective cohort comprising 2780 women receiving methadone treatment in the period of 2012-2016. Healthcare records were obtained from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, and suicide deaths were ascertained from the national death register. Competing risk survival analyses were used to estimate the risk of suicide attempts and deaths within one year and three years of MMT enrollment.

RESULTS

A total of 1.2 % of MMT-treated women ever visited hospital for suicide attempt, and 0.5 % died by confirmed suicide. The risk of treated suicide attempt reached its peak at the end of the 8th month after methadone initiation, whereas the risk of confirmed suicide death was relatively stable during the first one and a half years. A history of treated depressive disorders appears to be the strongest risk predictor for treated suicide attempts (Adjusted Hazard Ratio [aHR] = 3.45; 95 % CI = 1.66-7.19) and confirmed suicide death (aHR = 3.47; 95 % CI = 1.20-10.0). Retaining in methadone treatment may significantly lower the hazard of probable suicide death by 52 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with heroin use disorders should receive careful attention for suicide risk at intake assessment and over the course of treatment and recovery. Preventive strategies should target unmet clinical and social needs and evaluate gender-specific barriers for treatment engagement.

Suicidal motivations reported by opioid overdose survivors: A cross-sectional study of adults with opioid use disorder

BACKGROUND

Prior studies in heroin use disorder reported low rates (10%) of suicidal intention with non-fatal opioid overdose but did not assess dimensional ratings of suicidal ideation. This study aims to quantify the frequency and intensity of ratings of desire to die and perceived overdose risk proximal to the most recent opioid overdose event among individuals admitted for opioid use disorder detoxification/stabilization.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study (June 2017-July 2018) assessing patterns of opioid use and variables related to overdose history was conducted in a not-for-profit psychiatric hospital. Adults (>18 years) with opioid use disorder were eligible and 120 of 122 participants completed all measures. Forty-one percent were women and 85% self-identified as white. Participants' perceptions of the likelihood of overdose and their suicidal motivations (defined as desire to die) prior to most recent opioid overdose was self-rated on a scale of 0 (no desire to die/no risk of death) to 10 (I definitely wanted to die/I definitely thought I would die).

RESULTS

Most (92%) surviving opioid overdose used heroin/fentanyl; over half reported some desire to die prior to their most recent overdose, with 36% reporting strong (>7/10) desire to die and 21% reporting 10/10 "I definitely wanted to die." Perceptions of overdose risk were also variable, with 30% reporting no (0/10) likelihood of overdose and 13% reporting a high (10/10) likelihood.

CONCLUSIONS

Suicidal motivation prior to opioid overdose is common and falls along a continuum of severity. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine if suicide prevention interventions may reduce opioid overdose in those at risk.

Direct and indirect associations between perception of childhood trauma and suicidal ideation through emotion dysregulation in males who use heroin

Emotion dysregulation is considered as one of the factors related to suicide in individuals with childhood trauma (CT). However, no research has been performed on the role of emotion dysregulation in the relationship between perception of CT and suicidal ideation in individuals who use heroin. This study aimed to evaluate direct and indirect relationships between perception of CT and suicidal ideation through emotion regulation difficulties (ERD) and cognitive emotion regulation strategies (CERSs) in males with a DSM diagnosis of heroin dependence. In a cross-sectional design, 310 males with a DSM diagnosis of heroin dependence completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-Short version (CERQ-Short), the Obsessive-Compulsive Drug Use Scale-Form Heroin (OCDUS-Form Heroin), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS). The results revealed that perception of CT had no direct relation to suicidal ideation. Perception of CT was indirectly associated with suicidal ideation through some ERD dimensions [e.g., non-acceptance of emotional responses (Non-acceptance), limited access to emotion regulation strategies (Strategies), lack of emotional awareness (Awareness)] and the CERS of positive reappraisal. The findings suggest that high suicidal ideation may stem from a perception of CT and subsequently emotion dysregulation in individuals who use heroin. Also, the findings of this research may have implications for the prevention and treatment of suicidal ideation in individuals using heroin with a perception of CT. The results of the present study require further examination through longitudinal studies.

Prevalence and correlates of suicide attempt among Chinese individuals receiving methadone maintenance treatment for heroin dependence

To date, there have been very limited studies regarding the clinical epidemiology of attempted suicide in Chinese individuals with heroin-dependence. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of suicide attempt in Chinese individuals receiving methadone maintenance treatment for heroin dependence. Demographic, clinical, and psychosocial data of 603 methadone-maintained patients with heroin dependence were collected with a standardized self-administered questionnaire. The presence of suicide attempt and antisocial personality disorder was assessed by using a single question and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0. The one-month and lifetime prevalence rates of suicide attempt were 9.5% and 34.2%, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression, lifetime suicide attempt was significantly associated with female gender (OR = 2.81), being 20-39 years old (OR = 2.73), an education level of primary school or lower (OR = 2.07), poor economic status (OR = 3.06), injecting heroin before methadone maintenance treatment (OR = 2.92), depressive symptoms (OR = 3.46), anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.88), and antisocial personality disorder (OR = 2.85). Suicide attempt is very prevalent among Chinese individuals receiving methadone maintenance treatment for heroin dependence. Services for patients with heroin dependence in methadone maintenance treatment clinics in China should include psychosocial supports, periodic screening for suicide attempt and other suicidal behaviors and, when needed, psychiatric treatment and crisis intervention.

Adapting and implementing Caring Contacts in a Department of Veterans Affairs emergency department: a pilot study protocol

Background

Suicide among veterans is a problem nationally, and suicide prevention remains a high priority for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Focusing suicide prevention initiatives in the emergency department setting provides reach to veterans who may not be seen in mental health and targets a critical risk period, transitions in care following discharge. Caring Contacts is a simple and efficacious suicide prevention approach that could be used to target this risk period. The purpose of this study is to (1) adapt Caring Contacts for use in a VA emergency department, (2) conduct a pilot program at a single VA emergency department, and (3) create an implementation toolkit to facilitate spread of Caring Contacts to other VA facilities.

Methods

This project includes planning activities and a pilot at a VA emergency department. Planning activities will include determining available data sources, determining logistics for identifying and sending Caring Contacts, and creating an implementation toolkit. We will conduct qualitative interviews with emergency department staff and other key stakeholders to gather data on what is needed to adapt and implement Caring Contacts in a VA emergency department setting and possible barriers to and facilitators of implementation. An advisory board of key stakeholders in the facility will be created. Qualitative findings from interviews will be presented to the advisory board for discussion, and the board will use these data to inform decision making regarding implementation of the pilot. Once the pilot is underway, the advisory board will convene again to discuss ongoing progress and determine if any changes are needed to the implementation of the Caring Contacts intervention.

Discussion

Findings from the current project will inform future scale-up and spread of this innovation to other VA medical center emergency departments across the network and other networks. The current pilot will adapt Caring Contacts, create an implementation toolkit and implementation guide, evaluate the feasibility of gathering outcome measures, and provide information about what is needed to implement this evidence-based suicide prevention intervention in a VA emergency department.

Outcome of Patients With High Depressive Symptoms on Admission to Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Objective: Comorbidity of depression among individuals with opioid addiction is highly prevalent, but their outcome in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is not well determined.Methods: Characteristics and outcomes (retention until December 2017) of newly admitted and already (5.5 ± 4 years) in MMT patients with available Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores on admission were studied.Results: During psychiatric intake on admission, 70 (21.2%) of 330 patients were diagnosed with high depressive symptoms beyond the cutoff (HAM-D scores ≥ 18). Depressed and nondepressed groups had a similar proportion of females (20% and 23.8%) and age at admission (43.0 ± 10.5 and 43.7 ± 10.4 years), but the depressed group had higher Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores (21.4 ± 8.6 vs. 7.0 ± 7.3, respectively; p < .0005), a higher proportion of minority (non-Jewish faith; 28.6% vs.15.4%; p =.02), and a higher proportion of positive urine screening results for cocaine (55.7% vs. 34.4%; p = .001) and for benzodiazepines on admission (74.3% vs. 57.5%; p = .01). Retention after 1 year was similar (79% and 80.7%), but depressed patients had higher rates of cocaine (40.8% vs. 25.5%; p = .05) and benzodiazepine use (59.2% vs. 41.8%; p = .04) and a shorter cumulative retention (5.6 years, 95% confidence interval [CI; 4.3, 7.0]) than the nondepressed patients (6.8 years, 95% CI [6.1, 7.5]; p = .05). Of the 263 evaluated while already in MMT, 23.5% were depressed, characterized with more females (43.5% vs. 23.4%) and with a history of rape (34.5% vs. 7.6%).Conclusions: Newly admitted depressed and nondepressed patients succeeded similarly in the first year retention in treatment, despite their cocaine and benzodiazepine co-abuse. The depression was characterized with females and with rape history in those who were already in MMT. Adequate intervention is recommended for both depressed groups to improve long-term retention and outcome.

The epidemiology of benzodiazepine misuse: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Benzodiazepine misuse is a growing public health problem, with increases in benzodiazepine-related overdose deaths and emergency room visits in recent years. However, relatively little attention has been paid to this emergent problem. We systematically reviewed epidemiological studies on benzodiazepine misuse to identify key findings, limitations, and future directions for research.

METHODS

PubMed and PsychINFO databases were searched through February 2019 for peer-reviewed publications on benzodiazepine misuse (e.g., use without a prescription; at a higher frequency or dose than prescribed). Eligibility criteria included human studies that focused on the prevalence, trends, correlates, motives, patterns, sources, and consequences of benzodiazepine misuse.

RESULTS

The search identified 1970 publications, and 351 articles were eligible for data extraction and inclusion. In 2017, benzodiazepines and other tranquilizers were the third most commonly misused illicit or prescription drug in the U.S. (approximately 2.2% of the population). Worldwide rates of misuse appear to be similar to those reported in the U.S. Factors associated with misuse include other substance use, receipt of a benzodiazepine prescription, and psychiatric symptoms and disorders. Benzodiazepine misuse encompasses heterogeneous presentations of motives, patterns, and sources. Moreover, misuse is associated with myriad poor outcomes, including mortality, HIV/HCV risk behaviors, poor self-reported quality of life, criminality, and continued substance use during treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Benzodiazepine misuse is a worldwide public health concern that is associated with a number of concerning consequences. Findings from the present review have implications for identifying subgroups who could benefit from prevention and treatment efforts, critical points for intervention, and treatment targets.

The Association between Intentional Overdose and Same-Sex Sexual Intercourse in a Cohort of People who Inject Drugs in Melbourne, Australia

BACKGROUND

People who inject drugs (PWID) are at disproportionately high risk of suicidal behaviors, as are individuals who report same-sex attraction or experience. However, there is little evidence of compounded risk of suicide for individuals who report same-sex sexual intercourse (SSI) and are PWID.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the associations of lifetime intentional overdose amongst a cohort of PWID, with particular attention to those reporting SSI.

METHODS

The sample included 529 participants, from an ongoing cohort of 757 PWID. An "ever" SSI variable was created for participants who reported sexual intercourse with a same-sex partner at any longitudinal interview. We explored the adjusted associations between SSI and lifetime intentional overdose using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Ninety-one (17%) participants reported ever experiencing an intentional overdose. Forty-one (8%) participants reported SSI at any interview. Three hundred and sixty (68%) participants reported diagnosis of a mental health condition. Diagnosis of a mental health condition (AOR = 2.02, 95% CIs: 1.14, 3.59) and SSI (AOR = 2.58, 95% CIs: 1.22, 5.48) significantly increased the odds of lifetime intentional overdose. Conclusions/Importance: We found a heightened risk of intentional overdose amongst PWID reporting SSI, after controlling for diagnosis of a mental health condition. Services need to be aware of this heightened risk and target interventions appropriately.

Factors associated with lifetime suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in outpatients with substance use disorders

Risks factors for suicide are multiple and highly prevalent in addicted patients (previous suicide attempts, substance abuse, impulsivity, history of sexual abuse and other factors). The aim of this study is to identify and to compare the clinical and socio-demographic profile of SUD outpatients with lifetime suicidal behavior (previous suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts) and to analyze the factors related to it. A retrospective cohort study of 696 addicted patients, according to DSM-IV-TR criteria (APA, 2000) were collected from the Addiction Unit of Vall d'Hebron University Hospital. Lifetime suicidal ideation in addicted patients is associated with presence of: borderline personality disorder (BPD), depressive disorders, sexual abuse, polydrug abuse, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and motor impulsivity. The factors associated with suicide attempts were: borderline personality disorder, lifetime abuse (whether emotional, physical or sexual), co-occurrent psychotic disorders, polydrug abuse, anxiety disorders and depressive symptoms. We conclude that previous suicidal ideation and lifetime suicide attempts should be considered in the clinical care of addicted patients. Factors related to both suicidal behaviors share similarities and differences according to our findings and need to be deeply explored in the future.

Suicidal ideation among Chinese methadone-maintained patients: prevalence and correlates

Heroin users are at high risk for suicide. However, the epidemiological profile of suicidal behaviors in Chinese methadone-maintained patients remains largely unknown. This study determined the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation among Chinese methadone-maintained patients. A total of 603 methadone-maintained patients were consecutively recruited from three methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clinics in Wuhan, China, and administered with standardized questionnaires to collect sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological data. Suicidal ideation was measured with a single self-report question “Have you ever thought about committing suicide?”. Depression and anxiety were assessed with Zung’s Self-rating Depression Scale and Zung’s Self-rating Anxiety Scale, respectively. The one-month and lifetime prevalence rates of suicidal ideation were 17.9% and 58.9%, respectively. In multiple logistic regression, lifetime suicidal ideation was significantly associated with female (OR: 1.69), an educational attainment of primary school and below (OR: 1.47), fair and poor interpersonal relationship (OR: 2.20), a history of injecting heroin (OR: 1.60), depression (OR: 1.38), and anxiety (OR: 4.00). Methadone-maintained patients of MMT clinics have a high prevalence of suicidal ideation and therefore at high risk for suicide. Suicide prevention efforts at MMT clinics should include periodic evaluation of suicidality, psychosocial supports, and, when necessary, psychiatric treatment and crisis intervention.

Addiction Severity and Suicidal Behaviors Among Persons Entering Treatment

The aim of this study was three-fold: to compare the rates for suicidal behaviors based on the problem substance, to look at the association between addiction severity and suicidal behaviors, and to identify the components of addiction severity associated with suicidal behaviors. Addiction Severity Index databases from three public rehabilitation centers were merged for analyses, yielding 6,551 evaluations. The rates for suicidal behaviors among those who have a problem with both alcohol and a drug are higher than for those who have a problem with any single substance. The effect of addiction severity on suicidal behaviors persists even when other problem areas are taken into account. Thus, clinicians must pay closer attention to persons with both alcohol and drug problem.

Substance Use Disorders and Poverty as Prospective Predictors of Adult First-Time Suicide Ideation or Attempt in the United States

This study examined whether substance use disorders (SUD) and poverty predicted first-time suicide ideation or attempt in United States national data. Respondents without prior histories of suicide ideation or attempt at Wave 1 of the NESARC (N = 31,568) were analyzed to determine the main and interactive effects of SUD and poverty on first-time suicide ideation or attempt by Wave 2, 3 years later. Adjusted for controls, poverty (AOR = 1.35, CI = 1.05-1.73) and drug use disorders (AOR = 2.10, CI = 1.07-4.14) independently increased risk for first-time suicide ideation or attempt at Wave 2. SUD and poverty did not interact to differentially increase risk for first-time suicide ideation or attempt, prior to or after adjustment for controls. This study reinforces the importance of SUD and poverty in the risk for first-time suicide ideation or attempt. Public health efforts should target messages to drug users and the impoverished that highlight their increased risk for first-time suicide.

Suicide Risk of Heroin Dependent Subjects in Lebanon

The aim is to determine the frequency of suicidal behavior and associated factors among heroin dependent inpatients. 61 heroin dependent inpatients (vs. 61 controls) were assessed on their pattern of substance use, impulsivity, depression and suicidal behavior. 37.7 % of patients had a personal history of suicidal attempt (SA), 14.8 % had current suicidal ideation. SA was associated to younger age at first substance use and to higher rates of depression and impulsivity. IV heroin overdose was the most frequent mode of SA (47.8 %). Long duration, multiple drug use, and family history of suicide were associated with higher risk of suicide among lebanese patients.

Factors That Affect Adolescent Drug Users' Suicide Attempts

Drug abuse has been widely linked to suicide risk. We examined the factors that affect adolescent drug users' suicide attempts in South Korea. This study analyzed the data of 311 adolescents who had used drugs such as inhalants, psychotropic drugs, and marijuana (195 males and 116 females). Among 311 subjects, 109 (35.0%) had attempted suicide during the last 12 months. After adjusting for other variables, depressive mood (OR=19.79) and poly-drug use (OR=2.79), and low/middle levels of academic achievement compared with a high level (OR=3.72 and 4.38) were independently associated with increased odds of a suicide attempt, while better perceived health (OR=0.32) was independently associated with reduced odds of a suicide attempt. For adolescent drug users, preventive work should be directed toward the active treatment of drug use, depression, and physical health and reinforcing proper coping strategies for academic and other stress.

Patterns and correlates of attempted suicide amongst heroin users: 11-year follow-up of the Australian treatment outcome study cohort

Lifetime and recent rates of attempted suicide and suicidal ideation amongst the Australian Treatment Outcome Study cohort of heroin users at 11-year follow-up were examined. The mean elapsed time since heroin initiation was 20.4 years. At 11-year follow-up, 42.2% of the cohort reported ever having made a suicide attempt, 11.1% having made a first attempt subsequent to baseline. In the year preceding 11-year follow-up, 1.6% had made an attempt, suicidal ideation was reported by 10.4%, and 4.2% had a current suicide plan. After controlling for other variables, past 12 month attempts, current ideation or plans were independently associated with a current diagnosis of Major Depression (odds ratios (OR) 1.67) and more extensive polydrug use (OR 1.39), while each standard deviation higher on the SF12 physical health scale (reflecting better health) was associated with reduced odds (OR 0.66). Suicide and suicidal ideation remained a significant clinical issue for heroin users, some 20 years after their heroin use commenced.

Drug Addiction as Risk for Suicide Attempts

Introduction:

Suicide is closely linked to the substances use. Therefore it is very important to confirm the factors that affect the possibility of suicidal behavior.

Methodology:

The survey included 200 respondents; 100 heroin addicts on the substitution program that attempted suicide and 100 opiate addicts who have not attempted suicide. The evaluation included a questionnaire with socio-demographic, hereditary and addiction data, legal problems and then the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–MMPI-2.

Results:

The results showed a statistically significant difference compared to the personality structure, especially pronounced in hypersensitive structures, in relation to the duration of addictive experience and duration of heroin by intravenous route, as well as in relation to the presence of psychotic disorders, drug abuse and suicidal behavior in the family.

Conclusion:

As risk factors among opiate addicts are indentified interfered biological and psychological factors and the effects of the substances themselves.

Convergent validity of the ASAM criteria in co-occurring disorders

OBJECTIVE

The complexity of substance use and psychiatric disorders demands thorough assessment of patients for integrated services. We tested the convergent validity of the software version of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) second edition-revised criteria for patient placement by examining the software's ability to discriminate based on a variety of demographic and clinical factors.

METHODS

This prospective naturalistic multi-site study examined the software's assignment of patients to three types of treatment (addiction only services, dual diagnosis capable, and dual diagnosis enhanced) and whether these assignments indicated an ability to discriminate between patients with and without dual diagnosis based on clinical characteristics and severity. Ten addiction treatment clinics spanning three counties participated, and both patients and ASAM assessors were kept blind to the ASAM recommendation. Patients were assigned to their respective treatment options based on routine assessment by clinicians at intake, which they had in addition to the ASAM interview. Three months after treatment initiation a follow-up interview with ASAM was conducted.

RESULTS

There were 261 patients in the study, 96 (36.7%) were assigned to addiction only services, 42 (16.1%) to dual diagnosis capable, and 123 (47.1%) to dual diagnosis enhanced. Patients assigned to the two dual diagnosis groups were significantly more likely to be younger and have fewer years of work than other patients. There were significant differences in history of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric treatment across groups. For example, a larger percentage of those in addiction only services had never been in inpatient treatment, while more of those in the two dual diagnosis groups had three or more inpatient stays. Despite similar alcohol and drug severity scores, patients recommended by the software for dual diagnosis enhanced programs showed a gradient of significantly higher psychiatric (p <.001), legal (p <.04), and family (p <.001) Addiction Severity Index composite scores at baseline than patients in dual diagnosis capable and addiction only services.

CONCLUSIONS

RESULTS show a high prevalence of co-occurring program recommendations with statistically significant and clinically meaningful differences between patient groups. The convergent validity of the revised version of ASAM Criteria Software is supported by these results.

Factors that affect substance users' suicidal behavior: a view from the Addiction Severity Index in Korea

BACKGROUND

In South Korea, it has not been easy to negotiate studies that target drug users who are being punished by law, and accordingly, no study on suicidal ideation among substance users has been accomplished yet. In this study, the factors that affect substance users' suicidal ideation were confirmed.

METHODS

It was based on the data collected from 'The 2009 Study on Substance-Dependent Individuals in Korea' , which was conducted by The Catholic University of Korea in 2010 as a project sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea. This study targeted 523 former hospital inpatients, prison inmates, and persons under protective supervision who had used substances such as psychotropic drugs, marijuana, and narcotic agents, and were in the recovery stage at various treatment/rehabilitation centers. Student's t and chi-square tests were used, and multivariate analysis was performed to examine the strength of the relationships between suicide ideation and various factors.

RESULTS

According to this study, 41% of these substance users planned suicide with suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation was confirmed as associated with an unsatisfactory domestic environment, insufficient and unsatisfactory spare time experiences with others, emotional abuse, severe depression, and trouble with controlling violent behavior. Of the substance users who had planned to commit suicide, 56% attempted suicide. Their suicide attempts were shown to have been associated with insufficient protective supervision and the experiences of physical abuse, trouble with controlling violent behavior, and doctors' prescriptions due to psychological or emotional problems.

CONCLUSION

Based on this analysis of the factors that affect suicidal behavior, preventive measures and strategies for substance user were suggested in this study.

The role of depression and social support in non-fatal drug overdose among a cohort of injection drug users in a Canadian setting

OBJECTIVES

Non-fatal overdose remains a significant source of morbidity among people who inject drugs (IDU). Although depression and social support are important in shaping the health of IDU, little is known about the relationship between these factors and overdose. Therefore, we sought to determine whether depressive symptoms and social support predicted non-fatal overdose among IDU in a Canadian setting.

METHODS

Data were derived from three prospective cohorts of people who use drugs: the Vancouver Injection Drug Users Study (VIDUS), the ACCESS Cohort, and the At-Risk Youth Study (ARYS). Multilevel modeling was used to determine if depression and social support were significant predictors of non-fatal overdose across time. Analyses were stratified by sex.

RESULTS

There were 1931 participants included in this analysis, including 653 (33.8%) females and 69 (3.6%) youth 20 years old or younger. Depressed men (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.53, 95% confidence intervals [CI]=1.25, 1.87) and women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.23, 95% confidence intervals [CI]=1.65, 3.00) were more likely to experience a non-fatal overdose. Further, among women, those who reported having 3 or more persons they could rely upon for social support were less likely to experience a non-fatal overdose (AOR=0.54, 95% CI 0.31, 0.93).

CONCLUSION

Although depression was a significant predictor of non-fatal drug overdose, social support was a significant predictor among women only. Possible strategies to prevent non-fatal overdose may include identifying IDU experiencing severe depressive symptoms and providing targeted mental health treatments and mobilizing interpersonal social support among IDU, especially among women.

A meta-analysis of the association between posttraumatic stress disorder and suicidality: the role of comorbid depression

OBJECTIVE

A considerable number of studies have reported an increased frequency of suicidal behaviors among individuals diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aims, first, to provide a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between a PTSD diagnosis and frequency of suicidality and, second, to examine the role of comorbid depression in the association between suicidality and PTSD.

METHODS

Searches of Medline (June 2010), EMBASE (June 2010), PsycINFO (June 2010), PILOTS (June 2010), and Web of Science (June 2010) were conducted to identify studies that examined the association between PTSD and suicidality. The studies had to include an effect size of the association between PTSD and suicidality to be included in the meta-analysis. Sixty-three studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Overall and subgroup effect sizes were examined.

RESULTS

A highly significant positive association between a PTSD diagnosis and suicidality was found. The PTSD-suicidality association persisted across studies using different measures of suicidality, current and lifetime PTSD, psychiatric and nonpsychiatric samples, and PTSD populations exposed to different types of traumas. Comorbid major depression significantly compounded the risk for suicide in PTSD populations.

CONCLUSION

The current meta-analysis provides strong evidence that a PTSD diagnosis is associated with increased suicidality. The crucial role of comorbid major depression in the etiology of suicidality in PTSD is also supported.

Suicide attempts during heavy drinking episodes among individuals entering alcohol treatment in Warsaw, Poland

AIMS

Acute alcohol intoxication itself may act as a trigger for suicidal thoughts and attempts among individuals at risk and may influence the potential lethality of the suicide attempt. This study in alcohol-dependent patients compared the correlates of suicide attempts during a heavy drinking episode with those of suicide attempts during relative sobriety.

METHODS

In two outpatient and two residential alcohol treatment programs in Warsaw, Poland, 113 patients who reported a suicide attempt during their lifetime were interviewed. The analyses focused on the patients' most serious suicide attempts and on whether these occurred during a heavy drinking episode.

RESULTS

Over two-thirds of the patients reported that their most serious suicide attempt occurred during a period of heavy drinking. A multivariable logistic model indicated that the following factors significantly distinguished those patients whose most serious suicide attempt occurred during a heavy drinking episode: male gender, younger current age, greater severity of alcohol dependence and the attempt being unplanned.

CONCLUSION

Among the patients in treatment for alcohol dependence who made a suicide attempt, the most serious attempt was likely to have been unplanned and committed by men when it occurred during a heavy drinking episode.

Effect of prison-based opioid substitution treatment and post-release retention in treatment on risk of re-incarceration

AIMS

People who use heroin are frequently incarcerated multiple times. Reducing re-incarceration of this group is important for reducing both health risks associated with incarceration and the costs of correctional administration. Opioid substitution treatment (OST) in prisons may help to reduce re-incarceration, but research findings on this topic have been mixed. In this study, we examined the effect of OST in prison and after release on re-incarceration.

DESIGN

Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS: Data on OST and incarceration were linked for a cohort of 375 male heroin users recruited originally in prisons in New South Wales, Australia. Data were linked for the period 1 June 1997-31 December 2006. Re-incarceration was examined using recurrent-event survival analysis models. Model 1 examined the effect of OST status at release from prison (i.e. in treatment versus out of treatment on the day of release) on re-incarceration. Model 2 considered the effect of remaining in OST after release on risk of re-incarceration.

FINDINGS

Ninety per cent of participants were re-incarcerated following their first observed release. Pre-incarceration cocaine use was associated with a 13% increase in the average risk of re-incarceration. There was no significant association between simply being in OST at the time of release and risk of re-incarceration; however, in the model taking into account post-release retention in treatment, the average risk of re-incarceration was reduced by 20% while participants were in treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In New South Wales, Australia, opioid substitution treatment after release from prison has reduced the average risk of re-incarceration by one-fifth.

Patterns of treatment utilization before suicide among male veterans with substance use disorders

OBJECTIVES

We sought to describe the extent and nature of contact with the health care system before suicide among veterans with substance use disorders (SUDs).

METHODS

We examined all male Veterans Health Administration patients who died by suicide between October 1, 1999, and September 30, 2007, and who had a documented SUD diagnosis during the 2 years before death (n = 3132).

RESULTS

Over half (55.5%; n = 1740) of the male patients were seen during the month before suicide, and 25.4% (n = 796) were seen during the week before suicide. In examining those with a medical visit in the year before suicide (n = 2964), most of the last visits before suicide (56.6%; n = 1679) were in a general medical setting, 32.8% (n = 973) were in a specialty mental health setting, and 10.5% (n = 312) were in SUD treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Men with SUDs who died from suicide were frequently seen in the month before their death. Most were last seen in general medical settings, although a substantial minority of those with SUDs was seen in specialty mental health settings.

A procedure that differentiates unintentional from intentional overdose in opioid abusers

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to develop a procedure for assessing unintentional overdose (OD) in opiate abusers that differentiates it from intentional OD, and provides reliable information about the incident.

METHODS

A sample of 121 patients in a methadone maintenance program at an urban university hospital completed a baseline assessment. A total of 70 participants completed an identical assessment at least 14 days later. The ability of an OD item to differentiate unintentional OD from intentional OD was tested, as was the test-retest reliability of questions assessing symptoms and treatment of OD.

RESULTS

The procedure is reliable and differentiated unintentional OD from intentional OD. Questions assessing symptoms of OD were endorsed in almost every unintentional OD incident, although reliability was affected by loss of consciousness. The reliability of questions assessing emergency treatment and Narcan administration was outstanding.

CONCLUSIONS

Our procedure for assessing OD differentiates unintentional OD from intentional OD. The use of follow-up questions assessing acute treatment for OD is recommended. Items concerning symptoms of OD are not needed to confirm the presence of an OD, but may be used to clarify whether an event was an OD.

Suicide attempts and overdoses among adults entering addictions treatment: comparing correlates in a U.S. National Study

BACKGROUND

Suicide attempts and non-fatal overdoses are both associated with substance use. The aim of the present study was to examine correlates of suicide attempts and non-fatal overdoses simultaneously among individuals seeking addictions treatment.

METHODS

A large U.S. national sample of individuals entering addictions treatment participated in a cross-sectional survey (n=5892). Multinomial logistic regression modeling tested the adjusted associations of violence, injection drug use, specific substances, and depressive symptoms with a four-category outcome variable based on prior histories of suicide attempt and non-fatal overdose (neither, suicide attempt only, overdose only, both), adjusting for demographic and treatment characteristics.

RESULTS

Sexual and physical victimization was associated with suicide attempts with or without overdoses (ORs 1.25-2.84), while perpetrating violence was associated with having experienced either or both outcomes (ORs 1.25-1.56). Depressive symptoms had a stronger association with suicide attempts (OR=3.05) than overdoses (OR=1.29). Injection drug use was associated with overdoses with or without suicide attempts (ORs 2.65-3.22). Individuals seeking treatment for marijuana use were less likely have overdosed or attempted suicide (ORs 0.39-0.67), while individuals seeking treatment for heroin use were more likely to have overdosed (OR=1.46). Seeking treatment for use of more than one substance was associated with overdose and overdose and suicide attempt (ORs 1.58-2.51), but not suicide attempt alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings indicate that suicide and overdose are connected yet distinct problems. Individuals who have had a history of both may be a group with particularly poor psychological functioning as well as more severe drug-related problems.

Deaths of opiate/opioid misusers involving dihydrocodeine, UK, 1997-2007

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

Dihydrocodeine (DHC) is an opioid analgesic sometimes prescribed as an alternative to other medications (e.g. methadone and buprenorphine) for opioid misuse. Its effectiveness is, however, still controversial. DHC prescription rates seem to be related to levels of DHC fatalities, possibly in relation to levels of disregard of the availability of supervised or interval dispensing of opioids, but no large-scale analysis of DHC fatalities has been carried out. We analysed here involvement of DHC in fatalities that occurred between 1997 and 2007 among individuals with a history of opiate/opioid misuse reported to the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths (np-SAD).

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

DHC, either alone or in combination, was identified in 584 fatalities. Typical cases identified were males in their early thirties. In accidental overdoses, DHC, which had been prescribed to 45% of the victims, was typically identified in combination with other drugs, such as heroin/morphine, methadone and hypnotics/sedatives. Both paracetamol and antidepressants were more typically identified in combination with DHC in suicides. Opiate/opioid misusers should be educated about risks associated with polydrug intake and prescribers should carefully consider a pharmacological intervention alternative to DHC (e.g. methadone, buprenorphine) when managing and treating opiate addiction.

AIMS

Although its effectiveness is somewhat controversial, it appears that dihydrocodeine (DHC) is still prescribed in the UK as an alternative to both methadone and buprenorphine for the treatment of opiate addiction.

METHODS

Data covering the period 1997-2007 voluntarily supplied by coroners were analysed. All cases pertaining to victims with a clear history of opiate/opioid misuse and in which DHC, either on its own or in combination, was identified at post-mortem toxicology and/or implicated in death, were extracted from the database.

RESULTS

Dihydrocodeine, either alone or in combination, was identified in 584 fatalities meeting the selection criteria. In 44% of cases it was directly implicated in the cause of death. These cases represented about 6.8% of all opiate/opioid-related deaths during this period. Typical DHC cases identified were White males in their early thirties. Accidental deaths (96%) were likely to involve DHC in combination with other psychoactives, mainly heroin/morphine, hypnotics/sedatives and methadone. Both paracetamol and antidepressants were found in proportionately more suicide cases than in accidental overdoses. DHC had been prescribed to the decedent in at least 45% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Opiate/opioid misusers should be educated about risks associated with polydrug intake. More in particular, co-administration of DHC with heroin, methadone and benzodiazepines may increase the risk of accidental fatal overdose. Prescribers should carefully consider pharmacological intervention alternative to DHC (e.g. methadone, buprenorphine) when managing and treating opiate addiction. More resources are required to do prospective research in this area.

History of reported sexual or physical abuse among long-term heroin users and their response to substitution treatment

Opioid-dependent individuals with a history of abuse have exhibited worse mental and physical health compared to those without such a history; however, the evidence regarding the influence of abuse histories on addiction treatment outcomes are conflicting. In the present study, we identified history of physical or sexual abuse at treatment initiation in relation to drug use and health among long-term opioid-dependent individuals and we determined the relationship of abuse histories with treatment outcomes following substitution treatment. We analyzed data from a randomized controlled trial that compared the effectiveness of opioid-agonists in the treatment of chronic opioid dependence. The North American Opiate Medication Initiative (NAOMI) was conducted in Vancouver and Montreal (Canada) and provided oral methadone, injectable diacetylmorphine or injectable hydromorphone, the last two on a double blind basis, over 12 months. A total of 112 (44.6%) participants reported a history of physical or sexual abuse at baseline. Participants with an abuse history reported a significantly higher number of chronic medical problems, suicide attempts, and previous drug treatments and had poorer psychiatric, family and social relations, and quality of life status compared to those without abuse histories. No differences in current and past substance use were found between those with and without abuse histories. Following 12 months of treatment, the participants with abuse histories improved to a similar degree as those without a history of abuse in all of the European Addiction Severity Index sub-scales, with the exception of medical status. The findings suggest that individuals with abuse histories were able to achieve similar outcomes as those without abuse histories following treatment despite having poorer scores in physical and mental health, social status and quality of life at treatment initiation. These findings suggest that the substitution treatments as provided in this study can benefit the most vulnerable and access needs to be expanded to reach this population.

Sex differences amongst dependent heroin users: histories, clinical characteristics and predictors of other substance dependence

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

To examine differences in the characteristics and histories of male and female dependent heroin users, and in the clinical characteristics associated with multiple substance dependence diagnoses.

DESIGN AND METHODS

1513 heroin dependent participants underwent an interview covering substance use and dependence, psychiatric history, child maltreatment, family background, adult violence and criminal history. Family background, demographic and clinical characteristics were analysed by sex. Ordinal regression was used to test for a relationship between number of substance dependence diagnoses and other clinical variables.

RESULTS

Women were more likely to experience most forms of child maltreatment, to first use heroin with a boyfriend or partner, to experience ongoing adult violence at the hands of a partner, and to have a poorer psychiatric history than men. Males had more prevalent lifetime substance dependence diagnoses and criminal histories and were more likely to meet the criteria for ASPD. Predictors of multiple substance dependence diagnoses for both sexes were mental health variables, antisocial behaviour, childhood sexual abuse, victim of adult violence, younger age at first cannabis use and overdose. As the number of dependence diagnoses increased, clinical and behavioural problems increased. Childhood emotional neglect was related to increasing dependence diagnoses for females but not males, whereas PTSD was a significant predictor for males but not females.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Mental health problems, other substance dependence, childhood and adult trauma were common in this sample, with sex differences indicating different treatment needs and possible different pathways to heroin dependence for men and women.

Factors associated with suicide attempts among injection drug users

Injection drug users (IDUs) entering an urban low-threshold opiate detoxification unit in Munich, Germany, between 1991 and 1997 were asked for lifetime suicide attempts and administered a questionnaire, including sociodemographic, IDU-related, and drug user treatment related variables. Among 1,049 participants, 20% had ever tried to commit suicide. In the logistic regression, female gender, older age, drug user treatment experience, lack of drug user counseling, and emergency treatment were associated with attempted suicide. Regular screening for suicidal behavior in IDUs should be undertaken with a special focus to mention risk factors. The study's limitations are noted. This study was partially sponsored by the German Ministry of Health.

Development of a nurse-led primary healthcare service for injecting drug users in inner-city Sydney

Injecting drug users (IDUs) experience numerous health problems, but report barriers to utilising general practitioners (GPs). A nurse-led Harm Minimisation-based Primary Healthcare (HMPH) service for IDUs was established within a needle and syringe program in inner-city Sydney with Area Health Service medical support and clinical governance. This paper aimed to describe the HMPH service, review service utilisation and assess nurses’ perceptions of their work with IDUs. A review of the most recent 200 clinic files was undertaken. Service utilisation, GP and other health service use and access were extracted and analysed using SPSS. A semi-structured qualitative interview with clinic nurses regarding their experience working with IDUs and local GPs was conducted and analysed. Since its inception in mid-2006, the service has been utilised by 417 clients. Of the most recent 200 files, blood-borne virus and sexually transmitted infection screening were the primary reason for presentation (64.5%). At least one follow-up visit was attended by 90% of clients. A total of 62% of clients reported consulting a GP in the last 12 months. The service provided 102 referrals. Nurses believed that IDUs tend to utilise GPs ineffectively and that self-care is a low priority, but that they can support IDUs to overcome some barriers to GPs and facilitate access. Targeted primary health care services led by nurses with focussed medical support and co-located with needle and syringe programs can fill an important gap in delivering and facilitating health care to IDUs.

Attempted suicide, self-harm, and violent victimization among regular illicit drug users

Relationships among attempted suicide, nonsuicidal self-harm, and physical assault were examined in 400 regular users of heroin and/or psychostimulants. Twenty-eight percent had episodes of nonsuicidal self-harm, 32% had attempted suicide, and 95% had been violently assaulted. The number of suicide attempts and nonsuicidal self-harm incidents were correlated (ρ = 0.44). There were also significant correlations between the number of assaults and nonsuicidal self-harm incidents (ρ = 0.17), and suicide attempts (ρ = 0.27). The mean age onset for non-suicidal self-harm (18.9 yrs) was significantly younger than that of initial suicide (22.3 yrs). The age at initial physical assault (16.0yrs) was significantly younger than that of nonsuicidal self-harm and initial suicide attempt. Screening for all forms of violence appears warranted when determining suicide risk for this population.

Favorable mortality profile of naltrexone implants for opiate addiction

Several reports express concern at the mortality associated with the use of oral naltrexone for opiate dependency. Registry controlled follow-up of patients treated with naltrexone implant and buprenorphine was performed. In the study, 255 naltrexone implant patients were followed for a mean (+/- standard deviation) of 5.22 +/- 1.87 years and 2,518 buprenorphine patients were followed for a mean (+/- standard deviation) of 3.19 +/- 1.61 years, accruing 1,332.22 and 8,030.02 patient-years of follow-up, respectively. The crude mortality rates were 3.00 and 5.35 per 1,000 patient-years, respectively, and the age standardized mortality rate ratio for naltrexone compared to buprenorphine was 0.676 (95% confidence interval = 0.014 to 1.338). Most sex, treatment group, and age comparisons significantly favored the naltrexone implant group. Mortality rates were shown to be comparable to, and intermediate between, published mortality rates of an age-standardized methadone treated cohort and the Australian population. These data suggest that the mortality rate from naltrexone implant is comparable to that of buprenorphine, methadone, and the Australian population.