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Karandinos G, Unick J, Ondocsin J, Holm N, Mars S, Montero F, Rosenblum D, Ciccarone D. Decrease in injection and rise in smoking and snorting of heroin and synthetic opioids, 2000-2021. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 263:111419. [PMID: 39216201 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injecting, smoking, and snorting heroin/synthetic opioids is each associated with unique health risks. It is unclear how route of administration (ROA) preferences have shifted during the opioid epidemic. METHODS Using 2000-2021 admissions data from SAMHSA TEDS-A, we analyzed trends in heroin/synthetic opioid ROA preferences and factors associated with these preferences. RESULTS 7,881,318 heroin/synthetic opioid admissions reported injection, smoking, or snorting preference. Nationally, injection peaked in 2014 (69.9 %) and nadired in 2021(52.2 %), snorting nadired in 2014 (24.9 %) and peaked in 2021 (36.4 %), and smoking rose steadily from 2.5 % in 2005 to a peak of 11.4 % in 2021. From 2000-2021, the number of states with ≥10 % smoking rates grew from 2 to 27 (highest: 57.0 % in Arizona in 2021). In 2021, increased adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) of non-injection versus injection use were associated with older age at first opioid use (APR 1.52 [95 % CI: 1.51, 1.54] for those 30+ relative to ≤20), and all race/ethnicities relative to non-Latino White individuals (highest: Black individuals, APR 1.77 [1.75, 1.78]). Geography strongly predicted smoking versus snorting (Mountain APR 6.91 [6.64, 7.19], Pacific APR 6.61 [6.35, 6.88], reference: New England). CONCLUSIONS ROA preferences of heroin/synthetic opioids have changed substantially since 2000, with: 1) recent decreases in injection nationally; 2) increased smoking, particularly in the western US; and, 3) recent increased snorting in the eastern US. Smoking is now prevalent and growing. Public health implications include an increasing number of smoking-related fatal overdoses and the probable reduction of injection-specific morbidity and increase in smoking-specific morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Karandinos
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St., Suite 1600, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Jay Unick
- University of Maryland, School of Social Work, 525 W Redwood St, Baltimore, MD 20201, USA.
| | - Jeff Ondocsin
- Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 490 Illinois Street, Box 0900, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Nicole Holm
- Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 490 Illinois Street, Box 0900, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Sarah Mars
- Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 490 Illinois Street, Box 0900, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Fernando Montero
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies and Social Intervention Group (SIG), Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Daniel Rosenblum
- Department of Economics, Dalhousie University, 6214 University Avenue, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Daniel Ciccarone
- Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 490 Illinois Street, Box 0900, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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Chan B, Cook R, Levander X, Wiest K, Hoffman K, Pertl K, Petluri R, McCarty D, Korthuis PT, Martin SA. Buprenorphine discontinuation in telehealth-only treatment for opioid use disorder: A longitudinal cohort analysis. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 167:209511. [PMID: 39243979 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal agencies permitted telehealth initiation of buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) without in-person assessment. It remains unclear how telehealth-only buprenorphine treatment impacts time to discontinuation and patient reported treatment outcomes. METHODS A longitudinal observational cohort study conducted September 2021 through March, 2023 enrolled participants with OUD initiating buprenorphine (≤ 45 days) with internet and phone access in Oregon and Washington. The intervention was a fully telehealth-only (THO) app versus treatment as usual (TAU) in office-based settings with some telehealth. We assessed self-reported buprenorphine discontinuation at 4-,12-, and 24-weeks. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) calculated unadjusted and adjusted relative risk ratios (RR) for discontinuation averaged over the study period. Secondary outcomes included change in the Brief Addiction Monitor (BAM) and the visual analogue craving scale. Generalized linear models estimated average within-group and between-group differences over time. RESULTS Participants (n = 103 THO; n = 56 TAU) had a mean age of 37 years (SD = 9.8 years) and included 52 % women, 83 % with Medicaid insurance, 80 % identified as White, 65 % unemployed/student, and 19 % unhoused. There were differences in gender (THO = 54 % women vs. TAU = 44 %, p = .04), unemployed status (60 % vs 75 %, p = .02), and stable housing (84 % vs 73 %, p = .02). Rates of buprenorphine discontinuation were low in the THO (4 %) and TAU (13 %) groups across 24 weeks. In the adjusted analysis, the risk of discontinuation was 61 % lower in the THO group (aRR = 0.39, 95 % CI [0.17, 0.89], p = .026). Decreases occurred over time on the harms subscale of the BAM (within-group difference - 0.85, p = .0004 [THO], and - 0.68, p = .04 [TAU]) and cravings (within-group difference - 13.47, p = .0001 [THO] vs -7.65, p = .01 [TAU]). CONCLUSIONS A telehealth-only platform reduced the risk of buprenorphine discontinuation compared to office-based TAU. In-person evaluation to receive buprenorphine may not be necessary for treatment-seeking patients. CLINICAL TRIALS IDENTIFIER NCT03224858.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Chan
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America; Central City Concern, Portland, OR, United States of America.
| | - Ryan Cook
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Ximena Levander
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | | | - Kim Hoffman
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Kellie Pertl
- Boulder Care, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | | | - Dennis McCarty
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America; School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Stephen A Martin
- Boulder Care, Portland, OR, United States of America; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
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Zoorob MJ, Park JN, Kral AH, Lambdin BH, Del Pozo B. Drug Decriminalization, Fentanyl, and Fatal Overdoses in Oregon. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2431612. [PMID: 39235814 PMCID: PMC11378001 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.31612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance With the implementation of Measure 110 (M110) in 2021, Oregon became the first US state to decriminalize small amounts of any drug for personal use. To date, no analysis of the association of this law with overdose mortality has fully accounted for the introduction of fentanyl-a substance that is known to drive fatal overdose-to Oregon's unregulated drug market. Objective To evaluate whether the decriminalization of drug possession in Oregon was associated with changes in fatal drug overdose rates after accounting for the rapid spread of fentanyl in Oregon's unregulated drug market. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cohort study, the association between fatal overdose and enactment of M110 was analyzed using a matrix completion synthetic control method. The control group consisted of the 48 US states and Washington, DC, all of which did not decriminalize drugs. The rapid spread of fentanyl in unregulated drug markets was determined using the state-level percentage of all samples reported to the National Forensic Laboratory Information System that were identified as fentanyl or its analogues. Mortality data were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2022. Data analysis was performed from fall 2023 through spring 2024. Exposures Measure 110 took effect in Oregon on February 1, 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome assessed was fatal drug overdose rates per half-year. A changepoint analysis also determined when each state experienced a rapid escalation of fentanyl in its unregulated drug market. Results In this analysis, rapid spread of fentanyl in Oregon's unregulated drug supply occurred in the first half of 2021, contemporaneous with enactment of M110. A positive crude association was found between drug decriminalization and fatal overdose rate per 100 000 per half year (estimate [SE], 1.83 [0.47]; P < .001). After adjusting for the spread of fentanyl as a confounder, the effect size changed signs (estimate [SE], -0.51 [0.61]; P = .41) and there was no longer an association between decriminalization and overdose mortality in Oregon. Sensitivity analyses were consistent with this result. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of fatal drug overdose and the spread of fentanyl through Oregon's unregulated drug market, no association between M110 and fatal overdose rates was observed. Future evaluations of the health effects of drug policies should account for changes in the composition of unregulated drug markets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ju Nyeong Park
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | | | | | - Brandon Del Pozo
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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Ramalingam N, Rieke E, McDonnell MM, Myers E, Hoover D. "Moving beyond silos": focus groups to understand the impact of an adapted project ECHO model for a multidisciplinary statewide forum of substance use disorder care leaders manuscript authors. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:58. [PMID: 39118184 PMCID: PMC11311920 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00485-3] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although clinical substance use disorder (SUD) care is multidisciplinary there are few opportunities to collaborate for quality improvement or systems change. In Oregon, the Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) model was adapted to create a novel multidisciplinary SUD Leadership ECHO. The objective of this study was to understand the unique effects of the adapted ECHO model, determine if the SUD Leadership ECHO could promote systems change, and identify elements that enabled participant-leaders to make changes. METHODS Four focus groups were conducted between August and September of 2022 with a purposive sample of participants from the second cohort of the Oregon ECHO Network's SUD Leadership ECHO that ran January to June 2022. Focus group domains addressed the benefits of the adapted ECHO model, whether and why participants were able to make systems change following participation in the ECHO, and recommendations for improvement. Thematic analysis developed emergent themes. RESULTS 16 of the 53 ECHO participants participated in the focus groups. We found that the SUD Leadership ECHO built a multi-disciplinary community of practice among leaders and reduced isolation and burnout. Three participants reported making organizational changes following participation in the ECHO. Those who successfully made changes heard best practices and how other organizations approached problems. Barriers to initiating practice and policy changes included lack of formal leadership authority, time constraints, and higher-level systemic issues. Participants desired for future iterations of the ECHO more focused presentations on a singular topic, and asked for a greater focus on solutions, advocacy, and next steps. CONCLUSIONS The adapted ECHO model was well received by focus group participants, with mixed reports on whether participation equipped them to initiate organizational or policy changes. Our findings suggest that the SUD Leadership ECHO model, with fine-tuning, is a promising avenue to support SUD leaders in promoting systems change and reducing isolation among SUD leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- NithyaPriya Ramalingam
- Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network (ORPRN), Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Mail Code: UHN 30, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Eowyn Rieke
- Fora Health, Addiction Treatment Center, Portland, OR, USA
- Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Recovery Works Northwest, Portland, United States
| | - Maggie McLain McDonnell
- Oregon ECHO Network (OEN), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network (ORPRN), Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Mail Code: UHN 30, Portland, OR, USA
- Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Emily Myers
- Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network (ORPRN), Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Mail Code: UHN 30, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Dan Hoover
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Harruff RC, Barbour WL, Yarid NA. Evaluation of in-house drug evidence testing by King County Medical Examiner's Office in "real-time" fatal overdose surveillance. J Forensic Sci 2024; 69:1350-1363. [PMID: 38647080 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
With the escalating overdose epidemic, many surveillance efforts have appeared. In 2018, King County Medical Examiner's Office (KCMEO) initiated a fatal overdose surveillance project aimed at expediting death certification and disseminating timely information. In this project, KCMEO investigators collected items of evidence of drug use from overdose death scenes, which were tested by five in-house methods, four using handheld devices: TruNarc Raman spectrometer, with and without the manufacture's H-Kit, Rigaku ResQ Raman spectrometer, and MX908 mass spectrometer. The fifth in-house method used fentanyl-specific urine test strips. Results from in-house testing were compared with results from Washington State Patrol (WSP) Materials Analysis Laboratory. From 2019 to 2022, there were 4244 evidence items of drugs and paraphernalia collected from 1777 deaths scenes. A total of 7526 in-house tests were performed on collected specimens, and 2153 tests were performed by the WSP laboratory using standard analytical methods. The WSP results served as reference standards to calculate performance metrics of the in-house methods. Sensitivities, specificities, and predictive values ranged from good to poor depending on the method, drug, and evidence type. Certain drugs were often associated with specific evidence types. Acetaminophen was frequently found in combination with fentanyl. Fentanyl test strips gave good scores for detecting fentanyl; otherwise, in-house methods using handheld devices had poor performance scores with novel drugs and drugs diluted in mixtures. The results showed that in-house testing of drug evidence has value for medical examiner overdose surveillance, but it is resource intensive, and success depends on collaboration with forensic laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicole A Yarid
- King County Medical Examiner's Office, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Ciccarone D, Holm N, Ondocsin J, Schlosser A, Fessel J, Cowan A, Mars SG. Innovation and adaptation: The rise of a fentanyl smoking culture in San Francisco. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303403. [PMID: 38776268 PMCID: PMC11111043 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Illicitly manufactured fentanyls and stimulants are implicated in the escalating US mortality from drug overdose. San Francisco, California (SF) has seen declining fentanyl injection while smoking has increased. Beliefs and behaviors surrounding this development are not well understood. METHODS The study used rapid ethnography to explore fentanyl and methamphetamine use in SF. The team conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 34) with participants recruited from syringe service programs. Video-recorded smoking sequences (n = 12), photography and daily field notes supplemented interview data. RESULTS Difficulty injecting and fear of overdose motivated transitions from injecting to smoking. Fentanyl was extremely cheap-$10/gram-with variability in quality. Foil was the most commonly used smoking material but glass bubbles, bongs and dabbing devices were also popular. No reliable visible methods for determining fentanyl quality existed, however, participants could gauge potency upon inhalation, and developed techniques to regulate dosage. Several participants reported at least hourly use, some reporting one or more grams of daily fentanyl consumption. Smoking was also very social, with people sharing equipment, drugs and information. Participants raised concerns about hygiene and overdose risk to others arising from shared equipment. Reportedly potent fentanyl 'residue' accumulated on smoking materials and was commonly shared/traded/stolen or consumed accidentally with diverse preferences for its use. CONCLUSION Our data highlight fentanyl residue as a new overdose risk with potential mismatch between the potency of the residual drug and the recipient's tolerance. Further, large doses of fentanyl are being consumed (estimated at approximately 50 mg of pure fentanyl/day). Smoking fentanyl has potential health benefits over injecting and may be protective against overdose, but substantial uncertainty exists. However, SF overdose mortality hit a record high in 2023. Recommendations to reduce fentanyl smoking overdose risks through pacing, greater awareness of dosages consumed and checking tolerance of residue recipients are potentially viable interventions deserving further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ciccarone
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Nicole Holm
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Jeff Ondocsin
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Allison Schlosser
- Sociology and Anthropology Department, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States of America
| | - Jason Fessel
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Amanda Cowan
- Community Health Project Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Sarah G. Mars
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
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Shover CL, Friedman JR, Romero R, Jimenez S, Beltran J, Garcia C, Goodman-Meza D. Leveraging pooled medical examiner records to surveil complex and emerging patterns of polysubstance use in the United States. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024:104397. [PMID: 38729890 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The United States (US) is an extreme global outlier for drug-related death rates. However, data describing drug-related deaths are generally available only on an 8-13-month lag. Furthermore, granular details about substance-involvement are often not available, which particularly stymies efforts to track fatal polysubstance and novel psychoactive substance use. Detailed medical examiner records provide a powerful source of information for drug-related death surveillance, but have been underutilized. METHODS We pooled medical examiner data from five US states and 14 counties that together comprise 18% of the US population to examine demographic, geographic, and drug-specific trends in polysubstance drug-related deaths. We employed mixed effects logistic regression to identify demographic factors associated with polysubstance rather than single substance drug-related deaths. We assessed the correlations between drug classes and described geographic variation in the prevalence of specific drugs and the presence of novel and emerging psychoactive substances. RESULTS Our sample included 73,077 drug-related deaths from 2012 through early 2022. Nearly two-thirds of drug-related deaths were polysubstance-involved, with the number and percentage growing annually. High percentages of polysubstance drug-related deaths were observed in both urban and rural jurisdictions. After adjusting for year and jurisdiction, female, American Indian and Alaska Native, and White individuals had the most elevated odds of polysubstance drug-related deaths. Drug-related deaths involving benzodiazepines or opioids, whether pharmaceutical or illicit, and other pharmaceutical drugs were most likely to have polysubstance involvement, while methamphetamine-involved deaths were least likely to involve multiple substances. Strong correlations were observed between prescription opioids and prescription benzodiazepines, fentanyl and xylazine, and designer benzodiazepines and novel synthetic opioids. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of detailed medical examiner records reveals the breadth and complexity of polysubstance drug-related deaths in the US. Future efforts to use this unique resource can improve population-based surveillance of drug-related deaths to better tailor interventions and solutions to this critical health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea L Shover
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, United States.
| | - Joseph R Friedman
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Center for Social Medicine, United States
| | - Ruby Romero
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, United States
| | - Sergio Jimenez
- Fielding School of Public Health at University of California Los Angeles, Department of Epidemiology, United States
| | - Jacqueline Beltran
- Fielding School of Public Health at University of California Los Angeles, Department of Community Health Sciences, United States
| | - Candelaria Garcia
- Fielding School of Public Health at University of California Los Angeles, Department of Epidemiology, United States
| | - David Goodman-Meza
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Division of Infectious Diseases
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Palamar JJ, Fitzgerald N, Carr TH, Cottler LB, Ciccarone D. National and regional trends in fentanyl seizures in the United States, 2017-2023. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024:104417. [PMID: 38744553 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104417] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rates of synthetic opioid-related deaths over time and across regions have been compared within the US, but other indicator data could help inform prevention and harm reduction as well. We compared regional trends in fentanyl seizures to examine potential shifts in illicit fentanyl availability. METHODS Annual trends in fentanyl seizures were examined using data from High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas for the US overall and by region from 2017 through 2023. Multiple measures included the number of seizures, the number of powder seizures, the number of pill seizures, the total weight of seizures, the number of pills seized, and the percentage of the number of pill seizures relative to the number of total seizures. RESULTS The percentage of seizures in pill form in the US increased from 10.3 % in 2017 to 49.0 % in 2023 (adjusted annual percentage change [AAPC]=25.2, 95 % CI: 17.6, 33.2), with 115.6 million individual pills seized in 2023. Pill weight related to total seizure weight also increased from 0.4 % to 54.5 % (AAPC=112.6, 95 % CI: 78.6, 153.2). In 2023, the plurality of seizures was in the West, in seven out of eight of our measures, with 77.8 % of seizures in the West being in pill form. Although the Midwest had lower prevalence of seizures than the West, there were notable increases in the Midwest in the number of pill seizures (AAPC=142.2, 95 % CI: 91.9, 205.8) and number of pills seized (AAPC=421.0, 95 % CI: 272.7, 628.4). Total weight of fentanyl seized increased the most in the West (AAPC=84.6, 95 % CI: 72.3, 97.8). CONCLUSIONS The number and size of fentanyl seizures is increasing in the US, with the majority of seizures, especially in pill form, in the West. Continued monitoring of regional shifts in the fentanyl supply can help inform targeted prevention and public health response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Palamar
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY.
| | - Nicole Fitzgerald
- University of Florida, Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine, United States
| | - Thomas H Carr
- Office of National Drug Control Policy, Washington-Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program, United States; College of Public Affairs, Center for Drug Policy and Prevention, University of Baltimore, United States
| | - Linda B Cottler
- University of Florida, Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine, United States
| | - Daniel Ciccarone
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Family and Community Medicine, San Francisco, CA
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Rebbe R, Malicki D, Siddiqi N, Huang JS, Putnam-Hornstein E, Laub N. Child Protection System Interactions for Children With Positive Urine Screens for Illicit Drugs. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e243133. [PMID: 38512254 PMCID: PMC10958236 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.3133] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Young children are ingesting illicit drugs at increased rates, but it is unknown what the associated child protection system (CPS) responses are when a child tests positive. Objective To document the child protection system involvement and the characteristics of children who test positive for illicit substances. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cross-sectional study linked medical discharge and child protection system administrative data. The setting was Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, a free-standing pediatric hospital in California. Participants included all emergency department and inpatient medical encounters involving children aged 12 years or younger with a positive urine drug test between 2016 and 2021. Statistical analysis was performed from February 2023 to January 2024. Exposure Drug type, including amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, fentanyl, opiates, and phencyclidine. Main Measures and Outcomes CPS responses associated with the medical encounter including reports, substantiations, case openings, and out-of-home placements. Results A total of 511 emergency department and inpatient medical encounters involving children had a positive drug test (262 [51.3%] were female; 309 [60.5%] were age 6 years or younger; fewer than 10 [<3.0%] were American Indian or Alaska Native; 252 [49.3%] were Hispanic [any race], 20 [3.9%] were non-Hispanic Asian, 56 [11.0%] were non-Hispanic Black, 143 [28.0%] were non-Hispanic White, 36 [7.0%] had other or unknown race and ethnicity; 233 [43.6%] had a CPS report prior to the medical encounter). Following the positive screen, 244 (47.7%) were reported to child protection, and 61 (11.9%) were placed out-of-home within 30 days. Mean (SD) quarterly counts of encounters with positive drug tests doubled after the COVID-19 pandemic onset (32.9 [9.8]) compared with prior to the pandemic onset (16.5 [4.7]); for encounters positive for cannabis, mean (SD) quarterly counts were 3 times as high after the pandemic onset than prior (16.6 [4.7] vs 5.7 [2.9]). Encounters for children under age 1 were significantly more likely to have associated child protection reports (relative risk [RR], 2.91 [95% CI, 2.21-3.83]) and child protection case openings (RR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.07-2.72]) than encounters involving older children. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of emergency department and inpatient medical encounters, less than half of children with positive urine drug screens were reported to CPS; out-of-home placements were uncommon. With increased encounters for positive drug tests, it is unclear what services these children and families are receiving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Rebbe
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work, Chapel Hill
| | - Denise Malicki
- University of California, San Diego
- Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, California
- Chadwick Center for Children and Families, San Diego, California
| | - Nadia Siddiqi
- Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
| | - Jeannie S. Huang
- University of California, San Diego
- Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, California
| | | | - Natalie Laub
- University of California, San Diego
- Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, California
- Chadwick Center for Children and Families, San Diego, California
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Tipping AD, Nowels M, Moore C, Samples H, Crystal S, Olfson M, Williams AR, Heaps-Woodruff J. Association of medications for opioid use disorder with reduced risk of repeat opioid overdose in Medicaid: A cohort study. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 157:209218. [PMID: 37984564 PMCID: PMC10922317 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Following a nonfatal opioid overdose, patients are at high risk for repeat overdose. The objective of this study was to examine the association of MOUD after nonfatal opioid overdose with risk of repeat overdose in the following year. METHODS This retrospective cohort study analyzed Missouri Medicaid claims from July 2012 to December 2021. The study identified opioid overdoses occurring between 2013 and 2020 using diagnosis codes for opioid poisoning in an inpatient or emergency department setting. The study implemented Cox models with a time-varying covariate for post-overdose receipt of MOUD. RESULTS During the study period, MOUD receipt after overdose more than tripled, from 4.8 % to 18.9 %. Overall, only 12.1 % of patients received MOUD in the year after index. MOUD during follow-up was associated with significantly lower risk of repeat overdose (HR = 0.34, 95 % CI = 0.14-0.82). Out of 3017 individuals meeting inclusion criteria, 13.6 % had a repeat opioid overdose within 1 year. Repeat overdose risk was higher for those whose index overdose involved heroin or synthetic opioids (HR = 1.71, 95 % CI = 1.35-2.15), but MOUD was associated with significantly reduced risk in this group (HR = 0.34, 95 % CI = 0.13-0.92). CONCLUSIONS MOUD receipt was associated with reduced risk of repeat overdose. Those whose index overdoses involved heroin or synthetic opioids were at greater risk of repeat overdose, but MOUD was associated with reduced risk in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Tipping
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University of Missouri - St. Louis, 1 University Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA.
| | - Molly Nowels
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Rutgers University, 112 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | - Clara Moore
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University of Missouri - St. Louis, 1 University Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA.
| | - Hillary Samples
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Rutgers University, 112 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | - Stephen Crystal
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Rutgers University, 112 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; School of Social Work, Rutgers University, 536 George Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | - Mark Olfson
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 630 W 168th St, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Arthur Robinson Williams
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Jodi Heaps-Woodruff
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University of Missouri - St. Louis, 1 University Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA.
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11
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Megerian CE, Bair L, Smith J, Browne EN, Wenger LD, Guzman L, Kral AH, Lambdin BH. Health risks associated with smoking versus injecting fentanyl among people who use drugs in California. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 255:111053. [PMID: 38128362 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the attention, funding, and services that seek to reduce overdose mortality from fentanyl, it is important to understand whether a potential solution is for more people to switch from injecting to smoking fentanyl. As such, we set out to conduct a study to compare health and healthcare utilization outcomes associated with different modes of illicit fentanyl administration. METHODS From January to February 2023, we recruited people who use drugs from 34 syringe services programs across California, USA (N=999) and surveyed their substance use, health outcomes, and healthcare utilization. We compared health risks among people who injected fentanyl (78% of whom also smoked) to people who solely smoked fentanyl (n=563). RESULTS Of the 563 participants, forty-one percent injected fentanyl and 59% only smoked fentanyl. People who injected fentanyl were 40% more likely to have experienced a non-fatal overdose in the past 3 months (27% vs. 19%; aRR=1.40; 95% CI=1.03, 1.93) and 253% more likely to have had a skin and soft tissue infection in the past 3 months (39% vs. 15%; aRR=2.53; 95% CI=1.74, 3.67), compared to people who only smoked fentanyl. The average number of nights spent in the hospital was higher among people who injected fentanyl (average 1.2 nights vs. 0.7 nights; aIRR=1.78; 95% CI=1.02, 3.09; p=0.04).There were non-significant associations between mode of fentanyl administration and number of emergency department visits and probability of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggested that people who injected fentanyl were at higher risk for overdose and skin and soft tissue infections than people who only smoked fentanyl. Distribution of safe smoking supplies may facilitate transitions from injecting to smoking fentanyl, thereby reducing health risks associated with fentanyl use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cariné E Megerian
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, 8th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Luka Bair
- National Harm Reduction Coalition, 243 5th Ave #529, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jessica Smith
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, 8th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Erica N Browne
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, 8th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Lynn D Wenger
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, 8th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Laura Guzman
- National Harm Reduction Coalition, 243 5th Ave #529, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Alex H Kral
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, 8th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Barrot H Lambdin
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, 8th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA.
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12
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Halifax JC, Lim L, Ciccarone D, Lynch KL. Testing the test strips: laboratory performance of fentanyl test strips. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:14. [PMID: 38238757 PMCID: PMC10795297 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00921-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The overdose crisis driven by synthetic opioids continues to escalate in the USA. We evaluated the efficacy of multiple manufacturing lots of a fentanyl test strip (FTS) to detect fentanyl and fentanyl analogs and assessed cross-reactivity with possible interferences. METHODS Drug standards were dissolved in water in a laboratory setting and serially diluted. Drug dilutions were tested using five different manufacturing lots of BTNX Rapid Response (20 ng/mL cutoff) lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay strips to assess lot-to-lot variability for FTS sensitivity and cross-reactivity for the analytes of interest. RESULTS All five manufacturing lots cross-reacted with fentanyl and eleven fentanyl analogs. Diphenhydramine, lidocaine, MDMA, and methamphetamine were found to cause false positives with the strips. There was notable lot-to-lot variability in the sensitivity of the strips for fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and known interferences. DISCUSSION FTS remains an important overdose prevention tool, but lot-to-lot variability in performance complicates robust instructions that balance the prevention of false positives and false negatives. Continued lot-to-lot performance assessment is recommended to ensure health education for FTS remains accurate. More sophisticated drug checking technologies and services are needed in the community landscape to augment personal FTS use to facilitate informed consumption and overdose risk mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Halifax
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, ZSFG Clinical Laboratory, UCSF, 1001 Potrero Ave. Bldg. 5 2M16, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA.
| | - Lilly Lim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, ZSFG Clinical Laboratory, UCSF, 1001 Potrero Ave. Bldg. 5 2M16, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Daniel Ciccarone
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 500 Parnassus Avenue, MU-3E, Box 900, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Kara L Lynch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, ZSFG Clinical Laboratory, UCSF, 1001 Potrero Ave. Bldg. 5 2M16, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
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13
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Palau CB, Akikuni M, Latsky-Campbell B, Wagner J. The Drug Overdose Epidemic in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region: Shifts, Progression, and Community Characteristics. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 59:184-192. [PMID: 37888899 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2267110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous studies show the reach of the current drug overdose epidemic into the U.S.-Mexico border region, albeit with a unique border-specific wave pattern compared to national waves and a delayed onset of fentanyl involvement (Wave I: 2002-2011, Wave II: 2012-2016, and Wave III: since 2017). The objective of this study is to examine the community predictors and the progression of overdose deaths across the U.S-Mexico border-specific epidemic waves. METHOD Descriptive epidemiological profile of border communities across the unfolding of the opioid epidemic, integrated data from the CDC-WONDER multiple causes of death data set, the CDC SVI, Uniform Crime Report, and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Using spatially adjusted Bayes rates by border-specific epidemic waves, we provide a descriptive profile of the spatial unfolding of the drug overdose epidemic. Negative binomial regression models assessed community predictors of overdose deaths across waves. RESULTS Spatial analysis identified moderate to steep increases in drug overdose deaths over the three waves along the border. The impact and unfolding of the epidemic in the U.S.-Mexico border region were not uniform and affecting communities with differing severity and timing. Our study also finds support for social vulnerability and community violence as predictors of overdose deaths over the current wave of the epidemic. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that more disadvantaged U.S.-Mexico border communities may encounter increasing rates of overdose death over the coming years. Interventions need to target not only the supply side but also the underlying social root causes for sustainable overdose prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Citlaly B Palau
- Department of Social Sciences, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas, USA
| | - Mika Akikuni
- Department of Social Sciences, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas, USA
| | | | - Jascha Wagner
- Department of Social Sciences, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas, USA
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14
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Rigg KK, Kusiak ES. Perceptions of fentanyl among African Americans who misuse opioids: implications for risk reduction. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:179. [PMID: 38110965 PMCID: PMC10729467 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00915-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 times more powerful than heroin and has become ubiquitous in the illicit drug supply in the USA. Studies show that among people who use drugs, fentanyl is sometimes viewed as a desirable substance due to its high potency and low cost, while others have an unfavorable perception because of its association with overdose. Unfortunately, studies on the perceptions of fentanyl are relatively rare and existing studies tend to rely on samples with little African American representation. The objective of this study, therefore, was to identify and describe perceptions of fentanyl among African Americans who misuse opioids, while capturing their motivations for seeking out or avoiding fentanyl. METHODS In-depth interviews (n = 30) were conducted with a sample of African American adults who misuse opioids in Southwest Florida between August 2021 and February 2022. Audiotapes of interviews were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed. RESULTS Analyses revealed the presence of three subtypes of fentanyl-related perceptions: (1) fentanyl as an avoided adulterant, (2) fentanyl as a tolerated adulterant, and (3) fentanyl as a drug of choice. CONCLUSIONS These findings show that African Americans' perceptions of fentanyl are not monolithic and suggest the distribution of fentanyl test strips and naloxone may be an effective risk reduction strategy. Given that most studies on fentanyl rely on quantitative data from drug seizures and death certificates, this study uniquely contributes to the literature by capturing the voices of African Americans who use drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khary K Rigg
- Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
| | - Ethan S Kusiak
- Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
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15
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Friedman J, Shover CL. Charting the fourth wave: Geographic, temporal, race/ethnicity and demographic trends in polysubstance fentanyl overdose deaths in the United States, 2010-2021. Addiction 2023; 118:2477-2485. [PMID: 37705148 DOI: 10.1111/add.16318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To characterize polysubstance death in the United States during the transition to the fourth wave of the drug overdose crisis. To characterize co-involved substances in fatal overdose involving synthetic opioids (mainly illicitly manufactured fentanyl analogues) by year, state, and intersectional sociodemographic groups. DESIGN Population-based study of national death records. SETTING United States. PARTICIPANTS/CASES All people who died from drug overdose in the United States between 2010 and 2021. MEASUREMENTS Percentage of all fatal overdose involving fentanyls, stimulants, and other drugs. Most commonly co-involved substances in fentanyl overdose by state and year. Percentage of fatal fentanyl overdose co-involving stimulants by state and year. Percentage of fatal fentanyl overdose co-involving stimulants by intersectional region, race/ethnicity, age, and sex. FINDINGS The percent of US overdose deaths involving both fentanyl and stimulants increased from 0.6% (n = 235) in 2010 to 32.3% (34 429) in 2021, with the sharpest rise starting in 2015. In 2010, fentanyl was most commonly found alongside prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. In the Northeast this shifted to heroin-fentanyl co-involvement in the mid-2010s, and nearly universally to cocaine-fentanyl co-involvement by 2021. Universally in the West, and in the majority of states in the South and Midwest, methamphetamine-fentanyl co-involvement predominated by 2021. The proportion of stimulant involvement in fentanyl-involved overdose deaths rose in virtually every state 2015-2021. Intersectional group analysis reveals particularly high rates for older Black and African American individuals living in the West. CONCLUSIONS By 2021 stimulants were the most common drug class found in fentanyl-involved overdoses in every state in the US. The rise of deaths involving cocaine and methamphetamine must be understood in the context of a drug market dominated by illicit fentanyls, which have made polysubstance use more sought-after and commonplace. The widespread concurrent use of fentanyl and stimulants, as well as other polysubstance formulations, presents novel health risks and public health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Friedman
- Center for Social Medicine and Humanities, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Chelsea L Shover
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Service Research, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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16
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Goldshear JL, Kitonga N, Angelo N, Cowan A, Henwood BF, Bluthenthal RN. "Notice of major cleaning": A qualitative study of the negative impact of encampment sweeps on the ontological security of unhoused people who use drugs. Soc Sci Med 2023; 339:116408. [PMID: 37980786 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unhoused people who use drugs in the United States are at risk for a variety of negative health outcomes. As the crisis of houselessness continues to impact major urban areas, a wave of punitive policies has been enacted to remove visible unhoused people from public spaces. There is reason to believe that harsh policies of encampment displacement will have negative immediate and downstream impacts on this community. METHODS Participant observation was conducted weekly or bi-weekly at unhoused encampments in Los Angeles County, USA over the course of two years (2021, 2022). Data were generated through the lens of ontological security theory via in-field jottings and comprehensive field notes. Formal, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 unhoused people who use drugs recruited primarily through peer-referral sampling at these same venues. Data were coded and analyzed thematically using the Template Analysis approach. Field notes were used to triangulate and further contextualize thematic analysis of interview data. RESULTS Encampment sweeps impacted nearly all participants and occurred multiple times at every visited field site. They were observed to occur both with and without the presence of police, but always resulted in the loss of the personal property of encampment residents. Sweeps occurred across seasons, hazardous weather, and without offers of alternative shelter. Participants described sweeps as impacting all aspects of their ontological security, including dismantling material and social constancy, disrupting routines of daily life and resource management, increasing feelings of surveillance, and potentially creating negative identity formation. CONCLUSIONS In both ethnographic observation and participant interviews, encampment sweeps were noted to be physically, psychologically, and socially destructive. Sweeps left participants feeling anger, loss, and hopelessness while further driving the societal marginalization of unhoused people who use drugs. Sweeps should be discontinued as they harm the capacity of unhoused people to improve their well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Goldshear
- Keck Medicine of University of Southern California, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, United States; University of California San Diego School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & Global Public Health, United States.
| | - N Kitonga
- Angeles Workshop School, Palms Unhoused Mutual Aid, United States
| | - N Angelo
- Community Health Project Los Angeles, United States
| | - A Cowan
- Angeles Workshop School, Palms Unhoused Mutual Aid, United States
| | - B F Henwood
- University of Southern California, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, United States
| | - R N Bluthenthal
- Keck Medicine of University of Southern California, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, United States
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17
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Cano M, Timmons P, Hooten M, Sweeney K. Drug supply measures and drug overdose mortality in the era of fentanyl and stimulants. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2023; 9:100197. [PMID: 37965239 PMCID: PMC10641574 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2023.100197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Background Illicitly-manufactured fentanyl and stimulants have replaced prescription opioids as the primary contributors to fatal overdoses in the United States (US), yet the street supply of these substances is challenging to quantify. Building on the foundation of prior research on law enforcement drug reports, the present study compares publicly available forensic laboratory drug report measures to identify which measures account for the most variation in drug overdose mortality between states, within states over time, and in various demographic groups. Methods Drug reports from the National Forensic Laboratory Information System and drug overdose mortality rates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were examined for all US states and the District of Columbia, 2013-2021 (459 state-years). State- and year- fixed effects models regressed drug overdose mortality rates (in the overall population and subpopulations by sex, age, and race/ethnicity) on various drug report measures, including rates per population and proportional shares of drug reports positive for fentanyl/fentanyl-related compounds, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and xylazine. Results For drug overdose death rates in the overall population and nearly all subpopulations examined by sex, race/ethnicity, and age, the model including all drug report proportional measures represented the best-performing model (as identified via the lowest Akaike Information Criterion and highest within R-squared value), followed by the model including only the fentanyl/fentanyl-related compounds proportion. Conclusions Findings support the utility of publicly available drug report composition measures, particularly the proportion of fentanyl/fentanyl-related compounds, as predictors of drug overdose mortality in the US and in various subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Cano
- School of Social Work, Arizona State University, 411N, Central Ave Suite 863, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | | | | | - Kaylin Sweeney
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, USA
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18
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Roberts E, Copeland C, Humphreys K, Shover CL. Drug-related deaths among housed and homeless individuals in the UK and the USA: comparative retrospective cohort study. Br J Psychiatry 2023; 223:562-568. [PMID: 37665046 PMCID: PMC10727910 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2023.111] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The UK and USA currently report their highest number of drug-related deaths since records began, with higher rates among individuals experiencing homelessness. AIMS Given that overdose prevention in homeless populations may require unique strategies, we evaluated whether substances implicated in death differed between (a) housed decedents and those experiencing homelessness and (b) between US and UK homeless populations. METHOD We conducted an internationally comparative retrospective cohort study utilising multilevel multinomial regression modelling of coronial/medical examiner-verified drug-related deaths from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2021. UK data were available for England, Wales and Northern Ireland; US data were collated from eight county jurisdictions. Data were available on decedent age, sex, ethnicity, housing status and substances implicated in death. RESULTS Homeless individuals accounted for 16.3% of US decedents versus 3.4% in the UK. Opioids were implicated in 66.3 and 50.4% of all studied drug-related deaths in the UK and the USA respectively. UK homeless decedents had a significantly increased risk of having only opioids implicated in death compared with only non-opioids implicated (relative risk ratio RRR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.76-1.98, P < 0.001); conversely, US homeless decedents had a significantly decreased risk (RRR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.29-0.48, P < 0.001). Methamphetamine was implicated in two-thirds (66.7%) of deaths among US homeless decedents compared with 0.4% in the UK. CONCLUSIONS Both the rate and type of drug-related deaths differ significantly between homeless and housed populations in the UK and USA. The two countries also differ in drugs implicated in death. Targeted programmes for country-specific implicated drug profiles appear warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmert Roberts
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Caroline Copeland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Keith Humphreys
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Chelsea L. Shover
- David Geffen School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, USA
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19
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Daniulaityte R, Ruhter L, Katz C. Characteristics of Overdose Deaths Related to Illicitly Manufactured Fentanyl - Arizona, July 2019 - June 2020. J Psychoactive Drugs 2023:1-9. [PMID: 37994458 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2023.2284341] [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: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Using the Arizona State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (AZ-SUDORS), the study aims to identify the social and drug characteristics of illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF)-related overdose deaths. The data include drug overdose deaths from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. Decedents were categorized into four groups by types of opioids detected: (1) IMF-positive; (2) heroin-positive (negative for IMF); (3) pharmaceutical opioid-positive (negative for heroin or IMF); (4) nonopioid. Bivariate statistics were used to compare differences between IMF and other groups. Among 2,029 decedents, 77.8% tested positive for opioids. The IMF group included 57.9%, the heroin group included 9.5%, the pharmaceutical opioid group 10.5%, and the nonopioid group 22.2%. The IMF group was younger (mean age 35.0), more likely to be from a large urban area (78.2%), and with a greater proportion of ethnic/racial minorities (48.6%), compared to the other three groups. The IMF group was less likely to test positive for methamphetamine (24.9%), compared to heroin (63.7%) or pharmaceutical opioid groups (34.0%), but more likely to test positive for cannabis (31.3%), compared to the other three groups. Our data show disproportionate IMF impacts on younger persons and ethnic minorities. Interventions need to be tailored to account for distinct psychosocial profiles associated with IMF use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lance Ruhter
- Graduate student, Bioinformatics, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Charles Katz
- Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety, School of Criminology & Criminal Justice, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Ruhm CJ. The Evolution of Excess Deaths in the United States During the First 2 Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Am J Epidemiol 2023; 192:1949-1959. [PMID: 37222463 PMCID: PMC10988222 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwad127] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic requires information on the excess mortality resulting from it. Multiple studies have examined excess deaths during the pandemic's initial stages, but how these have changed over time is unclear. National- and state-level death counts and population data from 2009 to 2022 were used in this analysis to evaluate excess fatalities from March 2020 to February 2021 and March 2021 to February 2022, with deaths from earlier years used to project baseline counts. The outcomes were total, group-specific, cause-specific, and age-by-cause excess fatalities, and numbers and percentages directly involving COVID-19. Excess deaths declined from 655,735 (95% confidence interval: 619,028, 691,980) during the first pandemic year to 586,505 (95% confidence interval: 532,823, 639,205) in the second. The reductions were particularly large for Hispanics, Blacks, Asians, seniors, and residents of states with high vaccination rates. Excess deaths increased from the first to second year for persons younger than 65 years and in low-vaccination states. Excess mortality from some diseases declined, but those from alcohol, drug, vehicle, and homicide causes likely increased between the first and second pandemic year, especially for prime-age and younger individuals. The share of excess fatalities involving COVID-19 decreased modestly over time, with little change in its role as an underlying versus contributing cause of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Ruhm
- Correspondence to Prof. Christopher J. Ruhm, Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy, University of Virginia, 235 McCormick Road, P.O. Box 400893, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4893 (e-mail: )
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21
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Butelman ER, Huang Y, Epstein DH, Shaham Y, Goldstein RZ, Volkow ND, Alia-Klein N. Overdose mortality rates for opioids and stimulant drugs are substantially higher in men than in women: state-level analysis. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:1639-1647. [PMID: 37316576 PMCID: PMC10517130 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01601-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Drug overdoses from opioids and stimulants are a major cause of mortality in the United States. It is unclear if there are stable sex differences in overdose mortality for these drugs across states, whether these differ across the lifespan, and if so, whether they can be accounted for by different levels of drug misuse. This was a state-level analysis of epidemiological data on overdose mortality, across 10-year age bins (age range: 15-74), using the CDC WONDER platform for decedents in the United States in 2020-1. The outcome measure was rate of overdose death (per 100,000) for: synthetic opioids (e.g., fentanyl), heroin, psychostimulants with potential for misuse (e.g., methamphetamine), and cocaine. Multiple linear regressions controlled for ethnic-cultural background, household net worth, and sex-specific rate of misuse (from NSDUH, 2018-9). For all these drug categories, males had greater overall overdose mortality than females, after controlling for rates of drug misuse. The mean male/female sex ratio of mortality rate was relatively stable across jurisdictions: synthetic opioids (2.5 [95% CI, 2.4-7]), heroin, (2.9 [95% CI, 2.7-3.1], psychostimulants (2.4 [95% CI, 2.3-5]), and cocaine (2.8 [95% CI, 2.6-9]). With data stratified in 10-year age bins, the sex difference generally survived adjustment (especially in the 25-64 age range). Results indicate that males are significantly more vulnerable than females to overdose deaths caused by opioid and stimulant drugs, taking into account differing state-level environmental conditions and drug misuse levels. These results call for research into diverse biological, behavioral, and social factors that underlie sex differences in human vulnerability to drug overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo R Butelman
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addiction and Related Conditions Research Program, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Yuefeng Huang
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addiction and Related Conditions Research Program, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Yavin Shaham
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rita Z Goldstein
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addiction and Related Conditions Research Program, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nora D Volkow
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nelly Alia-Klein
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addiction and Related Conditions Research Program, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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22
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Cowan E, Perrone J, Dziura J, Edelman EJ, Hawk K, Herring A, McCormack R, Murphy A, Phadke M, Fiellin DA, D'Onofrio G. URINE TOXICOLOGY PROFILES OF EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PATIENTS WITH UNTREATED OPIOID USE DISORDER: A MULTI-SITE VIEW. J Emerg Med 2023; 65:e357-e365. [PMID: 37716904 PMCID: PMC10591927 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2023.06.007] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid overdose deaths in 2021 were the highest ever, driven by fentanyl and polysubstance use. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to characterize drug use, assessed by urine drug screens (UDSs), in patients with untreated opioid use disorder (OUD) presenting to 28 emergency departments (EDs) nationally and by region. METHODS We analyzed UDSs from patients enrolled in the CTN-0099 ED-INNOVATION (Emergency Department-Initiated Buprenorphine Validation) trial between July 12, 2020 and March 9, 2022. Participants were adult ED patients with OUD not engaged in addiction treatment with a UDS positive for an opioid, but negative for methadone. Sites were divided into "East" and "West" regions. RESULTS A UDS was available for all 925 enrolled participants, 543 from East and 382 from West. Fentanyl was in 702 specimens (76%) (n = 485 [89%] East vs. n = 217 [57%] West; p < 0.01) and was the only opioid in 269 (29%). After fentanyl, the most common opioids were morphine (presumably heroin; n = 411 [44%]; n = 192 [35%] East vs. n = 219 [57%] West; p < 0.01) and buprenorphine (n = 329 [36%]; n = 186 [35%] East vs. n = 143 [37%] West; p = 0.32). The most common drugs found with opioids were stimulants (n = 545 [59%]), tetrahydrocannabinol (n = 417 [45%]), and benzodiazepines (n = 151 [16%]). Amphetamine-type stimulants were more common in West (n = 209 [55%] vs. East (n = 125 [23%]). Cocaine was more common in East (n = 223 [41%]) vs. West (n = 82 [21%]). The presence of multiple drugs was common (n = 759 [82%]). CONCLUSIONS Most participants had UDS specimens containing multiple substances; a high proportion had fentanyl, stimulants, and buprenorphine. Regional differences were noted. Given the increased risk of death with fentanyl and polysubstance use, ED providers should be providing risk reduction counseling, treatment, and referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Cowan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
| | - Jeanmarie Perrone
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - James Dziura
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - E Jennifer Edelman
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kathryn Hawk
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Andrew Herring
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Highland Hospital, Alameda Health System, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Ryan McCormack
- Department of Emergency Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Alexandra Murphy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Manali Phadke
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - David A Fiellin
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Gail D'Onofrio
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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23
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Cano M, Mendoza N, Ignacio M, Rahman A, Daniulaityte R. Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids: Racial/ethnic and educational disparities in the eastern and western US. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 251:110955. [PMID: 37699286 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110955] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined racial/ethnic and educational disparities in US synthetic opioid overdose mortality East and West of the Mississippi River. METHODS Using restricted-access 2018-2021 mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and population estimates from the American Community Survey, age-standardized rate ratios (SRRs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were used to compare rates of synthetic opioid mortality by race/ethnicity and educational attainment level in the regions East and West of the Mississippi River. RESULTS Racial/ethnic disparities in synthetic opioid mortality rates, relative to the Non-Hispanic (NH) White population, were observed in the NH Black (SRR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.5-1.6]) and NH American Indian/Alaska Native (SRR, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.9-2.2]) populations in the West, and the Puerto Rican (SRR, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.3-1.3]) and NH American Indian/Alaska Native (SRR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.4-1.6]) populations in the East. Relative to those with a Bachelor's degree or higher: in the West, the synthetic opioid mortality rate was more than seven times as high for those with a high school diploma only (SRR 7.7 [95% CI, 7.4-8.0]), and in the East, approximately thirteen times as high for those with a high school diploma only (SRR, 13.0 [95% CI, 12.7-13.3]) or less than a high school diploma (SRR, 13.3 [95% CI, 13.0-13.7]). CONCLUSION Disparities in rates of synthetic opioid mortality differ in the eastern and western US, supporting tailored responses within each region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Cano
- School of Social Work, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
| | - Natasha Mendoza
- School of Social Work, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Matt Ignacio
- School of Social Work, Arizona State University, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Abir Rahman
- Cabell-Huntington Health Department, Huntington, WV, USA
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24
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Janssen T, Garner BR, Yermash J, Yap KR, Becker SJ. Early COVID-Related pandemic impacts and subsequent opioid outcomes among persons receiving medication for opioid use disorder: a secondary data analysis of a Type-3 hybrid trial. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:54. [PMID: 37705105 PMCID: PMC10500804 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00409-7] [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: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid overdoses have continued to increase since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pathways through which the COVID-19 pandemic has affected trajectories of opioid use and opioid-related problems are largely unknown. Using the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory (EPII), a novel instrument that assess pandemic-related impacts across multiple life domains, we tested the hypothesis that COVID-related impacts (on e.g., interpersonal conflict, employment, infection exposure, and emotional health) experienced in the early months of the pandemic would predict changes in opioid use and opioid-related problems at follow-up. METHODS This analysis was embedded within a cluster randomized type 3 implementation-effectiveness hybrid trial that had enrolled 188 patients across eight opioid treatments prior to the start of the pandemic. Participants had all been recently inducted on medication for opioid use disorder and were actively receiving treatment. Participants reported on their opioid use and opioid-related problems at baseline and 3-, 6-, and 9-month post-baseline assessments. Between May and August 2020, participants were sent an optional invitation to complete the EPII. RESULTS One hundred thirty-three respondents completed the EPII and 129 had sufficient data to analyze the EPII and at least one subsequent follow-up. In logistic and zero-inflated negative binomial analyses adjusting for covariates, each endorsed pandemic impact in the interpersonal conflict domain was associated with 67% increased odds of endorsement of any opioid use, and each impact in the employment and infection exposure-domains was associated with 25% and 75% increases in number of endorsed opioid-related problems, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Mitigating the effect of the pandemic on patients' interpersonal relationships and employment, and promoting greater infection control in opioid treatment programs, could be protective against negative opioid-related outcomes. Trial registration The present study describes secondary data analysis on a previously registered clinical trial: clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03931174.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Janssen
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, USA.
| | - Bryan R Garner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, 2050 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH, 43221, USA
| | - Julia Yermash
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, USA
| | - Kimberly R Yap
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Northwestern University, 633 North St Clair, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Sara J Becker
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Northwestern University, 633 North St Clair, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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25
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Lorvick J, Hemberg JL, George MJ, Piontak JR, Comfort ML. "Just another thing for me to stress off of": Responses to unintentional fentanyl use in a community-based study of people who use opioids. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:128. [PMID: 37684603 PMCID: PMC10486054 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00863-1] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The unintentional consumption of fentanyl is a serious health risk for people who use illicit drugs. In an ongoing community-based study regarding polysubstance use among people who use opioids, we found that 17 of 58 (29%) of participants who did not endorse fentanyl use in the past thirty days tested positive for fentanyl during point-of-care urinalysis (UA). This paper describes the reactions and experiences of participants who were informed they had consumed fentanyl unintentionally, as well as how the research team handled the unanticipated occurrence of discordant results. Consistent with other recent studies, we found that people learning of unintentional fentanyl use expressed strong concerns about accidental overdose. It was common for participants to reflect on recent substance use experiences that were atypical and might have involved fentanyl, as well as to examine sources of recent drug purchases. While not all participants were surprised that they had unintentionally consumed fentanyl, all felt that learning their positive results was important due to risk of overdose. Research and medical staff have an opportunity to promote awareness of possible contamination by sharing and discussing UA test results with people who use drugs in non-judgmental manner. In addition to the widely promoted harm reduction strategy of testing drugs with fentanyl test strips, self-administered point-of-care UA, particularly after an unexpected reaction to using a drug, could provide useful information for people buying and using illicit drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Lorvick
- Community Health and Implementation Research Program, RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Ave, Suite 800, Berkeley, CA, 94117, USA.
| | - Jordana L Hemberg
- Community Health and Implementation Research Program, RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Ave, Suite 800, Berkeley, CA, 94117, USA
| | - Madeleine J George
- Center for the Health of Populations, RTI International, Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Joy R Piontak
- Center for the Health of Populations, RTI International, Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Megan L Comfort
- Transformative Research Unit for Equity, RTI International, Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
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26
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Harruff RC, Yarid NA, Barbour WL, Martin YH. Medical examiner response to the drug overdose epidemic in King County Washington: "Real-time" surveillance, data science, and applied forensic epidemiology. J Forensic Sci 2023; 68:1632-1642. [PMID: 37417312 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15329] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
As the overdose epidemic overwhelmed medicolegal death investigation offices and toxicology laboratories, the King County Medical Examiner's Office responded with "real-time" fatal overdose surveillance to expedite death certification and information dissemination through assembling a team including a dedicated medicolegal death investigator, an information coordinator, and student interns. In-house testing of blood, urine, and drug evidence from scenes was performed using equipment and supplies purchased for surveillance. Collaboration with state laboratories allowed validation. Applied forensic epidemiology accelerated data dissemination. From 2010 to 2022, the epidemic claimed 5815 lives in King County; the last 4 years accounted for 47% of those deaths. After initiating the surveillance project, in-house testing was performed on blood from 2836 decedents, urine from 2807, and 4238 drug evidence items from 1775 death scenes. Time to complete death certificates decreased from weeks to months to hours to days. Overdose-specific information was distributed weekly to a network of law enforcement and public health agencies. As the surveillance project tracked the epidemic, fentanyl and methamphetamine became dominant and were associated with other indicators of social deterioration. In 2022, fentanyl was involved in 68% of 1021 overdose deaths. Homeless deaths increased sixfold; in 2022, 67% of 311 homeless deaths were due to overdose; fentanyl was involved in 49% and methamphetamine in 44%. Homicides increased 250%; in 2021, methamphetamine was positive in 35% of 149 homicides. The results are relevant to the value of rapid surveillance, its impact on standard operations, selection of cases requiring autopsy, and collaboration with other agencies in overdose prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole A Yarid
- King County Medical Examiner's Office, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Yang H Martin
- King County Medical Examiner's Office, Seattle, Washington, USA
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27
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Friedman J, Godvin M, Molina C, Romero R, Borquez A, Avra T, Goodman-Meza D, Strathdee S, Bourgois P, Shover CL. Fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine-based counterfeit pills sold at tourist-oriented pharmacies in Mexico: An ethnographic and drug checking study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 249:110819. [PMID: 37348270 PMCID: PMC10368172 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fentanyl- and methamphetamine-based counterfeit prescription drugs have driven escalating overdose death rates in the US, however their presence in Mexico has not been assessed. Our ethnographic team has conducted longitudinal research focused on illicit drug markets in Northern Mexico since 2018. In 2021-2022, study participants described the arrival of new, unusually potent tablets sold as ostensibly controlled substances, without a prescription, directly from pharmacies that cater to US tourists. AIMS To characterize the availability of counterfeit and authentic controlled substances at pharmacies in Northern Mexico available to English-speaking tourists without a prescription. METHODS We employed an iterative, exploratory, mixed methods design. Longitudinal ethnographic data was used to characterize tourist-oriented micro-neighborhoods and guide the selection of n=40 pharmacies in n=4 cities in Northern Mexico. In each pharmacy, samples of "oxycodone", "Xanax", and "Adderall" were sought as single pills, during English-language encounters, after which detailed ethnographic accounts were recorded. We employed immunoassay-based testing strips to check each pill for the presence of fentanyls, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, and methamphetamines. We used Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to further characterize drug contents. RESULTS Of n=40 pharmacies, one or more of the requested controlled substances could be obtained with no prescription (as single pills or in bottles) at 28 (70.0%) and as single pills at 19 (47.5%). Counterfeit pills were obtained at 11 pharmacies (27.5%). Of n=45 samples sold as one-off controlled substances, 18 were counterfeit. 7 of 11 (63.6%) samples sold as "Adderall" contained methamphetamine, 8 of 27 (29.6%) samples sold as "Oxycodone" contained fentanyl, and 3 "Oxycodone" samples contained heroin. Pharmacies providing counterfeit drugs were uniformly located in tourist-serving micro-neighborhoods, and generally featured English-language advertisements for erectile dysfunction medications and "painkillers". Pharmacy employees occasionally expressed concern about overdose risk and provided harm reduction guidance. DISCUSSION The availability of fentanyl-, heroin-, and methamphetamine-based counterfeit medications in tourist-oriented independent pharmacies in Northern Mexico represents a public health risk, and occurs in the context of 1) the normalization of medical tourism as a response to rising unaffordability of healthcare in the US, 2) plummeting rates of opioid prescription in the US, affecting both chronic pain patients and the availability of legitimate pharmaceuticals on the unregulated market, 3) the rise of fentanyl-based counterfeit opioids as a key driver of the fourth, and deadliest-to-date, wave of the opioid crisis. It was not possible to distinguish counterfeit medications based on appearance of pills or geography of pharmacies, because identically-appearing authentic and counterfeit versions were often sold in close geographic proximity. Nevertheless, people who consume drugs may be more trusting of controlled substances purchased directly from pharmacies. Due to Mexico's limited opioid overdose surveillance infrastructure, the current death rate from these substances remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Friedman
- Center for Social Medicine and Humanities, University of California, Los Angeles, United States.
| | - Morgan Godvin
- The Action Lab, Center for Health Policy and Law, Northeastern University, United States
| | - Caitlin Molina
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Ruby Romero
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Annick Borquez
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, United States
| | - Tucker Avra
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
| | - David Goodman-Meza
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Steffanie Strathdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, United States
| | - Philippe Bourgois
- Center for Social Medicine and Humanities, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Chelsea L Shover
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
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28
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Shover CL, Friedman JR, Romero R, Buhr R, Chu B, Tang A, Medina JA, Wisk L, Lucas J, Goodman-Meza D. Longitudinal changes in co-involved drugs, comorbidities, and demographics of methamphetamine-related deaths in Los Angeles County. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 151:209101. [PMID: 37315796 PMCID: PMC10623547 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We conducted a population-based observational study of all medical examiner cases in Los Angeles County from January 2012 through June 2021 in which methamphetamine was listed as a cause of or contributing factor to death (n = 6125). We aimed to characterize demographics, comorbidities, and co-involved substances in methamphetamine-related deaths longitudinally in Los Angeles County, California. METHODS We used detailed death record data to manually classify fatalities by involvement of each organ system, opioids, alcohol, cocaine, other drugs or medications, and external/traumatic causes. Primary outcomes included: the number of methamphetamine-involved deaths, demographics of decedents, percentage of methamphetamine deaths also involving other drugs, and percentage of methamphetamine deaths involving different organ systems. We performed Mann Kendall tests of trends to identify statistically significant longitudinal changes. RESULTS During the study period, the percentage of methamphetamine-related deaths involving opioids significantly increased from 16 % in 2012 to 54 % in 2021 (p < 0.001). Concurrently, the percentage involving cardiovascular causes significantly decreased from 47 % to 26 % (p < 0.05). Methamphetamine-related deaths in LAC increasingly affected people experiencing homelessness, for whom the percentage tripled from 13 % in 2012 to 35 % in 2021. The share of decedents under 40 years old increased from 33 % to 41 %. The percentage of Black or African American decedents increased over five-fold from 3 % to 17 %. CONCLUSIONS Methamphetamine-related deaths involving opioids more than tripled in Los Angeles County from 2012 to 2021, reflecting the drug supply's shift to illicit fentanyl. More than a quarter involved cardiovascular causes. These findings have implications for treatment and prevention, including scaling up contingency management, distributing naloxone to people who primarily use stimulants, and including cardiovascular care alongside these interventions directly targeted to reduce harms of methamphetamine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea L Shover
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | | - Ruby Romero
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Russell Buhr
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brian Chu
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amber Tang
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jesus A Medina
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Wisk
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Lucas
- Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner, Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Goodman-Meza
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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29
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Adams KK, Cohen SM, Guerra ME, Weimer MB. Low-dose Initiation of Buprenorphine in Hospitalized Patients Using Buccal Buprenorphine: A Case Series. J Addict Med 2023; 17:474-476. [PMID: 37579114 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001146] [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: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe a low-dose buprenorphine initiation strategy with buccal buprenorphine. METHODS This is a case series of hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and/or chronic pain who underwent low-dose buprenorphine initiation with buccal buprenorphine to sublingual buprenorphine. Results are descriptively reported. RESULTS Forty-five patients underwent low-dose buprenorphine initiation from January 2020 to July 2021. Twenty-two (49%) patients had OUD only, 5 (11%) patients had chronic pain only, and 18 (40%) patients had both OUD and chronic pain. Thirty-six (80%) patients had documented history of heroin or non-prescribed fentanyl use before admission. Acute pain in 34 (76%) patients was the most commonly documented rationale for low-dose buprenorphine initiation. Methadone was the most common outpatient opioid utilized before admission (53%). The addiction medicine service consulted on 44 (98%) cases and median length of stay was approximately 2 weeks. Thirty-six (80%) patients completed the transition to sublingual buprenorphine with a median completion dose of 16 mg daily. Of the 24 patients (53%) with consistently documented Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale scores, no patients experienced severe opioid withdrawal. Fifteen (62.5%) experienced mild or moderate withdrawal and 9 (37.5%) experienced no withdrawal (Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale score <5) during the entire process. Continuity of postdischarge prescription refills ranged from 0 to 37 weeks and the median number of buprenorphine refills was 7 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Low-dose buprenorphine initiation with buccal buprenorphine to sublingual buprenorphine was well tolerated and can be safely and effectively utilized for patients whose clinical scenario precludes traditional buprenorphine initiation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen K Adams
- From the Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy (KKA); Program in Addiction Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine (SMC, MBW); and Department of Pharmacy Services, Yale New Haven Hospital Pharmacy Services (MEG)
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30
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Shover CL, Spoliansky JG, Godvin M. Polysubstance use and lived experience: new insights into what is needed. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2023:00001504-990000000-00070. [PMID: 37191654 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW During the current overdose crisis in the United States and Canada, both polysubstance use and interventions involving people with lived experience of substance use disorder have grown. This review investigates the intersection of these topics to recommend best practices. RECENT FINDINGS We identified four themes from the recent literature. These are ambivalence about the term lived experience and the practice of using private disclosure to gain rapport or credibility; efficacy of peer participation; promoting equitable participation by fairly compensating staff hired for their lived experience; challenges unique to the current polysubstance-dominated era of the overdose crisis. People with lived experience make important contributions to research and treatment, especially given the additional challenges that polysubstance use creates above and beyond single substance use disorder. The same lived experience that can make someone an excellent peer support worker also often comes with both trauma related to working with people struggling with substance use and lack of opportunities for career advancement. SUMMARY Policy priorities for clinicians, researchers and organizations should include steps to foster equitable participation, such as recognizing expertise by experience with fair compensation; offering career advancement opportunities; and promoting self-determination in how people describe themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea L Shover
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research
| | - Jordan G Spoliansky
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Morgan Godvin
- The Action Lab, Center for Health Policy and Law, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Lorvick J, Hemberg J, George M, Piontak J, Comfort M. "Just another thing for me to stress off of:" Responses to Unintentional Fentanyl Use in a Community-based Study of People who Use Opioids. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2842551. [PMID: 37162894 PMCID: PMC10168448 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2842551/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The unintentional consumption of fentanyl is a serious health risk for people who use illicit drugs. In an ongoing community-based study regarding polysubstance use among people who use opioids, we found that 17 of 58 (29%) of participants who did not endorse fentanyl use in the past thirty days tested positive for fentanyl during point-of-care urinalysis (UA). This paper describes the reactions and experiences of participants who were informed they had consumed fentanyl unintentionally, as well as how the research team handled the unanticipated occurrence of discordant results. Consistent with other recent studies, we found that people learning of unintentional fentanyl use expressed strong concerns about accidental overdose. It was common for participants to reflect on recent substance use experiences that were atypical and might have involved fentanyl, as well as to examine sources of recent drug purchases. While not all participants were surprised that they had unintentionally consumed fentanyl, all felt that learning their positive results was important due to risk of overdose. Research and medical staff who routinely conduct urinalysis have an opportunity to promote awareness of possible contamination by sharing and discussing UA test results with people who use drugs in non-judgmental manner. In addition to the widely promoted harm reduction strategy of testing drugs with fentanyl test strips, self-administered UA, particularly after an unexpected reaction to using a drug, could provide useful information for people buying and using illicit drugs.
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Hartung DM, McCracken CM, Nguyen T, Kempany K, Waddell EN. Fatal and nonfatal opioid overdose risk following release from prison: A retrospective cohort study using linked administrative data. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 147:208971. [PMID: 36821990 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.208971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Among individuals who are released from prison, opioid overdose is a leading cause of death with a risk more than ten-fold the general population. Although the epidemiology of opioid-related fatalities has been described, few studies have characterized both fatal and nonfatal opioid-related poisonings. The objective of this study was to estimate risk of fatal and nonfatal opioid overdose among adults released from prison. METHODS The study estimated fatal and nonfatal opioid overdose rates using linked corrections, Medicaid, hospital discharge, and vital statistics from the state of Oregon from 2014 to 2018. Multivariable proportional hazards models identified demographic and prison-related factors associated with overdose. RESULTS Between 2014 and 2017, 18,258 individuals were released from prison. A majority of individuals were male (87 %) and ages 26 to 64 (83 %). Two-thirds had a documented substance use disorder treatment need and 20 % demonstrated mental health treatment need. Following prison release, 579 opioid overdose events occurred; 65 (11 %) were fatal. The rate of opioid overdose was 1085.7 per 100,000 person-years (PY). Rates were highest in the first two weeks (2286.7 per 100,000 PY), among women (1582.9 per 100,000 PY), and those with mental health (1624.3 per 100,000 PY) or substance use disorder treatment needs (1382.6 per 100,100 PY). Only mental health (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.54, 95 % CI 1.24 to 1.90) and substance use need (aHR 2.59; 95 % CI 2.01 to 3.34) remained significant in multivariable models. CONCLUSIONS The rate of opioid overdose is markedly elevated after prison release, particularly in the first two weeks. In women, the higher rate of opioid overdose is mediated by a greater mental health burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Hartung
- College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, United States of America.
| | - Caitlin M McCracken
- College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Thuan Nguyen
- OHSU-Portland State University School Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Katherine Kempany
- Oregon Department of Corrections, Salem, OR, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Needham Waddell
- OHSU-Portland State University School Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
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Stringfellow EJ, Lim TY, DiGennaro C, Hasgul Z, Jalali MS. Enumerating contributions of fentanyls and other factors to the unprecedented 2020 rise in opioid overdose deaths: model-based analysis. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad064. [PMID: 37020497 PMCID: PMC10069612 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, the ongoing US opioid overdose crisis collided with the emerging COVID-19 pandemic. Opioid overdose deaths (OODs) rose an unprecedented 38%, due to a combination of COVID-19 disrupting services essential to people who use drugs, continued increases in fentanyls in the illicit drug supply, and other factors. How much did these factors contribute to increased OODs? We used a validated simulation model of the opioid overdose crisis, SOURCE, to estimate excess OODs in 2020 and the distribution of that excess attributable to various factors. Factors affecting OODs that could have been disrupted by COVID-19, and for which data were available, included opioid prescribing, naloxone distribution, and receipt of medications for opioid use disorder. We also accounted for fentanyls' presence in the heroin supply. We estimated a total of 18,276 potential excess OODs, including 1,792 lives saved due to increases in buprenorphine receipt and naloxone distribution and decreases in opioid prescribing. Critically, growth in fentanyls drove 43% (7,879) of the excess OODs. A further 8% is attributable to first-ever declines in methadone maintenance treatment and extended-released injectable naltrexone treatment, most likely due to COVID-19-related disruptions. In all, 49% of potential excess OODs remain unexplained, at least some of which are likely due to additional COVID-19-related disruptions. While the confluence of various COVID-19-related factors could have been responsible for more than half of excess OODs, fentanyls continued to play a singular role in excess OODs, highlighting the urgency of mitigating their effects on overdoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin J Stringfellow
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Tse Yang Lim
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- MIT Sloan School of Management, 100 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Catherine DiGennaro
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- MIT Sloan School of Management, 100 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Zeynep Hasgul
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Mohammad S Jalali
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- MIT Sloan School of Management, 100 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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Butelman ER, Huang Y, Epstein DH, Shaham Y, Goldstein RZ, Volkow ND, Alia-Klein N. Overdose mortality rates for opioids or stimulants are higher in males than females, controlling for rates of drug misuse: State-level data. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.01.20.23284833. [PMID: 36711659 PMCID: PMC9882660 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.20.23284833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Importance Drug overdoses from opioids like fentanyl and heroin and stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine are a major cause of mortality in the United States, with potential sex differences across the lifespan. Objective To determine overdose mortality for specific drug categories across the lifespan of males and females, using a nationally representative state-level sample. Design State-level analyses of nationally representative epidemiological data on overdose mortality for specific drug categories, across 10-year age bins (age range: 15-74). Setting Population-based study of Multiple Cause of Death 2020-2021 data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC WONDER platform). Participants Decedents in the United States in 2020-2021. Main outcome measures The main outcome measure was sex-specific rates of overdose death (per 100,000) for: synthetic opioids excluding methadone (ICD-10 code: T40.4; predominantly fentanyl), heroin (T40.1), psychostimulants with potential for misuse, excluding cocaine (T43.6, predominantly methamphetamine; labeled "psychostimulants" hereafter), and cocaine (T40.5). Multiple regression analyses were used to control for ethnic-cultural background, household net worth, and sex-specific rate of misuse of the relevant substances (from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2018-2019). Results For each of the drug categories assessed, males had greater overall overdose mortality than females, after controlling for rates of drug misuse. The mean male/female sex ratio of mortality rate for the separate drug categories was relatively stable across jurisdictions: synthetic opioids (2.5 [95%CI, 2.4-2.7]), heroin, (2.9 [95%CI, 2.7-3.1], psychostimulants (2.4 [95%CI, 2.3-2.5]), and cocaine (2.8 [95%CI, 2.6-2.9]). With data stratified in 10-year age bins, the sex difference generally survived adjustment for state-level ethnic-cultural and economic variables, and for sex-specific misuse of each drug type (especially for bins in the 25-64 age range). For synthetic opioids, the sex difference survived adjustment across the lifespan (i.e., 10-year age bins ranging from 15-74), including adolescence, adulthood and late adulthood. Conclusions and Relevance The robustly greater overdose mortality in males versus females for synthetic opioids (predominantly fentanyl), heroin, and stimulant drugs including methamphetamine and cocaine indicate that males who misuse these drugs are significantly more vulnerable to overdose deaths. These results call for research into diverse biological, behavioral, and social factors that underlie sex differences in human vulnerability to drug overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo R Butelman
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addiction and Related Conditions Research Program, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Yuefeng Huang
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addiction and Related Conditions Research Program, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | - Yavin Shaham
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Baltimore, MD
| | - Rita Z Goldstein
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addiction and Related Conditions Research Program, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Nora D Volkow
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Baltimore, MD
| | - Nelly Alia-Klein
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addiction and Related Conditions Research Program, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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Moses-Hampton MK, Povieng B, Ghorayeb JH, Zhang Y, Wu H. Chronic low back pain comorbidity count and its impact on exacerbating opioid and non-opioid prescribing behavior. Pain Pract 2023; 23:252-263. [PMID: 36447402 DOI: 10.1111/papr.13185] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to determine the characteristics of chronic low back pain (CLBP) comorbidity and its impact on opioid and non-opioid treatments among Chicagoland patients with CLBP. DESIGN A retrospective cross-sectional study comparing differences in comorbidity and treatment patterns among Chicagoland patients with CLBP against a matched control arm without chronic low back pain (NCLBP). SETTING Academic hospital system outpatient services. PARTICIPANTS Using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes (ICD 10) 9589 patients were identified with CLBP with a median age of 57 years old and 62.32% female distribution. The NCLBP group comprised 9589 age-, sex-, race-, and region-matched patients. RESULTS An increased prevalence across all 17 studied comorbidities was found in CLBP patients as compared to NCLBP patients. CLBP patients carried an average of 3.5 comorbidities compared with 2.4 comorbidities in NCLBP patients. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), joint arthritis, and obesity had the strongest relationship with CLBP. Additionally, we found that the most prescribed treatment for CLBP were opioids, which ranked above NSAIDs and physical therapy. 56% of CLBP patients were prescribed opioids as compared to 36% of NCLBP patients (Odds Ratio = 2.28, 95% CI: 2.16-2.42). Tramadol was the agent with the strongest relationship to CLBP. CLBP patients were more likely to use two or more opioids concomitantly. The number of total treatments was positively associated with the number of comorbidities in both CLBP and NCLBP patients (Cochran-Armitage trend test p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Chronic low back pain patients showed a higher number of comorbidities than their NCLBP counterparts. Comorbidity count trended positively with higher treatment burden with opioids being the most prescribed treatment, often with poly-opioid use, over conservative modalities such as NSAIDs and physical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm K Moses-Hampton
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Boss Povieng
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Joe H Ghorayeb
- University of Medicine and Health Sciences, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yanyu Zhang
- Rush University Medical Center Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hong Wu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rush University Medical Center, Rush University Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Harruff R, Simpson CM, Gifford AL, Yarid N, Barbour WL, Heidere C. Evaluation of "Real-Time" Fatal Drug Overdose Surveillance by King County Medical Examiner's Office, Seattle, Washington. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2023; 44:11-16. [PMID: 36165595 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000798] [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: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT To address the challenges in monitoring the continuously accelerating drug overdose epidemic, the King County Medical Examiner's Office in Seattle, Washington, instituted a "real-time" fatal drug overdose surveillance project, depending on scene investigations, autopsy findings, and in-house testing of blood, urine, and drug evidence collected from death scenes. Validation of the project's rapid death certification methodology from 2019 through 2021 was performed at the following 3 levels: blood testing, urine testing, and death certification, and for the following 4 drugs: fentanyl, opiate, methamphetamine, and cocaine. For blood testing, sensitivity ranged from 90% to 99%, and specificity ranged from 86% to 97%. For urine testing, sensitivity ranged from 91% to 92%, and specificity ranged from 87% to 97%. The positive predictive value for cocaine was poor for both blood testing (57%) and urine testing (72%). Of 1034 deaths, 807 were certified as overdose by rapid methodology, and 803 (99.5%) were confirmed by formal toxicology results. Manners of death were changed from accident to natural in 3 of 1034 cases (0.29%). Results of this study indicate that the rapid overdose surveillance methodology described in this study offers benefits to families and provides useful, timely information for responding law enforcement and public health agencies.
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Frank D, Krawczyk N, Arshonsky J, Bragg MA, Friedman SR, Bunting AM. COVID-19-Related Changes to Drug-Selling Networks and Their Effects on People Who Use Illicit Opioids. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2023; 84:222-229. [PMID: 36971722 PMCID: PMC10171252 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.21-00438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected people's ability to buy, sell, and obtain items that they use in their daily lives. It may have had a particularly negative effect on the ability of people who use illicit opioids to obtain them because the networks they relied on are illicit and not part of the formal economy. Our objective in this research was to examine if, and how, disruptions related to COVID-19 of illicit opioid markets have affected people who use illicit opioids. METHOD We collected 300 posts--including replies to posts--related to the intersection of COVID-19 and opioid use from Reddit.com, a forum that has several discussion threads (i.e., subreddits) dedicated to opioids. We then coded posts from the two most popular opioid subreddits during the early pandemic period (March 5, 2020-May 13, 2020) using an inductive/deductive approach. RESULTS We found two themes related to active opioid use during the early pandemic: (a) changes in drug supply and difficulty obtaining opioids, and (b) buying less-trustworthy drugs from lesser-known sources. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that COVID-19 has created market conditions that place people who use opioids at risk of adverse outcomes, such as fatal overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Frank
- NYU School of Global Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Noa Krawczyk
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Joshua Arshonsky
- Section on Health Choice, Policy, and Evaluation, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Marie A. Bragg
- Section on Health Choice, Policy, and Evaluation, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Public Health Nutrition, NYU School of Global Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Sam R. Friedman
- Section on Health Choice, Policy, and Evaluation, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Amanda M. Bunting
- Section on Tobacco, Alcohol, & Drug Use, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
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Cook RR, Foot C, Arah OA, Humphreys K, Rudolph KE, Luo SX, Tsui JI, Levander XA, Korthuis PT. Estimating the impact of stimulant use on initiation of buprenorphine and extended-release naltrexone in two clinical trials and real-world populations. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:11. [PMID: 36788634 PMCID: PMC9930351 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00364-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Co-use of stimulants and opioids is rapidly increasing. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have established the efficacy of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), but stimulant use may decrease the likelihood of initiating MOUD treatment. Furthermore, trial participants may not represent "real-world" populations who would benefit from treatment. METHODS We conducted a two-stage analysis. First, associations between stimulant use (time-varying urine drug screens for cocaine, methamphetamine, or amphetamines) and initiation of buprenorphine or extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) were estimated across two RCTs (CTN-0051 X:BOT and CTN-0067 CHOICES) using adjusted Cox regression models. Second, results were generalized to three target populations who would benefit from MOUD: Housed adults identifying the need for OUD treatment, as characterized by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH); adults entering OUD treatment, as characterized by Treatment Episodes Dataset (TEDS); and adults living in rural regions of the U.S. with high rates of injection drug use, as characterized by the Rural Opioids Initiative (ROI). Generalizability analyses adjusted for differences in demographic characteristics, substance use, housing status, and depression between RCT and target populations using inverse probability of selection weighting. RESULTS Analyses included 673 clinical trial participants, 139 NSDUH respondents (weighted to represent 661,650 people), 71,751 TEDS treatment episodes, and 1,933 ROI participants. The majority were aged 30-49 years, male, and non-Hispanic White. In RCTs, stimulant use reduced the likelihood of MOUD initiation by 32% (adjusted HR [aHR] = 0.68, 95% CI 0.49-0.94, p = 0.019). Stimulant use associations were slightly attenuated and non-significant among housed adults needing treatment (25% reduction, aHR = 0.75, 0.48-1.18, p = 0.215) and adults entering OUD treatment (28% reduction, aHR = 0.72, 0.51-1.01, p = 0.061). The association was more pronounced, but still non-significant among rural people injecting drugs (39% reduction, aHR = 0.61, 0.35-1.06, p = 0.081). Stimulant use had a larger negative impact on XR-NTX initiation compared to buprenorphine, especially in the rural population (76% reduction, aHR = 0.24, 0.08-0.69, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS Stimulant use is a barrier to buprenorphine or XR-NTX initiation in clinical trials and real-world populations that would benefit from OUD treatment. Interventions to address stimulant use among patients with OUD are urgently needed, especially among rural people injecting drugs, who already suffer from limited access to MOUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- R R Cook
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Sam Jackson Hall, Suite 3370, 3245 SW Pavilion Loop, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - C Foot
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Sam Jackson Hall, Suite 3370, 3245 SW Pavilion Loop, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - O A Arah
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Physical Sciences, Department of Statistics, UCLA College, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Research Unit for Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - K Humphreys
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - K E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - S X Luo
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - J I Tsui
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - X A Levander
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Sam Jackson Hall, Suite 3370, 3245 SW Pavilion Loop, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - P T Korthuis
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Sam Jackson Hall, Suite 3370, 3245 SW Pavilion Loop, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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Qian G, Rao I, Humphreys K, Owens DK, Brandeau ML. Cost-effectiveness of office-based buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 243:109762. [PMID: 36621198 PMCID: PMC9852082 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of office-based buprenorphine treatment (OBBT) in the U.S. DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS We performed a model-based analysis of buprenorphine treatment provided in a primary care setting for the U.S. population with OUD. INTERVENTION Buprenorphine treatment provided in a primary care setting. MEASUREMENTS Fatal and nonfatal overdoses and deaths over five years, discounted lifetime quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), costs. FINDINGS For a cohort of 100,000 untreated individuals who enter OBBT, approximately 9350 overdoses would be averted over five years; of these, approximately 900 would have been fatal. OBBT compared to no treatment would yield 1.07 incremental lifetime QALYs per person at an incremental cost of $17,000 per QALY gained when using a healthcare perspective. If OBBT is half as effective and twice as expensive as assumed in the base case, the incremental cost when using a healthcare perspective is $25,500 per QALY gained. Using a limited societal perspective that additionally includes patient costs and criminal justice costs, OBBT is cost-saving compared to no treatment even under pessimistic assumptions about efficacy and cost. CONCLUSIONS Expansion of OBBT would be highly cost-effective compared to no treatment when considered from a healthcare perspective, and cost-saving when reduced criminal justice costs are included. Given the continuing opioid crisis in the U.S., expansion of this care option should be a high priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Qian
- Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Isabelle Rao
- Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Keith Humphreys
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, US Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Douglas K Owens
- Department of Health Policy, School of Medicine, and Stanford Health Policy, Freeman-Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Margaret L Brandeau
- Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Friedman J, Godvin M, Molina C, Romero R, Borquez A, Avra T, Goodman-Meza D, Strathdee S, Bourgois P, Shover CL. Fentanyl, Heroin, and Methamphetamine-Based Counterfeit Pills Sold at Tourist-Oriented Pharmacies in Mexico: An Ethnographic and Drug Checking Study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.01.27.23285123. [PMID: 36747647 PMCID: PMC9901047 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.27.23285123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Background Our ethnographic team has conducted longitudinal research focused on illicit drug markets in Northern Mexico since 2018. In 2021-2022, study participants described the arrival of new, unusually potent tablets sold as ostensibly controlled substances, without a prescription, directly from pharmacies that cater to US tourists. Concurrently, fentanyl- and methamphetamine-based counterfeit prescription drugs have driven escalating overdose death rates in the US, however their presence in Mexico has not been assessed. Aims To characterize the availability of counterfeit and authentic controlled substances at pharmacies in Northern Mexico available to English-speaking tourists without a prescription. Methods We employed an iterative, exploratory, mixed methods design. Longitudinal ethnographic data was used to characterize tourist-oriented micro-neighborhoods and guide the selection of n=40 pharmacies in n=4 cities in Northern Mexico. In each pharmacy, samples of "oxycodone", "Xanax", and "Adderall" were sought as single pills, during English-language encounters, after which detailed ethnographic accounts were recorded. We employed immunoassay-based testing strips to check each pill for the presence of fentanyls, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, and methamphetamines. We used Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to further characterize drug contents. Results Of 40 pharmacies, these controlled substances could be obtained in any form with no prescription at 68.3% and as single pills at 46.3%. Counterfeit pills were obtained at n=11 (26.8%) of pharmacies. Of n=45 samples sold as one-off controlled substances, n=20 were counterfeit including 9 of 11 (81.8%) of samples sold as "Adderall" that contained methamphetamine, and 8 of 27 (29.6%) of samples sold as "Oxycodone" that contained fentanyl, and n=3 'Oxycodone' samples containing heroin. Pharmacies providing counterfeit drugs were uniformly located in tourist-serving micro-neighborhoods, and generally featured English-language advertisements for erectile dysfunction medications and 'painkillers'. Pharmacy employees occasionally expressed concern about overdose risk and provided harm reduction guidance. Discussion The availability of fentanyl-, heroin-, and methamphetamine-based counterfeit medications in Northern Mexico represents a public health risk, and occurs in the context of 1) the normalization of medical tourism as a response to rising unaffordability of healthcare in the US, 2) plummeting rates of opioid prescription in the US, affecting both chronic pain patients and the availability of legitimate pharmaceuticals on the unregulated market, 3) the rise of fentanyl-based counterfeit opioids as a key driver of the fourth, and deadliest-to-date, wave of the opioid crisis. It is not possible to distinguish counterfeit medications based on appearance, because identically-appearing authentic and counterfeit versions are often sold in close geographic proximity. Nevertheless, US tourist drug consumers may be more trusting of controlled substances purchased directly from pharmacies. Due to Mexico's limited opioid overdose surveillance infrastructure, the current death rate from these substances remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Friedman
- Center for Social Medicine and Humanities, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Morgan Godvin
- The Action Lab, Center for Health Policy and Law, Northeastern University
| | - Caitlin Molina
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Ruby Romero
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Annick Borquez
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health. Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego
| | - Tucker Avra
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | | | - Steffanie Strathdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health. Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego
| | - Philippe Bourgois
- Center for Social Medicine and Humanities, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Chelsea L. Shover
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California, Los Angeles
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Gaeta Gazzola M, Carmichael ID, Christian NJ, Zheng X, Madden LM, Barry DT. A National Study of Homelessness, Social Determinants of Health, and Treatment Engagement Among Outpatient Medication for Opioid Use Disorder-Seeking Individuals in the United States. Subst Abus 2023; 44:62-72. [PMID: 37226909 DOI: 10.1177/08897077231167291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homelessness is an important social determinant of health (SDOH), impacting health outcomes for many medical conditions. Although homelessness is common among people with opioid use disorder (OUD), few studies systematically evaluate homelessness and other SDOH among people enrolled in standard of care treatment for OUD, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), or examine whether homelessness affects treatment engagement. METHODS Using data from the 2016 to 2018 U.S. Treatment Episode Dataset Discharges (TEDS-D), patient demographic, social, and clinical characteristics were compared between episodes of outpatient MOUD where homelessness was reported at treatment enrollment versus independent housing using pairwise tests adjusted for multiple testing. A logistic regression model examined the relationship between homelessness and treatment length and treatment completion while accounting for covariates. RESULTS There were 188 238 eligible treatment episodes. Homelessness was reported in 17 158 episodes (8.7%). In pairwise analysis, episodes involving homelessness were significantly different from those involving independent living on most demographic, social, and clinical characteristics, with significantly greater social vulnerability in most SDOH variables (P's < .05). Homelessness was significantly and negatively associated with treatment completion (coefficient = -0.0853, P < 0.001, 95% CI = [-0.114, -0.056], OR = 0.918) and remaining in treatment for greater than 180 days (coefficient = -0.3435, P < 0.001, 95% CI = [-0.371, -0.316], OR = 0.709) after accounting for covariates. CONCLUSIONS Patients reporting homelessness at treatment entry in outpatient MOUD in the U.S. represent a clinically distinct and socially vulnerable population from those not reporting homelessness. Homelessness independently predicts poorer engagement in MOUD confirming that homelessness may be an independent predictor for MOUD treatment discontinuation nationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Gaeta Gazzola
- APT Foundation, Inc., New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, NYU Langone Health/NYC Health and Hospitals Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Iain D Carmichael
- Department of Statistics, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Xiaoying Zheng
- APT Foundation, Inc., New Haven, CT, USA
- New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lynn M Madden
- APT Foundation, Inc., New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Declan T Barry
- APT Foundation, Inc., New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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42
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Boysen PG, Patel JH, King AN. Brief History of Opioids in Perioperative and Periprocedural Medicine to Inform the Future. Ochsner J 2023; 23:43-49. [PMID: 36936479 PMCID: PMC10016219 DOI: 10.31486/toj.22.0065] [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: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Opioids and derivatives of opium had been used as analgesics for thousands of years before the introduction of inhalational anesthetic agents. Once these early volatile agents were in widespread use, opioids were used as part of anesthetic care for premedication, as intraoperative adjuncts to general anesthesia, and for the management of postoperative pain. Evidence of growing dependence on opioids in the perioperative and periprocedural patient is supported by the ongoing research to develop synthetic opioids and to customize the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to achieve specific therapeutic goals. Methods: We explore the history of opioid use in perioperative care as a means of future management in light of new persistent opioid abuse. Results: As the opium chemical structure has been modified, newer nonopioid analgesics have been approved and brought into clinical practice. Opioid-sparing and opioid-free anesthetic techniques are not only a possibility, but a reality. Conclusion: Continuing research in neurobiology and addiction genetics will ultimately lead to a pharmacogenetic approach to patients at risk for new persistent opioid abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip G. Boysen
- Emeritus Professor and Chair, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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43
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Deutsch SA, De Jong AR. Xylazine Complicating Opioid Ingestions in Young Children. Pediatrics 2023; 151:190352. [PMID: 36550066 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-058684] [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] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors of this report present 3 cases of synthetic opioid intoxication complicated by the concomitant presence of the additive xylazine, a nonopioid sedative analgesic and muscle relaxant used in veterinary medicine that potentiates respiratory depression associated with the opioid toxidrome. Three exposed children presented with severe signs and symptoms, 2 of whom experienced cardiac arrest, a need for continuous naloxone infusion or multiple naloxone doses, or mechanical ventilation to treat respiratory failure after their exposures. Additives were detected in urine studies only through the performance of specialized toxicology testing. Detection of xylazine among adult overdose deaths has recently increased sharply, particularly across the northeastern United States. Adulteration by xylazine is an emerging public health threat nationally. Our report reveals that pediatricians should be aware of sentinel drug trends among adults, including the emerging types of illicit, synthetic, or counterfeit formulations of recreational substances, because children may be harmed because of accidental or intentional exposure. Children exposed to dangerous substances also need child protection services that may entail safe relocation outside of the home and the referral of affected caregivers to necessary substance use treatment services. Given epidemic drug use among adults, pediatricians should be competent to recognize common toxidromes and be aware that signs and symptoms may be potentiated by synergistic novel additives or polysubstance exposures. Importantly, standard urine drug screens may not detect synthetic opioid derivatives or contributing additives, so that diagnosis will require specialized toxicology testing.
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44
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Leonhardt MM, Spartz JR, Shankar A, Murphy SA. Fatal drug use in the COVID-19 pandemic response: Changing trends in drug-involved deaths before and after stay-at-home orders in Louisiana. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1117841. [PMID: 37113181 PMCID: PMC10126274 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1117841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of disaster events on increasing drug-involved deaths has been clearly shown in previous literature. As the COVID-19 pandemic led to stay-at-home orders throughout the United States, there was a simultaneous spike in drug-involved deaths around the country. The landscape of a preexisting epidemic of drug-involved deaths in the United States is one which is not geographically homogenous. Given this unequal distribution of mortality, state-specific analysis of changing trends in drug use and drug-involved deaths is vital to inform both care for people who use drugs and local policy. An analysis of public health surveillance data from the state of Louisiana, both before and after the initial stay-at-home order of the COVID-19 pandemic, was used to determine the effect the pandemic may have had on the drug-involved deaths within this state. Using the linear regression analysis of total drug-involved deaths, as well as drug-specific subgroups, trends were measured based on quarterly (Qly) deaths. With the initial stay-at-home order as the change point, trends measured through quarter 1 (Q1) of 2020 were compared to trends measured from quarter 2 (Q2) of 2020 through quarter 3 (Q3) of 2021. The significantly increased rate of change in Qly drug-involved deaths, synthetic opioid-involved deaths, stimulant-involved deaths, and psychostimulant-involved deaths indicates a long-term change following the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in the delivery of mental health services, harm reduction services, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), treatment services, withdrawal management services, addiction counseling, shelters, housing, and food supplies further limited drug-involved prevention support, all of which were exacerbated by the new stress of living in a pandemic and economic uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell M. Leonhardt
- Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- *Correspondence: Maxwell M. Leonhardt
| | - John R. Spartz
- Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Arti Shankar
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Stephen A. Murphy
- Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Duncan Cance J, Bingaman A, Kane H, Hairgrove S, Torrez SB, Buck A, Zagorski CM, Loera LJ, Hill LG. A qualitative exploration of unintentional versus intentional exposure to fentanyl among people who use drugs in Austin, TX. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:317-323. [PMID: 36503811 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of deaths involving synthetic opioids has historically been lower in Texas than most U.S. states but more than quadrupled from January 2020 to January 2022. This paper explores the emergence of fentanyl in a drug supply where black tar heroin predominates, a factor considered protective against fentanyl adulteration, through the perspectives of people who use drugs (PWUD). OBJECTIVES We describe experiences of unintentional exposure to fentanyl, illustrate how some people identify fentanyl in their supply, and present harm reduction strategies that PWUD use to avoid overdose. METHODS Thirty rapid assessment interviews were conducted in July 2021 at 2 mobile outreach sites of a harm reduction organization in Austin, Texas. The brief semistructured interviews were designed to assess participant fentanyl exposure experiences. RESULTS Participants were clients who reported using heroin or fentanyl in the past week and had lived in Texas for at least 6 months. Seventeen participants identified as male, 10 as female, and 3 as nonbinary. Half identified as white; other participants were Latinx (6), black (2), American Indian (1), and mixed race (6). Two-thirds were unhoused or in transitional housing. The drug supply in Texas has evolved; most participants reported that the heroin and other drugs they obtained contain fentanyl. Participants detected differences by observing changes in the physical characteristics of the drug, experiencing unexpected effects, and using fentanyl test strips. Many had been unintentionally exposed to fentanyl and expressed concerns about fentanyl's presence. The presence of fentanyl had negative unintended consequences for participants, including adverse effects and developing a dependence on opioids. CONCLUSION PWUD in Austin, Texas, report increasing prevalence of unintentional fentanyl exposure, despite the predominance of black tar heroin. Pharmacists can provide crucial supplies and education to safeguard the health of this vulnerable population.
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Montero F, Bourgois P, Friedman J. Potency-Enhancing Synthetics in the Drug Overdose Epidemic: Xylazine ("Tranq"), Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and the Displacement of Heroin in Philadelphia and Tijuana. JOURNAL OF ILLICIT ECONOMIES AND DEVELOPMENT 2022; 4:204-222. [PMID: 37009634 PMCID: PMC10065983 DOI: 10.31389/jied.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Multiple transformations-referred to as "waves" in a panoply of recent public health and law enforcement publications-have rendered North American drug markets increasingly toxic since the early 2010s. The introduction of exceptionally potent synthetic sedatives and stimulants is initiating a new generation of drug injectors into co-use of opioids and methamphetamine, catapulting rates of deadly overdoses and infectious diseases. Drawing on extensive participant-observation research in Philadelphia (2007-present) and Tijuana (2018-present), we document the experience of street-based drug users across these two North American cities to focus on regional shifts in narcotics supplies and endpoint user preferences. We link the dramatic proliferation of fentanyl, methamphetamine, xylazine, and Mexican white powder heroin to: 1) pre-existing drug supply networks on the western and eastern coasts of the North American subcontinent; 2) material characteristics of local heroin supplies in pre-fentanyl opiate markets (Mexican black tar vs. Colombian off-white powder heroin); and 3) racialized repression/incarceration of drug sellers and users on both sides of the Mexico-US border. The article combines economic and medical anthropology to develop an ethnographically-informed political economy approach to an urgent public health challenge among street-based drug users with the highest overdose mortality rates in the US Northeastern Rust Belt and the Northwestern Mexican borderland metroplex anchored by Tijuana. It foregrounds street users' experiences in real time amidst rapidly shifting narcotics supply chains, linking market-driven logics of profit-seeking to the war on drugs' prohibitionist policy context, highlighting increasing toxic impacts on vulnerable sectors across regions.
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47
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Hicks D, Baehr C, Silva-Ortiz P, Khaimraj A, Luengas D, Hamid FA, Pravetoni M. Advancing humanized monoclonal antibody for counteracting fentanyl toxicity towards clinical development. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2122507. [PMID: 36194773 PMCID: PMC9746415 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2122507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Innovative therapies to complement current treatments are needed to curb the growing incidence of fatal overdoses related to synthetic opioids. Murine and chimeric monoclonal antibodies (mAb) specific for fentanyl and its analogs have demonstrated pre-clinical efficacy in preventing and reversing drug-induced toxicity in rodent models. However, mAb-based therapeutics require extensive engineering as well as in vitro and in vivo characterization to advance to first-in-human clinical trials. Here, novel murine anti-fentanyl mAbs were selected for development based on affinity for fentanyl, and efficacy in counteracting the pharmacological effects of fentanyl in mice. Humanization and evaluation of mutations designed to eliminate predicted post-translational modifications resulted in two humanized mAbs that were effective at preventing fentanyl-induced pharmacological effects in rats. These humanized mAbs showed favorable biophysical properties with respect to aggregation and hydrophobicity by chromatography-based assays, and thermostability by dynamic scanning fluorimetry. These results collectively support that the humanized anti-fentanyl mAbs developed herein warrant further clinical development for treatment of fentanyl toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin Hicks
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Carly Baehr
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Pedro Silva-Ortiz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Aaron Khaimraj
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Diego Luengas
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Fatima A. Hamid
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Marco Pravetoni
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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48
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Buckley C, Ye Y, Kerr WC, Mulia N, Puka K, Rehm J, Probst C. Trends in mortality from alcohol, opioid, and combined alcohol and opioid poisonings by sex, educational attainment, and race and ethnicity for the United States 2000-2019. BMC Med 2022; 20:405. [PMID: 36280833 PMCID: PMC9590383 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02590-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ongoing opioid epidemic and increases in alcohol-related mortality are key public health concerns in the USA, with well-documented inequalities in the degree to which groups with low and high education are affected. This study aimed to quantify disparities over time between educational and racial and ethnic groups in sex-specific mortality rates for opioid, alcohol, and combined alcohol and opioid poisonings in the USA. METHODS The 2000-2019 Multiple Cause of Death Files from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) were used alongside population counts from the Current Population Survey 2000-2019. Alcohol, opioid, and combined alcohol and opioid poisonings were assigned using ICD-10 codes. Sex-stratified generalized least square regression models quantified differences between educational and racial and ethnic groups and changes in educational inequalities over time. RESULTS Between 2000 and 2019, there was a 6.4-fold increase in opioid poisoning deaths, a 4.6-fold increase in combined alcohol and opioid poisoning deaths, and a 2.1-fold increase in alcohol poisoning deaths. Educational inequalities were observed for all poisoning outcomes, increasing over time for opioid-only and combined alcohol and opioid mortality. For non-Hispanic White Americans, the largest educational inequalities were observed for opioid poisonings and rates were 7.5 (men) and 7.2 (women) times higher in low compared to high education groups. Combined alcohol and opioid poisonings had larger educational inequalities for non-Hispanic Black men and women (relative to non-Hispanic White), with rates 8.9 (men) and 10.9 (women) times higher in low compared to high education groups. CONCLUSIONS For all types of poisoning, our analysis indicates wide and increasing gaps between those with low and high education with the largest inequalities observed for opioid-involved poisonings for non-Hispanic Black and White men and women. This study highlights population sub-groups such as individuals with low education who may be at the highest risk of increasing mortality from combined alcohol and opioid poisonings. Thereby the findings are crucial for the development of targeted public health interventions to reduce poisoning mortality and the socioeconomic inequalities related to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Buckley
- Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Yu Ye
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - William C Kerr
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - Nina Mulia
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - Klajdi Puka
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health & Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Zentrum für Interdisziplinäre Suchtforschung der Universität Hamburg (ZIS), Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of International Health Projects, Institute for Leadership and Health Management, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Charlotte Probst
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada. .,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of International Health Projects, Institute for Leadership and Health Management, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation. .,Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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49
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LaForge K, Stack E, Shin S, Pope J, Larsen JE, Leichtling G, Leahy JM, Seaman A, Hoover D, Byers M, Barrie C, Chisholm L, Korthuis PT. Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to the fentanyl-adulterated drug supply among people who use drugs in Oregon. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 141:108849. [PMID: 35932759 PMCID: PMC10635798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nonpharmaceutical fentanyl has reconfigured the U.S. illicit drug market, contributing to a drastic increase in overdose drug deaths. While illicit fentanyl has subsumed the drug supply in the Northeast and Midwest, it has more recently reached the West. For this study, we explored knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among people who use drugs in Oregon in the context of the emergence of fentanyl in the drug supply. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews by phone with 34 people who use drugs in Oregon from May to June 2021. We used thematic analysis to analyze transcripts and construct themes. RESULTS People who use drugs knew about fentanyl, expressed doubt that fentanyl could be found in methamphetamine; believed those who were younger or less experienced were at higher risk for harm; and received information about fentanyl from drug dealers, syringe service programs, or peers (other people who use drugs). Preference for fentanyl's presence in drugs like heroin or methamphetamine was mixed. Some felt that their preference was irrelevant since fentanyl was unavoidable. Participants reported engaging in harm reduction practices, including communicating about fentanyl with dealers and peers, testing for fentanyl, using smaller quantities of drugs, switching from injecting to smoking, and using naloxone. CONCLUSION People who use drugs are responding to the rise of fentanyl on the West Coast and are concerned about the increasing uncertainty and hazards of the drug supply. They are willing and motivated to adopt harm reduction behaviors. Harm reduction promotion from syringe service programs and public health agencies is essential to reduce injury and death from nonpharmaceutical fentanyl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate LaForge
- Comagine Health, 650 NE Holladay St # 1700, Portland, OR 97232, United States of America.
| | - Erin Stack
- Comagine Health, 650 NE Holladay St # 1700, Portland, OR 97232, United States of America
| | - Sarah Shin
- Comagine Health, 650 NE Holladay St # 1700, Portland, OR 97232, United States of America
| | - Justine Pope
- Comagine Health, 650 NE Holladay St # 1700, Portland, OR 97232, United States of America
| | - Jessica E Larsen
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Gillian Leichtling
- Comagine Health, 650 NE Holladay St # 1700, Portland, OR 97232, United States of America
| | - Judith M Leahy
- Oregon Health Authority, Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention, Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority, Salem, OR, United States of America
| | - Andrew Seaman
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America; Old Town Clinic/Central City Concern, Portland, OR, United States of America; Better Life Partners, Hanover, NH, United States of America
| | - Dan Hoover
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | | | - Caiti Barrie
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Laura Chisholm
- Oregon Health Authority, Injury, and Violence Prevention Program, Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America; Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, United States of America
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50
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Bergeria CL, Strain EC. Opioid Use Disorder: Pernicious and Persistent. Am J Psychiatry 2022; 179:708-714. [PMID: 36181330 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20220699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia L Bergeria
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Eric C Strain
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore
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