Prescription drug and alcohol simultaneous co-ingestion in U.S. young adults: Prevalence and correlates

Opioid Misuse and Suicide-Related Outcomes Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review

The purpose of this systematic review is to assess evidence for an association between opioid misuse and suicide-related outcomes among youth and young adults (aged 12-30 years). A Boolean search strategy of eligible publications from January 1990 to June 2024 identified 2,696 independent citations. An additional 10 were identified through reference screening. A total of 55 publications met the inclusion criteria. Twelve studies used administrative data and 43 were based on observational data. Risk of bias was assessed qualitatively by domain. Nearly all (98%) studies using observational data found an association between opioid misuse and at least one suicide-related outcome (e.g., suicidal ideation, suicide plan, suicide attempt). Administrative data studies had higher risk of bias compared with observational studies, typically due to higher confounding bias. Reporting bias was moderate to high across all studies in the review. Our review provides clear evidence of the association between opioid misuse and suicide-related outcomes among youth and young adults. However, we highlight a need for longitudinal research on the directionality of the association and potential mechanisms.

A promising therapeutic potential of Origanum vulgare extract in mitigating ethanol-induced working memory impairments and hippocampal oxidative stress in rats

This study explored the therapeutic potential hydroalcoholic extract derived from Origanum vulgare leaf in mitigating ethanol-induced working memory impairments and hippocampal oxidative stress in rats. Eight groups, including controls, ethanol-exposed rats, and those treated with extract (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg) alone or combined with ethanol, were assessed using the radial arm maze (RAM) for behavioral tests. Ethanol increased working memory errors and time spent in error zones, effects notably reduced by the extract, especially at 300 mg/kg dose (P≤0.001). Biochemical tests showed ethanol suppressed catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities within the hippocampus and cortex. while the extract elevated CAT and SOD activities and reduced AChE activity. These results suggest the extract's neuroprotective properties, including oxidative stress reduction and neurotransmitter modulation, which mitigate ethanol-induced hippocampal damage. This highlights Origanum vulgare extract potential as a therapeutic adjunct for memory deficits and oxidative stress-related conditions.

Other Momentary Substance Behaviors as Predictors of College Students' Prescription Drug Misuse in Daily Life: An Exploratory Study

Background

Limited prior research to examine co-occurrence of prescription drug misuse with other substances among young adults has documented outcomes that are more problematic for those with higher rates of co-ingesting alcohol. There is a need to understand how college students in this period of heightened risk use other salient substances in moments of their prescription misuse in daily life.

Method

Young-adult college students who engaged in recent prescription misuse (N = 297) completed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) over a 28-day period, resulting in 23,578 reports. Multilevel modeling examined within-person associations between other momentary substance use (including alcohol, nicotine, energy drinks, and marijuana) and prescription misuse in daily life. Analyses accounted for between-person characteristics, having a current focal prescription, and effects of reporting over time. Participant sex was also explored as a moderator.

Results

In adjusted multilevel models, college students' momentary nicotine use and energy drink use each were associated with their greater likelihood of prescription misuse in daily life. In contrast, momentary marijuana use was linked with lower likelihood of misuse. Moderation results indicated that males (but not females) were less likely to engage in prescription misuse in moments of their alcohol use.

Conclusions

Drawing from data obtained using EMA, findings provide novel insights about the real-world associations between prescription drug misuse and other salient substance behaviors during a developmental period that is important for establishing later substance use and health.

Sources for prescription stimulant misuse: A person-centered approach to understanding links to substance use and psychiatric impairment

Prescription stimulant misuse (PSM) is most prevalent among college students and is associated with numerous negative academic and psychosocial outcomes. A large body of literature has identified predictors of PSM in this population, however few studies have utilized a person-centered approach to examine how the sources from which students procure prescription stimulants are associated with substance-related and psychiatric impairment. We used latent class analysis (LCA) to classify a geographically and racially/ethnically diverse sample of U.S. undergraduates (N = 538) who misused prescription stimulants into groups based on their endorsement of nine sources of medication. We selected a five-group classification from the LCA with classes of peer/dealer, given by friend, own prescription, lower multiple sources (i.e., relatively infrequent endorsement of multiple sources), and any source. Compared to the reference group (given by friend), the own prescription class was less likely to report marijuana use, simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use, alcohol or marijuana consequences, and nonoral routes of administration. On the other hand, the own prescription class was more likely to screen positive for anxiety, anger, and suicidality. Similarly, the lower multiple sources group was more likely to screen positive for depression, anxiety, anger, and suicidality. Prevention and intervention efforts focused on PSM may be tailored differently for students who are misusing their own medication and/or endorsing multiple sources. Specifically, these students may need broader assistance with comorbid psychiatric conditions, particularly suicidality, while students who obtain stimulants from peers or a dealer may benefit more from substance-focused interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Prevalence and Correlates of Prescription Drug Misuse in a Nationwide Population Survey in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Prescription drug misuse (PDM) is a critical mental health issue relating to psychiatric morbidity. This study investigated the prevalence of PDM and its associated psychopathology and psychosocial factors in the general population in Taiwan.

METHODS

The survey randomly selected a representative sample >15 year-olds using the stratified proportional randomization method. The measurements included demographic variables, previous experience with PDM, self-rated physical and mental health, health self-efficacy, risk factors for suicidality, and psychological distress.

RESULTS

The weighted one-year prevalence of PDM was 8.5% (n = 180) among 2126 participants. Those with psychological distress and lifetime suicide ideation (23.3%) or suicide attempts (5.0%) were significantly associated with PDM. PDM was also prevalent among those with poorer self-rated health and lower self-efficacy. Insomnia (OR = 1.52), depression (OR = 1.77), and low self-efficacy (OR = 2.29) had higher odds of PDM after adjustment in the logistic regression model.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals who misused prescription drugs had a higher prevalence of psychological distress and suicidality and lower levels of self-rated health. Prescription drug misuse problems should be screened for early prevention when prescribing medications for people with insomnia, depression, or lower perceived health beliefs or conditions.