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Ivsins A, Bonn M, McNeil R, Boyd J, Kerr T. A qualitative study on perceptions and experiences of overdose among people who smoke drugs in Vancouver, British Columbia. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 258:111275. [PMID: 38581922 PMCID: PMC11088499 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111275] [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] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smoking unregulated drugs has increased substantially in British Columbia. Intersecting with the ongoing overdose crisis, drug smoking-related overdose fatalities have correspondingly surged. However, little is known about the experiences of overdose among people who smoke drugs accessing the toxic drug supply. This study explores perceptions and experiences of overdose among people who smoke drugs. METHODS We conducted interviews with 31 people who smoke drugs. Interviews covered a range of topics including overdose experience. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes related to participant perceptions and experiences of smoking-related overdose. RESULTS Some participants perceived smoking drugs to pose lower overdose risk relative to injecting drugs. Participants reported smoking-related overdose experiences, including from underestimating the potency of drugs, the cross-contamination of stimulants with opioids, and responding to smoking-related overdose events. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the impact the unpredictable, unregulated, and toxic drug supply is having on people who smoke drugs, both among people who use opioids, and among those who primarily use stimulants. Efforts to address smoking-related overdose could benefit from expanding supervised smoking sites, working with people who use drugs to disseminate accurate knowledge around smoking-related overdose risk, and offering a smokable alternative to the unpredictable drug supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Ivsins
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Matt Bonn
- Canadian AIDS Society, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ryan McNeil
- General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Social & Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jade Boyd
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Segel JE, Shearer RD, Jones AA, Khatri UG, Howell BA, Crowley DM, Sterner G, Vest N, Teixeira da Silva D, Winkelman TNA. Understanding Regional Patterns of Overdose Deaths Related to Opioids and Psychostimulants. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:558-566. [PMID: 38037904 PMCID: PMC10923074 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2287220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As overdose rates increase for multiple substances, policymakers need to identify geographic patterns of substance-specific deaths. In this study, we describe county-level opioid and psychostimulant overdose patterns and how they correlate with county-level social vulnerability measures. METHODS A cross-sectional observational study, we used nationwide 2016-2018 restricted access Centers for Disease Prevention and Control county-level mortality files for 1,024 counties. We estimated quartiles of opioid and psychostimulant overdose mortality and provided estimates of their association with county-level Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) percentile. RESULTS There was high opioid and psychostimulant overdose mortality in the Middle Atlantic, South Atlantic, East North Central, and Mountain regions. The Central US had the lowest opioid and psychostimulant overdose mortality rates. Counties with higher SVI scores (i.e. higher social vulnerability) were significantly more likely to experience high opioid and high psychostimulant overdose (high-high) mortality. A 10-percentile increase in SVI score was associated with a 3.1 percentage point increase in the likelihood of being a high-high county (p < 0.001) in unadjusted models and a 1.5 percentage point increase (p < 0.05) in models adjusting for region. CONCLUSION Our results illustrated the heterogenous geographic distribution of the growing concurrent opioid and psychostimulant overdose crisis. The substantial regional variation we identified highlights the need for local data to guide policymaking and treatment planning. The association of opioid-psychostimulant overdose mortality with social vulnerability demonstrates the critical need in impacted counties for tailored treatment that addresses the complex medical and social needs of people who use both opioids and psychostimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel E Segel
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Consortium on Substance Use and Addiction, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Riley D Shearer
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Abenaa A Jones
- Consortium on Substance Use and Addiction, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Utsha G Khatri
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Benjamin A Howell
- SEICHE Center for Health and Justice, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - D Max Crowley
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Glenn Sterner
- Consortium on Substance Use and Addiction, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Criminal Justice, Penn State Abington, Abington, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Noel Vest
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Daniel Teixeira da Silva
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tyler N A Winkelman
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hennepin Healthcare, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Health, Homelessness, and Criminal Justice Laboratory, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Reed MK, Siegler A, Esteves Camacho T, London K, Schaeffer K, Rising KL. Making Harm Reduction More Accessible: Fentanyl Test Strip Awareness and Attitudes among Emergency Department Patients Who Use Drugs. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:398-404. [PMID: 38270457 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2275561] [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: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are a harm reduction method for people to test their drugs for fentanyl. Ideal points for FTS distribution have not been identified. Many people who use drugs have frequent contact with the Emergency Department (ED). We piloted FTS distribution in two urban hospital EDs. METHODS Between June-December 2021 in Philadelphia, PA, patients with past 30-day drug use completed a survey about drug use, fentanyl attitudes, and FTS; then offered FTS and a brief training. Survey data were analyzed using SPSS for bivariate statistics. RESULTS Patients (n = 135) were primarily White (68.1%) and male (72.6%). Participants regularly interacted with substance use (57.8%) and benefits coordination (49.6%) services. The most common drugs used were heroin/fentanyl (68.9%), crack cocaine (45.2%) and cannabis (40.0%). Most (98.5%) had heard of fentanyl though few (18.5%) had ever used FTS. Across most drug types, participants were concerned about fentanyl. All accepted FTS training and distribution. Few (9.6%) were somewhat or very concerned about having FTS if stopped by police and this number varied by race (7.6% of White people were somewhat or very concerned, compared to 12.8% of Black people). Most participants were already engaged in risk reduction practices. DISCUSSION FTS are a widely desired harm reduction tool to facilitate informed decision-making, and non-harm reduction locations are potentially feasible and acceptable distribution sites. Given regular contact with EDs and social services across the sample, FTS should be offered at non-harm reduction locations that come into frequent contact with people who use drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K Reed
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Connected Care, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anne Siegler
- Independent Researcher, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Tracy Esteves Camacho
- Center for Connected Care, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kory London
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kevin Schaeffer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kristin L Rising
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Connected Care, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Lee YK, Gold MS, Blum K, Thanos PK, Hanna C, Fuehrlein BS. Opioid use disorder: current trends and potential treatments. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1274719. [PMID: 38332941 PMCID: PMC10850316 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1274719] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a major public health threat, contributing to morbidity and mortality from addiction, overdose, and related medical conditions. Despite our increasing knowledge about the pathophysiology and existing medical treatments of OUD, it has remained a relapsing and remitting disorder for decades, with rising deaths from overdoses, rather than declining. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the increase in overall substance use and interrupted access to treatment. If increased naloxone access, more buprenorphine prescribers, greater access to treatment, enhanced reimbursement, less stigma and various harm reduction strategies were effective for OUD, overdose deaths would not be at an all-time high. Different prevention and treatment approaches are needed to reverse the concerning trend in OUD. This article will review the recent trends and limitations on existing medications for OUD and briefly review novel approaches to treatment that have the potential to be more durable and effective than existing medications. The focus will be on promising interventional treatments, psychedelics, neuroimmune, neutraceutical, and electromagnetic therapies. At different phases of investigation and FDA approval, these novel approaches have the potential to not just reduce overdoses and deaths, but attenuate OUD, as well as address existing comorbid disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kyung Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mark S. Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Kenneth Blum
- Division of Addiction Research and Education, Center for Sports, Exercise, and Mental Health, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Panayotis K. Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Colin Hanna
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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Glicksberg L, Casey BK, Dempsey SK. Classical stimulants in Dallas County: A retrospective review of toxicological, seized drug, and demographical data from 2017 to 2022. J Forensic Sci 2023; 68:2093-2102. [PMID: 37650474 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine and methamphetamine remain highly abused drugs in the United States due to their euphoric effects. This study examines classical stimulant casework, defined as cases positive for methamphetamine and/or cocaine, received by the Toxicology Laboratory and the Drug Analysis Laboratory at the Dallas County Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences from local law enforcement agencies and/or the Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2022. Methamphetamine positivity increased from 10.4% to 20.3% in the Toxicology Laboratory over the 6 years, whereas cocaine positivity remained relatively stable at approximately 17%. Similarly, in the Drug Analysis Laboratory, the methamphetamine positivity rate changed from 24.8% to 33.2%, whereas cocaine identification remained stable at approximately 20%. Blood concentrations of methamphetamine in OME cases ranged from 10.1-42,740.0 ng/mL while they were lower in DWI casework ranging from 10.2-2385.0 ng/mL. The blood concentration trends of cocaine were similar to methamphetamine, with OME casework ranging higher (10.0-24,501.0 ng/mL) than DWI casework (10.2-371.6 ng/mL). Polydrug use was evident for both methamphetamine and cocaine in postmortem cases, and the top three most frequently co-occurring drug/drug class were opioids/opiates, cannabinoids, and ethanol. The results from this study aid in the understanding of historical usage trends of cocaine and methamphetamine in Dallas County and how those trends have changed over time as newer stimulant drugs have emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Glicksberg
- Dallas County Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Brittany K Casey
- Dallas County Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sara K Dempsey
- Dallas County Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Turley B, Evans A, Benzio K. Comparative toxicology of syringe exchange and postmortem blood samples in the District of Columbia: Trends and affinity analysis. J Anal Toxicol 2023; 47:588-596. [PMID: 37530762 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkad052] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional analysis aimed to understand the similarities and differences between drugs detected in syringes collected from syringe service providers in the District of Columbia and fatal overdose deaths captured by the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System. Substance exposures for these fatal and non-fatal drug use outcomes have not been previously compared. Substance distributions were examined and a paired significance test was used to compare changes over time. Affinity analysis was employed to reveal substance co-occurrences. Between September 2020 and September 2022, 1,118 postmortem blood samples (PBSs) and 3,646 syringes exchange samples (SESs) were processed, with fatal overdoses increasing 24.1%. Polysubstance use was more commonly found in postmortem blood (82.5%) than in syringe samples (48.6%). Of samples containing opioids, 94.8% of blood samples and 86.3% of syringes contained fentanyl, fentanyl analogs or fentanyl precursors/metabolites. PBSs had double the frequency of co-occurring stimulants and opioids (43.9%) as SESs (21.8%). Major changes in occurrence frequency over time were found for opioid and stimulant exposure in both groups, especially in the increased occurrence of fluorofentanyl (>400%), methamphetamine (>90%) and xylazine (>60%), while the incidence of fentanyl, heroin and metabolite morphine declined. These results indicate that while fatal use and syringe exchange populations have distinct substance exposures, which may contribute to differences in mortality rate, their substance distributions have similar change magnitudes. This study highlights the utility of using multiple data sources to provide a comprehensive description of drug use patterns and discusses the limitations in reporting data from each source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Turley
- DC Department of Health, 899 North Capitol St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
- CDC Foundation, 600 Peachtree St NE #1000, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA
| | - Alexandra Evans
- DC Department of Forensic Sciences, 401 E St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
| | - Katharine Benzio
- DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, 401 E St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
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French R, Holliday Davis M, Aronowitz SV, Crowe M, Abrams M, Edwards G, Lowenstein M. "I wouldn't need Narcan for myself, but I can have it for somebody else:" perceptions of harm reduction among hospitalized patients with OUD. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:41. [PMID: 37355639 PMCID: PMC10290347 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00395-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extant literature is limited on adoption of evidence-based harm reduction strategies in hospitals. We explored patient perceptions of incorporating harm reduction supplies and education in hospital care with patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). METHODS Qualitative descriptive study of hospitalized patients with OUD in Philadelphia, PA using semi-structured interviews conducted between April and August of 2022. RESULTS Three major themes emerged from 21 interviews with hospitalized patients with OUD: (1) Applicability and Acceptability of Harm Reduction Practices for Oneself; (2) Applicability and Acceptability of Harm Reduction Practices for Others; (3) Perceptions of Harm Reduction Conversations. Most participants were familiar with harm reduction but varied in their perceptions of its relevance for their lives. We noted differences in how participants viewed the applicability and acceptably of harm reduction practices that they perceived as intended to help others (e.g., naloxone) versus intended to help themselves (e.g., syringes). Most participants reported that meaningful conversations about drug use did not happen with their care team but that these conversations would have been acceptable if they were conducted in a way consistent with their individual substance use goals. CONCLUSIONS Patients' interest and perceived acceptability of harm reduction services during hospitalization varied by individual patient factors and the perceived user of specific interventions. Given their positive potential, harm reduction practices should be incorporated in hospitals, but this must be done in a way that is acceptable to patients. Our findings reveal ways to integrate concepts from a harm reduction approach within a traditional medical model. More work is needed to understand the impact of such integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel French
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Pennsylvania, 13th Floor Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Leonard Davis Institute for Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, 3641 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - M Holliday Davis
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Shoshana V Aronowitz
- Leonard Davis Institute for Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, 3641 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Molly Crowe
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Matthew Abrams
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Grace Edwards
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, 249 S 36th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Margaret Lowenstein
- Leonard Davis Institute for Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, 3641 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Research Director, Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Lowenstein M, Abrams MP, Crowe M, Shimamoto K, Mazzella S, Botcheos D, Bertocchi J, Westfahl S, Chertok J, Garcia KP, Truchil R, Holliday-Davis M, Aronowitz S. "Come try it out. Get your foot in the door:" Exploring patient perspectives on low-barrier treatment for opioid use disorder. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 248:109915. [PMID: 37207615 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Low-barrier treatment is an emerging strategy for opioid use disorder (OUD) care that prioritizes access to evidence-based medication while minimizing requirements that may limit treatment access in more traditional delivery models, particularly for marginalized patients. Our objective was to explore patient perspectives about low-barrier approaches, with a focus on understanding barriers to and facilitators of engagement from the patient point of view. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with patients accessing buprenorphine treatment from a multi-site, low-barrier mobile treatment program in Philadelphia, PA from July-December 2021. We analyzed interview data using thematic content analysis and identified key themes. RESULTS The 36 participants were 58% male, 64% Black, 28% White, and 31% Latinx. 89% were enrolled in Medicaid, and 47% were unstably housed. Our analysis revealed three main facilitators of treatment in the low-barrier model. These included 1) program structure that met participant needs, such as flexibility, rapid medication access and robust case management services; 2) harm reduction approach that included acceptance of patient goals other than abstinence and provision of harm reduction services on-site; and 3) strong interpersonal connections with team members, including those with lived experience. Participants contrasted these experiences with other care they had received in the past. Barriers related to lack of structure, limitations of street-based care, and limited support for co-occurring needs, particularly mental health. CONCLUSIONS This study provides key patient perspectives on low-barrier approaches for OUD treatment. Our findings can inform future program design to increase treatment access and engagement for individuals poorly served by traditional delivery models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Lowenstein
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - Matthew P Abrams
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Molly Crowe
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | | | - Denise Botcheos
- Prevention Point Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Shawn Westfahl
- Prevention Point Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Judy Chertok
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kristine Pamela Garcia
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rachael Truchil
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - M Holliday-Davis
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Shoshana Aronowitz
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Reed MK, Salcedo VJ, Hsiao T, Esteves Camacho T, Salvatore A, Siegler A, Rising KL. Pilot testing fentanyl test strip distribution in an emergency department setting: Experiences, lessons learned, and suggestions from staff. Acad Emerg Med 2022. [PMID: 36333960 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14624] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fentanyl test strips (FTSs) are increasingly used to address fentanyl contamination of the illicit drug supply by testing a drug for the presence of fentanyl, allowing people who use drugs (PWUD) to engage in overdose prevention. While emergency departments (EDs) have implemented various harm reduction strategies for PWUD, to date distribution of FTSs in EDs is limited and not evaluated. Thus, we sought to explore ED staff experiences distributing FTSs. METHODS Twenty-one staff serving different roles (e.g., physician, nurse, technician, social worker, certified recovery specialist) within two urban EDs in a major metropolitan area were enrolled in a pilot study to distribute FTS to patients who use drugs. Participants were interviewed about their experience at 3 weeks and again at 3 months. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using a conventional content analysis approach. RESULTS All participants endorsed the utility of FTS distribution in the ED. Across 42 interviews, participants discussed evolving strategies to approach patients about FTS, primarily favorable patient reactions to FTSs, improved dynamics between participants and patients, mixed intervention support from other staff, and named challenges of FTS distribution and recommendations to make FTS distribution in the ED widespread. Recommendations included medical records prompts to offer FTS, offering via different types of staff, and offering FTS during triage. CONCLUSIONS Implementing FTS distribution may improve patient rapport while providing patients with tools to avoid a fentanyl overdose. Participants generally reported positive experiences distributing FTSs within the ED but the barriers they identified limited opportunities to make distribution more integrated into their workflow. EDs considering this intervention should train staff on FTSs and how to identify and train patients and explore mechanisms to routinize distribution in the ED environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K Reed
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Connected Care, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Venise J Salcedo
- Center for Connected Care, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - TingAnn Hsiao
- Center for Connected Care, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tracy Esteves Camacho
- Center for Connected Care, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amanda Salvatore
- Center for Connected Care, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Kristin L Rising
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Connected Care, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,College of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Bailey K, Abramovitz D, Patterson TL, Harvey-Vera AY, Vera CF, Rangel MG, Friedman J, Davidson P, Bourgois P, Strathdee SA. Correlates of recent overdose among people who inject drugs in the San Diego/Tijuana border region. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 240:109644. [PMID: 36179507 PMCID: PMC9608984 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109644] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Along the Mexico-US border, illicitly manufactured fentanyls (fentanyl) have been detected in other illicit drugs, including street opioid formulations known as 'china white.' We studied correlates of recent overdose among people who inject drugs (PWID), focusing on the risk of knowlingly or unknowingly using fentanyl in china white. METHODS From October 2020 - September, 2021 we surveyed participants in San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico and employed Poisson regression to identify correlates of recent overdose. RESULTS Of 612 PWID, most were male (74.0 %), Latinx (71.9 %), US residents (67.0 %). Mean age was 43 years. In the last six months, 15.8 % experienced overdose, 31.0 % knowingly used fentanyl and 11.1 % used china white, of whom 77.9 % did not think it contained fentanyl. After controlling for sex and race, factors independently associated with risk of overdose included knowingly using fentanyl, using china white and not believing it contained fentanyl, recent drug rehabilitation, being stopped/arrested by police, and homelessness. Further, PWID who believed china white contained fentanyl were less likely to use it. CONCLUSIONS Both intentional fentanyl use and unintentional exposure to fentanyl via china white were associated with overdose risk; however, PWID who believed china white contained fentanyl were less likely to use it. These data suggest that advanced drug checking systems should be implemented to empower PWID to avoid dangerous street formulations or to plan their drug use knowing its contents. Other overdose risk factors such as decreased tolerance following drug treatment, police interactions, and homelessness also require urgent intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Bailey
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America.
| | - Daniela Abramovitz
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America.
| | - Thomas L Patterson
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America.
| | - Alicia Y Harvey-Vera
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America; US-Mexico Border Health Commission, P.º del Centenario 10851, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana, 22320 Tijuana, BC, Mexico
| | - Carlos F Vera
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America.
| | - Maria Gudelia Rangel
- US-Mexico Border Health Commission, P.º del Centenario 10851, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana, 22320 Tijuana, BC, Mexico; Universidad Xochicalco, Escuela de Medicina, Campus Tijuana, Rampa Yumalinda 4850, Chapultepec Alamar, 22110 Tijuana, BC, Mexico.
| | - Joseph Friedman
- University of California Los Angeles Center for Social Medicine, B7-435, UCLA Semel Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1759, United States of America.
| | - Peter Davidson
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America.
| | - Philippe Bourgois
- University of California Los Angeles Center for Social Medicine, B7-435, UCLA Semel Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1759, United States of America.
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, mail Code 0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America.
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11
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Cano M, Salas-Wright CP, Oh S, Noel L, Hernandez D, Vaughn MG. Socioeconomic inequalities and Black/White disparities in US cocaine-involved overdose mortality risk. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:2023-2035. [PMID: 35249125 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02255-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined whether socioeconomic inequalities account for Black/White disparities in: (a) the prevalence of potential risk factors for overdose among adults using cocaine; and (b) national mortality rates for cocaine-involved overdose. METHODS Data from 2162 Non-Hispanic (NH) Black or White adults (26 +) who reported past-year cocaine use in the 2015-2019 National Survey of Drug Use and Health were analyzed to obtain predicted probabilities of potential overdose risk factors by race and sex, using marginal effects via regression analyses, adjusting for age and socioeconomic indicators. Next, National Center for Health Statistics data (for 47,184 NH Black or White adults [26 +] who died of cocaine-involved overdose between 2015 and 2019) were used to calculate cocaine-involved overdose mortality rates by race and sex across age and educational levels. RESULTS Several potential overdose vulnerabilities were disproportionately observed among NH Black adults who reported past-year cocaine use: poor/fair overall health; cocaine use disorder; more days of cocaine use yearly; hypertension (for women); and arrests (for men). Adjusting for age and socioeconomic indicators attenuated or eliminated many of these racial differences, although predicted days of cocaine use per year (for men) and cocaine use disorder (for women) remained higher in NH Black than White adults. Cocaine-involved overdose mortality rates were highest in the lowest educational strata of both races; nonetheless, Black/White disparities were observed even at the highest level of education, especially for adults ages 50 + . CONCLUSION Age and socioeconomic characteristics may account for some, yet not all, of Black/White disparities in vulnerability to cocaine-involved overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Cano
- Department of Social Work, University of Texas at San Antonio, 501 W. César E. Chávez Blvd., San Antonio, TX, 78207, USA.
| | - Christopher P Salas-Wright
- School of Social Work, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Prevention Science & Community Health, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sehun Oh
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 1947 College Rd, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Lailea Noel
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, 1925 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Dora Hernandez
- Department of Social Work, University of Texas at San Antonio, 501 W. César E. Chávez Blvd., San Antonio, TX, 78207, USA
| | - Michael G Vaughn
- School of Social Work, St. Louis University, 3550 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63103, USA
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12
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Bhullar MK, Gilson TP, Singer ME. Trends in opioid overdose fatalities in Cuyahoga County, Ohio: Multi-drug mixtures, the African-American community and carfentanil. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2022; 4:100069. [PMID: 36846577 PMCID: PMC9948855 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2022.100069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Ohio's age-adjusted opioid overdose fatality rate is double the national average. In an ever-evolving epidemic, it is crucial to monitor trends to inform public health interventions. Methods A retrospective study was conducted using the Medical Examiner's decedent case files for all accidental opioid-related adult overdose deaths in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), Ohio in 2017. Characterization of trends was based on autopsy/toxicology and first responder reports, medical records and death scene investigations. Results Of 543 accidental opioid-related adult overdose fatalities, 64.1% died from 3+ drugs. The most common cause of death (COD) drugs included fentanyl (63.4%), heroin (44.4%), cocaine (37.0%) and carfentanil (35.0%). There were four times as many African American decedents as two years prior. Three or more COD drugs was >50% more common in those with fentanyl (Prevalence Ratio (PR) = 1.56[1.34-1.70]; p<.001) or carfentanil (PR = 1.51[1.33-1.70]; p<.001) as a COD drug, more common with a history of prescription drug abuse (PR = 1.16[1.02-1.33]; p=.025), but less common in divorced/widowed decedents (PR = 0.83[0.71-0.97]; p=.022). Carfentanil was nearly 4 times as prevalent in those with previous illicit drug use (PR = 3.88[1.09-13.70]; p=.025), and less common in those with previous medical history (PR = 0.72[0.55-0.94]; p=.016) or age 50+ (PR = 0.72[0.53-0.97]; p=.031). Conclusions Accidental opioid-related overdose fatalities in Cuyahoga County adults were dominated by 3+ COD drugs, with cocaine/fentanyl mixtures driving sharp increases in African American fatalities. Carfentanil was more prevalent in people fitting the profile of recreational drug use. This data can inform harm reduction interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manreet K Bhullar
- Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office, 11001 Cedar Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States of America.,Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave, SOM WG-57, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States of America
| | - Thomas P Gilson
- Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office, 11001 Cedar Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States of America
| | - Mendel E Singer
- Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave, SOM WG-57, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States of America
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13
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Lowenstein M, Sangha HK, Spadaro A, Perrone J, Delgado MK, Agarwal AK. Patient perspectives on naloxone receipt in the emergency department: a qualitative exploration. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:97. [PMID: 36028882 PMCID: PMC9412772 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00677-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Emergency departments (EDs) are important venues for the distribution of naloxone to patients at high risk of opioid overdose, but less is known about patient perceptions on naloxone or best practices for patient education and communication. Our aim was to conduct an in-depth exploration of knowledge and attitudes toward ED naloxone distribution among patients who received a naloxone prescription. Methods We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 25 adult participants seen and discharged from three urban, academic EDs in Philadelphia, PA, with a naloxone prescription between November 2020 and February 2021. Interviews focused on awareness of naloxone as well as attitudes and experiences receiving naloxone in the ED. We used thematic content analysis to identify key themes reflecting patient attitudes and experiences.
Results Of the 25 participants, 72% had previously witnessed an overdose and 48% had personally experienced a non-fatal overdose. Nineteen participants (76%) self-disclosed a history of substance use or overdose, and one reported receiving an opioid prescription during their ED visit and no history of substance use. In interviews, we identified wide variability in participant levels of knowledge about overdose risk, the role of naloxone in reducing risk, and naloxone access. A subset of participants was highly engaged with community harm reduction resources and well versed in naloxone access and use. A second subset was familiar with naloxone, but largely obtained it through healthcare settings such as the ED, while a final group was largely unfamiliar with naloxone. While most participants expressed positive attitudes about receiving naloxone from the ED, the quality of discussions with ED providers was variable, with some participants not even aware they were receiving a naloxone prescription until discharge.
Conclusions Naloxone prescribing in the ED was acceptable and valued by most participants, but there are missed opportunities for communication and education. These findings underscore the critical role that EDs play in mitigating risks for patients who are not engaged with other healthcare or community health providers and can inform future work about the effective implementation of harm reduction strategies in ED settings. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12954-022-00677-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Lowenstein
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 122 Blockley Hall, 421 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Hareena K Sangha
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anthony Spadaro
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jeanmarie Perrone
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M Kit Delgado
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anish K Agarwal
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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14
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Reed MK, Guth A, Salcedo VJ, Hom JK, Rising KL. “You can't go wrong being safe”: Motivations, patterns, and context surrounding use of fentanyl test strips for heroin and other drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 103:103643. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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15
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Reed MK, Salcedo VJ, Guth A, Rising KL. “If I had them, I would use them every time”: Perspectives on fentanyl test strip use from people who use drugs. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 140:108790. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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16
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Canning P, Doyon S, Ali S, Logan SB, Alter A, Hart K, Coler R, Kamin R, Wolf SC, Soto K, Whiteman L, Jenkins M. Using Surveillance With Near-Real-Time Alerts During a Cluster of Overdoses From Fentanyl-Contaminated Crack Cocaine, Connecticut, June 2019. Public Health Rep 2021; 136:18S-23S. [PMID: 34726975 PMCID: PMC8573789 DOI: 10.1177/00333549211015662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2019, Connecticut launched an opioid overdose-monitoring program to provide rapid intervention and limit opioid overdose-related harms. The Connecticut Statewide Opioid Response Directive (SWORD)-a collaboration among the Connecticut State Department of Public Health, Connecticut Poison Control Center (CPCC), emergency medical services (EMS), New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), and local harm reduction groups-required EMS providers to call in all suspected opioid overdoses to the CPCC. A centralized data collection system and the HIDTA overdose mapping tool were used to identify outbreaks and direct interventions. We describe the successful identification of a cluster of fentanyl-contaminated crack cocaine overdoses leading to a rapid public health response. On June 1, 2019, paramedics called in to the CPCC 2 people with suspected opioid overdose who reported exclusive use of crack cocaine after being resuscitated with naloxone. When CPCC specialists in poison information followed up on the patients' status with the emergency department, they learned of 2 similar cases, raising suspicion that a batch of crack cocaine was mixed with an opioid, possibly fentanyl. The overdose mapping tool pinpointed the overdose nexus to a neighborhood in Hartford, Connecticut; the CPCC supervisor alerted the Connecticut State Department of Public Health, which in turn notified local health departments, public safety officials, and harm reduction groups. Harm reduction groups distributed fentanyl test strips and naloxone to crack cocaine users and warned them of the dangers of using alone. The outbreak lasted 5 days and tallied at least 22 overdoses, including 6 deaths. SWORD's near-real-time EMS reporting combined with the overdose mapping tool enabled rapid recognition of this overdose cluster, and the public health response likely prevented additional overdoses and loss of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Canning
- Emergency Department, UConn John Dempsey Hospital, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Suzanne Doyon
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Connecticut Poison Control Center, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Sarah Ali
- Overdose Response Strategy, New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Methuen, MA, USA
| | - Susan B. Logan
- Injury and Violence Surveillance Unit, Community, Family Health and Prevention Section, Connecticut State Department of Public Health, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Aliese Alter
- Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katherine Hart
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Connecticut Poison Control Center, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Raffaella Coler
- Office of Emergency Medical Services, Connecticut State Department of Public Health, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Richard Kamin
- Office of Emergency Medical Services, Connecticut State Department of Public Health, Hartford, CT, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Steven C. Wolf
- UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
- Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT, USA
- Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Kristin Soto
- Infectious Disease Section, Connecticut State Department of Public Health, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Lauren Whiteman
- Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark Jenkins
- Greater Hartford Harm Reduction Coalition, Inc, Hartford, CT, USA
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17
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Delivering Opioid Overdose Prevention in Bars and Nightclubs: A Public Awareness Pilot in New York City. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2021; 26:232-235. [PMID: 32238787 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Drug seizure data indicate the presence of fentanyl in the cocaine supplies nationally and in New York City (NYC). In NYC, 39% of cocaine-only involved overdose deaths in 2017 also involved fentanyl, suggesting that fentanyl in the cocaine supply is associated with overdose deaths. To raise awareness of fentanyl overdose risk among people who use cocaine, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene pilot tested an awareness campaign in 23 NYC nightlife venues. Although 87% of venue owners/managers were aware of fentanyl, no participating venues had naloxone on premises prior to the intervention. The campaign's rapid dissemination reached people at potential risk of opioid overdose in a short period of time following the identification of fentanyl in the cocaine supply. Public health authorities in states with high rates of opioid-involved overdose death should consider similar campaigns to deliver overdose prevention education in the context of a drug supply containing fentanyl.
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18
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Khatri UG, Aronowitz SV. Considering the harms of our habits: The reflexive urine drug screen in opioid use disorder treatment. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 123:108258. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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19
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Feng S, Rutledge TJ, Manzoni M, Le T, Gardiner J, Milone M, Shaw L, Wang P. Performance of Two Fentanyl Immunoassays against a Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 45:117-123. [PMID: 32435812 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid and automated fentanyl screening assays are in need due to the prevalence of fentanyl abuse. In the present study, we evaluated the clinical performance of two FDA-cleared automated fentanyl immunoassays, the Immunalysis SEFRIA fentanyl assay and the ARK fentanyl assay. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) was used as a gold standard. Two groups of urine specimens were tested, including 225 specimens from patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) for whom urine drugs of abuse screens were ordered and 57 specimens from patients in chronic pain management programs. The SEFRIA assay generated higher assay imprecision than ARK assay (intraday CV%, 7.15 vs. 4.7%; interday CV%, 6.6 vs. 5.3%). Clinical sensitivity and specificity for detection of fentanyl exposure were 100 and 96% for the ARK assay and 95 and 80% for the SEFRIA assay. An 'auto-repeating' issue was observed for some validation specimens flagged with high absorbance values (OD > 3.0), generating false repeat results. The frequency of auto-repeating was lower in the ARK assay than SEFRIA (0.7 vs. 15.5%). Auto-repeating occurred for only previously frozen specimens in the ARK assay, but 9% of fresh specimens were also flagged and repeated in the SEFRIA assay. Positive predictive value (PPV) of the ARK assay was 73% in the ED population and 67% in the non-ED populations. The concentrations of fentanyl and norfentanyl were higher in specimens from ED patients than patients from pain management programs. High prevalence of morphine, methamphetamine, benzoylecgonine and 6-MAM was observed in specimens positive for fentanyl in both populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Feng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Theodore J Rutledge
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Maureen Manzoni
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Thuan Le
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - JoAnn Gardiner
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael Milone
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Leslie Shaw
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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20
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Reed MK, Roth AM, Tabb LP, Groves AK, Lankenau SE. "I probably got a minute": Perceptions of fentanyl test strip use among people who use stimulants. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 92:103147. [PMID: 33583679 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fentanyl dominates the heroin supply in many regions of the United States. One harm reduction response has been the distribution of fentanyl test strips to people who use heroin to test for the presence of fentanyl. Reports increasingly indicate that fentanyl contamination is occurring in the illicit stimulant market, but whether people who use stimulants would use fentanyl test strips is unknown. METHODS Between January 2019 and January 2020, fifteen people in Philadelphia, PA who reported stimulant use completed a semi-structured interview with questions about their perceptions of fentanyl and willingness to use fentanyl test strips. Data were coded and analyzed for thematic content using constructs from the Health Belief Model and risk environment theory. RESULTS Participants primarily reported using crack cocaine or crack cocaine/heroin, while some used methamphetamine, powder cocaine, or prescription opioids. All were aware of fentanyl and believed they were susceptible to a fentanyl overdose as stimulant users. Participants perceived benefits of using test strips but reported barriers, such as the unpredictable nature of buying or using drugs and not wanting to delay drug use to test. Structural conditions impeded participant actions to reduce overdose risk if their drugs tested positive for fentanyl. CONCLUSION Fentanyl test strips were a desired harm reduction tool by many participants who used stimulants. In addition to providing access to the strips, programs should tailor overdose prevention education to these clients by acknowledging susceptibility, amplifying benefits, and addressing drug-specific barriers to use of fentanyl test strips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K Reed
- Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Emergency Medicine, 1025 Walnut Street, College Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States.
| | - Alexis M Roth
- Drexel University, Dornsife School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Loni P Tabb
- Drexel University, Dornsife School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Ali K Groves
- Drexel University, Dornsife School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Stephen E Lankenau
- Drexel University, Dornsife School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
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21
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DiSalvo P, Cooper G, Tsao J, Romeo M, Laskowski LK, Chesney G, Su MK. Fentanyl-contaminated cocaine outbreak with laboratory confirmation in New York City in 2019. Am J Emerg Med 2021; 40:103-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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22
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Khatri UG, Pizzicato LN, Viner K, Bobyock E, Sun M, Meisel ZF, South EC. Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Unintentional Fatal and Nonfatal Emergency Medical Services-Attended Opioid Overdoses During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Philadelphia. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2034878. [PMID: 33475751 PMCID: PMC7821023 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.34878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional study describes the differential associations of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with opioid-related overdoses among racial/ethnic groups in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utsha G. Khatri
- National Clinician Scholars Program, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Lia N. Pizzicato
- Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction Division, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kendra Viner
- Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction Division, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Emily Bobyock
- Philadelphia Fire Department Emergency Medical Services, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Monica Sun
- Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction Division, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Zachary F. Meisel
- Center for Emergency Care Research and Policy, Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Eugenia C. South
- Urban Health Lab, Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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23
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Racial/ethnic differences in US drug overdose mortality, 2017-2018. Addict Behav 2021; 112:106625. [PMID: 32916612 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The year 2018 marked the first year since 1999 in which the number of drug overdose deaths in the United States (US) declined compared to the previous year. However, it is unclear whether this decline was observed across all racial/ethnic groups. METHODS Death certificate data from the National Center for Health Statistics were examined for drug overdoses among US residents with a race and ethnicity specified (69,764 in 2017 and 66,949 in 2018). Age-specific and age-adjusted drug overdose mortality rates for 2017 and 2018 were compared by race/ethnicity, overall, by sex, and for overdoses involving stimulants. Percentages of overdose deaths involving specific drug combinations were computed by race/ethnicity. RESULTS From 2017 to 2018, the age-adjusted drug overdose mortality rate significantly decreased in Non-Hispanic (NH) Whites; among Hispanics, in contrast, a significant increase was observed. Significant increases in drug overdose mortality rates from 2017 to 2018 were observed for NH Black males, Hispanic males, and NH Blacks aged 65 and older, as well as for overdoses involving psychostimulants (in all racial/ethnic groups) and cocaine (in NH Blacks and Hispanics). In 2018, the proportion of drug overdose deaths involving opioids ranged from 43.2% among NH Asian/Pacific Islanders to 70.8% among NH Whites, and the level of opioid co-involvement in stimulant-involved overdose deaths also varied by race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS The continually-evolving US overdose crisis necessitates an evolving response, not only to address changes in the drug combinations most involved in overdose deaths, but also to strengthen interventions targeting racial/ethnic minority groups.
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Jones CM, Bekheet F, Park JN, Alexander GC. The Evolving Overdose Epidemic: Synthetic Opioids and Rising Stimulant-Related Harms. Epidemiol Rev 2020; 42:154-166. [PMID: 33511987 DOI: 10.1093/epirev/mxaa011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The opioid overdose epidemic is typically described as having occurred in 3 waves, with morbidity and mortality accruing over time principally from prescription opioids (1999-2010), heroin (2011-2013), and illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids (2014-present). However, the increasing presence of synthetic opioids mixed into the illicit drug supply, including with stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as rising stimulant-related deaths, reflects the rapidly evolving nature of the overdose epidemic, posing urgent and novel public health challenges. We synthesize the evidence underlying these trends, consider key questions such as where and how concomitant exposure to fentanyl and stimulants is occurring, and identify actions for key stakeholders regarding how these emerging threats, and continued evolution of the overdose epidemic, can best be addressed.
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Cano M, Oh S, Salas-Wright CP, Vaughn MG. Cocaine use and overdose mortality in the United States: Evidence from two national data sources, 2002-2018. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 214:108148. [PMID: 32702620 PMCID: PMC7423708 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cocaine-involved overdose mortality has recently risen in the United States (US), yet it is unclear to what extent patterns in cocaine-involved overdose mortality parallel patterns in cocaine use. This study: examined time trends (2002-2018) in past-year cocaine use and cocaine-involved overdose mortality in the US; and compared demographics and drug involvement of adults who reported past-year cocaine use versus adults who died of a cocaine-involved overdose. METHODS Data from two sources were utilized: (1) the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (n = 1,334 adults self-reporting cocaine use in 2018); and (2) the Multiple Cause of Death dataset of the National Center for Health Statistics (N = 14,630 adults who died of a cocaine-involved overdose in 2018). The study examined prevalence of past-year cocaine use, mortality rates for cocaine-involved overdose, 2002-2018 trends, demographic characteristics, and involvement of other drugs. RESULTS Results of Joinpoint Regression indicated that the prevalence of past-year cocaine use increased after 2011, with an annual percent change of 5.13, while age-adjusted cocaine-involved overdose mortality rates escalated after 2012, with an annual percent change of 26.54. In 2018, prevalence of past-year cocaine use did not significantly differ (p = 0.09) by racial/ethnic group, yet Non-Hispanic Blacks had an age-adjusted cocaine-involved overdose mortality rate more than double the rate in Non-Hispanic Whites and significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in any other group. CONCLUSIONS While the prevalence of cocaine use has increased modestly, cocaine-involved overdose mortality has risen dramatically. Cocaine-involved overdose mortality is disproportionately affecting individuals who are Black, older, or with lower educational attainment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Cano
- Department of Social Work, University of Texas at San Antonio, 501 W. César E. Chávez Blvd., San Antonio, TX, 78207, USA.
| | - Sehun Oh
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 1947 College Rd., Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Christopher P. Salas-Wright
- School of Social Work, Boston University, 264 Bay State Rd, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Prevention Science & Community Health, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Michael G. Vaughn
- School of Social Work, St. Louis University, 3550 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103, USA,Graduate School of Social Welfare and College of Social Science, Yonsei University, Republic of Korea
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Elmarasi M, Garcia-Vassallo G, Campbell S, Fuehrlein B. Brief Report: Rates of Fentanyl Use Among Psychiatric Emergency Room Patients. Am J Addict 2020; 30:92-95. [PMID: 32779217 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Opioid overdose-related deaths increased from approximately 18 000 deaths in 2007 to 46 802 deaths in 2018. Fentanyl is primarily responsible for the increase in opioid overdose deaths from 2011 through 2017. The primary aim of this study is to determine the rates of fentanyl in the urine drug screens of all patients who presented to the psychiatric emergency room at VA Connecticut, over 7 months in 2018. METHODS Data were collected for all patient presentations between June 2018 and December 2018. There were 746 total patient presentations, with 497 being unique. Collected data included basic demographic information, psychiatric diagnosis, and urine drug screen for various illicit substances, including fentanyl. RESULTS Over 15% of patients screened positive for fentanyl. Patients who tested positive for fentanyl were further classified based on positive urine drug screening results for other opioids, cocaine, or both. Twenty percent of patients who screened positive for fentanyl and cocaine tested negative for other opioids. This category suggests that some veterans might be consuming fentanyl with cocaine. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Fentanyl was found at a high rate, even in the absence of other opioids, which suggests that some veterans might be consuming fentanyl with cocaine. Consequently, harm reduction strategies should be broadened to include all patients at risk of fentanyl overdose, including patients who use substances (eg, cocaine) that are potentially adulterated with fentanyl. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE This study is the first one of its kind that looked at rates of fentanyl use in all presentations to a psychiatric emergency room. While it is well-known that fentanyl is highly prevalent, these findings extend the current state of knowledge by replication in a psychiatric emergency population. (Am J Addict 2021;30:92-95).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Elmarasi
- Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut.,School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Gabriela Garcia-Vassallo
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut.,School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Sheldon Campbell
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut.,School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Brian Fuehrlein
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut.,School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
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Li Z, Chen H, Feng S, Liu K, Wang P. Development and Clinical Validation of a Sensitive Lateral Flow Assay for Rapid Urine Fentanyl Screening in the Emergency Department. Clin Chem 2020; 66:324-332. [PMID: 32040576 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvz023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid identification of fentanyl at the point-of-care is critical. Urine fentanyl concentrations in overdose cases start at single-digit nanograms per milliliter. No fentanyl point-of-care assay with a cutoff at single-digit nanograms per milliliter is available. METHODS A competitive lateral flow assay (LFA) was developed using gold nanoparticles and optimized for rapid screening of fentanyl in 5 minutes. Urine samples from 2 cohorts of emergency department (ED) patients were tested using the LFA and LC-MS/MS. The 2 cohorts consisted of 218 consecutive ED patients with urine drug-of-abuse screen orders and 7 ED patients with clinically suspected fentanyl overdose, respectively. RESULTS The LFA detected fentanyl (≥1 ng/mL) and the major metabolite norfentanyl (≥10 ng/mL) with high precision. There was no cross-reactivity with amphetamine, cocaine, morphine, tetrahydrocannabinol, methadone, buprenorphine, naloxone, and acetaminophen at 1000 ng/mL and 0.03%, 0.4%, and 0.05% cross-reactivity with carfentanil, risperidone, and 9-hydroxyrisperidone, respectively. In 218 consecutive ED patients, the prevalence of cases with fentanyl ≥1 ng/mL or norfentanyl ≥10 ng/mL was 5.5%. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the LFA were 100% (95% CI, 75.8-100%) and 99.5% (95% CI, 97.3-99.9%), respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 92.3% (95% CI, 66.7-98.6%) and 100% (95% CI, 98.2-100%), respectively. The concordance between the LFA and LC-MS/MS was 100% in the 7 suspected fentanyl overdose cases (5 positive, 2 negative). CONCLUSIONS The LFA can detect fentanyl and norfentanyl with high clinical sensitivity and specificity in the ED population with rapid fentanyl screening needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Sheng Feng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kengku Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Armenian P, Whitman JD, Badea A, Johnson W, Drake C, Dhillon SS, Rivera M, Brandehoff N, Lynch KL. Notes from the Field: Unintentional Fentanyl Overdoses Among Persons Who Thought They Were Snorting Cocaine - Fresno, California, January 7, 2019. MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2019; 68:687-688. [PMID: 31393864 PMCID: PMC6687194 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6831a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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29
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Newman AH, Cao J, Keighron JD, Jordan CJ, Bi GH, Liang Y, Abramyan AM, Avelar AJ, Tschumi CW, Beckstead MJ, Shi L, Tanda G, Xi ZX. Translating the atypical dopamine uptake inhibitor hypothesis toward therapeutics for treatment of psychostimulant use disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:1435-1444. [PMID: 30858517 PMCID: PMC6785152 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0366-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Medication-assisted treatments are unavailable to patients with cocaine use disorders. Efforts to develop potential pharmacotherapies have led to the identification of a promising lead molecule, JJC8-091, that demonstrates a novel binding mode at the dopamine transporter (DAT). Here, JJC8-091 and a structural analogue, JJC8-088, were extensively and comparatively assessed to elucidate neurochemical correlates to their divergent behavioral profiles. Despite sharing significant structural similarity, JJC8-088 was more cocaine-like, increasing extracellular DA concentrations in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAS) efficaciously and more potently than JJC8-091. In contrast, JJC8-091 was not self-administered and was effective in blocking cocaine-induced reinstatement to drug seeking. Electrophysiology experiments confirmed that JJC8-091 was more effective than JJC8-088 at inhibiting cocaine-mediated enhancement of DA neurotransmission. Further, when VTA DA neurons in DAT-cre mice were optically stimulated, JJC8-088 produced a significant leftward shift in the stimulation-response curve, similar to cocaine, while JJC8-091 shifted the curve downward, suggesting attenuation of DA-mediated brain reward. Computational models predicted that JJC8-088 binds in an outward facing conformation of DAT, similar to cocaine. Conversely, JJC8-091 steers DAT towards a more occluded conformation. Collectively, these data reveal the underlying molecular mechanism at DAT that may be leveraged to rationally optimize leads for the treatment of cocaine use disorders, with JJC8-091 representing a compelling candidate for development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Hauck Newman
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
| | - Jianjing Cao
- 0000 0004 1936 8075grid.48336.3aMolecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Jacqueline D. Keighron
- 0000 0004 1936 8075grid.48336.3aMolecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Chloe J. Jordan
- 0000 0004 1936 8075grid.48336.3aMolecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- 0000 0004 1936 8075grid.48336.3aMolecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Ying Liang
- 0000 0004 1936 8075grid.48336.3aMolecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Ara M. Abramyan
- 0000 0004 1936 8075grid.48336.3aMolecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Alicia J. Avelar
- 0000 0001 0629 5880grid.267309.9Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Christopher W. Tschumi
- 0000 0001 0629 5880grid.267309.9Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX USA ,0000 0000 8527 6890grid.274264.1Aging & Metabolism Research Group, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Michael J. Beckstead
- 0000 0001 0629 5880grid.267309.9Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX USA ,0000 0000 8527 6890grid.274264.1Aging & Metabolism Research Group, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Lei Shi
- 0000 0004 1936 8075grid.48336.3aMolecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Gianluigi Tanda
- 0000 0004 1936 8075grid.48336.3aMolecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- 0000 0004 1936 8075grid.48336.3aMolecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
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Barocas JA, Wang J, Marshall BD, LaRochelle MR, Bettano A, Bernson D, Beckwith CG, Linas BP, Walley AY. Sociodemographic factors and social determinants associated with toxicology confirmed polysubstance opioid-related deaths. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 200:59-63. [PMID: 31100636 PMCID: PMC6588486 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS While prescribed and illicit opioid use are primary drivers of the national surges in overdose deaths, opioid overdose deaths in which stimulants are also present are increasing in the U.S. We determined the social determinants and sociodemographic factors associated with opioid-only versus polysubstance opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts. Particular attention was focused on the role of stimulants in opioid overdose deaths. METHODS We analyzed all opioid-related overdose deaths from 2014 to 2015 in an individually-linked population database in Massachusetts. We used linked postmortem toxicology data to identify drugs present at the time of death. We constructed a multinomial logistic regression model to identify factors associated with three mutually exclusive overdose death groups based on toxicological results: opioid-related deaths with (1) opioids only present, (2) opioids and other substances not including stimulants, and (3) opioids and stimulants with or without other substances. RESULTS Between 2014 and 2015, there were 2,244 opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts that had accompanying toxicology results. Toxicology reports indicated that 17% had opioids only, 36% had opioids plus stimulants, and 46% had opioids plus another non-stimulant substance. Persons older than 24 years, non-rural residents, those with comorbid mental illness, non-Hispanic black residents, and persons with recent homelessness were more likely than their counterparts to die with opioids and stimulants than opioids alone. CONCLUSIONS Polysubstance opioid overdose is increasingly common in the US. Addressing modifiable social determinants of health, including barriers to mental health services and homelessness, is important to reduce polysubstance use and overdose deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A. Barocas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center (BMC), 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2 Floor, Boston, MA, USA, 02118;,Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2 Floor, Boston, MA, USA, 02118
| | - Jianing Wang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center (BMC), 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2 Floor, Boston, MA, USA, 02118;,Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2 Floor, Boston, MA, USA, 02118
| | - Brandon D.L. Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Room 208, Box G-S121-2, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Marc R. LaRochelle
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2 Floor, Boston, MA, USA, 02118
| | - Amy Bettano
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 250 Washington Street, 6th Floor, Boston, MA, 02108
| | - Dana Bernson
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 250 Washington Street, 6th Floor, Boston, MA, 02108
| | - Curt G. Beckwith
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Alpert Medical School of Brown University and the Miriam Hospital, 1125 N Main St, Providence, RI 02906
| | - Benjamin P. Linas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center (BMC), 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2 Floor, Boston, MA, USA, 02118;,Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2 Floor, Boston, MA, USA, 02118
| | - Alexander Y. Walley
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2 Floor, Boston, MA, USA, 02118
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Progress in agonist therapy for substance use disorders: Lessons learned from methadone and buprenorphine. Neuropharmacology 2019; 158:107609. [PMID: 31009632 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUD) are serious public health problems worldwide. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the neurobiology of drug reward and the transition to addiction, effective pharmacotherapies for SUD remain limited and a majority of drug users relapse even after a period of treatment. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications for opioid, nicotine, and alcohol use disorders, whereas none are approved for the treatment of cocaine or other psychostimulant use disorders. The medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of SUD can be divided into two major classes - agonist replacement therapies, such as methadone and buprenorphine for opioid use disorders (OUD), nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and varenicline for nicotine use disorders (NUD), and antagonist therapies, such as naloxone for opioid overdose and naltrexone for promoting abstinence. In the present review, we primarily focus on the pharmacological rationale of agonist replacement strategies in treatment of opioid dependence, and the potential translation of this rationale to new therapies for cocaine use disorders. We begin by describing the neural mechanisms underlying opioid reward, followed by preclinical and clinical findings supporting the utility of agonist therapies in the treatment of OUD. We then discuss recent progress of agonist therapies for cocaine use disorders based on lessons learned from methadone and buprenorphine. We contend that future studies should identify agonist pharmacotherapies that can facilitate abstinence in patients who are motivated to quit their illicit drug use. Focusing on those that are able to achieve abstinence from cocaine will provide a platform to broaden the effectiveness of medication and psychosocial treatment strategies for this underserved population. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'New Vistas in Opioid Pharmacology'.
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Madras BK, Connery H. Psychiatry and the Opioid Overdose Crisis. FOCUS: JOURNAL OF LIFE LONG LEARNING IN PSYCHIATRY 2019; 17:128-133. [PMID: 31975968 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.20190003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
For the third year in a row, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an unprecedented decline in life expectancy for the United States, a decline attributable mainly to drug overdose deaths and suicides. Drug overdoses have continued to rise and are now estimated to account for 70,237 deaths in 2017. The root causes of the modern opioid crisis are complex and traceable to at least 30 factors. A prime driver has been the health care system. Pressure on medical practitioners to resort to opioids for managing chronic pain led to a nation awash with prescription opioids. In 2017, an unprecedented action was taken by President Donald J. Trump as he signed an executive order establishing the President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, tasked with producing guidance on reversing the crisis. The 56 recommendations of the President's Commission report were grounded in advanced strategies for prevention, treatment, rescue, recovery support, research, improved data analytics, and accountability. With a focus on the quality of treatment services and recovery homes, the report calls for implementing high standards of care for treatment. Specialists in addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry are best positioned to develop and implement high-quality care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertha K Madras
- Substance Use Disorders Division, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA; and Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Hilary Connery
- Substance Use Disorders Division, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA; and Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston
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