1
|
Palamar JJ, Fitzgerald N, Carr TH, Cottler LB, Ciccarone D. National and regional trends in fentanyl seizures in the United States, 2017-2023. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024:104417. [PMID: 38744553 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rates of synthetic opioid-related deaths over time and across regions have been compared within the US, but other indicator data could help inform prevention and harm reduction as well. We compared regional trends in fentanyl seizures to examine potential shifts in illicit fentanyl availability. METHODS Annual trends in fentanyl seizures were examined using data from High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas for the US overall and by region from 2017 through 2023. Multiple measures included the number of seizures, the number of powder seizures, the number of pill seizures, the total weight of seizures, the number of pills seized, and the percentage of the number of pill seizures relative to the number of total seizures. RESULTS The percentage of seizures in pill form in the US increased from 10.3 % in 2017 to 49.0 % in 2023 (adjusted annual percentage change [AAPC]=25.2, 95 % CI: 17.6, 33.2), with 115.6 million individual pills seized in 2023. Pill weight related to total seizure weight also increased from 0.4 % to 54.5 % (AAPC=112.6, 95 % CI: 78.6, 153.2). In 2023, the plurality of seizures was in the West, in seven out of eight of our measures, with 77.8 % of seizures in the West being in pill form. Although the Midwest had lower prevalence of seizures than the West, there were notable increases in the Midwest in the number of pill seizures (AAPC=142.2, 95 % CI: 91.9, 205.8) and number of pills seized (AAPC=421.0, 95 % CI: 272.7, 628.4). Total weight of fentanyl seized increased the most in the West (AAPC=84.6, 95 % CI: 72.3, 97.8). CONCLUSIONS The number and size of fentanyl seizures is increasing in the US, with the majority of seizures, especially in pill form, in the West. Continued monitoring of regional shifts in the fentanyl supply can help inform targeted prevention and public health response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Palamar
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY.
| | - Nicole Fitzgerald
- University of Florida, Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine, United States
| | - Thomas H Carr
- Office of National Drug Control Policy, Washington-Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program, United States; College of Public Affairs, Center for Drug Policy and Prevention, University of Baltimore, United States
| | - Linda B Cottler
- University of Florida, Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine, United States
| | - Daniel Ciccarone
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Family and Community Medicine, San Francisco, CA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pinzón-Gómez C, Langlade JP, Gantiva C. Systematic review of cognitive and behavioral strategies used in effective harm reduction interventions for people who use cocaine. J Addict Dis 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38591227 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2024.2327762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review is to identify cognitive and behavioral strategies that have been used in effective harm reduction interventions for people who use cocaine. METHOD Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and the search was performed on February 26, 2023 across databases including PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies were included if they (1) report the use of one cognitive or behavioral strategy, (2) have harm reduction as the objective, (3) involve participants who used cocaine as at least one of their substances, (4) be published within the last 10 years, and (5) have a randomized controlled trial design. The Cochrane RoB 2.0 Tool was used to assess risk of bias. The cognitive and behavioral strategies were extracted and organized based on their frequency of use in the studies and their corresponding outcomes. RESULTS The final synthesis included k = 10 studies with N = 3,567 participants. Psychoeducation strategies, influence on social norms, personalized feedback, increased self-efficacy and motivational interviewing were the most frequently used promising strategies across studies. CONCLUSIONS This review underscores the significance of incorporating cognitive and behavioral strategies within harm reduction interventions, as they represent a promising domain that could enhance the effectiveness of addressing cocaine use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Pinzón-Gómez
- Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- Centro de Estudios Sobre Seguridad y Drogas CESED, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Moon KJ, Whitehead HD, Trinh A, Hasenstab KA, Hayes KL, Stanley D, Carter B, Barclay R, Lieberman M, Nawaz S. Enhancing drug checking services for supply monitoring: perspectives on implementation in syringe service programs in the USA. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:11. [PMID: 38218980 PMCID: PMC10788002 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00924-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shifts in the US drug supply, including the proliferation of synthetic opioids and emergence of xylazine, have contributed to the worsening toll of the overdose epidemic. Drug checking services offer a critical intervention to promote agency among people who use drugs (PWUD) to reduce overdose risk. Current drug checking methods can be enhanced to contribute to supply-level monitoring in the USA, overcoming the selection bias associated with existing supply monitoring efforts and informing public health interventions. METHODS As a group of analytical chemists, public health researchers, evaluators, and harm reductionists, we used a semi-structured guide to facilitate discussion of four different approaches for syringe service programs (SSPs) to offer drug checking services for supply-level monitoring. Using thematic analysis, we identified four key principles that SSPs should consider when implementing drug checking programs. RESULTS A number of analytical methods exist for drug checking to contribute to supply-level monitoring. While there is likely not a one-size-fits-all approach, SSPs should prioritize methods that can (1) provide immediate utility to PWUD, (2) integrate seamlessly into existing workflows, (3) balance individual- and population-level data needs, and (4) attend to legal concerns for implementation and dissemination. CONCLUSIONS Enhancing drug checking methods for supply-level monitoring has the potential to detect emerging threats in the drug supply and reduce the toll of the worsening overdose epidemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Moon
- Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Evaluation Studies, Ohio State University College of Public Health, 381 Cunz Hall, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Heather D Whitehead
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Anne Trinh
- Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Evaluation Studies, Ohio State University College of Public Health, 381 Cunz Hall, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Kathryn A Hasenstab
- Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Evaluation Studies, Ohio State University College of Public Health, 381 Cunz Hall, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Kathleen L Hayes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Marya Lieberman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Saira Nawaz
- Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Evaluation Studies, Ohio State University College of Public Health, 381 Cunz Hall, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- Division of Health Services Management and Policy, Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rigg KK, Kusiak ES. Perceptions of fentanyl among African Americans who misuse opioids: implications for risk reduction. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:179. [PMID: 38110965 PMCID: PMC10729467 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00915-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 times more powerful than heroin and has become ubiquitous in the illicit drug supply in the USA. Studies show that among people who use drugs, fentanyl is sometimes viewed as a desirable substance due to its high potency and low cost, while others have an unfavorable perception because of its association with overdose. Unfortunately, studies on the perceptions of fentanyl are relatively rare and existing studies tend to rely on samples with little African American representation. The objective of this study, therefore, was to identify and describe perceptions of fentanyl among African Americans who misuse opioids, while capturing their motivations for seeking out or avoiding fentanyl. METHODS In-depth interviews (n = 30) were conducted with a sample of African American adults who misuse opioids in Southwest Florida between August 2021 and February 2022. Audiotapes of interviews were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed. RESULTS Analyses revealed the presence of three subtypes of fentanyl-related perceptions: (1) fentanyl as an avoided adulterant, (2) fentanyl as a tolerated adulterant, and (3) fentanyl as a drug of choice. CONCLUSIONS These findings show that African Americans' perceptions of fentanyl are not monolithic and suggest the distribution of fentanyl test strips and naloxone may be an effective risk reduction strategy. Given that most studies on fentanyl rely on quantitative data from drug seizures and death certificates, this study uniquely contributes to the literature by capturing the voices of African Americans who use drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khary K Rigg
- Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
| | - Ethan S Kusiak
- Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Palamar JJ, Salomone A, Massano M, Cleland CM. Trends in reported and biologically confirmed drug use among people who use ecstasy in the nightclub/festival-attending population, 2016-2022. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2023; 9:100198. [PMID: 38023341 PMCID: PMC10665664 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2023.100198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Nightclub/festival attendees are a population with high rates of party drug use, but research is needed to determine whether there have been shifts in unintended drug exposure in this population (e.g., via adulterants) to inform prevention and harm reduction efforts. Methods Adults entering nightclubs and festivals in New York City were asked about past-year drug use in 2016 through 2022, with a subset providing a hair sample for testing. We focused on the 1943 who reported ecstasy use (of which 247 had a hair sample analyzed) and compared trends in self-reported drug use, drug positivity, and adjusted prevalence (adjusting for unreported use). Results MDMA positivity decreased from 74.4 % to 42.3 %, and decreases occurred regarding detection of synthetic cathinones ("bath salts"; a 100.0 % decrease), MDA (a 76.9 % decrease), amphetamine (an 81.3 % decrease), methamphetamine (a 64.2 % decrease), and ketamine (a 33.4 % decrease) (ps < .05). Although prevalence of MDA and synthetic cathinone use was comparable between self-report and adjusted report in 2022, gaps in prevalence were wider in 2016 (ps < .01). Adjusted prevalence of synthetic cathinone use decreased more across time than prevalence based on self-report (a 79.4 % vs. 69.1 % decrease) and adjusted report for MDA use decreased more than prevalence based on self-report (a 50.6 % vs. 38.9 % decrease). Conclusions Combining self-report and toxicology tests helped us determine that decreases in drug use/exposure were steeper regarding adjusted prevalence. Underreported drug exposure-possibly due to exposure to adulterants-appears to have had less of an effect on prevalence in 2022 than it did in 2016.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J. Palamar
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alberto Salomone
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Centro Regionale Antidoping, Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Marta Massano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Charles M. Cleland
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Matey JM, Zapata F, Menéndez-Quintanal LM, Montalvo G, García-Ruiz C. Identification of new psychoactive substances and their metabolites using non-targeted detection with high-resolution mass spectrometry through diagnosing fragment ions/neutral loss analysis. Talanta 2023; 265:124816. [PMID: 37423179 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Matey
- Department of Chemistry and Drugs, National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, C/ José Echegaray Nº4, 28232, Las Rozas de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Universidad de Alcalá, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Policiales (IUICP), calle Libreros 27, 28801, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España(1); Chemical and Forensic Sciences (CINQUIFOR) Research Group, University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33.600, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain(2).
| | - Félix Zapata
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Luis Manuel Menéndez-Quintanal
- Department of Chemistry and Drugs, National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, La Cuesta, 38320, La Laguna (Sta. Cruz de Tenerife), Spain.
| | - Gemma Montalvo
- Universidad de Alcalá, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Policiales (IUICP), calle Libreros 27, 28801, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España(1); Chemical and Forensic Sciences (CINQUIFOR) Research Group, University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33.600, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain(2); Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Química Analítica, Quimica Física e Ingeniería Química, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33,6, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España.
| | - Carmen García-Ruiz
- Universidad de Alcalá, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Policiales (IUICP), calle Libreros 27, 28801, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España(1); Chemical and Forensic Sciences (CINQUIFOR) Research Group, University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33.600, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain(2); Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Química Analítica, Quimica Física e Ingeniería Química, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33,6, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Salomone A, Galletto M, Massano M, Di Corcia D, Palamar JJ, Vincenti M. Detection of fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and ketamine in hair specimens from purposive samples of American and Italian populations. J Forensic Sci 2023; 68:1698-1707. [PMID: 37515395 PMCID: PMC10529932 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
With the current crisis related to the diffusion of fentanyl and other novel opioids in several countries and populations, new and effective approaches are needed to better elucidate the phenomenon. In this context, hair testing offers a unique perspective in the investigation of drug consumption, producing useful information in terms of exposure to psychoactive substances. In this research, we applied targeted ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analytical methods to detect novel synthetic and prescription opioids and other common controlled psychoactive drugs in the keratin matrix. A total of 120 hair samples were analyzed from the United States (US) and Italy, segmented when longer than 6 cm, and then analyzed. In the 60 samples (83 segments in total) analyzed from a purposive sample of data collected in the US, fentanyl was detected in 14 cases (16.9%), with no detection of nitazens or brorphine. We also detected fentanyl metabolites, despropionyl-p-fluorofentanyl, and prescription opioids. In the 60 samples collected in Italy (91 segments in total), ketamine was the most prevalent compound detected (in 41 cases; 45.1%), with ketamine demonstrating a strong correlation with detection of amphetamines and MDMA, likely due to co-use of these substances in recreational contexts. Several common drugs were also detected but no exposure to fentanyl or its analogs were detected. Results of this retrospective exploration of drug use add to increasing evidence that hair testing can serve as a useful adjunct to epidemiology studies that seek to determine biologically confirmed use and exposure in high-risk populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Salomone
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Centro Regionale Antidoping, Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | | | - Marta Massano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Joseph J. Palamar
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marco Vincenti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Centro Regionale Antidoping, Orbassano (TO), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bailey K, Abramovitz D, Artamonova I, Davidson P, Stamos-Buesig T, Vera CF, Patterson TL, Arredondo J, Kattan J, Bergmann L, Thihalolipavan S, Strathdee SA, Borquez A. Drug checking in the fentanyl era: Utilization and interest among people who inject drugs in San Diego, California. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 118:104086. [PMID: 37295217 PMCID: PMC10527490 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In North America, overdose rates have steeply risen over the past five years, largely due to the ubiquity of illicitly manufactured fentanyls in the drug supply. Drug checking services (DCS) represent a promising harm reduction strategy and characterizing experiences of use and interest among people who inject drugs (PWID) is a priority. METHODS Between February-October 2022, PWID participating in a cohort study in San Diego, CA and Tijuana, Mexico completed structured surveys including questions about DCS, socio-demographics and substance use behaviors. We used Poisson regression to assess factors associated with lifetime DCS use and characterized experiences with DCS and interest in free access to DCS. RESULTS Of 426 PWID, 72% were male, 59% Latinx, 79% were experiencing homelessness and 56% ever experienced a nonfatal overdose. One third had heard of DCS, of whom 57% had ever used them. Among the latter, most (98%) reported using fentanyl test strips (FTS) the last time they used DCS; 66% did so less than once per month. In the last six months, respondents used FTS to check methamphetamine (48%), heroin (30%) or fentanyl (29%). Relative to White/non-Latinx PWID, those who were non-White/Latinx were significantly less likely to have used DCS [adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 0.22; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.47), as were PWID experiencing homelessness (aRR:0.45; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.72). However, a significant interaction indicated that non-White/Latinx syringe service program (SSP) clients were more likely to have used DCS than non-SSP clients (aRR: 2.79; CI: 1.09, 7.2). Among all PWID, 44% expressed interest in free access to FTS, while 84% (of 196 PWID) expressed interest in advanced spectrometry DCS to identify and quantify multiple substances. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight low rates of DCS awareness and utilization, inequities by race/ethnicity and housing situation, high interest in advanced spectrometry DCS versus FTS, and the potential role of SSPs in improving access to DCS, especially among racial/ethnic minorities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie Bailey
- University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, United States
| | | | - Irina Artamonova
- University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, United States
| | - Peter Davidson
- University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, United States
| | | | - Carlos F Vera
- University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, United States
| | | | - Jaime Arredondo
- University of Victoria, School of Public Health and Social Policy, B.C., Canada
| | - Jessica Kattan
- County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency, United States
| | - Luke Bergmann
- County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency, United States
| | | | | | - Annick Borquez
- University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ti L, Grant CJ, Tobias S, Hore DK, Laing R, Marshall BDL. Development of a neural network model to predict the presence of fentanyl in community drug samples. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288656. [PMID: 37440523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increasingly, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is being used as a harm reduction tool to provide people who use drugs real-time information about the contents of their substances. However, FTIR spectroscopy has been shown to have a high detection limit for fentanyl and interpretation of results by a technician can be subjective. This poses concern, given that some synthetic opioids can produce serious toxicity at sub-detectable levels. The objective of this study was to develop a neural network model to identify fentanyl and related analogues more accurately in drug samples compared to traditional analysis by technicians. METHODS Data were drawn from samples analyzed point-of-care using combination FTIR spectroscopy and fentanyl immunoassay strips in British Columbia between August 2018 and January 2021. We developed neural network models to predict the presence of fentanyl based on FTIR data. The final model was validated against the results from immunoassay strips. Prediction performance was assessed using F1 score, accuracy, and area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC), and was compared to results obtained from analysis by technicians. RESULTS A total of 12,684 samples were included. The neural network model outperformed results from those analyzed by technicians, with an F1 score of 96.4% and an accuracy of 96.4%, compared to 78.4% and 82.4% with a technician, respectively. The AUROC of the model was 99.0%. Fentanyl positive samples correctly detected by the model but not by the technician were typically those with low fentanyl concentrations (median: 2.3% quantity by weight; quartile 1-3: 0.0%-4.6%). DISCUSSION Neural network models can accurately predict the presence of fentanyl and related analogues using FTIR data, including samples with low fentanyl concentrations. Integrating this tool within drug checking services utilizing FTIR spectroscopy has the potential to improve decision making to reduce the risk of overdose and other negative health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lianping Ti
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cameron J Grant
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Samuel Tobias
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dennis K Hore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Richard Laing
- Strategic Research and Science Development, Health Canada Drug Analysis Service, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ondocsin J, Ciccarone D, Moran L, Outram S, Werb D, Thomas L, Arnold EA. Insights from Drug Checking Programs: Practicing Bootstrap Public Health Whilst Tailoring to Local Drug User Needs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5999. [PMID: 37297603 PMCID: PMC10252652 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20115999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The year 2021 was the most deadly year for overdose deaths in the USA and Canada. The stress and social isolation stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with a flood of fentanyl into local drug markets created conditions in which people who use drugs were more susceptible to accidental overdose. Within territorial, state, and local policy communities, there have been longstanding efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality within this population; however, the current overdose crisis clearly indicates an urgent need for additional, easily accessible, and innovative services. Street-based drug testing programs allow individuals to learn the composition of their substances prior to use, averting unintended overdoses while also creating low threshold opportunities for individuals to connect to other harm reduction services, including substance use treatment programs. We sought to capture perspectives from service providers to document best practices around fielding community-based drug testing programs, including optimizing their position within a constellation of other harm reduction services to best serve local communities. We conducted 11 in-depth interviews from June to November 2022 via Zoom with harm reduction service providers to explore barriers and facilitators around the implementation of drug checking programs, the potential for integration with other health promotion services, and best practices for sustaining these programs, taking the local community and policy landscape into account. Interviews lasted 45-60 min and were recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to reduce the data, and transcripts were discussed by a team of trained analysts. Several key themes emerged from our interviews: (1) the instability of drug markets amid an inconsistent and dangerous drug supply; (2) implementing drug checking services in dynamic environments in response to the rapidly changing needs of local communities; (3) training and ongoing capacity building needed to create sustainable programs; and (4) the potential for integrating drug checking programs into other services. There are opportunities for this service to make a difference in overdose deaths as the contours of the drug market itself have changed over time, but a number of challenges remain to implement them effectively and sustain the service over time. Drug checking itself represents a paradox within the larger policy context, putting the sustainability of these programs at risk and challenging the potential to scale these programs as the overdose epidemic worsens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Ondocsin
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Family & Community Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Daniel Ciccarone
- Family & Community Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Lissa Moran
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Simon Outram
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Dan Werb
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Global Public Health, UC San Diego School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Laura Thomas
- San Francisco AIDS Foundation, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
| | - Emily A. Arnold
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Family & Community Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Swartz JA, Mackesy-Amiti ME, Jimenez AD, Robison-Taylor L, Prete E. Feasibility study of using mobile phone-based experience sampling to assess drug checking by opioid street drug users. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:91. [PMID: 37237323 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01321-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, evaluations of take-home fentanyl (and/or benzodiazepine) test strip use - the most common form of drug checking services - and potential effects on overdose risk have relied on retrospective accounts for some preceding time period, usually a week to several months. Such accounts, however, are subject to recall and memory biases. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of using experiential sampling to collect daily information in situ on drug checking and associated overdose risk reduction - the primary outcomes - among a sample of street opioid users and compared the results to retrospective reports. METHODS We recruited 12 participants from a Chicago-based syringe services program. Participants were 18 years of age or older, reported using opioids purchased on the street 3 + times per week in the past month, and had an available Android mobile phone. A phone-based app was programmed to collect daily drug checking information and provided to each participant along with a supply of fentanyl and benzodiazepine test strips and instructions for use over 21 days. Comparable retrospective data were collected via follow-up in-person surveys at the conclusion of daily report collection. RESULTS We found a reasonably high rate of daily reporting (63.5%) with participants submitting reports on 160 "person-days" out of 252 possible days. Participants submitted daily reports an average of 13 of 21 days. Reports of test strip use frequency varied between the retrospective and daily reports with a relatively higher percentage of days/time using test strips obtained from the daily reports. We also found higher proportions reporting overdose risk reduction behaviors on the daily reports compared with the retrospective reviews. CONCLUSIONS We believe the results support using daily experience sampling to collect information on drug checking behaviors among street drug users. Although resource intensive in comparison to retrospective reports, daily reporting potentially provides more detailed information on test strip use and its association with overdose risk reduction and, ultimately, fewer overdoses. Needed are larger trials and validation studies of daily experience sampling to identify the optimum protocol for collecting accurate information on drug checking and overdose risk reduction behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James A Swartz
- Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois Chicago, 1040 W. Harrison Street, (MC 309), Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
| | - Mary Ellen Mackesy-Amiti
- Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - A David Jimenez
- Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Prete
- Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
CERDÁ MAGDALENA, KRAWCZYK NOA, KEYES KATHERINE. The Future of the United States Overdose Crisis: Challenges and Opportunities. Milbank Q 2023; 101:478-506. [PMID: 36811204 PMCID: PMC10126987 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Policy Points People are dying at record numbers from overdose in the United States. Concerted action has led to a number of successes, including reduced inappropriate opioid prescribing and increased availability of opioid use disorder treatment and harm-reduction efforts, yet ongoing challenges include criminalization of drug use and regulatory and stigma barriers to expansion of treatment and harm-reduction services. Priorities for action include investing in evidence-based and compassionate policies and programs that address sources of opioid demand, decriminalizing drug use and drug paraphernalia, enacting policies to make medication for opioid use disorder more accessible, and promoting drug checking and safe drug supply.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- MAGDALENA CERDÁ
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and PolicyNYU Grossman School of Medicine
| | - NOA KRAWCZYK
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and PolicyNYU Grossman School of Medicine
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gozdzialski L, Wallace B, Hore D. Point-of-care community drug checking technologies: an insider look at the scientific principles and practical considerations. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:39. [PMID: 36966319 PMCID: PMC10039693 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00764-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug checking is increasingly being explored outside of festivals and events to be an ongoing service within communities, frequently integrated within responses to illicit drug overdose. The choice of instrumentation is a common question, and the demands on these chemical analytical instruments can be challenging as illicit substances may be more complex and include highly potent ingredients at trace levels. The answer remains nuanced as the instruments themselves are not directly comparable nor are the local demands on the service, meaning implementation factors heavily influence the assessment and effectiveness of instruments. In this perspective, we provide a technical but accessible introduction to the background of a few common drug checking methods aimed at current and potential drug checking service providers. We discuss the following tools that have been used as part of the Vancouver Island Drug Checking Project in Victoria, Canada: immunoassay test strips, attenuated total reflection IR-absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy from powder samples, surface-enhanced Raman scattering in a solution of colloidal gold nanoparticles, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Using four different drug mixtures received and tested at the service, we illustrate the strengths, limitations, and capabilities of such instruments, and expose the scientific theory to give further insight into their analytical results. Each case study provides a walk-through-style analysis for a practical comparison between data from several different instruments acquired on the same sample. Ideally, a single instrument would be able to achieve all of the objectives of drug checking. However, there is no clear instrument that ticks every box; low cost, portable, rapid, easy-to-use and provides highly sensitive identification and accurate quantification. Multi-instrument approaches to drug checking may be required to effectively respond to increasingly complex and highly potent substances demanding trace level detection and the potential for quantification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lea Gozdzialski
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8W 3V6, Canada
| | - Bruce Wallace
- School of Social Work, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8W 2Y2, Canada
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Dennis Hore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8W 3V6, Canada.
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8W 2Y2, Canada.
- Department of Computer Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, V8W 3P6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Substances from unregulated drug markets - A retrospective data analysis of customer-provided samples from a decade of drug checking service in Zurich (Switzerland). THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 114:103972. [PMID: 36841217 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.103972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug checking services (DCS) are harm reduction interventions for people who consume illicit substances. Unregulated drug markets lead to samples with unexpected and variable contents. A retrospective data analysis of Zurich's DCS was performed to determine the nature of these samples. METHODS This study aims to investigate the qualitative and quantitative properties of 16,815 customer-provided psychoactive drug samples analyzed chemically through the DCS in Zurich from 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2021. The main analytical method utilized for characterizing these substances was high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Data sets are summarized using descriptive statistics. RESULTS There was a 2.5-fold increase in the number of tested samples over the past decade. An overall proportion of 57.9% (weighted mean) of samples within our database demonstrates unexpected analytical findings and additional low sample contents during the observation period. Substantial differences in quality and quantity between substance groups were detected and an increase of sample quality and content over time was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS Chemical analysis reveals that over half of substances acquired from unregulated drug markets analyzed through DCS in Zurich are with low qualitative and quantitative properties, which may expose users to risks. Based on longitudinal analyses over a decade, this study contributes to the body of evidence that DCS may potentially manipulate unregulated drug markets towards providing better quality substances, as well as may stabilize these markets over time. The necessity for drug policy changes to make this service accessible in further settings was highlighted, as DCS still often take place in legal grey zones. FUNDING None to declare.
Collapse
|
15
|
Swartz JA, Mackesy-Amiti ME, Jimenez AD, Robison-Taylor L, Prete E. Feasibility Study of Using Mobile Phone-Based Experience Sampling to Assess Drug Checking by Opioid Street Drug Users. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2472117. [PMID: 36711637 PMCID: PMC9882685 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2472117/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: To date, evaluations of take-home fentanyl (and/or benzodiazepine) test strip use - the most common form of drug checking services - and potential effects on overdose risk have relied on retrospective accounts for some preceding time period, usually a week to several months. Such accounts, however, are subject to recall and memory biases. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of using experiential sampling to collect daily information in situ on drug checking and associated overdose risk reduction - the primary outcomes - among a sample of street opioid users and compared the results to retrospective reports. Methods: We recruited 12 participants from a Chicago-based syringe services program. Participants were 18 years of age or older, reported using opioids purchased on the street 3+ times per week in the past month, and had an available Android mobile phone. A phone-based app was programmed to collect daily drug checking information and provided to each participant along with a supply of fentanyl and benzodiazepine test strips and instructions for use over 21 days. Comparable retrospective data were collected via follow-up in-person surveys at the conclusion of daily report collection. Results: We found a reasonably high rate of daily reporting (63.5%) with participants submitting reports on 160 "person-days" out of 252 possible days. Participants submitted daily reports an average of 13 of 21 days. Reports of test strip use frequency varied between the retrospective and daily reports with a relatively higher percentage of days/time using test strips obtained from the daily reports. We also found higher proportions reporting overdose risk reduction behaviors on the daily reports compared with the retrospective reviews. Conclusions: We believe the results support using daily experience sampling to collect information on drug checking behaviors among street drug users. Although resource intensive in comparison to retrospective reports, daily reporting potentially provides more detailed information on test strip use and its association with overdose risk reduction and, ultimately, fewer overdoses. Needed are larger trials and validation studies of daily experience sampling to identify the optimum protocol for collecting accurate information on drug checking and overdose risk reduction behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James A. Swartz
- Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois Chicago
| | | | - A. David Jimenez
- Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago
| | | | - Elizabeth Prete
- Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Giulini F, Keenan E, Killeen N, Ivers JH. A Systematized Review of Drug-checking and Related Considerations for Implementation as A Harm Reduction Intervention. J Psychoactive Drugs 2023; 55:85-93. [PMID: 35060837 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2022.2028203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Drug-checking services (DCS) provide people who use drugs (PWUD) the opportunity to have their substances tested before consumption. Though some suggest they may have adverse consequences, DCS have been introduced as a harm reduction (HR) strategy. A systematized review of the literature regarding drug checking (DC) methods and testing locations, advantages and disadvantages, and legal frameworks with an emphasis on HR was conducted referencing PRISMA guidelines. The primary search of PsychInfo, PubMed, Medline, CINHAL, CORE, and Web of Science was conducted between the 4th and 10th of September 2020, and 51 literature pieces were included in the final article. Most of the literature focuses on the benefits of currently available DCS. The services identified varied significantly in terms of testing methods, location of operation, primary goal, and the surrounding legal framework. The results suggest using multiple DC methods to be most beneficial. Further, DCS and the personalized interventions they provide can positively influence behavior change, minimize harm, and reduce mortality. DCS are a viable public health intervention that requires cross-sector support beyond the legal frameworks and testing methods. Services will need to be tailored to meet the needs of their chosen setting, local drug market, and target audience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Giulini
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Institute of Population Health, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Tallaght, Dublin
| | - Eamon Keenan
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Institute of Population Health, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Tallaght, Dublin.,National Office of Social Inclusion, Health Service Executive, Dublin 20
| | - Nicki Killeen
- National Office of Social Inclusion, Health Service Executive, Dublin 20
| | - Jo-Hanna Ivers
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Institute of Population Health, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Tallaght, Dublin
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Palamar JJ, Le A, Rutherford C, Keyes KM. Exploring Potential Bellwethers for Drug-Related Mortality in the General Population: A Case for Sentinel Surveillance of Trends in Drug Use among Nightclub/Festival Attendees. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 58:188-197. [PMID: 36469638 PMCID: PMC9877192 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2151315] [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: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Background: Drug-related deaths in the US continue to increase. Sentinel surveillance of high-risk populations can provide early warning for shifts in trends. Nightclub/festival attendees have high levels of drug use, so we explored whether use among this population can serve as a potential bellwether or indicator for use-related mortality in the general population.Methods: Trends in past-year cocaine and methamphetamine use were estimated from nightclub/festival attendees in New York City (NYC) and among NY residents, and trends were estimated for related death rates in NYC (2014/15-2019/20). Using national data from England and Wales (2010-2019), trends in past-year cocaine and ecstasy use (among the full population and among nightclub attendees) and related deaths were also estimated.Results: In NY/NYC, cocaine use remained stable in the general population, but use among nightclub/festival attendees and cocaine-related deaths doubled. Methamphetamine use among nightclub/festival attendees and death rates also more than doubled while use among the general population remained stable. In UK countries, increases in cocaine and ecstasy use were larger for infrequent/frequent nightclub attendees than in the general population, with 3.6- and 8-fold increases in related deaths, respectively. In UK countries, the association between nightclub attendance and death rates increased in a dose-response-like manner with larger associations detected when death rates were lagged by one year.Conclusions: Patterns of use among nightclub/festival attendees, more so than patterns in the general population, were similar to patterns of drug-related deaths. Use among this subpopulation could possibly serve as a bellwether for use-related outcomes. Continued surveillance is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J. Palamar
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Austin Le
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caroline Rutherford
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katherine M. Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
González-Hernández J, Moya-Alvarado G, Alvarado-Gámez AL, Urcuyo R, Barquero-Quirós M, Arcos-Martínez MJ. Electrochemical biosensor for quantitative determination of fentanyl based on immobilized cytochrome c on multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified screen-printed carbon electrodes. Mikrochim Acta 2022; 189:483. [DOI: 10.1007/s00604-022-05578-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
|
19
|
Rafizadeh A, Bhalla A, Sharma N, Kumar K, Zamani N, McDonald R, Roberts DM, Hassanian-Moghaddam H. Evaluating new simplified assays for harm reduction from methanol poisoning using chromotropic acid kits: An analytical study on Indian and Iranian alcoholic beverages. Front Public Health 2022; 10:983663. [PMID: 36408033 PMCID: PMC9670154 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.983663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ingestion of methanol can result in severe irreversible morbidity, and death. Simple and easy methods to detect methanol and other hazardous additives prior to consumption can prevent fatalities. This form of harm reduction is analogous to the widely practiced "pill testing" of recreational drugs in various countries. We aimed to evaluate the performance of two qualitative and quantitative kits to simultaneously identify the presence of methanol and formaldehyde in alcoholic beverages, and compare this to the standard gas chromatographic (GC) method. Methods Two-hundred samples of Indian and Iranian alcoholic drinks were examined by two new qualitative and quantitative chemical kits designed based on a modified chromotropic acid (CA) method, as well as a gold standard GC method. Results Methanol levels were similar when evaluated by GC and quantitative method (Z = - 0.328, p = 0.743). The 75th percentile of methanol level detection was 4,290 mg L-1 (range; 0-83,132) using GC compared to that of 4,671 mg L-1 (range; 0-84,960) using the qualitative kit (predefined color intensity reflecting the methanol/ethanol ratio). The quantitative kit was able to detect all methanol-contaminated and non-contaminated samples (110 and 60 cases, respectively: 100% sensitivity). In 25 samples, GC analysis showed no methanol; but the qualitative kit detected possible toxic substances. Formaldehyde measurement by UV/Vis analysis showed the presence of formaldehyde in 23 samples (92%) with a median 912 [IQR 249, 2,109; range 112-2,742] mg L-1. Conclusion Methanol and formaldehyde can be easily detected using these simple CA chemical kits. Qualitative positive results may indicate the risk of poisoning if the beverage is consumed. CA kits can be used in community setting by public health units and community organizations to monitor for methanol contamination and inform a public health response to reduce methanol-related harms to the public.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rafizadeh
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
| | - Ashish Bhalla
- Department of Internal Medicine-Toxicology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Neha Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Nasim Zamani
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rebecca McDonald
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Darren M. Roberts
- Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Hossein Hassanian-Moghaddam
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,*Correspondence: Hossein Hassanian-Moghaddam
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Solmi M, Chen C, Daure C, Buot A, Ljuslin M, Verroust V, Mallet L, Khazaal Y, Rothen S, Thorens G, Zullino D, Gobbi G, Rosenblat J, Husain MI, De Gregorio D, Castle D, Sabé M. A century of research on psychedelics: A scientometric analysis on trends and knowledge maps of hallucinogens, entactogens, entheogens and dissociative drugs. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 64:44-60. [PMID: 36191546 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.09.004] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A scientometric analysis was realized to outline clinical research on psychedelics over the last century. Web of Science Core Collection was searched up to March 18, 2022, for publications on psychedelics. Network analyses and bibliometrics were combined, to identify research themes and trends with Bibliometrix and CiteSpace. The primary aim was to measure research trends evolution over time, and the secondary aims were to identify bibliometric performance and influence networks of publications, authors, institutions, and countries. Sensitivity analyses were conducted for 2016-2022, and 2021 time periods. We included 31,687 documents (591,329 references), which aggregated into a well-structured network with credible clustering. Research productivity was split into an early less productive period mainly focusing on safety issues, and a "psychedelic renaissance" after the 1990s. Major trends were identified for hallucinogens/entheogens, entactogens, novel psychoactive substances (NPS), and on dissociative substances. There was a translational evolution from the bench to the bedside, with phase 2 and 3 trials and/or evidence synthesis in particular. The most recent trends concerned NPS, ketamine-associated brain changes, and ayahuasca-assisted psychotherapy. The USA and Canada were the most productive settings for the research overall, and more recently this geographical distribution became more prominent, reflecting legislative context/policy making. A translational evolution of psychedelics has been occurring, that has brought approval of esketamine for depression and will likely lead to approval of additional psychedelics across mental and physical conditions. Toxicology screening tools for NPS are urgently needed, which in turn might follow the same translational evolution of psychedelics in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Solmi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) Clinical Epidemiology Program University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chaomei Chen
- College of Computing & Informatics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Charles Daure
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMRS1144, 4 avenue de l'Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Anne Buot
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, France; Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Michael Ljuslin
- Palliative Medicine Division, Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Verroust
- Centre d'histoire des sciences, des sociétés et des conflits, Université Picardie Jules-Vernes, Amiens, France; UR PsyComAdd, hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
| | - Luc Mallet
- Univ Paris-Est Créteil, DMU IMPACT, Département Médical-Universitaire de Psychiatrie et d'Addictologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor - Albert Chenevier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France; Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France; Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Global Health Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yasser Khazaal
- Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Switzerland Bugnon 23 a, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephane Rothen
- Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, 70, Grand-Pré, CH-1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Thorens
- Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, 70, Grand-Pré, CH-1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Daniele Zullino
- Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, 70, Grand-Pré, CH-1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Joshua Rosenblat
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Poul Hansen Family Centre for Depression, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, ON, Canada; Canadian Rapid Treatment Center of Excellence, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Muhammad Ishrat Husain
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Division of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - David Castle
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michel Sabé
- Division of Adult Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Thonex, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Validation of a lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay for the detection of fentanyl in drug samples. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 240:109610. [PMID: 36115223 PMCID: PMC9588631 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug overdose deaths remain the primary cause of unintentional injuries in the United States. We examined the validity of a fentanyl test strip (FTS) in detecting fentanyl and its related analogs in water-based illicit drug solutions. METHODS Illicit drugs obtained from law enforcement (N = 343) were tested using a lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay FTS (BTNX Rapid Response) and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) at a clinical chemistry laboratory in Baltimore, Maryland. RESULTS The FTS assay detected fentanyl at 200 ng/ml in water, and 13 additional fentanyl analogs, but failed to detect carfentanil and furanyl fentanyl at or below 1000 ng/ml. Overall sensitivity and specificity for detecting fentanyls was 98.5 % and 89.2 %; and the false negative and positive rate was 1.5 % and 10.9 %. False negatives (n = 2) occurred in fentanyl and a fentanyl precursor. False positives (n = 23) occurred in the presence of other illicit drugs and compounds (56.5 %) or when fentanyls were present below 40 ng/ml (43.5 %). False positive/negative rates remained low when testing cocaine and prescription opioid (PO) samples. CONCLUSIONS FTS is a valid drug checking tool, however, rapid immunoassays and other drug checking instruments that can detect a wider range of fentanyl analogs including carfentanil need to be prioritized to minimize accidental exposure to the full spectrum of fentanyls.
Collapse
|
22
|
Palamar JJ, Cottler LB, Goldberger BA, Geoffrey Severtson S, Grundy DJ, Iwanicki JL, Ciccarone D. Trends in characteristics of fentanyl-related poisonings in the United States, 2015-2021. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2022; 48:471-480. [PMID: 35704785 PMCID: PMC9452457 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2022.2081923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Background: Fentanyl-related deaths continue to increase in the United States; however, most national studies focus on fatal overdose. More research, including data on nonfatal overdose, is needed.Objective: We examined trends in characteristics of fatal and nonfatal fentanyl-related poisonings ("exposures") in the US.Methods: National Poison Control data were examined to estimate trends in characteristics of reported exposures between 2015 and 2021 (N = 15,391; 38.7% female). We also delineated correlates of experiencing a major adverse effect or death.Results: The proportion of exposures increased among all age groups between ages 13 and 39 (ps < .05) with the largest increase among those age 13-19 (a 127.8% increase). With respect to reasons for use, the proportion of cases involving fentanyl "abuse" increased by 63.8% (p < .001). The proportion involving fentanyl inhalation increased 427.6% from 5.7% to 29.9% and injection increased from 6.7% to 9.6%, a 42.3% increase (ps < .01). The proportion also increased for co-use of methamphetamine (by 669.0%), cocaine (by 374.0%), and heroin (by 159.5%). The proportion of major adverse effects increased from 15.5% to 39.6% (p < .001). In the multivariable model, "abuse", suspected suicide attempts, and use via inhalation were risk factors for experiencing a major effect or death, and misuse, ingestion, dermal use, and co-use of methamphetamine were associated with lower risk.Conclusion: Poison Control data suggest that characteristics of individuals exposed to fentanyl continue to shift, with use via inhalation increasing and medical outcomes of nonfatal poisonings becoming more severe. These results complement mortality data and inform prevention and harm reduction efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J. Palamar
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Linda B. Cottler
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- NDEWS, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bruce A. Goldberger
- Forensic Medicine Division, Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - David J. Grundy
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety (RMPDS) A Division of Denver Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Janetta L. Iwanicki
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety (RMPDS) A Division of Denver Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Daniel Ciccarone
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Jiroušková E, Čabala R, Sokolová R. Voltammetric study of new psychoactive substance 3‐fluorophenmetrazine. ELECTROCHEMICAL SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/elsa.202100223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eliška Jiroušková
- Department of Electrochemistry J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the CAS Prague Czech Republic
- Department of Analytical Chemistry Faculty of Science Charles University Prague Czech Republic
| | - Radomír Čabala
- Department of Analytical Chemistry Faculty of Science Charles University Prague Czech Republic
- 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague Czech Republic
| | - Romana Sokolová
- Department of Electrochemistry J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the CAS Prague Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Palamar JJ, Ciccarone D, Rutherford C, Keyes KM, Carr TH, Cottler LB. Trends in seizures of powders and pills containing illicit fentanyl in the United States, 2018 through 2021. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 234:109398. [PMID: 35370014 PMCID: PMC9027012 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevalence of fentanyl-laced counterfeit prescription pills has been increasing in the US, possibly placing a wider population at risk for unintentional exposure. We aimed to determine whether there have been shifts in the number of fentanyl seizures and in the form of fentanyl seized in the US. METHODS We examined quarterly national seizure data from High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas to determine the number of drug seizures in the US containing fentanyl from January 2018 through December 2021. Generalized additive models were used to estimate trends in the number and weight of pill and powder seizures containing fentanyl. RESULTS There was an increase both in the number of fentanyl-containing powder seizures (from 424 in 2018 Quarter 1 [Q1] to 1539 in 2021 Quarter 4 [Q4], β = 0.94, p < 0.001) and in the number of pill seizures (from 68 to 635, β = 0.96, p < 0.01). The proportion of pills to total seizures more than doubled from 13.8% in 2018 Q1 to 29.2% in 2021 Q4 (β = 0.92, p < 0.001). Weight of powder fentanyl seizures increased from 298.2 kg in 2018 Q1 to 2416.0 kg in 2021 Q4 (β = 1.12, p = 0.01); the number of pills seized increased from 42,202 in 2018 Q1 to 2,089,186 in 2021 Q4 (β = 0.90, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Seizures of drugs containing fentanyl have been increasing in the US. Given that over a quarter of fentanyl seizures are now in pill form, people who obtain counterfeit pills such as those disguised as oxycodone or alprazolam are at risk for unintentional exposure to fentanyl.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J. Palamar
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, USA,Correspondence to: New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Population Health, 180 Madison Avenue, Room 1752, New York, NY 10016, USA. (J.J. Palamar)
| | - Daniel Ciccarone
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Family and Community Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Caroline Rutherford
- Columbia University, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katherine M. Keyes
- Columbia University, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas H. Carr
- College of Public Affairs, Center for Drug Policy and Prevention, University of Baltimore, United States,Office of National Drug Control Policy, Washington, Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program, United States, Center for Drug Policy and Prevention, University of Baltimore, United States
| | - Linda B. Cottler
- NDEWS, University of Florida, United States,University of Florida, Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
New Psychoactive Substances Consumption in Opioid-Use Disorder Patients. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050645. [PMID: 35625373 PMCID: PMC9138226 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary We applied a toxicological screening on 187 urine samples collected from patients with opioid-use disorder treated with opioid agonists in Barcelona and Badalona addiction care services, Spain. We found that 27.3% of urine samples were positive for any type of new psychoactive substance and 8.6% of samples were positive for a new synthetic opioid (NSO). These results show a new trend of consumption in patients with opioid-use disorder that requires social and political actions to stem associated health threats. Abstract (1) Background: Since the beginning of the 21st century, the large number and wide chemical variety of new psychoactive substances (NPS) that enter the market every year has become a public health problem. Given the rapidity with which the drug market is changing, many NPS are not clinically investigated and their effects and health risks are unknown. Drug testing is a very useful tool for this purpose, but, unfortunately, it is not very widespread in individuals with opioid-use disorder under detoxification treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of illicit drugs and NPS in opioid-use disorder (OUD) patients on opioid agonist treatment. (2) Methods: A multicenter, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at two addiction care services in Barcelona and Badalona, Spain. Urine samples were collected from OUD individuals attending these two centers, who anonymously donated a urine sample at the time of a periodical visit. Samples were analyzed by high-sensitivity gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high –resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). (3) Results: Out of the 187 collected and analyzed urine samples, 27.3% were positive for any type of NPS and 8.6% were positive for new synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and its derivatives (NSO). Other frequently detected substances were benzodiazepines in 46.0% of samples, antipsychotics in 27.8% of samples, or cocaine and cannabis in 23.5% of samples. (4) Conclusion: A wide number of NPS, including NSO, have been detected in urine samples from an OUD population. A lack of NPS detection in standard drug screening among drug users can hide the identification of a potential public health problem.
Collapse
|
26
|
Gerona RR, French D. Drug testing in the era of new psychoactive substances. Adv Clin Chem 2022; 111:217-263. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
|
27
|
Portable gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in drug checking: Detection of carfentanil and etizolam in expected opioid samples. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 97:103409. [PMID: 34392112 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a recent increase in adulteration of opioids with low concentration actives such as fentanyl analogues and benzodiazepines. As drug checking projects using vibrational spectroscopy continue to seek confirmatory lab-based testing, the concern and reality of missing these potentially harmful substances in point-of-care testing is prevalent. METHODS A portable GC-MS was used to analyze select opioid samples acquired at a drug checking service in Victoria, Canada (n=59). Certified reference standards of several fentanyl analogues and benzodiazepines were measured to guide targeted analysis of these samples. Results were compared with those obtained using a lab-based paper spray mass spectrometer. RESULTS Portable GC-MS was able to identify 62% of samples containing carfentanil and 36% of samples containing etizolam. In the case of etizolam, the success rate was higher for more potent samples: 78% of etizolam-containing samples were identified when the etizolam concentration was above 3% by weight. In comparison, infrared spectroscopy was able to detect etizolam in only 9% of the etizolam-containing samples, and is not sensitive enough to detect carfentanil at relevant concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Portable GC-MS has potential in identifying low concentration substances in a point-of-care setting, without relying on subsequent off-site confirmatory testing.
Collapse
|
28
|
Park JN, Frankel S, Morris M, Dieni O, Fahey-Morrison L, Luta M, Hunt D, Long J, Sherman SG. Evaluation of fentanyl test strip distribution in two Mid-Atlantic syringe services programs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 94:103196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
29
|
Hirschfeld T, Smit-Rigter L, van der Gouwe D, Reiche S, Stöver H, Majić T. Safer Tripping: Serotonergic Psychedelics and Drug Checking. Submission and Detection Rates, Potential Harms, and Challenges for Drug Analysis. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-021-00385-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
With the continuous emergence of new psychoactive substances, drug checking (DC) services are challenged by an increasingly complex drug market. Considering the resumed scientific and public interest in serotonergic psychedelics (SPs) like LSD, psilocybin, and 2C-B, we present the results of a literature search investigating the presence and proportion of SPs in DC samples.
Recent Findings
In 15 identified reports, submission and detection rates of SPs were comparably low, but increasing. Samples contained considerable amounts of adulterations or analogues, mostly novel SPs with unknown toxicological profiles and in some cases potentially life-threatening effects. The detection of SPs, however, requires advanced analysis techniques currently not available to most DC services.
Summary
Given the substantial proportion of novel SPs in DC samples and the associated risks, DC can be a valuable harm reduction and monitoring tool for SPs if analysis techniques with high sensitivity are employed.
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides an update on recently published literature on the rise of illicit fentanyls, risks for overdose, combinations with other substances, e.g. stimulants, consequences, and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS Overdose due to illicit synthetic opioids (e.g. fentanyl and fentanyl analogs) continues to rise in the US both preceding and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fentanyl-related overdose is rising in new geographic areas e.g. the western USA. Stimulant-related overdose is also increasing nationwide driven by methamphetamine and cocaine. Polysubstance use, e.g. the use of a stimulant along with an opioid is driving stimulant-related overdose. Other medical consequences of injection drug use are rising including HIV and hepatitis C infections. Medication approaches to treating opioid use disorder remain the standard of care and there are new promising pharmacological approaches to treating methamphetamine use disorder. SUMMARY A 'fourth wave' of high mortality involving methamphetamine and cocaine use has been gathering force in the USA. Availability and use of illicit fentanyls are still the major drivers of overdose deaths and the current rise in stimulant-related deaths appears entwined with the ongoing opioid epidemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ciccarone
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Palamar JJ, Fitzgerald ND, Keyes KM, Cottler LB. Drug checking at dance festivals: A review with recommendations to increase generalizability of findings. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2021; 29:229-235. [PMID: 33600199 PMCID: PMC8282667 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Dance festival attendees are at high risk for consuming adulterated drugs. In recent years, drug checking studies have been conducted at various dance festivals to provide valuable harm reduction information to attendees regarding drug content. We conducted a review of the literature to determine the generalizability of findings to the target population of interest-festival attendees at risk for using adulterated drugs. Six published studies involving drug checking at festivals were reviewed. All relied on self-selected samples and male attendees were overrepresented based on previous research. Test methods, drugs tested, definitions of adulteration, and prevalence of adulteration varied across studies. Prevalence of detection of adulterants ranged from 11% to 55%. While the drug checking services described appear to have been beneficial for participants, results have limited generalizability to the target population. We recommend that researchers expand beyond the self-selection model in future studies and utilize recruitment methods that involve random sampling techniques such as systematic random sampling, stratified random sampling, or time-space sampling within festivals. We also recommend that individuals approached are surveyed for demographic characteristics, planned drug use at the festival, and willingness to test their drugs. These methods would help determine how representative the sample is compared to the target population and allow for more generalizable estimates. In conclusion, as these valuable harm reduction services expand, it may be possible to reach a wider portion of the population at risk and to obtain more generalizable estimates of engagement, adulteration, and reactions to learning one possesses adulterated drugs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J. Palamar
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine
| | - Nicole D. Fitzgerald
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine, University of Florida
| | - Katherine M. Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
| | - Linda B. Cottler
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine, University of Florida
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zapata F, Matey JM, Montalvo G, García-Ruiz C. Chemical classification of new psychoactive substances (NPS). Microchem J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.105877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
33
|
Wallace B, Hills R, Rothwell J, Kumar D, Garber I, van Roode T, Larnder A, Pagan F, Aasen J, Weatherston J, Gozdzialski L, Ramsay M, Burek P, Azam MS, Pauly B, Storey MA, Hore D. Implementing an integrated multi-technology platform for drug checking: Social, scientific, and technological considerations. Drug Test Anal 2021; 13:734-746. [PMID: 33646611 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The illicit drug overdose crisis in North America continues to devastate communities with fentanyl detected in the majority of illicit drug overdose deaths. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened concerns of even greater unpredictability in the drug supplies and unprecedented rates of overdoses. Portable drug-checking technologies are increasingly being integrated within overdose prevention strategies. These emerging responses are raising new questions about which technologies to pursue and what service models can respond to the current risks and contexts. In what has been referred to as the epicenter of the overdose crisis in Canada, a multi-technology platform for drug checking is being piloted in community settings using a suite of chemical analytical methods to provide real-time harm reduction. These include infrared absorption, Raman scattering, gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, and antibody-based test strips. In this Perspective, we illustrate some advantages and challenges of using multiple techniques for the analysis of the same sample, and provide an example of a data analysis and visualization platform that can unify the presentation of the results and enable deeper analysis of the results. We also highlight the implementation of a various service models that co-exist in a research setting, with particular emphasis on the way that drug checking technicians and harm reduction workers interact with service users. Finally, we provide a description of the challenges associated with data interpretation and the communication of results to a diverse audience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Wallace
- School of Social Work, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rory Hills
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jake Rothwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Computer Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ian Garber
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Thea van Roode
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ashley Larnder
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Flora Pagan
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jarred Aasen
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jorin Weatherston
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Computer Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lea Gozdzialski
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Margo Ramsay
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Piotr Burek
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Md Shafiul Azam
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bernie Pauly
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Margaret-Anne Storey
- Department of Computer Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dennis Hore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Computer Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Park JN, Rashidi E, Foti K, Zoorob M, Sherman S, Alexander GC. Fentanyl and fentanyl analogs in the illicit stimulant supply: Results from U.S. drug seizure data, 2011-2016. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 218:108416. [PMID: 33278761 PMCID: PMC7751390 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND U.S. research examining the illicit drug supply remains rare even though the information could help reduce overdoses. Relatively little is known regarding how often opioids are found in stimulants and whether temporal and geographic trends exist. We examined trends in fentanyl-cocaine and fentanyl-methamphetamine combinations in the national illicit drug supply. METHODS We analysed serial cross-sectional data from the National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) collected between January 2011 and December 2016. We restricted the analysis to cocaine (N = 1,389,968) and methamphetamine (n = 1,407,474) samples and calculated proportions containing fentanyl (including 23 related analogs) over time. RESULTS The combined presence of fentanyl and cocaine steadily increased nationally between 2012-2016 (p = 0.01), and the number of such samples tripled from 2015 to 2016 (n = 423 to n = 1,325). Similarly, the combined presence of fentanyl and methamphetamine increased 179 % from 2015 to 2016 (n = 82-n = 272). Patterns varied widely by state; in 2016, fentanyl-cocaine samples were most common in New Hampshire (7.2 %), Connecticut (5.4 %), Ohio (2.6 %) and Massachusetts (2.1 %), whereas fentanyl-methamphetamine samples were most often in New Hampshire (6.1 %), Massachusetts (5.6 %), Vermont (2.4 %) and Maine (1.2 %). CONCLUSIONS Although relatively uncommon, the presence of fentanyl in the stimulant supply increased significantly between 2011 and 2016, with the greatest increases occuring between 2015-2016; the presence of these products was concentrated in the U.S. Northeast. Given these trends, strengthening community-based drug checking programs and surveillance within the public health infrastructure could help promote timely responses to novel threats posed by rapid shifts in the drug supply that may lead to inadvertent exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ju Nyeong Park
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States.
| | - Emaan Rashidi
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Kathryn Foti
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Michael Zoorob
- Department of Government, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, United States
| | - Susan Sherman
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - G Caleb Alexander
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States; Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States; Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
PARK JUNYEONG, ROUHANI SABA, BELETSKY LEO, VINCENT LOUISE, SALONER BRENDAN, SHERMAN SUSANG. Situating the Continuum of Overdose Risk in the Social Determinants of Health: A New Conceptual Framework. Milbank Q 2020; 98:700-746. [PMID: 32808709 PMCID: PMC7482387 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Policy Points This article reconceptualizes our understanding of the opioid epidemic and proposes six strategies that address the epidemic's social roots. In order to successfully reduce drug-related mortality over the long term, policymakers and public health leaders should develop partnerships with people who use drugs, incorporate harm reduction interventions, and reverse decades of drug criminalization policies. CONTEXT Drug overdose is the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. Synthetic opioids, predominantly illicit fentanyl and its analogs, surpassed prescription opioids and heroin in associated mortality rates in 2016. Unfortunately, interventions fail to fully address the current wave of the opioid epidemic and often omit the voices of people with lived experiences regarding drug use. Every overdose death is a culmination of a long series of policy failures and lost opportunities for harm reduction. METHODS In this article, we conducted a scoping review of the opioid literature to propose a novel framework designed to foreground social determinants more directly into our understanding of this national emergency. The "continuum of overdose risk" framework is our synthesis of the global evidence base and is grounded in contemporary theories, models, and policies that have been successfully applied both domestically and internationally. FINDINGS De-escalating overdose risk in the long term will require scaling up innovative and comprehensive solutions that have been designed through partnerships with people who use drugs and are rooted in harm reduction. CONCLUSIONS Without recognizing the full drug-use continuum and the role of social determinants, the current responses to drug overdose will continue to aggravate the problem they are trying to solve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - LEO BELETSKY
- School of Law and Bouvé College of Health SciencesNortheastern University
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Palamar JJ, Salomone A. Shifts in Unintentional Exposure to Drugs Among People Who Use Ecstasy in the Electronic Dance Music Scene, 2016-2019. Am J Addict 2020; 30:49-54. [PMID: 32813326 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Electronic dance music (EDM) party attendees who use ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA], Molly) are at high risk for ingesting adulterant drugs, but little is known regarding trends in exposure. We sought to determine whether adulteration has shifted in recent years. METHODS Adults entering EDM events at nightclubs and dance festivals in NYC were surveyed in 2016 and 2019. We tested hair samples from a subsample of those reporting past-year ecstasy use using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Differences in unreported drug exposure and suspected adulteration were compared between 2016 (n = 90) and 2019 (n = 72). RESULTS MDMA detection was stable at 72-74%. We detected decreases in unreported use of methamphetamine (from 22.2% to 5.6% [P = .003], an 74.8% decrease), new psychoactive substances (from 31.1% to 2.8% [P < .001], a 91.0% decrease), and synthetic cathinones in particular (from 27.8% to 2.8% (P < .001, an 89.9% decrease). Unreported ketamine exposure increased from 18.9% to 34.7% (P = .022, an 83.6% increase). We also detected decreases in participants' suspicion of their ecstasy being adulterated with methamphetamine (from 20.0% to 5.6% [P = .010], an 72.0% decrease) and "bath salts" (synthetic cathinones, from 8.9% to 1.4% [P = .044], an 84.3% decrease). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Unknown exposure to adulterants among people who use ecstasy in the EDM scene is shifting. Monitoring of exposure to adulterants is needed to inform harm reduction. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE This was among the first studies to examine unintentional exposure to drugs over time in this population and unintentional exposure to synthetic cathinones in particular appears to be declining. (Am J Addict 2021;30:49-54).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Palamar
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Alberto Salomone
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Centro Regionale Antidoping e di Tossicologia, Orbassano (TO), Italy
| |
Collapse
|