What Does the Community Say: Key Informant Perceptions of Rural Prescription Drug Use

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 503-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Leukefeld ◽  
Robert Walker ◽  
Jennifer Havens ◽  
Cynthia A. Leedham ◽  
Valarie Tolbert
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Prescription Drug ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
Prescription Drug Use ◽  
Entry Points ◽  
Nonmedical Use

This article presents data from four groups of rural Key Informants—Community leaders, educators, health care providers and justice/law enforcement officials—to understand the nonmedical use and misuse of prescription drugs. Seventy key informants were purposively selected from two counties in Appalachian Kentucky. Key informants indicated that the nonmedical use of prescription drugs is complex and has historical roots. Two pathways, or entry points, into the nonmedical use and misuse of prescription drugs were identified: physical pain and recreational use. Data show trends with regard to drug use patterns, drug use education, involvement with the criminal justice system and the role of economics in the prescription drug use problem. Key Informants underscored a common theme that the rural prescription drug problem was fueled by a cultural acceptance of drug misuse. Recommendations are presented for services and research.

Prescription opioid use in the rural Appalachia: A community-based study

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer R. Havens, PhD, MPH ◽  
Robert Walker, MSW, LCSW ◽  
Carl G. Leukefeld, DSW
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Prescription Drug ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Prescription Opioid ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Prescription Drug Use ◽  
Nonmedical Use ◽  
Opioid Users

Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe the sample characteristics and methods for a study of rural medical and nonmedical prescription opioid users with a history of OxyContin® use.Design and Setting: Snowball sampling was used to recruit 221 rural Appalachian residents. Participants included those under medical supervision for pain (n = 101) as well as those self-reporting nonmedical use of prescription opioids (n = 120). Participants were given an interviewer-administered questionnaire.Outcome measures: Data relating to demographics, illicit and nonmedical prescription drug use, medical, legal, family, and psychiatric status, as well as pain history were collected. The primary outcomes of interest were differences in past 30 day prescription drug use between pain patients and nonmedical opioid users.Results: A significantly greater proportion of those treated for pain reported using oxycodone and hydrocodone prescribed by a physician in the prior 30 days (p < 0.001); however, more than third of pain participants also reported nonmedical use of OxyContin®, methadone, hydrocodone, benzodiazepines, and marijuana in the prior 30 days.Conclusions: A large proportion of rural opioid users who reported being treated for pain also reported nonmedical use of prescription drugs. Similarly, among the nonmedical users, half of those reported experiencing pain that interfered with their daily life. These results suggest that many rural prescription drug users are being either incorrectly or perhaps inadequately treated for chronic nonmalignant pain. Therefore, developing educational materials and training for rural physicians about pain treatment (including drug seeking behavior) is proposed.

scholarly journals Prescription drug misuse during pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 170-174
Author(s):  
Anand Shankar ◽  
Anupama J Anand
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Prescription Drug ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
World Health ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Prescription Drug Misuse ◽  
Prescription Drug Use

Prescription drug misuse is when someone takes a medication inappropriately. The prescription drug misuse is not an uncommon issue but the use of prescription drugs has significantly increased during the covid 19 pandemic. The major factors that has contributed to the increased dependence to prescription drug use during the pandemic is the increased paranoia about the virus and the drug dependency of the substance abusers. The context of the study is the increased use of prescription drugs among young adults and case reports of violence attributed by drug use. The main aim of the study is to identify the trend of prescription drug use among young adults and the factors that contribute to the misuse. The study primarily focused on young adults and recorded the responses using the questionnaire. The methodology for the proposed study was through online interaction with the participants in the form of survey through google forms. The data collection method included literature review of published articles pertaining to the topic, newspaper articles and websites. The data collection was primarily through google forms and participants response are analyzed for arriving into conclusion. Further-more data from published article, journals, data published in websites like the National Health Portal, National Institute of Health (NIH)- National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), World Health Organization (WHO). Both primary and secondary data is used for data collection. An age group between 20-30 was collected. This age group was selected due to the possibility that most utilization of prescription drugs would be contributed by these groups. Mostly randomized sampling was carried out due to the limitation of collecting data one to one considering the pandemic situations. After analyzing the results, it is inferred that there is a significant increase in use of prescription drugs during the pandemic time and the study also found a trend of alarming concern of buying prescription drug without it being prescribed by the medical practitioner which hence is a serious case of social concern.

scholarly journals Prevention of Pediatric Pharmaceutical Poisonings

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole D. White ◽  
William Kibalama
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Prescription Drug ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Childhood Injury ◽  
Prescription Drug Use ◽  
Take Back ◽  
Unused Medications

Pediatric poisoning remains a common, preventable childhood injury and incidence is on the rise. Child-resistant packaging has been shown to prevent pharmaceutical poisoning, but must be applied and used appropriately to be effective. Prescription drug use among adults is also increasing and may be contributing to the problem through a greater number of medications in the child’s environment. Drug take back programs are designed to reduce the number of unused medications in the home. These programs are expanding and health care providers should be aware of and encourage safe drug disposal practices.

Recreational Prescription Drug Use Among College Students

NASPA Journal ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ethan A Kolek
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Prescription Drug ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Research University ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Prescription Drug Use ◽  
Other Substances

The purpose of this study was to explore recreational prescription drug use among undergraduate students. Although anecdotal accounts on this subject abound, empirical research is extremely limited. Data from a survey of a random sample of 734 students at a large public research university in the Northeast were examined. Results indicate that a substantial proportion of students reported having used prescription drugs for recreational purposes in the year prior to survey administration. Recreational prescription drug use was positively associated with the use of other substances including alcohol. Recreational prescription drug users were also more likely than other drug users to report negative consequences as a result of their drug use. Implications for future research and for student affairs are discussed.

scholarly journals Exploring the use of cannabis as a substitute for prescription drugs in a convenience sample

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinikka L. Kvamme ◽  
Michael M. Pedersen ◽  
Kristine Rømer Thomsen ◽  
Birgitte Thylstrup
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Prescription Drug ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Patient Organizations ◽  
Public Media ◽  
Prescription Drug Use ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The use of cannabis as medicine (CaM) both prescribed and non-prescribed has increased markedly in the last decade, mirrored in a global shift in cannabis policy towards a more permissive stance. There is some evidence that cannabis functions as a substitute for prescription drugs, particularly opioids; however, more knowledge is needed on the motives of substitution users, their patterns of use, and perceived effects of substitution use. Aims To explore who substitutes prescription drugs with cannabis, the type of prescription drugs substituted and the type of cannabis used, and the impact that substitution with cannabis has on prescription drug use as well as the motives for substitution in terms of experienced effects and side effects. Methods A self-selected convenience sample was recruited through social media, public media, and patient organizations to take part in an anonymous online survey. Inclusion criteria were 18 years or older and use of cannabis (prescribed or non-prescribed) with a medical purpose. Results The final sample included 2.841 respondents of which the majority (91%) used non-prescribed cannabis, and more than half (54.6%) had used CaM with the purpose of replacing a prescribed drug. Compared to non-substitution users, substitution users were more likely to be women and to use CaM in the treatment of chronic pain and other somatic conditions. Pain medication (67.2%), antidepressants (24.5%), and arthritis medication (20.7%) were the most common types of drugs replaced with CaM. Among substitution users, 38.1% reported termination of prescription drug use, and 45.9% a substantial decrease in prescription drug use. The most frequent type of cannabis used as a substitute was CBD-oil (65.2%), followed by ‘hash, pot or skunk’ (36.6%). More than half (65.8%) found CaM much more effective compared to prescription drugs, and 85.5% that the side effects associated with prescription drug use were much worse compared to use of CaM. Conclusion CaM is frequently used as a substitute for prescription drugs, particularly opioids. More research is needed on the long-term consequences of use of CaM, including the impact from low and high THC cannabis products on specific somatic and mental health conditions.

Prescription Drug and Healthcare Use Among Swedish Patients Treated with Antidepressants

1995 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 566-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerstin Al Bingefors ◽  
Dag Gl Isacson ◽  
Lars Von Knorring ◽  
Björn Smedby
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Ambulatory Care ◽  
Prescription Drug ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Antidepressant Treatment ◽  
Antidepressant Drugs ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prescription Drug Use

Objective: To analyze healthcare and prescription drug use among patients taking and those not taking antidepressant drugs in a Swedish community. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: General population of the rural Swedish municipality Tierp of approximately 20 000 inhabitants. Participants: All residents of Tierp aged 25 years or older during 1988. Main Outcome Measures: Mean number of ambulatory care visits, hospital bed days, and prescriptions per person; proportion of those taking prescription drugs in different pharmacologic classes. Results: Patients treated with antidepressant drugs had a significantly (p < 0.05) greater use of ambulatory care, hospital care, and prescription drugs than those who did not take antidepressants in the study population. They also had an increased frequency of use of prescription drugs from virtually all pharmacologic classes. Furthermore, the risk for polypharmacy was high in patients treated with antidepressant medications. Conclusions: Those who took antidepressant drugs consumed more health services and prescription drugs than did those not taking an antidepressant. Patients receiving antidepressant treatment may be at serious risk for iatrogenic disease and should be evaluated carefully with respect to concomitant drug use.

Prescription Drug Use among Ambulatory Elderly in a Swedish Municipality

1993 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 1120-1125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tove M. Jörgensen ◽  
Dag G.L. Isacson ◽  
Mats Thorslund
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Prescription Drug ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Total Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Prescription Drug Use ◽  
Analgesic Agents ◽  
The Difference

OBJECTIVE: To analyze prescription drug use among the elderly in a Swedish municipality. METHODS: The municipality of Tierp, located in mideastern Sweden, is a well-defined geographic area that includes both rural areas and a few small, industrial towns. All people aged 65 years and older (n=4769) as of 1986 in a total population of 21000 inhabitants were included in the study. Their drug use was studied by registering all prescriptions filled by the pharmacies in the area. RESULTS: Most of the elderly (>70 percent) obtained at least one prescription during the year studied. Drug use was more common among women than men. However, the difference between men and women was much smaller among those aged 85 years or more. The drugs most commonly prescribed were cardiovascular, psychotropic, and analgesic agents. Furthermore, the study showed that simultaneous use of several drugs was quite common. One-fourth of all people aged 65 years and older used drugs from at least four different pharmacologic groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed widespread use of prescription drugs among the elderly. An important finding was extensive drug use among men aged 85 years or more. This age group is increasing and there is need for further studies of its medication use.

scholarly journals Buprenorphine/naloxone addiction in a pharmacist as a result of migraine self-treatment

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 127-130
Author(s):  
Merrill Norton ◽  
Ah Young Cho ◽  
Courtney Giebler ◽  
Taylor Smith ◽  
Kathryn Walton
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Hospital Pharmacist ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Treatment Center ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Migraine Headaches

Abstract Objective: A unique case report is presented to demonstrate addiction in a pharmacist through the use of buprenorphine/naloxone film for the self-prescribed treatment of migraine headaches. Case Summary: A 35-year-old female hospital pharmacist was admitted to treatment for opioid use disorder for using buprenorphine/naloxone film to self-medicate her migraine headaches. After daily use of sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone, and several failed attempts to discontinue use, the pharmacist was admitted to a partial hospitalization treatment program. She was prescribed sumatriptan subcutaneous injection for her migraines, while maintaining buprenorphine/naloxone abstinence. Upon completion, the pharmacist transitioned to the aftercare program, where she maintains sobriety and uses her story to help aid in other patients' recoveries at the treatment center. Discussion: Addiction and substance abuse affect a substantial number of health care professionals. Pharmacists are particularly vulnerable to prescription drug misuse and addiction as a result of their direct access and vast pharmacologic knowledge. In a 2004 self-report survey of a random sample of health care providers, 58.7% of pharmacists reported using nonprescribed prescription drugs at least once in their lifetime. This case is a story of rehabilitation and recovery of a pharmacist who has a desire to return to the practice of pharmacy through the use of effective pharmacologic and behavioral interventions.

scholarly journals Computerised data bases on prescription drug use and health care in the community of Tierp, Sweden: Experiences and challenges from a study of antidepressant-treated patients

2009 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerstin Bingefors
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Prescription Drug ◽  
Data Base ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Font Size ◽  
Data Bases ◽  
Prescription Drug Use

<strong><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT;"><font face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT"><p align="left"> </p></font></span><p align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT;">ABSTRACT</span></span></p></strong><span style="font-size: x-small; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><p align="left">Much of our knowledge of drugs originates from clinical trials of drug efficacy performed on stringently</p><p align="left">selected patient groups, often without multiple concurrent diseases. However, the effectiveness of treatment</p><p align="left">under conditions of use in ordinary clinical practice may be very different to conditions in the</p><p align="left">randomised clinical trial. Use of large computerised data bases and record linkage has thus become</p><p align="left">increasingly common in pharmacoepidemiologic research. The greatest advantages of using routinely</p><p align="left">collected data are the minimisation of study costs and time required to complete a study, considerations</p><p align="left">that are particularly relevant for longitudinal studies. The advantages of using data bases also include the</p><p align="left">possibility of obtaining large sample sizes and to retrospectively study long-term outcomes. The risk for</p><p align="left">recall bias, a significant problem in interviews and questionnaires, is also reduced. However, computerised</p><p align="left">data bases also have some potentially serious disadvantages, primarily in the areas of data validity</p><p align="left">and data availability. The Tierp study, including individually based data bases of prescription drug use,</p><p align="left">will be used here as an example of research. In this paper an example of a comprehensive data base study</p><p align="left">concerning health care and drug utilisation in depressed patients is presented. Methodological considerations</p><p align="left">in data base research are discussed in relation to experiences from the antidepressant study. A well</p><p align="left">planned and research oriented computerised data base on prescription drugs represents an important tool</p><p>in the study of the outcome of drug treatment in real world clinical practice.</p></span></span>

Prescription Drug Abuse in Adolescence

2016 ◽  
pp. 204-230
Author(s):  
Amelia Arria ◽  
Brittany A. Bugbee
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Prescription Drug ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Prescription Drug Abuse ◽  
Prescription Drug Use ◽  
Nonmedical Use ◽  
New Research ◽  
Drug Problems

Nonmedical use of prescription drugs can pose a variety of serious public health threats. Rapid increases in the use of prescription drugs were observed at the turn of the 21st century and prompted new research and several actions by communities and policymakers. Adolescents and young adults are at heightened risk for this type of substance use. The evidence suggests that nonmedical use of prescription drugs overlaps significantly with alcohol and other drug problems, and it might be a sign of more severe involvement with illicit substance use. This chapter describes the epidemiology, availability and sources, motives, risk factors, and consequences of nonmedical prescription drug use among adolescents and young adults. Special topics include nonmedical use of prescription stimulants and academic performance, associations with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and mental health, and diversion behavior. Future directions for research and strategies for demand and supply reduction are described.

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