scholarly journals Relapse rates among veterans on maintenance doses of combination buprenorphine and naloxone for opioid use disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 80-84
Author(s):  
Katie J. Binger ◽  
Elayne D. Ansara ◽  
Talia M. Miles ◽  
Samantha L. Schulte
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Use Disorder ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Time To Relapse ◽  
Recovery Program

Abstract Introduction Opioid use disorder (OUD) can cause significant morbidity and mortality with more than 115 people dying from an opioid overdose daily in the United States. Treatment with buprenorphine/naloxone (BUP/NAL) can be effective; however, there is conflicting evidence on the utility of higher doses in preventing relapse. This study was designed to assess BUP/NAL maintenance doses and the rate of relapse in veterans with OUD. Methods Patients diagnosed with OUD who received a prescription for BUP/NAL through the substance use disorder recovery program were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were categorized into 2 treatment groups: those prescribed ≤16 mg of BUP/NAL daily and those prescribed >16 mg of BUP/NAL daily. The primary outcome was to determine rates of relapse between maintenance doses of BUP/NAL. Secondary outcomes included evaluating the difference in rates of relapse between daily versus take-home dosing, tablets versus films, time to relapse, and use of illicit substances during treatment. Results Patients prescribed >16 mg of BUP/NAL daily had statistically significantly lower rates of relapse compared to patients prescribed ≤16 mg of BUP/NAL daily (P = .0018). Regarding secondary outcomes, there was a statistically significant difference in time to relapse (P = .036) and dosage form (P = .0124). Difference in administration of dose and illicit substance use during treatment were not statistically significant. Discussion This study identified that rate of relapse can be lowered and time to relapse can be lengthened when doses >16 mg of BUP/NAL are prescribed in the veteran population for OUD.

NIOSH Responds to the U.S. Drug Overdose Epidemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 104829112110407
Author(s):  
Jamie C. Osborne ◽  
L. Casey Chosewood
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Drug Overdose ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Use Disorder ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Opioid Use

The United States is experiencing an evolving and worsening drug overdose epidemic. Although the rate of drug use among workers has remained relatively stable, the risk of overdose and death among drug users has not, as illicit drugs have increased in potency and lethality. The cumulative impacts of COVID-19 and the opioid crisis increase the likelihood of illness and death among workers with opioid use disorder. Workplaces represent a critical point of contact for people living in the United States who are struggling with or recovering from a substance use disorder, and employment is a vital source of recovery “capital.” The benefits of addressing substance use in the workplace, supporting treatment, and employing workers in recovery are evident. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has published research to inform policy and practice toward prevention efforts and has developed accessible resources and toolkits to support workers, employers, and workplaces in combatting the opioid overdose crisis and creating safer, healthier communities.

scholarly journals Assessing the Relationships Between COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Orders and Opioid Overdoses in the State of Pennsylvania

2021 ◽  
pp. 002204262110063
Author(s):  
Brian King ◽  
Ruchi Patel ◽  
Andrea Rishworth
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Use Disorder ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Fentanyl Analogs ◽  
Measure Change ◽  
Using Data ◽  
At Home

COVID-19 is compounding opioid use disorder throughout the United States. While recent commentaries provide useful policy recommendations, few studies examine the intersection of COVID-19 policy responses and patterns of opioid overdose. We examine opioid overdoses prior to and following the Pennsylvania stay-at-home order implemented on April 1, 2020. Using data from the Pennsylvania Overdose Information Network, we measure change in monthly incidents of opioid-related overdose pre- versus post-April 1, and the significance of change by gender, age, race, drug class, and naloxone doses administered. Findings demonstrate statistically significant increases in overdose incidents among both men and women, White and Black groups, and several age groups, most notably the 30–39 and 40–49 ranges, following April 1. Significant increases were observed for overdoses involving heroin, fentanyl, fentanyl analogs or other synthetic opioids, pharmaceutical opioids, and carfentanil. The study emphasizes the need for opioid use to be addressed alongside efforts to mitigate and manage COVID-19 infection.

scholarly journals Pharmacologic and Clinical Considerations of Nalmefene, a Long Duration Opioid Antagonist, in Opioid Overdose

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-378
Author(s):  
Amber N. Edinoff ◽  
Catherine A. Nix ◽  
Tanner D. Reed ◽  
Elizabeth M. Bozner ◽  
Mark R. Alvarez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Depression ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Use Disorder ◽  
Opioid Antagonist ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Physical Damage ◽  
Onset Of Action ◽  
Duration Of Action ◽  
Opioid Intoxication

Opioid use disorder is a well-established and growing problem in the United States. It is responsible for both psychosocial and physical damage to the affected individuals with a significant mortality rate. Given both the medical and non-medical consequences of this epidemic, it is important to understand the current treatments and approaches to opioid use disorder and acute opioid overdose. Naloxone is a competitive mu-opioid receptor antagonist that is used for the reversal of opioid intoxication. When given intravenously, naloxone has an onset of action of approximately 2 min with a duration of action of 60–90 min. Related to its empirical dosing and short duration of action, frequent monitoring of the patient is required so that the effects of opioid toxicity, namely respiratory depression, do not return to wreak havoc. Nalmefene is a pure opioid antagonist structurally similar to naltrexone that can serve as an alternative antidote for reversing respiratory depression associated with acute opioid overdose. Nalmefene is also known as 6-methylene naltrexone. Its main features of interest are its prolonged duration of action that surpasses most opioids and its ability to serve as an antidote for acute opioid overdose. This can be pivotal in reducing healthcare costs, increasing patient satisfaction, and redistributing the time that healthcare staff spend monitoring opioid overdose patients given naloxone.

scholarly journals Predictors of Premature Discontinuation of Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in the United States

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celia Stafford ◽  
Wesley Marrero ◽  
Rebecca B. Naumann ◽  
Kristen Hassmiller Lich ◽  
Sarah Wakeman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Use Disorder ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Living Situation ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Targeted Interventions

Over the last few decades, opioid use disorder (OUD) and overdose have dramatically increased. Evidence shows that treatment for OUD, particularly medication for OUD, is highly effective; however, despite decreases in barriers to treatment, retention in OUD treatment remains a challenge. Therefore, understanding key risk factors for OUD treatment discontinuation remains a critical priority. We built a machine learning model using the Treatment Episode Data Set-Discharge (TEDS-D). Included were 2,446,710 treatment episodes for individuals in the U.S. discharged between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018 (the most recent available data). Exposures contain 32 potential risk factors, including treatment characteristics, substance use history, socioeconomic status, and demographic characteristics. Our findings show that the most influential risk factors include characteristics of treatment service setting, geographic region, primary source of payment, referral source, and health insurance status. Importantly, several factors previously reported as influential predictors, such as age, living situation, age of first substance use, race and ethnicity, and sex had far weaker predictive impacts. The influential factors identified in this study should be more closely explored to inform targeted interventions and improve future models of care.

scholarly journals Disparities in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Admissions in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-93
Author(s):  
Peter Mallow ◽  
Michael Mercado ◽  
Michael Topmiller
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Use Disorder ◽  
P Value ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Receive Treatment ◽  
To Receive

Objectives: The Cincinnati region has been at the epicenter of the nation’s unfolding opioid epidemic. The objectives of this study were twofold: (1) to compare the Cincinnati region to the United States in length of time to obtain treatment and planned medication-assisted therapy for the treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD); and (2) to assess racial disparities within the Cincinnati region in wait time and type of treatment. Methods: The 2017 Treatment Episode Data Set: Admissions (TEDS-A) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) was used to identify a cohort of eligible individuals with a primary substance use of opioids, including opioid derivatives. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the differences for treatment wait time and type of planned treatment. Model covariates included patient demographics and socioeconomic characteristics. Three different models were performed to assess the influence of covariates of the outcomes. Results: There were 678 766 US and 3298 Cincinnati region individuals admitted for OUD treatment in 2017. The rate per 1000 for treatment admissions was 2.08 and 1.51 (P value < 0.0001) for the United States and Cincinnati, respectively. The fully saturated regression results found that the odds of Cincinnati individuals receiving planned medication-assisted therapy were 0.497 (95% CI, 0.451–0.546; P value < 0.001). The odds of waiting longer for treatment in Cincinnati were higher than in the United States as a whole: 2.33 (95% CI, 2.19–2.48; P value < 0.001). In Cincinnati, there were 3102 Caucasian, 123 African American, and 73 Other admissions. The fully saturated model results found that Caucasians and Other had an increased likelihood of receiving planned medication-assisted therapy (OR 1.89, P value 0.039; OR 7.07, P value 0.002, respectively) compared to African Americans. Within Cincinnati, there was not a statistically significant difference in the likelihood of waiting time to receive treatment by race. Conclusion: Individuals seeking treatment for OUD in Cincinnati were less likely to receive planned medication-assisted therapy and were more likely to wait longer than individuals in the United States as a whole. These results suggest that the demand for treatment is greater than the supply in Cincinnati. Within Cincinnati, there does not appear to be a racial disparity in treatment type or length of time to receive treatment for OUD.

Opioid Overdose Education, Prevention, and Management (DRAFT)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernd Wollschlaeger
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Use Disorder ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Death Rates ◽  
Overdose Prevention ◽  
Overdose Death ◽  
Good Samaritan ◽  
Opioid Deaths ◽  
Good Samaritan Laws

In reviewing the elements of opioid overdose education, prevention, and management, this chapter focuses particularly on practical interventions that are available and deserve advocacy; e.g., provision of naloxone to those with opioid use disorder and to possible first responders. It moves from a discussion of the epidemiology of opioid deaths to the more individual topic of patient risk for overdose. Prophylactic interventions in the form of education of the patient’s family and friends, and agreements for treatment with informed consent are described. There follows a discussion of management of the opioid poisoning itself, including use/distribution of naloxone injection. Two figures are included: drug overdose death rates in the United States (2014); a map describing the current states with naloxone or “good Samaritan” laws impacting opioid overdose management. A text box with resources includes directions for initiation of community overdose prevention and intervention schemes.

Psychopharmacology for Substance Use Disorders

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olapeju Simoyan ◽  
Krista Ulisse
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Alcohol Withdrawal ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorder ◽  
Maintenance Treatment ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Use Disorder ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Stimulant Use

The illicit use of opioids is the fastest growing substance use problem in the United States. There are three FDA- approved medications for maintenance treatment for opioid use disorder: methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone. Stimulants include cocaine and methamphetamines. 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or “ecstasy”) is an amphetamine derivative that also has hallucinogenic properties. Treatment of stimulant withdrawal is primarily supportive. Psychosocial interventions for stimulant use disorder may improve adherence, but they have not been shown to improve abstinence at the end of treatment. Benzodiazepines have been shown to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms related to alcohol withdrawal, in addition to reducing the risk of seizures. The Food and Drug Administration has approved disulfiram, acamprosate and naltrexone for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. This review contains 3 tables, and 31 references. Keywords: Opioid use disorder, maintenance treatment for opioid use disorder, stimulant use disorder, stimulant withdrawal, benzodiazepine overdose, benzodiazepine withdrawal, alcohol use disorder, alcohol withdrawal

Epidemiology of Substance Use Disorders

2020 ◽  
pp. 3-28
Author(s):  
L. Morgan Snell ◽  
Andrew J. Barnes ◽  
Peter Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Use Disorder ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Prescription Opioids ◽  
Opioid Epidemic ◽  
Provider Education ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Prescribing Practices ◽  
The Us ◽  
Overdose Deaths

Nearly 3 million Americans have a current or previous opioid use disorder, and recent data indicate that 10.2% of US adults have ever misused pain relievers. In 2015, approximately 800,000 individuals used heroin, while 4 million misused prescription opioids. Although use of other drugs such as alcohol and cannabis is more prevalent, opioid use contributes to significant morbidity, mortality, and social and economic costs. While the current US opioid overdose epidemic began with prescription opioids, since 2015, heroin and synthetic opioids (e.g., fentanyl) have driven continued increases in opioid overdose deaths, contributing to a recent decline in overall life expectancy in the United States. Policies to address the opioid epidemic by changing clinical practice include provider education, monitoring prescribing practices, and expanding the clinical workforce necessary to treat opioid use disorders. The opioid epidemic appears to be largely a US phenomenon and a consequence of both structural challenges in the US healthcare system and growing socioeconomic disparities, and thus it will require policies including and beyond delivery system reforms to resolve it.

scholarly journals Public perceptions of naloxone use in the outpatient setting

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 275-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan O. Smith ◽  
Scott S. Malinowski ◽  
Jordan M. Ballou
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
Opioid Use Disorder ◽  
Public Perceptions ◽  
Amazon Mechanical Turk ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Reversal Agent ◽  
Electronic Survey ◽  
Accidental Overdose

Abstract Introduction Naloxone has become an important component of preventing deaths from opioid overdose. Although studies have confirmed its cost-effectiveness, naloxone is rarely prescribed proactively in case of accidental overdose. The perception still exists that a reversal agent may enable patients with opioid use disorder to continue abusing opioids without fear of death from overdose. This study was designed to determine the general public's knowledge of naloxone and their perceptions about receiving a naloxone prescription with opioid use. Methods Participants were recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), where a link directed participants to an electronic survey. Participants were included if they were 18 years of age or greater and currently living in the United States. Participants were paid $0.10 USD via Amazon MTurk upon completing the survey. Results Four hundred five participants successfully completed the survey, and 61% were aware that there is a medication available to treat opioid overdose. The majority of participants responded positively to the idea of acquiring naloxone. Responses were evenly split for agreeing and disagreeing with the statement “naloxone is only necessary for people who abuse opioids.” Although 51% of respondents believed that having naloxone available enables people who abuse opioids, 88% agreed that naloxone is beneficial for people who accidentally overdose on opioids. A majority believed that naloxone should be made available upon request to anyone concerned about opioid overdose. Discussion Participants were generally aware of the availability of an opioid reversal agent and responded positively to 3 different methods of acquiring naloxone through their prescriber or pharmacist.

Supportive-Expressive Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 388-403
Author(s):  
William H. Gottdiener
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Use Disorder ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
The Core ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Opioid Use Disorders

The United States is in the midst of an opioid epidemic with over 200,000 deaths per year due to opioid overdoses. There are numerous psychotherapeutic and medication-assisted approaches to treating opioid use disorder, but psychodynamic approaches remain underappreciated and underused. The self-medication hypothesis of substance use disorders is a psychodynamic model, which argues that all substance use disorders serve to defend against intolerable affects. In the case of opioid use disorders, opioids are thought to help defend against intense intolerable feelings of rage and depression associated with trauma. Supportive-expressive psychodynamic psychotherapy is an empirically supported psychodynamic treatment for a wide range of psychological problems, including opioid use disorders. Supportive-expressive psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses on transference analysis using an operationalized conceptualization of transference called the core conflictual relational theme method. This article describes supportive-expressive psychodynamic psychotherapy for opioid use disorders and provides clinical examples of its use in practice. The article describes and illustrates the three phases of supportive-expressive psychodynamic psychotherapy, the formulation of the core conflictual relationship theme, how it is applied when treating people with an opioid use disorder, and how supportive-expressive psychodynamic psychotherapy can be used with other therapies, such as medication-assisted treatments and 12-step programs. Last, this article encourages psychodynamic therapists who are not involved in treating people with an opioid use disorder to engage in treating people with one using supportive-expressive psychodynamic psychotherapy.

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