Drug and alcohol dependence
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Apr 2015
Longitudinal analysis of pain and illicit drug use behaviors in outpatients on methadone maintenance.
Little is known about the experience of chronic pain and the occurrence of illicit drug use behaviors in the population enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programs. ⋯ This one-year longitudinal analysis did not identify a significant association between pain and illicit drug use in MMT populations. This finding conflicts with some earlier investigations and underscores the need for additional studies to clarify the complex association between pain and substance use disorders in patients in MMT program settings.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Apr 2015
Trends in abuse and misuse of prescription opioids among older adults.
Dramatic increases in the prescriptive use of opioid analgesics during the past two decades have been paralleled by alarming increases in rates of the abuse and intentional misuse of these drugs. We examined recent trends in the abuse and misuse and associated fatal outcomes among older adults (60+ years) and compared these to trends among younger adults (20-59 years). ⋯ Recent linear increases in rates of death and use of prescription opioids with suicidal intent among older adults have important implications as the U.S. undergoes a rapid expansion of its elderly population.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Apr 2015
Risky behaviors, e-cigarette use and susceptibility of use among college students.
Since 2007, there has been a rise in the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The present study uses cross-sectional data (2013) to examine prevalence, correlates and susceptibility to e-cigarettes among young adults. ⋯ More e-cigarette users report use of another nicotine product besides e-cigarettes as the first nicotine product used; this should be considered when examining whether e-cigarette use is related to cigarette susceptibility. Involvement in risky behaviors is related to e-cigarette use and susceptibility to e-cigarette use. Among college students, e-cigarette use is more likely to occur in those who have also used other tobacco products, marijuana, and/or alcohol.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Apr 2015
Synthetic cannabinoid use in a nationally representative sample of US high school seniors.
Synthetic cannabinoids are marketed as "legal highs" and have similar effects to cannabis (marijuana). Although prevalence of synthetic cannabinoid use is now declining in the US, use has been associated with tens of thousands of poisonings and hospitalizations, particularly among teens. It is important to examine which teens are at highest risk for use of these new, potentially deleterious drugs as they are understudied and continue to emerge. ⋯ This is among the first national studies to delineate correlates of synthetic cannabinoid use. Results can inform national and local efforts to prevent use and adverse consequences resulting from use.