Drug and alcohol dependence
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Jun 2019
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyVeterans with PTSD and comorbid substance use disorders: Does single versus poly-substance use disorder affect treatment outcomes?
Substance use disorders (SUD) frequently co-occur with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Little is known, however, about how individuals with a single SUD diagnosis (relating to only one substance) compare to individuals with poly-SUD diagnoses (relating to more than one substance) on substance use and PTSD treatment outcomes. To address this gap in the literature, we utilized data from a larger study investigating a 12-week integrated, exposure-based treatment (i.e., Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders using Prolonged Exposure, or COPE) to examine treatment outcomes by single vs. poly-SUD status. ⋯ The findings from this exploratory study suggest that Veterans with PTSD and co-occurring poly-SUD, as compared to a single-SUD, may experience greater improvement in substance use but less improvement in PTSD symptoms during integrated treatment. Future research should identify ways to enhance treatment outcomes for individuals with poly-SUD, and to better understand mechanisms of change for this population.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Jun 2019
Effects of mandatory prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) use laws on prescriber registration and use and on risky prescribing.
Comprehensive mandatory use laws for prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) have been implemented in a number of states to help address the opioid overdose epidemic. These laws may reduce opioid-related overdose deaths by increasing prescribers' use of PDMPs and reducing high-risk prescribing behaviors. ⋯ These findings indicate that PDMP mandates have the potential to reduce risky opioid prescribing practices. Variation in the laws may explain why the effectiveness varied between states.