Drug and alcohol dependence
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Aug 2005
Circumstances of witnessed drug overdose in New York City: implications for intervention.
Drug users frequently witness the nonfatal and fatal drug overdoses of their peers, but often fail to intervene effectively to reduce morbidity and mortality. We assessed the circumstances of witnessed heroin-related overdoses in New York City (NYC) among a predominantly minority population of drug users. Among 1184 heroin, crack, and cocaine users interviewed between November 2001 and February 2004, 672 (56.8%) had witnessed at least one nonfatal or fatal heroin-related overdose. ⋯ Fear of police response was the most commonly cited reason for not calling or delaying before calling for help (52.2%). Attempts to revive the overdose victim through physical stimulation (e.g., applying ice, causing pain) were reported by 59.7% of respondents, while first aid measures were attempted in only 11.9% of events. Efforts to equip drug users to manage overdoses effectively, including training in first aid and the provision of naloxone, and the reduction of police involvement at overdose events may have a substantial impact on overdose-related morbidity and mortality.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Jun 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialProfiling the subjective, psychomotor, and physiological effects of a hydrocodone/acetaminophen product in recreational drug users.
Hydrocodone (HYD) is a mu opioid agonist. Hydrocodone/acetaminophen HYD/ACET compounds are both widely prescribed and abused prescription painkillers in the United States. In the present study, we profiled the subjective, psychomotor, and physiological effects of the compound. It was of particular interest to determine if HYD/ACET had abuse liability-related subjective effects in a population of recreational drug users. ⋯ HYD/ACET produced some abuse liability-related subjective effects in recreational drug users, which is consistent with the widespread non-medical use and abuse of this product.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Mar 2005
Comparative StudyRegular use of alcohol and tobacco in India and its association with age, gender, and poverty.
This study provides national estimates of regular tobacco and alcohol use in India and their associations with gender, age, and economic group obtained from a representative survey of 471,143 people over the age of 10 years in 1995-96, the National Sample Survey. The national prevalence of regular use of smoking tobacco is estimated to be 16.2%, chewing tobacco 14.0%, and alcohol 4.5%. Men were 25.5 times more likely than women to report regular smoking, 3.7 times more likely to regularly chew tobacco, and 9.7 times more likely to regularly use alcohol. ⋯ Individuals with incomes below the poverty line had higher relative odds of use of chewing tobacco and alcohol compared to those above the poverty line. The regular use of both tobacco and alcohol also increased significantly with each diminishing income quintile. Comparisons are made between these results and those found in the United States and elsewhere, highlighting the need to address control of these substances on the public health agenda.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Mar 2005
Post-traumatic stress disorder among people with heroin dependence in the Australian treatment outcome study (ATOS): prevalence and correlates.
This study documents the prevalence and correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Australian individuals with heroin dependence. Data was obtained from a cohort of 615 people dependent on heroin, 535 entering treatment for their heroin dependence and 80 individuals not in treatment. Trauma exposure (92%) and lifetime PTSD (41%) were highly prevalent. ⋯ For the large majority of those with PTSD, the condition was chronic (84%), with symptoms continuing for an average of 9.5 years. Those with PTSD had more extensive polydrug use histories, poorer general physical and mental health, and more extensive health service utilisation. It is concluded that PTSD is highly prevalent among individuals with heroin dependence, presenting a significant challenge to treatment providers.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Mar 2005
Co-morbid post-traumatic stress disorder in a substance misusing clinical population.
USA studies have reported high rates of co-morbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance (drugs and alcohol) dependence/misuse. Avoidance of trauma reminders and associated distress may be achieved by the use of drugs and alcohol, alternatively a substance abusing lifestyle might predispose such individuals to experience traumatic events. This may have implications for treatment and management of patients with co-morbid substance misuse and PTSD. There have been no British studies looking at the extent of traumatic life events and post-traumatic stress disorder amongst substance misusers, although high rates of reported sexual and physical abuse have been reported in two recent UK studies with drug- and alcohol-dependent patients in clinical settings. ⋯ This study highlights not only the importance of assessment of trauma and PTSD amongst substance misusers but, conversely the need for the assessment of substance abuse among victims of PTSD. Co-morbid psychopathology is common, so trauma histories and PTSD symptoms may become embedded in other co-morbid psychopathology.