Drug and alcohol dependence
-
Drug Alcohol Depend · Apr 2021
Pharmacists' nonprescription syringe dispensing perceptions and behaviors: A three-state descriptive analysis.
One approach to increasing the reach of syringe programs in rural areas could be through provision of syringes at community pharmacies. This study evaluated relationships between state-specific syringe policies, pharmacy, and pharmacist characteristics and pharmacists' nonprescription syringe dispensing behaviors in a 3- state Appalachian region at high risk for HIV and HCV transmission. ⋯ Significant differences in pharmacists' perceptions and behaviors were noted across state lines with North Carolina pharmacists reporting more engagement in syringe dispensing as compared to pharmacists in Tennessee and Virginia. Policy allowing pharmacists to dispense syringes to people who inject drugs appears to foster some but not all pharmacist engagement in this harm reduction intervention.
-
Drug Alcohol Depend · Apr 2021
Development and examination of the attribution questionnaire-substance use disorder (AQ-SUD) to measure public stigma towards adolescents experiencing substance use disorders.
Public stigma may significantly impact adolescents with substance use disorders (SUDs), leading to limited treatment accessibility and utilization. However, few measures have been validated to assess public SUD stigma towards adolescents. In this study we developed the Attribution Questionnaire-Substance Use Disorder (AQ-SUD) by modifying the Attribution Questionnaire, a commonly used measure of public mental illness stigma. We examined 1) the psychometric properties of the AQ-SUD with supporting data from other stigma scales and 2) preliminary data on adults' perceptions of public stigma toward adolescents with SUDs. ⋯ This study is the first to modify and validate a measure designed to assess perceptions of public SUD stigma towards adolescents, the AQ-SUD. Preliminary analyses suggest that adults view adolescent marijuana use disorders as less severe compared to other SUDs, which may have implications for adults' motivation to support youth in seeking treatment.
-
Drug Alcohol Depend · Mar 2021
Determinants of interest in extended-released buprenorphine: A survey among 366 French patients treated with buprenorphine or methadone.
To explore the factors determining the interest in extended-release buprenorphine (XR-BUP) injections among patients receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) in France. ⋯ In France, where the access to OAT is relatively unrestricted, the majority of participants were interested in XR-BUP formulations. Being interested was associated with treatment objectives focused on abstinence and recovery, and with experiencing constraints in taking a daily oral OAT.
-
Drug Alcohol Depend · Mar 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialWithin-subject evaluation of interim buprenorphine treatment during waitlist delays.
The effectiveness of opioid agonist treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) is well established, and delays to treatment are still common, particularly in rural geographic areas. In a randomized 12-week pilot study, we demonstrated initial efficacy of a technology-assisted Interim Buprenorphine Treatment (IBT) vs. continued waitlist control (WLC) for reducing illicit opioid use and other risk behaviors during waitlist delays. Upon completion of that parent trial, WLC participants were given the opportunity to receive 12 weeks of IBT, permitting an additional within-subject examination of IBT effects. ⋯ This within-subject evaluation provides additional support for interim buprenorphine's efficacy in reducing illicit opioid use and improving health outcomes during waitlist delays for more comprehensive treatment.
-
Drug Alcohol Depend · Feb 2021
Cannabis use is associated with reduced risk of exposure to fentanyl among people on opioid agonist therapy during a community-wide overdose crisis.
The ongoing opioid overdose crisis is driven largely by exposure to illicitly-manufactured fentanyl. Preliminary observational and experimental research suggests that cannabis could potentially play a role in reducing use of prescription opioids among individuals with chronic pain. However, there is limited data on the effects of cannabis on illicit opioid consumption, particularly fentanyl, especially among individuals on opioid agonist therapy (OAT). We sought to assess the longitudinal association between cannabis use and exposure to fentanyl among people on OAT. ⋯ Participants on OAT using cannabis had significantly lower risk of being exposed to fentanyl. Our findings reinforce the need for experimental trials to investigate the potential benefits and risks of controlled cannabinoid administration for people on OAT.