The American journal on addictions
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Cannabis use is common among patients taking prescription opioids, although rates of concomitant cannabis use disorder (CUD) have been largely unexamined. CUD may increase safety risks in those taking opioid pain medications but it is unknown whether cannabis and opioids function as substitutes (cannabis use is associated with less prescription opioid use), or rather as complements (cannabis is associated with increased use of prescription opioids). ⋯ These findings suggest that clinicians should be alert to concomitant CUD and prescription opioid use, as these substances appear to complement each other.
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Hospital visits are an opportunity to engage smokers in tobacco treatment. However, little is known about engagement in follow-up referrals. The purpose of this study is to report the rates of program engagement and smoking cessation outcomes of patients referred to a specialist outpatient tobacco treatment program after a hospital visit or other referral. ⋯ Referral to evidence-based tobacco treatment after hospital visits is effective. Models of tobacco treatment based on sources of referral should further be explored.