The American journal on addictions
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This study examines whether individuals who engage in illicit, non-medical use of OxyContin are distinguishable from other non-medical users of opioids and whether OxyContin serves as a "gateway" to heroin and/or injection drug use. The study sample included active nonmedical users of opioids, who are 16 years or older and residents of Cumberland County, Maine. ⋯ OxyContin users could only be distinguished from heroin users (cf non-heroin opioid users). Polyopioid use within the first year of initiation was associated with quicker progression to heroin and injection drug use.
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Letter Case Reports
Tramadol dependence: treatment with buprenorphine/naloxone.
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This study examined gender differences within a sample of Canadian Aboriginal individuals admitted to an inpatient, hospital-based substance abuse detoxification program. Even though alcohol was the most frequent primary drug of detoxification for both genders, women received proportionately higher rates of cocaine or opiate detoxification diagnoses. ⋯ It appears that Canadian Aboriginal women have a diverse set of psychological and medical needs. This study demonstrates the need for detoxification programs to address the substantial rates of intravenous drug use and the associated risk of infectious disease (eg, Hepatitis C, HIV) among this treatment-seeking population.
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A large proportion of patients treated for substance dependencies have attempted suicide. Scarce empirical evidence exists regarding their prognosis. ⋯ The likelihood of recovery from drug dependence did not differ between patients who did or did not attempt suicide. Among suicide attempters who recovered from substance dependence, the frequency of Major Depression Disorder was significantly lower compared to admission, but its prevalence was nearly three times higher than that found in the general community.