Article
Anesthesiology
Ryu Komatsu, Michael Nash, Katherin A. Peperzak, Jiang Wu, Emily M. Dinges, Laurent A. Bollag
Summary: This study aimed to test the effects of continuing buprenorphine postoperatively on pain severity and opioid dose requirements. The results showed that continuing buprenorphine was associated with lower postoperative pain levels, but did not affect opioid dose requirements.
CLINICAL JOURNAL OF PAIN
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Bradley D. Stein, Christopher M. Jones, Rosanna Smart, Flora Sheng, Mark Sorbero
Summary: Prescribing naloxone to patients receiving buprenorphine treatment is a tangible clinical action to prevent opioid overdose deaths, but rates of filling naloxone prescriptions remain low in this high-risk group. Medicaid and Medicare payment episodes have higher odds of filled naloxone prescriptions compared to commercial insurance episodes. Strategies should be implemented to facilitate increased co-prescribing of naloxone to at-risk individuals by states, insurers, and health systems.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ali Alobaidi, A. Simon Pickard, Jennie B. Jarrett, Todd A. Lee
Summary: This study found that patients with concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use were more likely to experience opioid-related overdose. Longer duration, higher frequency, and larger daily dose of concurrent use were associated with increased likelihood of overdose. Policymakers and healthcare providers should take measures to prevent concurrent use except when medically necessary.
Article
Substance Abuse
Kristin Y. Shiue, Anna E. Austin, Scott Proescholdbell, Mary E. Cox, Michelle Aurelius, Rebecca B. Naumann
Summary: From 2015-2019, there was an increase in polydrug involvement in NC overdose deaths (71% in 2015 to 75% in 2019). Opioid involvement shifted from heroin and/or oxycodone in 2015 to predominantly fentanyl in 2019, with fentanyl involvement increasing from 15% to 58%. Psychostimulant involvement also increased for both cocaine (2015: 21%, 2019: 35%) and methamphetamine (2015: 3%, 2019: 13%). Benzodiazepine involvement declined, while the involvement of alcohol and antiepileptics/sedative-hypnotics, specifically gabapentin, remained stable. The top polydrug combinations in 2019 were fentanyl + cocaine (15% of all overdose deaths), fentanyl + heroin (10%), fentanyl + cocaine + heroin (6%), and fentanyl + methamphetamine (4%). Incorporating literal text methodology into ongoing overdose surveillance can help identify specific, emerging drugs and combinations for targeted overdose prevention.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
(2021)
Article
Anesthesiology
Ryu Komatsu, Michael Nash, Katherin A. Peperzak, Taylor M. Ziga, Emily M. Dinges, Carlos Delgado, Jiang Wu, Gregory W. Terman, Rebecca C. Dale
Summary: This study found that preoperative use of buprenorphine was associated with lower postoperative opioid dose requirements and a reduction in acute pain burden compared to methadone. However, there were limitations in this study, including exclusion of some patients and sample size issues.
CLINICAL JOURNAL OF PAIN
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hilde Marie Eroy Edvardsen, Carl Aamodt, Stig Tore Bogstrand, Peter Krajci, Vigdis Vindenes, Eline Borger Rognli
Summary: The aim of this study was to compare concentrations of psychoactive substances in blood in non-fatal and fatal opioid overdoses. The results showed that fatal overdoses had higher concentrations of opioids, benzodiazepines, and amphetamines compared to non-fatal overdoses. The study also found a linear relationship between naloxone and concomitant opioid concentrations.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Jason M. Glanz, Ingrid A. Binswanger, Christina L. Clarke, Anh P. Nguyen, Morgan A. Ford, G. Thomas Ray, Stanley Xu, Rulin C. Hechter, Bobbi Jo H. Yarborough, Douglas W. Roblin, Brian Ahmedani, Joseph A. Boscarino, Susan E. Andrade, Carmen L. Rosa, Cynthia Campbell
Summary: This study found that among patients who discontinue buprenorphine treatment, there does not appear to be a specific treatment duration period associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality. However, patients who discontinue treatment after 91-180 days seem to have an increased risk of opioid overdose compared to those who discontinue after more than 365 days of treatment.
Article
Substance Abuse
August F. Holtyn, Forrest Toegel, Matthew D. Novak, Jeannie-Marie Leoutsakos, Michael Fingerhood, Kenneth Silverman
Summary: Remote incentives can help connect out-of-treatment adults with opioid use disorder to buprenorphine treatment, but additional support is needed to promote buprenorphine adherence.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
(2021)
Article
Toxicology
Kevin Baumgartner, Ellen Salmo, David Liss, Jason Devgun, Michael Mullins, Bridget Galati, Jeannie Kelly, Evan Schwarz
Summary: This retrospective observational study found that the use of transdermal buprenorphine to facilitate the transition to sublingual buprenorphine therapy in patients with opioid use disorder was generally well-tolerated and may be beneficial for hospitalized patients. However, further prospective research is needed to demonstrate its efficacy and optimize treatment protocols.
CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Eleni Domzaridou, Matthew J. Carr, Tim Millar, Roger T. Webb, Darren M. Ashcroft
Summary: A cohort study in England found that concurrent use of benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids, antidepressants, Z-drugs or opioids increases the risk of non-fatal overdose among recipients of opioid agonist treatment.
Article
Substance Abuse
Abisola Olopoenia, Wendy Camelo-Castillo, Danya M. Qato, Adepeju Adekoya, Frank Palumbo, Leah Sera, Linda Simoni-Wastila
Summary: The study aimed to describe patterns of co-prescriptions of gabapentin, opioids, and benzodiazepines among disabled Medicare beneficiaries. Results showed that gabapentin initiators were more likely to augment therapy and had higher risk compared to opioid initiators.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Cayley Russell, Justine Law, Matthew Bonn, Juergen Rehm, Farihah Ali
Summary: The overdose crisis in Canada has worsened and become increasingly difficult to control, with efforts to address it falling short and leading to unintended consequences. One major consequence is the increase in adulterants in the illegal drug supply, particularly synthetic benzodiazepine-laced opioids, which poses significant risks for drug users including fatal and non-fatal overdoses and increased dependence. This has complicated public health initiatives and overdose prevention efforts, highlighting the need for effective policies including education on the specific harms of opioid and benzodiazepine co-use, scaling-up harm reduction measures, and eliminating the toxic drug supply.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Hannah Snyder, Brendon Chau, Mariah M. Kalmin, Melissa Speener, Arianna Campbell, Aimee Moulin, Andrew A. Herring
Summary: This cohort study investigates the initiation, response, and follow-up of buprenorphine treatment among patients presenting to California emergency departments who reported using fentanyl or other opioids.
Article
Substance Abuse
Lili Zhou, Sandipan Bhattacharjee, C. Kent Kwoh, Patrick J. Tighe, Gary M. Reisfield, Daniel C. Malone, Marion Slack, Debbie L. Wilson, Ching-Yuan Chang, Wei-Hsuan Lo-Ciganic
Summary: The study found that there is a positive correlation between the duration and dosage patterns of opioid and gabapentinoid (OPI-GABA) use with the risk of drug overdose among US Medicare beneficiaries.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
J. Priyanka Vakkalanka, Brian C. Lund, Marcia M. Ward, Stephan Arndt, R. William Field, Mary Charlton, Ryan M. Carnahan
Summary: Compared to traditional in-person visits, telehealth showed lower rates of treatment discontinuation for substance use disorder and mental health. Patients receiving treatment through telehealth had higher treatment retention rates, making it a suitable option for individuals managing opioid use disorder.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Guneet K. Jasuja, Amy Bettano, David Smelson, Dana Bernson, Adam J. Rose, Thomas Byrne, Dan R. Berlowitz, Megan B. McCullough, Donald R. Miller
Summary: Both homelessness and Veteran status are associated with a higher risk of fatal opioid overdoses. Understanding health care utilization patterns can help improve patient safety among vulnerable individuals in the Veteran population and among those experiencing homelessness.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexa Friedman, Margaret Shea, Michael R. Winter, Richard Saitz, Ann Aschengrau
Summary: This study examined the risk of non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) following prenatal and early childhood exposure to the chlorinated solvent tetrachloroethylene (PCE). The results showed a moderate increase in the risk of NMUPD associated with PCE exposure, with dose-related increased risks of specific categories of prescription drugs. Long-term neurotoxic effects of early life exposure to PCE should be further studied in longitudinal populations.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jeani Chang, Yujia Zhang, Sheree L. Boulet, Sara B. Crawford, Glenn E. Copeland, Dana Bernson, Russell S. Kirby, Dmitry M. Kissin, Wanda D. Barfield
Summary: This study compares trends and characteristics of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and non-ART perinatal deaths. It finds that ART is associated with a lower risk of perinatal deaths, especially before 28 weeks of gestation. This may be explained by earlier detection and management of fetal and maternal conditions in ART-conceived pregnancies.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Amy Bettano, Katarina Jones, Katherine T. Fillo, Ridgely Ficks, Dana Bernson
Summary: The study found that there are sex-related differences in the odds of receiving naloxone by Emergency Medical Services providers, with women having lower odds compared to men when experiencing opioid-related symptoms. Additionally, when symptoms met the guidelines for naloxone administration, women had lower odds of receiving naloxone compared to men.
Review
Substance Abuse
Emily E. Tanner-Smith, Nicholas J. Parr, Maria Schweer-Collins, Richard Saitz
Summary: Brief substance use interventions delivered in general medical settings may lead to small beneficial reductions in alcohol consumption, but evidence regarding drug-targeted interventions is limited.
Review
Substance Abuse
Juliet M. Flam-Ross, Josh Lown, Prasad Patil, Laura F. White, Jianing Wang, Ashley Perry, Dennis Bailer, Michelle McKenzie, Anthony Thigpen, Roxxanne Newman, Meko Lincoln, Tyrone Mckinney, Dana Bernson, Joshua A. Barocas
Summary: This study examines the research scope of factors associated with opioid overdose among previously incarcerated individuals in the U.S. through a narrative review and expert panels. The findings reveal a lack of published literature in this area and highlight the importance of incorporating the perspectives of people with lived experience.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2022)
Review
Substance Abuse
Anees Bahji, Paxton Bach, Marlon Danilewitz, David Crockford, Nady El-Guebaly, Daniel J. Devoe, Richard Saitz
Summary: This study evaluated the comparative performance of pharmacotherapies for alcohol withdrawal and found that some medications, especially benzodiazepines, appear to be safe and effective in reducing certain measures of alcohol withdrawal. However, methodological issues and a high risk of bias prevent a consistent estimate of their comparative performance.
Article
Substance Abuse
Amy Bettano, Brandon del Pozo, Dana Bernson, Joshua A. Barocas
Summary: As stimulant use increases in the United States, emergency medical services (EMS) play a crucial role in addressing related incidents. This study developed definitions for stimulant-related incidents (SRIs) using EMS data from Massachusetts. The findings revealed that the prevalence of SRIs at all levels of severity has been increasing, with a higher likelihood among younger adults and males. The study highlights the importance of administrative data in monitoring stimulant use and addressing the associated health concerns.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Nicolas Bertholet, Richard Saitz, Judith A. Hahn, Timothy C. Heeren, Nneka I. Emenyonu, Matthew Freiberg, Michael R. Winter, Theresa W. Kim, Kara Magane, Christine Lloyd-Travaglini, Robin Fatch, Kendall Bryant, Leah S. Forman, Lindsey Rateau, Elena Blokhina, Winnie R. Muyindike, Natalia Gnatienko, Jeffrey H. Samet
Summary: This study assessed the association between alcohol use disorder (AUD) severity and HIV viral suppression and CD4 count. The results showed no association between AUD severity and HIV viral suppression or CD4 count in three cohorts.
ALCOHOL-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Cici Bauer, Kehe Zhang, Wenjun Li, Dana Bernson, Olaf Dammann, Marc R. LaRochelle, Thomas J. Stopka
Summary: This study developed Bayesian spatiotemporal dynamic models to predict opioid-related mortality at granular geographical and temporal scales for Massachusetts. The models showed better accuracy in predicting urban areas compared to rural areas with sparse population. The predictions suggested a stabilizing pattern in opioid-related overdose mortality for 2020 and 2021 in Massachusetts if there were no disruptive changes to the observed trends. These models provide valuable information for preemptive public health decision-making and resource allocation.
JMIR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SURVEILLANCE
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Xiao Zang, Alexander Y. Walley, Avik Chatterjee, Simeon D. Kimmel, Jake R. Morgan, Sean M. Murphy, Benjamin P. Linas, Shayla Nolen, Brittni Reilly, Catherine Urquhart, Bruce R. Schackman, Brandon D. L. Marshall
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts, particularly among racial and ethnic minority communities. We compared the impact of the pandemic on opioid overdose fatalities and naloxone distribution across different racial and ethnic groups in the state.
Article
Substance Abuse
Jennifer J. Carroll, Emily R. Cummins, Scott W. Formica, Traci C. Green, Sarah M. Bagley, Leo Beletsky, David Rosenbloom, Ziming Xuan, Alexander Y. Walley
Summary: This qualitative study investigates the implementation of post-overdose outreach programs through public health-public safety partnerships in Massachusetts. The findings suggest that while police involvement is crucial to these programs, it presents challenges that may undermine their public health goals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Ranjani K. Paradise, Jeffrey Desmarais, Shannon E. O'Malley, Andres Hoyos-Cespedes, Alykhan Nurani, Alexander Y. Walley, Jaylen Clarke, Sunday Taylor, Daniel Dooley, Angela R. Bazzi, Simeon D. Kimmel
Summary: Opioid overdose is a major cause of death among homeless individuals in Boston. To address this issue, it is important to consider the perspectives and experiences of the homeless population in housing, overdose prevention, and substance use treatment efforts. This study found that homeless opioid overdose survivors face inadequate housing resources, chaotic environments, and have valuable recommendations for improving these systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Robert M. Bohler, Patricia R. Freeman, Jennifer Villani, Tim Hunt, Beth S. Linas, Alexander Y. Walley, Traci C. Green, Michelle R. Lofwall, Carly Bridden, Lisa A. Frazier, Laura C. Fanucchi, Jeffery C. Talbert, Redonna Chandler
Summary: This study provides a descriptive analysis of the policy landscape affecting naloxone distribution in four states highly impacted by fatal opioid overdoses. The results show variations in naloxone access laws, Medicaid coverage, and community distribution infrastructure among the states. The study highlights the importance of considering the policy environment in the implementation and sustainability of interventions.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Vanessa M. McMahan, Justine Arenander, Tim Matheson, Audrey M. Lambert, Sarah Brennan, Traci C. Green, Alexander Y. Walley, Phillip O. Coffin
Summary: This paper describes an approach to adapt a behavioral intervention, REBOOT, for opioid overdose prevention in the context of fentanyl. Through theater testing and focus groups, the intervention was refined based on participant feedback and expert review. The adapted intervention showed improvements in addressing fentanyl overdose risk.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2022)