Co-occurring Substance Use Disorders Research Articles

Meta-analysis of the effects of adjuvant drugs in co-occurring bipolar and substance use disorder.

Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) often have co-occurring substance use disorders (SUDs), which substantially impoverish the course of illness. Despite the importance of this dual diagnosis, the evidence of the efficacy and safety of adjuvant treatments is mostly unknown. To perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjuvant drugs in patients with co-occurring BD and SUD. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge until 30th April 2022 for randomized clinical trials (RCT) evaluating the efficacy and safety of adjuvant drugs compared to placebo in patients with a dual diagnosis of BD and SUD. We meta-analyzed the effect of adjuvant drugs on general outcomes (illness severity, mania, depression, anxiety, abstinence, substance craving, substance use, gamma-GT, adherence, and adverse events) and used the results to objectively assess the quality of the evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. For completeness, we also report the specific effects of specific adjuvant drugs in patients with specific substance disorders. We included 15 RCT studies (9 alcohol, 3 cocaine, 2 nicotine, and 1 cannabis) comprising 628 patients allocated to treatment and 622 to placebo. There was low-quality evidence that adjuvant drugs may reduce illness severity (g=-0.25, 95% CI: -0.44, -0.06), and very-low quality evidence that they may decrease substance use (g=-0.23, 95% CI: -0.44, -0.02) and increase substance abstinence (g=0.21, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.38). There is low-quality evidence that adjuvant drugs may help reduce illness severity, probably via facilitating abstinence and lower substance use. However, the evidence is weak; thus, these results should be considered cautiously until better evidence exists.

Substance Use Disorders and Psychiatric Illness Among Transitional Age Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Transitional age youth experiencing homelessness (TAY-EH) bear a high burden of substance use disorders (SUDs) and psychopathology. However, limited data exist on the co-occurrence and interactions between these diagnoses in this marginalized group. This study sought to identify rates of single and co-occurring SUDs and psychiatric diagnoses among a sample of TAY-EH and to investigate associations between psychopathology and prevalence and severity of SUDs in this group. TAY-EH accessing a low-threshold social service agency in a large metropolitan area completed psychosocial and diagnostic interviews to assess for SUDs and psychopathology. Analyses examined rates of single and co-occurring disorders and associations between burden of psychopathology and presence and severity of SUDs. The assessment was completed by 140 TAY-EH; the majority were youth of color (54% Black/African American, 16% Latinx), and 57% identified as male. Rates of single and co-occurring psychiatric disorders and specific SUDs (cannabis use disorder [CUD] and alcohol use disorder [AUD]) were notably high. An increasing number of psychiatric diagnoses was significantly associated with elevated CUD/AUD prevalence and severity. Mood, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, and antisocial personality disorders were significantly associated with elevated CUD/AUD prevalence and severity, as was suicidality (all p < .05). This study reveals a complex overlay of SUDs and psychopathology facing TAY-EH, with a significant association between co-occurring psychopathology and severity of CUD/AUD. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to examine associations between specific psychopathology and severity of SUDs among TAY-EH. Further research into the mechanistic and temporal links between these conditions is needed to inform tailored treatment interventions.

Home treatment for substance use disorder - Hospitalisation addictologique à domicile (HAAD)

In Switzerland, substance use disorders (SUD) are responsible for individual suffering and major economic costs. Especially the co-occurrence of SUD with other psychiatric disorders often leads to a revolving door effect and high emergency room attendance. For other severe psychiatric disorders outreach offers have been established, including home treatment (HT). Research has detected several advantages of HT, while noting that this form of treatment is not suitable for SUDs. We implemented an HT module especially for individuals suffering from SUD, called "Hospitalisation addictologique à domicile (HAAD)" which is carried out by a multidisciplinary team and realized in the same way and at the same frequency as in the hospital, but it takes place at home and aims at maintaining the patients in their daily activities and social contacts.

Differences in Substance Use Disorders and Other Mental Disorders in Mental Health and Addiction Settings: Sociodemographic, Clinical, Drug Treatment, and Gender Differences

Different care networks in Spain evaluate the co-occurrence of substance use disorders (SUD) and other mental disorders (OMDs). This study aimed to explore the differences in prevalence, sociodemographic and clinical profile, pharmacological treatment, and gender perspective of the co-occurrence of SUD and OMD between specific addiction treatment networks and mental health networks. This is an observational, cross-multicenter study with a randomized sample of patients under treatment for SUD or OMDs in different autonomous communities of Spain (N = 1783). Sixty-seven health professionals completed an ad hoc online questionnaire, collecting sociodemographic variables with patients diagnosed with SUD and OMDs, and their pharmacological treatments. The findings revealed a high prevalence of OMD in patients treated for SUD (71%) and those for OMD diagnosed with SUD (59%). Specific relationships between the SUDs and OMDs were identified. In networks treating SUDs, the increase in treatment for OMDs was widespread. However, the addition of SUD treatments in mental health networks was less frequent than expected. In addition, an elevated benzodiazepine prescription was detected in both settings. Some possible gender biases in treatments were found. This study provides preliminary information on the coexistence in routine clinical practice of addictive disorders and other mental disorders in Spain. The results revealed that the treatments provided are inefficient for SUDs in patients treated in mental health settings. Furthermore, a high prescription of anxiolytics and differences by sex are shown. These findings may contribute to adapting the treatment response with greater precision and effectiveness.

Validating the primary care posttraumatic stress disorder screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) in a substance misusing, trauma-exposed, socioeconomically vulnerable population

The co-occurrence of substance use disorder (SUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common, and is associated with greater severity of symptoms, poorer treatment prognosis, and increased risk of return to substance use following treatment. Screening for PTSD is not routinely implemented in substance use treatment programs, despite clinical relevance. Identifying screening tools that minimize patient burden and allow for comprehensive treatment in this patient population is critical. The current study examined the utility of the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) in identifying probable PTSD in a predominantly Black sample of 81 socioeconomically disadvantaged substance misusing hospital patients. The majority of the sample (75.3 %; n = 61) were found to meet criteria for probable PTSD using a suggested clinical cut score of 33 on the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Diagnostic utility analyses were completed and determined a cut-score of 5 for the PC-PTSD-5 to demonstrate the best performance (SE = 0.62, κ(1) = 0.22; SP =.80, κ(0) = 0.61; EEF = 0.67, κ(0.5) = 0.32) in this sample. Results provide preliminary support for the use of the PC-PTSD-5 as a brief screening tool for probable PTSD in substance misusing patient populations. Routine use of the PC-PTSD-5 during assessment may be beneficial when treatment planning with those undergoing treatment for SUD because comprehensive assessment and treatment will provide a better chance of long-term recovery.

Association of polysubstance use disorder with treatment quality among Medicaid beneficiaries with opioid use disorder

IntroductionThe opioid crisis is transitioning to a polydrug crisis, and individuals with co-occurring substance use disorder (SUDs) often have unique clinical characteristics and contextual barriers that influence treatment needs, engagement in treatment, complexity of treatment planning, and treatment retention. MethodsUsing Medicaid data for 2017–2018 from four states participating in a distributed research network, this retrospective cohort study documents the prevalence of specific types of co-occurring SUD among Medicaid enrollees with an opioid use disorder (OUD) diagnosis, and assesses the extent to which different SUD presentations are associated with differential patterns of MOUD and psychosocial treatments. ResultsWe find that more than half of enrollees with OUD had a co-occurring SUD, and the most prevalent co-occurring SUD was for “other psychoactive substances”, indicated among about one-quarter of enrollees with OUD in each state. We also find some substantial gaps in MOUD treatment receipt and engagement for individuals with OUD and a co-occurring SUD, a group representing more than half of individuals with OUD. In most states, enrollees with OUD and alcohol, cannabis, or amphetamine use disorder are significantly less likely to receive MOUD compared to enrollees with OUD only. In contrast, enrollees with OUD and other psychoactive SUD were significantly more likely to receive MOUD treatment. Conditional on MOUD receipt, enrollees with co-occurring SUDs had 10 % to 50 % lower odds of having a 180-day period of continuous MOUD treatment, an important predictor of better patient outcomes. Associations with concurrent receipt of MOUD and behavioral counseling were mixed across states and varied depending on co-occurring SUD type. ConclusionsOverall, ongoing progress toward increasing access to and quality of evidence-based treatment for OUD requires further efforts to ensure that individuals with co-occurring SUDs are engaged and retained in effective treatment. As the opioid crisis evolves, continued changes in drug use patterns and populations experiencing harms may necessitate new policy approaches that more fully address the complex needs of a growing population of individuals with OUD and other types of SUD.

Associations Between Distinct Co-occurring Substance Use Disorders and Receipt of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder in the Veterans Health Administration.

Among people with opioid use disorder (OUD), having a co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD) is associated with lower likelihood of receiving OUD treatment medications (MOUD). However, it is unclear how distinct co-occurring SUDs are associated with MOUD receipt. This study examined associations of distinct co-occurring SUDs with initiation and continuation of MOUD among patients with OUD in the national Veterans Health Administration (VA). Electronic health record data were extracted for outpatients with OUD who received care August 1, 2016, to July 31, 2017. Analyses were conducted separately among patients without and with prior-year MOUD receipt to examine initiation and continuation, respectively. SUDs were measured using diagnostic codes; MOUD receipt was measured using prescription fills/clinic visits. Adjusted regression models estimated likelihood of following-year MOUD receipt for patients with each co-occurring SUD relative to those without. Among 23,990 patients without prior-year MOUD receipt, 12% initiated in the following year. Alcohol use disorder (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR], 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.90) and cannabis use disorder (aIRR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.70-0.87) were negatively associated with initiation. Among 11,854 patients with prior-year MOUD receipt, 83% continued in the following year. Alcohol use disorder (aIRR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.91-0.97), amphetamine/other stimulant use disorder (aIRR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.90-0.99), and cannabis use disorder (aIRR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93-0.98) were negatively associated with continuation. In this study of national VA outpatients with OUD, those with certain co-occurring SUDs were less likely to initiate or continue MOUD. Further research is needed to identify barriers related to specific co-occurring SUDs.

Longitudinal associations between pain and substance use disorder treatment outcomes

IntroductionPain is commonly reported among those in treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) and is associated with poorer SUD treatment outcomes. The current study examined the trajectory of pain over the course of SUD treatment and associations with substance use outcomes. MethodsThis observational study included adults seeking treatment for alcohol, cannabis, or opioid use disorders (N = 811). Participants completed a battery of assessments at treatment admission, 30 days post admission, and at discharge, including measures of demographics, pain, quality of life, abstinence self-efficacy, and craving. ResultsAnalyses indicated linear reductions in pain intensity and interference over time. Significant interactive effects were observed for opioid use disorder (OUD) and time, such that participants with OUD had greater reductions in pain intensity and interference over time compared to those without OUD. Elevated pain intensity was associated with negative treatment outcomes, including reduced quality of life and abstinence self-efficacy, and greater craving and negative affect. ConclusionsReductions in pain occur over the course of SUD treatment, particularly for those with OUD. Greater pain was also associated with adverse SUD treatment outcomes. Results suggest that treatment and associated abstinence may be beneficial for those with co-occurring pain and SUD, highlighting an additional benefit of improving access to SUD treatment for patients and health care systems. Future research should replicate these findings among diverse samples and further characterize the trajectory of pain during and after SUD treatment.

New Directions in Rehabilitation Counseling for Individuals With Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders

People with disabilities and people with substance use disorders (SUDs) often experience challenges with psychosocial and vocational adjustment. When someone has both a disability and a co-occurring SUD, existing challenges can be exacerbated and newer, unique challenges may arise. Individuals with disabilities and co-occurring SUDs are often underrepresented in both VR programs and addictions treatment settings. The aims of this article are to first describe the SUD epidemic among those with disabilities and examine specific disability populations that are at an increased risk for SUDs, and second to advocate for an integrated treatment approach and provide specific implications and strategies when serving this population in the VR phases of eligibility determination, job development and placement, and job retention and follow-up.

Factors Associated With the Presence of Co-occurring Pain and Substance Use Disorder Programs in Substance Use Treatment Facilities.

The rise in deaths related to substance use has caused a push toward linking patients to pharmacological maintenance treatment and, when appropriate, to residential substance use treatment facilities. One of the underlying issues in a subset of patients with substance use disorder (SUD) is chronic pain. We evaluated the prevalence and characteristics of those facilities that offer treatment programs tailored for patients with co-occurring pain and SUD. This study was a retrospective review of data collected by the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services in 2019. The National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services is sent annually to all substance use treatment facilities and collects information on their characteristics and services. We calculated prevalence of chronic pain programs, reported characteristics, and did a binomial logistic regression to determine predictors of a facility offering such a program. Of 15,945 respondents, 2990 (18.8%) of facilities offered a tailored program for patients with co-occurring pain and SUDs. Characteristics that were best predictors included the following: facility has a tailored program for veterans ( P < 0.001), serves only clients with opioid use disorder ( P = 0.03), and provides maintenance services with methadone or buprenorphine for treating opioid use disorder ( P = 0.009). As of 2019, only a small percentage of substance use treatment facilities reported having a program that treats patients with co-occurring pain and SUD. Given the known high prevalence of co-occurring pain and SUD, further understanding of the role of these programs and barriers to implementation may enhance acceptance in treatment programs.

Graded response item response theory in scaling suicidal thoughts and behaviors among trauma-exposed women with substance use disorders.

Objective: The co-occurrence of substance use disorders (SUD) and trauma-exposure is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB). However, traditional methods of measurement for suicidal thoughts and behaviors are limited by an overreliance on dichotomous (i.e., yes or no) and averaged/summed scale score measurements. Further, among trauma-exposed individuals with SUD, it remains unclear which specific demographic factors, types of SUDs, and trauma sequelae (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptom clusters) may be associated with elevated STB. The present study utilized item response theory to (a) generate empirically derived STB severity scores and, (b) examine which demographic factors, SUD diagnoses, and DSM-IV PTSD symptom clusters are associated with suicidality in a trauma-exposed sample with SUDs. Method: Female trauma-exposed participants with SUDs (N = 544) were recruited from community substance use treatment facilities in the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN). Clinician-administered interviews assessed STB, SUDs, and PTSD symptoms. Results: Results indicated that the unidimensional item response theory (IRT) model used to estimate latent STB severity scores fit well, with strong local reliability at higher levels of latent STB severity. Regression predictors of elevated STB severity included younger age, opioid dependence, and higher PTSD reexperiencing symptoms. Conclusions: Clinicians are advised to screen for and target opioid use disorders and reexperiencing symptoms when addressing suicidal thoughts and behavior in trauma-exposed individuals with SUDs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Family history of substance use disorder and likelihood of prescription drug misuse in adults 50 and older

Objective Individuals who are family history positive (FHP) for substance use problems have increased risk for substance use, substance use disorders (SUDs), and psychopathology. Links between FHP status and prescription drug misuse (PDM) have not been well investigated; this study examined PDM in adults 50 and older by FHP status. Methods Data were from the US NESARC-III (n = 14,667). Participants reported their opioid PDM, tranquilizer/sedative PDM, SUD, psychopathology, and family history status (i.e. first- and second-degree relatives with alcohol/substance use problems). Prevalence rates were estimated by FHP status, and logistic regressions compared FHP and family history negative (FHN) groups. Results FHP status was associated with significantly higher rates of PDM (e.g. past-year opioid PDM, FHP: 3.8%, FHN: 1.5%) and SUD from PDM (e.g. past-year SUD, FHP: 1.2%, FHN: 0.2%); also, prevalence varied by family history density, with the highest rates in those with three or more relatives with substance use problems (e.g. past-year opioid PDM: 5.5%). Overall, 32.2% of FHP individuals with past-year PDM had past-year co-occurring SUD and psychopathology diagnoses, versus 11.0% of FHN individuals. Conclusion FHP status could inform treatment decisions in adults 50 and older with conditions for which prescription opioids or tranquilizer/sedatives are indicated.

Comparative Effectiveness Associated With Buprenorphine and Naltrexone in Opioid Use Disorder and Cooccurring Polysubstance Use

Despite prevalent polysubstance use, treatment patterns and outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and cooccurring substance use disorders (SUD) are understudied. To evaluate the distribution of buprenorphine and naltrexone initiation among individuals with OUD with vs without cooccurring SUD and to assess the comparative effectiveness associated with buprenorphine and naltrexone against drug-related poisonings. This observational comparative effectiveness study used insurance claims from 2011 to 2016 from the US IBM MarketScan databases to study initiation of medications for OUD (MOUD) among treatment-seeking individuals aged 12 to 64 years with a primary diagnosis of OUD. Cooccurring SUD was defined as SUD diagnosed concurrent with or in the 6 months prior to OUD treatment initiation. Treatment was codified as psychosocial treatment without MOUD or initiation or buprenorphine or naltrexone (including extended-release or oral). Methadone recipients were excluded from analysis. Data were analyzed from February 3, 2021, through February 26, 2022. MOUD. Associations between cooccurring SUD diagnoses with treatment type were assessed with multivariable regression. The association of drug-related poisoning admissions with days covered with buprenorphine or naltrexone prescriptions vs days without prescriptions was assessed among MOUD initiators. Odds ratios from within-person fixed effects models were estimated as a function of MOUD and stratified by cooccurring SUDs. Among 179 280 individuals with OUD (mean [SD] age, 33.2 [11.0] years; 90 196 [50.5%] men), 102 930 (57.4%) received psychosocial treatment without MOUD. Across 47 488 individuals with cooccurring SUDs, 33 449 (70.4%) did not receive MOUD, whereas across 131 792 individuals without cooccurring SUDs, 69 481 (52.7%) did not receive MOUD. Cooccurring SUD was associated with decreased odds of initiating buprenorphine (risk ratio [RR], 0.55 [95% CI, 0.54-0.56]) but increased odds of initiating naltrexone (extended release: RR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.05-1.20]; oral: RR, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.86-2.03]). Among 12 485 individuals initiating MOUD who experienced at least 1 drug-related poisoning during insurance enrollment, buprenorphine treatment days were associated with decreased poisonings compared with days without MOUD for individuals with cooccurring SUD (odds ratio [OR], 0.56 [95% CI, 0.48-0.65]) and individuals without cooccurring SUD (OR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.53-0.63]), with comparable associations observed for extended-release naltrexone. No protective association was observed for oral naltrexone. These findings suggest that individuals with OUD and polysubstance use were less likely to initiate buprenorphine and naltrexone than individuals without polysubstance use. Among individuals initiating MOUD, polysubstance use was associated with decreased buprenorphine and increased naltrexone initiation, despite buprenorphine's protective associations against drug-related poisoning.

Trends in Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking Among US Adults With Major Depression or Substance Use Disorders, 2006-2019

Tobacco use is highly concentrated in persons with mental illness. To assess trends in past-month prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults with vs without past-year depression, substance use disorders (SUDs), or both, using nationally representative data. Exploratory, serial, cross-sectional study based on data from 558 960 individuals aged 18 years or older who participated in the 2006-2019 US National Surveys on Drug Use and Health. Past-year major depressive episode (MDE) and SUD using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition, Text Revision) criteria. Past-month self-reported cigarette use, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. Of the sampled 558 960 adults, 41.4% (unweighted) were aged 18 to 25 years, 29.8% (unweighted) were aged 26 to 49 years, and 53.4% (unweighted) were women. From 2006 to 2019, the past-month self-reported cigarette smoking prevalence declined significantly among adults with MDE from 37.3% to 24.2% for an average annual percent change of -3.2 (95% CI, -3.5 to -2.8; P < .001), adults with SUD from 46.5% to 35.8% for an average annual percent change of -1.7 (95% CI, -2.8 to -0.6; P = .002), and adults with co-occurring MDE and SUD from 50.7% to 37.0% for an annual average annual percent change of -2.1 (95% CI, -3.1 to -1.2; P < .001). The prevalence declined significantly for each examined age, sex, and racial and ethnic subgroup with MDE and with SUD (all P < .05), except for no significant changes in American Indian or Alaska Native adults with MDE (P = .98) or with SUD (P = .46). Differences in prevalence of cigarette smoking between adults with vs without MDE declined significantly for adults overall from 11.5% to 6.6%, for an average annual percent change of -3.4 (95% CI, -4.1 to -2.7; P < .001); significant average annual percent change declines were also seen for men (-5.1 [95% CI, -7.2 to -2.9]; P < .001); for women (-2.7 [95% CI, -3.9 to -1.5]; P < .001); for those aged 18 through 25 years (-5.2 [95% CI, -7.6 to -2.8]; P < .001); for those aged 50 years or older (-4.7 [95% CI, -8.0 to -1.2]; P = .01); for Hispanic individuals (-4.4 [95% CI, -8.0 to -0.5]; P = .03), and for White individuals (-3.6 [95% CI, -4.5 to -2.7]; P < .001). For American Indian or Alaska Native adults, prevalence did not significantly differ between those with vs without MDE during 2006-2012 but was significantly higher for those with MDE during 2013-2019 (difference, 11.3%; 95% CI, 0.9 to 21.7; P = .04). Differences among those with vs without SUD declined for women for an average annual percent change of -1.8 (95% CI, -2.8 to -0.9; P = .001). In this exploratory, serial, cross-sectional study, there were significant reductions in the prevalence of self-reported cigarette smoking among US adults with major depressive episode, substance use disorder, or both, between 2006 and 2019. However, continued efforts are needed to reduce the prevalence further.

Examining the role of social support in treatment for co-occurring substance use disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder

ObjectiveSocial support may be a critical mechanism in the treatment of co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, no studies have examined how social support changes as a function of treatment or predicts treatment outcome in a Veteran population with co-occurring SUD and PTSD. MethodThe current study is a secondary analysis that examined social support over the course of treatment for co-occurring SUD and PTSD (N = 81). Analyses were conducted to examine if a) social support predicts change in substance use and PTSD symptoms, respectively, over the course of treatment and during follow-up, and b) substance use and PTSD symptoms, respectively, predicts change in social support over treatment and during follow-up. ResultsThe findings revealed that between-person social support moderated decreases in substance use (B = −0.17, SE = 0.07, p = 0.017) and PTSD symptom severity (B = −0.12, SE = 0.05, p = 0.009) during treatment but not during follow-up. Within-person substance use and PTSD symptom severity predicted social support but substance use and PTSD symptoms did not moderate changes in social support during treatment or follow-up. ConclusionsThe findings highlight the critical role of social support during treatment in enhancing outcomes for individuals with co-occurring SUD and PTSD.

Design and Pilot Evaluation of a Cross-Training Curriculum for Intimate Partner Violence Advocates and Peer Recovery Coaches

ABSTRACT Substance use and intimate partner violence (IPV) co-occur, and experts have called for cross-training of IPV and substance use disorder (SUD) professionals. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate a cross-training curriculum for IPV advocates and peer recovery coaches. We used a one group pre-posttest study design to evaluate the efficacy and participant experience of the cross-training. Among IPV advocates, the training was associated with improving skills related to working with individuals with SUD, and improving self-efficacy related to working with survivors of IPV. Among recovery coaches, the training was associated with positive changes in self-efficacy regarding working with survivors of IPV and individuals with SUD. Overall, participants reported high satisfaction with the training. Participants indicated that they most appreciated the opportunity to connect with professionals in the other sector, suggesting that such collaborations may help to increase community capacity to respond to individuals experiencing co-occurring IPV and SUD.

Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder: A Clinical Intervention Study.

Background:The prevalence of substance use disorders (SUD) in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) appears to be higher than previously described. Attention has been drawn to developing new treatment approaches for this patient population, as they appear to do less well with traditional addiction treatment. There is very little research addressing treatment outcome. This study aims to introduce and evaluate a manualized group treatment intervention developed specifically for patients with ASD and co-occurring SUD.Methods:We developed a group treatment based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and evaluated outcome measures at the end of treatment and 3-month follow-up. Fifty-seven patients with ASD and co-occurring SUD were included of which 30 completed the group intervention, 27 of them also participated at 3-month follow-up.Results:The findings suggest that group treatment can work for patients with ASD and co-occurring SUD. Lower levels of alcohol use (t = 3.61, P = .002, d = 0.75), craving (t = 2.65, P = .013, d = 0.51), passive coping styles (t = 2.32, P = .030, d = 0.48), depression (t = 3.48, P = .002, d = 0.67), anxiety (t = 3.02, P = .006, d = 0.58), and stress (t = 2.62, P = .015, d = 0.51) symptoms were reported after completing the group intervention, with even stronger effects at 3 months follow-up.Conclusions:The present study shows promising results of a tailor-made group intervention in a heterogeneous patient population with ASD and co-occurring SUD with positive effects on both symptoms of ASD and SUD.

Polydrug Use and Co-occurring Substance Use Disorders in a Respondent Driven Sampling of Cocaine Base Paste Users in Santiago, Chile

ABSTRACT We characterized substance use patterns and co-occurring substance use disorders among active cocaine base paste (CBP) users in Santiago, Chile using data from respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in three areas of Metropolitan Santiago. Recruitment began with nine seeds, reaching 398 active CBP users (18% women; mean age 37.7 years), defined as persons consuming CBP at least twice per week in the last three months. Population proportions and uncertainty were estimated accounting for individuals’ social network and homophily. The median CBP age of initiation was 21 years, and the median number of years using CBP was 7 for women and 15 for men. The median days of use in the past month was 25 days, with a median of 56 doses per week. The proportion of monthly income spent on CBP was 65%. The prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs) were: 98% for CBP, 67% for alcohol, 60% for marijuana, and 41% for cocaine hydrochloride. Heavy polydrug use patterns and co-occurring SUDs are frequent among active CBP users in the metropolitan area of Santiago. Traditional surveillance strategies may have underestimated polysubstance use and co-occurring SUDs in active CBP users. RDS proved to be a feasible methodology that could be effectively used for substance use surveillance among hard-to-reach populations.

Trends and Disparities in Treatment for Co-occurring Major Depression and Substance Use Disorders Among US Adolescents From 2011 to 2019

Major depression and substance use disorders (SUD) commonly co-occur among adolescents, yet little is known about treatment use among adolescents with both conditions. Given the reciprocal influence of these conditions on each other and low prevalence of treatment overall, current information on quantification and trends in treatment of co-occurring depression and SUD is critical toward assessing how the field is performing in reaching youth in need of these services, and among youth with sociodemographic risk factors. To examine temporal trends and sociodemographic disparities in the treatment of co-occurring major depression and SUD among US adolescents. This survey study used publicly available data for adolescents aged 12 to 17 years from the annual cross-sectional surveys of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 2011 to 2019 to assess co-occurrence of major depressive episodes (MDE) and SUD through time and prevalence of treatment for either or both of these conditions. Data were analyzed between October 2020 and February 2021. Survey years, adolescent age, gender, race and ethnicity, type of insurance, annual household income, family structure, and residential stability. Presence and treatment of co-occurring 12-month MDE and SUD. In total, 136 262 adolescents participated in the 2011 to 2019 surveys, among whom 69 584 (51.1%) were boys and 66 678 (49.0%) were girls, 46 548 (34.1%) were aged 16 to 17 years, and 18 173 (13.8%) were Black, 28 687 (23.2%) were Hispanic, and 74 512 (53.6%) were White. From 2011 to 2019, the annual prevalence of co-occurring MDE and SUD remained stable, at between 1.4% and 1.7%. Among adolescents with co-occurring MDE and SUD, the prevalence of treatment use for MDE only increased significantly from 28.5% in 2011 to 42.5% in 2019 (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.11; P = .005), whereas the prevalence of treatment use for SUD only decreased from 4.8% to 1.5% (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.85-0.99; P = .04). Overall, the prevalence of treatment use for both conditions fluctuated between 4.5% and 11.6%, without a significant linear trend over time (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.87-1.03; P = .24). Extensive disparities in treatment use were found among boys for SUD and both conditions, older adolescents for MDE, Hispanic adolescents for co-occurring conditions (adjusted OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.27-0.98; P = .04), and Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander adolescents for MDE (adjusted OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.10-0.58; P = .002) and co-occurring conditions (adjusted OR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01-0.33; P = .003). Moving households 3 or more times in the past 12 months was associated with higher odds that adolescents received treatment for both conditions (adjusted OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.26-5.05; P = .009). This survey study found that from 2011 to 2019, less than 12% of adolescents with major depression and SUD received treatment for both conditions from 2011 to 2019. Findings from this study call for expanded service provision for adolescents with co-occurring conditions, improved coordination between service delivery systems, and enhanced policy and funding support for adolescents with unmet treatment needs.

TRAUMA AND STRESSOR-RELATED AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS IN ADOLESCENCE: A PRACTITIONER’S GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING AND TREATING THESE CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS

We will review clinical impacts and explore overlapping symptoms and neurobiological functional domains. Practical approaches to engaging families and a transdiagnostic approach to understanding and treating co-occurring trauma and substance use disorders (SUDs) in adolescents will be presented. First, Destiny Pegram, MD, will present a case vignette to demonstrate the interaction of early-life trauma and SUD. She will highlight the prevalence, risk factors, and treatment outcome implications of co-occurring trauma and SUD. Iliyan Ivanov, MD, will provide an update on trauma and SUD in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, Jesse Hinckley, MD, PhD, will discuss the biologic intersections of trauma and SUD. He will present clinical vignettes to illustrate overlapping symptoms and functional domains, review shared neurobiological factors, and explore how these factors may maintain or exacerbate the co-occurring disorders. Third, Abita Raj, MD, will present video clinical vignettes to demonstrate Solution-Focused Brief Therapy as an evidence-based approach to engage families in the treatment of trauma and SUD. Fourth, Liza Suarez, PhD, will present an integrated treatment approach for youth with traumatic stress and co-occurring substance use problems. Steve Berkowitz, MD, director of the Stress, Trauma, Adversity Research, and Treatment (START) Center at the University of Colorado and co-chair of the AACAP Disaster and Trauma Issues Committee will serve as the discussant. At the end of this Clinical Perspectives, participants will identify the importance of co-occurring trauma and SUD and will better understand the clinical and biological factors that maintain or exacerbate co-occurring disorders. Participants will learn best practices and practical approaches for screening in a trauma-informed process and for implementing Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to engage families in treatment. Participants will be introduced to a transdiagnostic approach to understand and treat co-occurring PTSD and SUD in adolescents through an in-depth case presentation. Trauma and SUD commonly co-occur in youth. There is a need for mental health clinicians to implement trauma-informed screening processes and to identify principles of treating these co-occurring disorders.