Co-occurring Substance Research Articles

Hopelessness, Suicidality, and Co-Occurring Substance Use among Adolescent Hallucinogen Users-A National Survey Study.

(1) Objectives: Hallucinogens are being explored as a potential treatment of psychiatric disorders. Micro dosing of illicitly purchased hallucinogen drugs is on the rise despite conclusive benefits. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and odds of hopelessness, suicidality, and co-occurring substance use among adolescent hallucinogen users. (2) Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) 2001-2019 data that nationally represents school-going US adolescents. We identified hallucinogen use based on the survey questions, exploring the use of hallucinogens (LSD, PCP, mescaline, and mushrooms). (3) Results: Out of a total of 125,550 respondents, 8.4% reported using hallucinogens. Overall, the trend of hallucinogen use decreased from 13.3% (2001) to 7.0% (2019) (pTrend < 0.0001). Hallucinogen users were at high odds of feeling sad and hopeless (aOR: 1.40; 95%CI: 1.21-1.61; p < 0.0001), considering suicide (aOR: 1.36; 95%CI: 1.08-1.70; p = 0.009), and planning suicide (aOR: 1.49; 95%CI: 1.19-1.86; p = 0.001). Additionally, adolescent hallucinogen users had a higher prevalence of alcohol, cigarette, e-cigarette, marijuana, synthetic marijuana, inhalants, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy use. (4) Conclusions: The overall trend of hallucinogen use decreased among school-going American adolescents. We found a high prevalence of co-occurring substance use among hallucinogen users. We found that hallucinogen users were at high odds of feeling sad, hopeless, and considering and planning suicide. Further research is needed to explore the effects of recreational hallucinogen use among the adolescent population.

Performance Measurement for Opioid Use Disorder Medication Treatment and Care Retention.

Performance Measurement for Opioid Use Disorder Medication Treatment and Care Retention.

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.

The Contextual Factors Associated with Co-occurring Substance and Problematic Internet Use in Adolescence: a Network Approach

The Contextual Factors Associated with Co-occurring Substance and Problematic Internet Use in Adolescence: a Network Approach

Pain Management and Substance Use Disorders

The American Society for Pain Management Nursing and the International Nurses Society on Addictions hold the position that persons with co-occurring pain and substance use disorder have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and receive evidence-based, high-quality assessment and management for both conditions using an integrated, holistic, multidimensional approach. Non-opioid and nonpharmacological approaches to pain management are recommended. Opioids should not be withheld from anyone if necessary to treat pain, and a team-based approach, including pain and addiction specialists, should be utilized when possible. Pain management should include interventions aimed at minimizing the risk for relapse or escalation of problematic substance use, and actively involve the person and their support persons in the plan of care. Institutions should establish policies and procedures that support this position statement.

Drug-Free Community Support in Inpatients with Co-occurring Psychiatric Disorders and Substance Use Problems

Objective: This study evaluated the presence of drug-free family and friends in the social networks of patients treated in an inpatient setting for co-occurring psychiatric disorders and substance use problems. Methods: Social network interviews were conducted with inpatients at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Acute Psychiatric Unit with co-occurring psychiatric disorders and substance use problems (N = 90). Results: Participants reported about five social network members, of which four were drug-free. Most participants (> 70%) were willing to include a drug-free person in the current inpatient treatment plan to support recovery efforts (M = 1.8 network members) and identified several areas of recovery support. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that people treated in an inpatient psychiatric setting have local drug-free family or friends that they are willing to include in the treatment process. These findings support further study of methods to mobilize network members to enhance social support during and following hospitalization.

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.

Model of Family Caregiver Resilience and Burden in Opioid Use Disorder: A Theoretical Framework.

This theory synthesis provides a theoretical model for nursing researchers to examine factors that influence resilience and burden in family caregivers of individuals with opioid use disorder. Two frameworks, the Resiliency Model and the Conceptual Framework for Family Involvement with Adults with Co-occurring Substance and Mental Disorders, were synthesized and modified by incorporating concepts and conceptual relationships from recent research studies and experiential knowledge from clinical practice to develop a new model. The model predicts the impact of caregiver characteristics, caregiver support, stressors, and caregiver-care recipient dyad characteristics on caregiver well-being.

Efficacy of Brief Interventions for Comorbid Substance Misuse in Patients on Opioid Agonist Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Multiple substance use is a common but underrecognized problem in patients on opioid agonist treatment (OAT). Co-occurring substance misuse is associated with poor clinical and psychosocial outcomes. We aimed ( a ) to determine the effect of screening and brief intervention (SBI) for substance misuse in people on OAT and (b) to qualitatively summarize the implementation of SBI. We performed a systematic review of clinical trials on the efficacy of SBI for alcohol and drug misuse in participants on OAT. We searched 5 electronic databases and included published studies and unpublished trials. We measured the standardized mean difference in substance risk scores before and after intervention. We also estimated the standardized mean difference in alcohol consumption per day before and after intervention. We included a total of 8 studies; 5 of these were included in the meta-analysis, and all were reviewed for narrative synthesis. We observed a significant change in the pre-post brief intervention substance risk scores with a medium effect size (Hedges g = 0.752, 95% confidence interval, 0.405-1.099). Sensitivity analyses with different pretest-posttest correlations did not change our result. Modest effects of SBI were found in reducing both alcohol and illicit drug risk scores, and among the population on methadone and buprenorphine treatment. We also observed a significant decrease in alcohol consumption per day 3 months after SBI. Studies showed a limited and incomplete screening for substance misuse and delivery of brief intervention in OAT settings. Screening and brief intervention may be a potential treatment for co-occurring substance misuse among patients on OAT.

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.

Adverse Childhood Experiences among a Sample of Youth Living with HIV in the Deep South.

The southern region of the United States, often referred to as the Deep South, is disproportionately affected by HIV. In fact, the highest rates of new HIV infections occur in the Deep South. Approximately one in five new HIV infections are among youth. Youth living with HIV (YLWH) have several behavioral health risks, including co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders, which negatively affect medication adherence, contribute to less engagement in HIV care, and result in poor health outcomes. Research suggests that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) contribute to HIV risk behaviors and that people living with HIV may be more vulnerable to the negative health outcomes and adverse effects of stressors. Using existing program evaluation data, we examined data from 41 YLWH aged 17–24 screened for ACEs in an integrated care setting. Most participants were Black/African American young men who identified as homosexual, bisexual, or questioning, and who acquired HIV behaviorally. Approximately, one-third of YLWH screened positive or in the high-risk range on an ACEs screener. Scores fell in the intermediate range for nearly half of the sample. Results did not reveal a significant relationship between ACEs and HIV biological indicators. In this paper, we describe these findings and the importance of incorporating trauma-informed approaches into HIV prevention and treatment programs targeting youth in the Deep South.

Addressing Substance Use in Psychiatric Care: An Old Problem With Renewed Urgency.

Patients, clinicians, researchers, and policy makers have long called for greater integration of services for people with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. Decades later, these services remain fragmented in psychiatry across much of the United States. Mounting deaths from drug-related overdoses call for renewed focus on bringing substance use into the center of psychiatric services. This Open Forum explores factors within the field of psychiatry, including insufficient training related to substance use, prevalent stigma surrounding substance use, and limited availability of co-occurring disorder specialists, that reinforce this divide and offers solutions for better addressing substance use disorders in psychiatric care.

ADHD and Substance Use Disorders in Young People: Considerations for Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Pharmacotherapy.

Co-occurring ADHD and substance use disorder (SUD) is a common clinical presentation associated with significant impairment requiring careful evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Treatment with medication, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, is generally regarded as effective in addressing symptoms and impairments associated with both disorders. Options for pharmacotherapy include stimulant and nonstimulant therapies administered with careful monitoring of dosage and compliance to optimize efficacy. In high-risk groups such as college students and/or those with SUD, prescribers should address risks of stimulant misuse and diversion through patient and family education, medication monitoring, and other risk-reducing practices.

Does Bail Reform Decarcerate Mental Illness? Public Health Challenges for a Large County Jail System.

Although bail reform reduces jail census, whether or not its effects extend to incarcerated individuals with mental illness is unknown. Using a novel high-sensitivity measure of serious mental illness (SMI) from jail-based electronic health records, we conducted an interrupted time series analysis assessing the impact of Illinois bail reform on total jail registrations and the nested subset with SMI ± co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD). Compared with a decline in total jail registrations, admission of individuals with SMI ± SUD showed no decline. Consequently, the proportion of admissions involving SMI increased between 2015 and 2019 from 26% to 35%. Intentional efforts involving cooperation by the health, social services, and justice sectors are needed to translate the impact of bail reform onto the population experiencing SMI.

Clinical and Genetic Correlates of Bipolar Disorder With Childhood-Onset Attention Deficit Disorder.

Background:Bipolar disorder (BD) with co-occurring attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with an unfavorable course of illness. We aimed to identify potential clinical and genetic correlates of BD with and without ADHD.MethodsAmong patients with BD (N = 2,198) enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Bipolar Biobank we identified those with ADHD diagnosed in childhood (BD+cADHD; N = 350), those with adult-onset attention deficit symptoms (BD+aAD; N = 254), and those without ADHD (N = 1,594). We compared the groups using linear or logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, and recruitment site. For genotyped patients (N = 1,443), logistic regression was used to compare ADHD and BD polygenic risk scores (PRSs) between the BD groups, as well as to non-BD controls (N = 777).ResultsCompared to the non-ADHD BD group, BD+cADHD patients were younger, more often men and had a greater number of co-occurring anxiety and substance use disorders (all p < 0.001). Additionally, BD+cADHD patients had poorer responses to lithium and lamotrigine (p = 0.005 and p = 0.007, respectively). In PRS analyses, all BD patient subsets had greater genetic risk for BD and ADHD when compared to non-BD controls (p < 0.001 in all comparisons). BD+cADHD patients had a higher ADHD-PRS than non-ADHD BD patients (p = 0.012). However, BD+aAD patients showed no evidence of higher ADHD-PRS than non-ADHD BD patients (p = 0.38).ConclusionsBD+cADHD was associated with a greater number of comorbidities and reduced response to mood stabilizing treatments. The higher ADHD PRS for the BD+cADHD group may reflect a greater influence of genetic factors on early presentation of ADHD symptoms.

Trends in Psychiatric Hospitalizations of Patients With Dual Diagnosis in Spain

Objective Substance use disorders are highly prevalent in people living with a mental health disorder. Co-occurring substance use disorders have been associated with a worse prognosis and poorer adherence to treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the temporal trends in the prevalence of substance use disorders in patients admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit between 1998 and 2020. Methods This is a retrospective study based on the registry of 18,367 hospitalizations and 7,124 patients with a mental health disorder admitted during the period 1998 to 2020 in Malaga, Spain. Time trend analysis by gender and substance used was calculated using a segmented regression model. The permutation test was used to determine inflection points. A sensitivity analysis was performed based on the assumptions of autocorrelation and homoscedasticity. Results A total of 22.2% of admissions had a diagnosis of mental health disorder and co-occurring substance use disorders. Prevalence was higher among males (30.0%) than females (9.4%; p < .001). Patients with both disorders had a shorter length of stay by 2 days (p < .001) and a younger age at first admission (by 6.5 years; p < .001) compared to patients without substance use disorders. There was no difference in the total number of hospitalizations between the two groups. Psychotic disorders and multiple drug use disorders were the most prevalent diagnoses in men compared to women, whereas personality disorders and alcohol use were the most common diagnoses in women. We observed an increase in the prevalence of dual diagnosis between 2005 and 2020. There was a 3.0% increase in cannabis-related admissions per year during the whole study period (p < .001). Cannabis and cocaine use disorders have become the most prevalent in the last 10 years, while opioid and alcohol use disorders have decreased. Conclusions Co-occurring substance use disorders are highly prevalent among hospitalized patients. In recent years, the pattern of substance use has shifted, with cannabis being the most prevalent, while opiates and alcohol substance use have decreased. We need to devise a specialized approach and integrative treatment for patients with co-occurring disorders.

Use of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Among US Adolescents and Adults With Need for Opioid Treatment, 2019

Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is the criterion standard treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), but nationally representative studies of MOUD use in the US are lacking. To estimate MOUD use rates and identify associations between MOUD and individual characteristics among people who may have needed treatment for OUD. Cross-sectional, nationally representative study using the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health in the US. Participants included community-based, noninstitutionalized adolescent and adult respondents identified as individuals who may benefit from MOUD, defined as (1) meeting criteria for a past-year OUD, (2) reporting past-year MOUD use, or (3) receiving past-year specialty treatment for opioid use in the last or current treatment episode. The main outcomes were treatment with MOUD compared with non-MOUD services and no treatment. Associations with sociodemographic characteristics (eg, age, race and ethnicity, sex, income, and urbanicity); substance use disorders; and past-year health care or criminal legal system contacts were analyzed. Multinomial logistic regression was used to compare characteristics of people receiving MOUD with those receiving non-MOUD services or no treatment. Models accounted for predisposing, enabling, and need characteristics. In the weighted sample of 2 206 169 people who may have needed OUD treatment (55.5% male; 8.0% Hispanic; 9.9% non-Hispanic Black; 74.6% non-Hispanic White; and 7.5% categorized as non-Hispanic other, with other including 2.7% Asian, 0.9% Native American or Alaska Native, 0.2% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 3.8% multiracial), 55.1% were aged 35 years or older, 53.7% were publicly insured, 52.2% lived in a large metropolitan area, 56.8% had past-year prescription OUD, and 80.0% had 1 or more co-occurring substance use disorders (percentages are weighted). Only 27.8% of people needing OUD treatment received MOUD in the past year. Notably, no adolescents (aged 12-17 years) and only 13.2% of adults 50 years and older reported past-year MOUD use. Among adults, the likelihood of past-year MOUD receipt vs no treatment was lower for people aged 50 years and older vs 18 to 25 years (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR], 0.14; 95% CI, 0.05-0.41) or with middle or higher income (eg, $50 000-$74 999 vs $0-$19 999; aRRR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.07-0.44). Compared with receiving non-MOUD services, receipt of MOUD was more likely among adults with at least some college (vs high school or less; aRRR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.33-6.51) and less likely in small metropolitan areas (vs large metropolitan areas, aRRR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19-0.93). While contacts with the health care system (85.0%) and criminal legal system (60.5%) were common, most people encountering these systems did not report receiving MOUD (29.5% and 39.1%, respectively). In this cross-sectional study, MOUD uptake was low among people who could have benefited from treatment, especially adolescents and older adults. The high prevalence of health care and criminal legal system contacts suggests that there are critical gaps in care delivery or linkage and that cross-system integrated interventions are warranted.

KODY, an all-of-family response to co-occurring substance use and domestic violence: protocol for a quasi-experimental intervention trial

BackgroundThe co-occurrence of domestic violence with alcohol and other drugs significantly increases the severity of abuse and violence experienced by family members. Longitudinal studies indicate that substance use is one of few predictors of men’s continued use of, or desistance from, violence. Recent developments in men’s behaviour change programs have focused on men’s attitudes and behaviour towards their children, and the exploration of interventions that address the needs of all family members. However, the research evidence is limited on the most effective elements of men’s behaviour change programs in promoting the safety and wellbeing of child and women victim survivors.This study aims to build on the existing evidence by trialling the KODY program which addresses harmful substance use by men who also perpetrate domestic violence; the safety and wellbeing of women and children; the needs of children in their own right, as well as in relationship with their mothers; and the development of an ‘all-of-family’ service response. The evaluation of these innovations, and the ramifications for policy development to support less fragmented service system responses, provide the rationale for the study.Methods/DesignA quasi-experimental design will be used to assess the primary outcomes of improving the safety and wellbeing of mothers and children whose (ex)partners and fathers respectively participate in KODY (the trial program), when compared with ‘Caring Dads standard’ (the comparison group). Psychometric tests will be administered to fathers and mothers at baseline, post-program and at 3-month follow up. Data collection will occur over three years.DiscussionBy building the evidence base about responses to co-occurring domestic violence and substance use, this study aims to develop knowledge about improving safety outcomes for women and children, and to better understand appropriate support for children in families living at the intersection of domestic violence and substance use. It is anticipated that study findings will point to the ramifications for policy development to support less fragmented service system responses.Trial registrationAn application for registration with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (https://www.anzctr.org.au/) was lodged on 20 December 2021 (Request number: 383206)—prospectively registered.

Supplemental Material for The Role of Posttraumatic Guilt and Anger in Integrated Treatment for PTSD and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders Among Primarily Male Veterans

Supplemental Material for The Role of Posttraumatic Guilt and Anger in Integrated Treatment for PTSD and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders Among Primarily Male Veterans

Multiple Substance Use Disorders and Self-Reported Cognitive Function in U.S. Adults: Associations and Sex-Differences in a Nationally Representative Sample.

Polysubstance use is a growing public health concern that has been associated with poor clinical outcomes. Compared to single-drug users, this population suffers greater deficits in cognitive function, which hinder treatment success and recovery. Despite its high prevalence and poor prognosis, epidemiological research on polysubstance use and accompanying cognitive profile is lacking. We investigated associations between numbers of past-year co-occurring substance use disorders (SUDs) and self-reported cognitive function using data from the National Epidemiologic Survey for Alcohol and Related Conditions III (NESARC-III). Regression analyses revealed a significant negative association between cognitive scores and numbers of past-year SUDs, which was moderated by sex. After adjusting for confounding variables, greater numbers of SUDs were associated with declining self-reported cognitive function, and this relationship was stronger among females. Our findings expand on current literature on cognitive impairments among polysubstance users and provide a novel, nuanced description of this relationship among the general population. We highlight the need for targeted and individualized treatment approaches in order to improve outcomes in this population.