Patterns Of Substance Use Research Articles

Chemsex in Italy: Experiences of Men Who Have Sex With Men Consuming Illicit Drugs to Enhance and Prolong Their Sexual Activity

BackgroundChemsex is a novel phenomenon referring to the consumption of illicit drugs to facilitate, enhance, and prolong the sexual experience in men who have sex with men (MSM). AimThe present study aims to investigate contexts, patterns of substance use, first chemsex experience, and harm reduction in a group of MSM practicing chemsex in Italy. MethodsThirty MSM involved in chemsex activities were interviewed between February and July 2019. OutcomesThe interviews were conducted using an ad hoc grid exploring general characteristics of Italian chemsex, patterns of substance use, first chemsex experience, and harm reduction opinions. ResultsChemsex in Italy showed important peculiarities and patterns because of sociocultural background. Chemsex was mainly reported in private venues within couple and group sexual activities. Most participants attended chemsex sessions about 1-2 times per month often concurring with men-only club events. Freebase cocaine emerged among the most relevant substances consumed together with gamma-hydroxybutyrate/gamma-butyrolactone, crystal methamphetamine, and mephedrone. A rare use of injected substances compared with other European Union countries was shown. Given the high prevalence of erectile problems, a large use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors was reported, and noncoital sexual activities were usually preferred (eg, oral sex, fist fucking). The first chemsex experiences were usually accessed by geolocation-based dating apps and sexual partners and were generally described as positive experiences, with some negative consequences at the end of the session (dysphoric mental states, guilt, craving). Taking part in international gay events seems to favor the first experience of chemsex for some participants. Moreover, some MSM practiced chemsex only abroad or in other cities in Italy so as not to be recognized as chem users in their daily environment. Clinical TranslationImplications for ad hoc harm reduction programs are discussed. Strengths & LimitationsDespite the methodological limitations due to participants’ number and the absence of interviews audio recording, results highlighted some relevant characteristics of chemsex in Italy, such as freebase cocaine use, attitudes regarding slamming, geographical movements, and secrecy. ConclusionThe results revealed a need for greater scientific and public attention on chemsex to act with the most specific and effective prevention and harm reduction tools.Nimbi FM, Rosati F, Esposito RM, et al. Chemsex in Italy: Experiences of Men Who Have Sex With Men Consuming Illicit Drugs to Enhance and Prolong Their Sexual Activity. J Sex Med 2020;17:1875–1884.

Temporal changes in non-fatal opioid overdose patterns among people who use drugs in a Canadian setting

Background and Aims: Little is known about how the expansion of opioid agonist therapy (OAT) and emergence of fentanyl in the illicit drug supply in North America has influenced non-fatal opioid overdose (NFOD) risk. Therefore, we sought to identify patterns of substance use and addiction treatment engagement (i.e., OAT, other inpatient or outpatient treatment) prior to NFOD, as well as the trends and correlates of each pattern among people who use drugs (PWUD) in Vancouver, Canada. Methods: Data were derived from participants in three prospective cohorts of PWUD in Vancouver in 2009–2016. Observations from participants reporting opioid-related NFOD in the previous six months were included. A latent class analysis was used to identify classes based on substances used at the time of last NFOD and addiction treatment engagement in the month prior to the last NFOD. Multivariable generalized estimating equations estimated the correlates of each class membership. Results: In total, 889 observations from 570 participants were included. Four distinct classes were identified: (1) polysubstance use (PSU) and addiction treatment engagement; (2) PSU without treatment engagement; (3) exposure to unknown substances, mostly without treatment engagement; and (4) primary heroin users without treatment engagement. The class of exposure to unknown substances appeared in 2015 and became the dominant group (76.9%) in 2016. In multivariable analyses, the odds of membership in the class of primary heroin users decreased over time (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68–0.81). Conclusions: Changing profiles of PWUD reporting opioid-related NFOD were seen over time. Notably, there was a sudden increase in reports of overdose following exposure to unknown substances since 2015, the majority of whom reported no recent addiction treatment engagement. Further study into patterns of substance use and strategies to improve addiction treatment engagement is needed to improve and focus overdose prevention efforts.

The relationships between emerging adult transition themes, adverse childhood experiences, and substance use patterns among a community cohort of Hispanics.

Emerging adulthood (ages 18-26) is a time of identity exploration, experimentation, focusing on self or others, and instability, themes captured in the Inventory of Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA). Preliminary evidence suggests that emerging adults (EAs) with a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) score differently on transition dimensions than their peers, however, the role of ACE in the IDEA-substance use relationship is unknown. Data are from a longitudinal study of acculturation and health among Hispanics in California (N = 1,065). Multivariable regression models assessed the association between IDEA and ACE (no ACE, 1-3 ACE, and ≥ 4 ACE) for substance use behaviors over 2 time points. Interaction terms assessed whether ACE moderated the association between subjective perceptions of IDEA at age 20 and substance use at age 24. ACE-exposed EAs scored higher on identity exploration, instability, self-focus, and experimentation dimensions than their peers (ps < .01-.001). Scores on experimentation, identity exploration, and self-focus at age 20 were associated with divergent patterns of substance use across ACE exposure categories. In comparison to other groups, individuals in ≥ 4 ACE group who strongly identified with these transition themes at age 20 had the highest probability of binge drinking, past 30-day alcohol, marijuana, and illicit drug use at age 24 (adjusted odds ratios = 1.09-1.49, confidence interval [1.02-2.58]). Our findings suggest that ACE can affect subjective perceptions of transition themes and increased risk for substance use over time. Implications for substance use prevention efforts tailored to Hispanic EAs are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Cognitive Functioning Related to Binge Alcohol and Cannabis Co-Use in Abstinent Adolescents and Young Adults

Despite preliminary evidence of unique acute cognitive and psychopharmacological changes attributable to combined alcohol and cannabis use, few studies have investigated more chronic effects of same-day co-use, particularly during neurodevelopmentally sensitive periods. Therefore, relationships between past-month binge alcohol and cannabis co-use and cognitive functioning were examined in adolescents and young adults. Data from the Imaging Data in Emerging Adults with Addiction (IDEAA) Consortium were used to assess cognitive functioning in emerging adults with a large range of substance use (n = 232; 15-26 years old) who were abstinent for at least 3 weeks. Multiple regressions assessed cognitive functioning by past-month binge episodes, cannabis use episodes, and same-day co-use, controlling for covariates (e.g., study site, sex, age). After correcting for multiple comparisons, more past-month co-use episodes were related to decreased Ruff 2&7 selective attention accuracy (p = .036). Sex significantly covaried with California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition initial learning. Although few significant relationships were found and effect sizes are modest, the persistence of an effect on attention despite a period of sustained abstinence highlights the need to carefully investigate patterns of substance use and potential independent and interactive effects on the developing brain.

Recreational use of psychoactive substances among secondary school students in North-Central Nigeria

ABSTRACT Background: In the West African sub-region, the recreational use of psychoactive substances has increased. Adolescent substance use is commonly found among students. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and pattern of substance use among secondary school students in Ilorin, Nigeria. Methods: Using a multistage sampling technique, data from 2,001 students was analyzed. Instruments used were a sociodemographic questionnaire and a modified WHO Students’ Drug Use Survey Questionnaire. Results: The overall lifetime use of substances was 83.7%, while overall current use was 62.4%. Non-prescription use of antibiotics and analgesics was prevalent (53% and 15.8%, respectively). The psychoactive substances most commonly used were stimulants, alcohol and organic solvents, with a current use of 7.1%, 3.5% and 3.5% respectively (N = 2001). The overall mean age at first use was 13.45 ± 1.49, while many organic solvent users started at age 10. Conclusions: The recreational use of psychoactive substances is common among school children in Ilorin. The age of onset is in early adolescence, or earlier for substances like organic solvents that are easily accessible. The prevalent use of alcohol, a gateway drug, is a call for action.

Substance Use among Adolescent High School Students in Nigeria and Its Relationship with Psychosocial Factors.

Background: Despite the tremendous negative consequences of substances on the health and well-being of adolescents, studies continue to report the high rates of substance use among adolescents. We aimed to identify the pattern of substance use among high school students and its relationship with psychosocial factors. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: The study was conducted in Oct 2019 among students in the senior secondary school in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State; southwestern Nigeria. Participants were selected using random sampling, and data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Kessler Psychological distress scale and an adapted version of the NIDA-Modified ASSIST. Bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were carried out to identify factors associated with psychological distress. Results: Overall, 682 students participated in the study. The lifetime and current prevalence of any substance were 17.3% (95% CI: 14.7%, 20.5%) and 11.7% (95% CI: 9.0, 14.0), respectively. Although most substance use variables increases the risk of psychological distress, history of lifetime substance use AOR= 3.03 (95% CI: 1.19, 7.72, P =0.020) and absence of direct parental care AOR=2.04 (1.19, 3.48, P=0.009) significantly increases the risk of experiencing psychological distress. Parental substance use AOR=3.48 (95% CI: 1.57, 7.69, P =0.002), male gender AOR=2.97 (95% CI: 1.82, 4.83, P=0.001) significantly increased substance use risk while having married parents AOR=0.50 (95% CI: 0.27, 0.92, P=0.027) and living with parents AOR 0.39 (95% CI: 0.20, 0.75, P =0.005) were significant protective factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of substance use among these adolescents was substantial. Drug education initiated in primary school and services aimed at promoting the mental wellbeing of adolescents may go a long way in decreasing substance use among this population.

Self-Reported Patterns of Use of Alcohol and Drugs After Suicide Bereavement and Other Sudden Losses: A Mixed Methods Study of 1,854 Young Bereaved Adults in the UK.

BackgroundBereavement, particularly by suicide, is associated with an excess risk of mortality and of physical and psychological morbidity. Use of alcohol as a coping mechanism is suggested as a contributing factor. However, studies describing substance use after bereavement rely on diagnostic data, lacking a more fine-grained understanding of patterns of substance use when grieving. We aimed to use mixed methods to compare patterns of substance use after bereavement by suicide and other sudden deaths among young adults in the UK.MethodsUsing an online survey throughout 37 UK higher education institutions we collected free text responses from 1,854 young adults who had experienced sudden bereavement. We conducted content analysis of free text responses to an open question about patterns of alcohol and drug use following the bereavement, measuring frequencies of coded categories. Collapsing these categories into binary outcomes reflecting increased use of alcohol or drugs, we used multivariable logistic regression to quantify the associations between mode of bereavement and increased post-bereavement substance use.ResultsOf 1,854 eligible respondents, 353 reported bereavement by suicide, 395 by accidental death, and 1,106 by sudden natural causes. The majority of the sample reported no increase in their use of alcohol (58%) or unprescribed drugs (85%) after the bereavement. Overall 33% had increased their alcohol use at some point after the bereavement, whilst 12% had increased their use of drugs. People bereaved by suicide were significantly more likely to describe an increase in substance use (adjusted OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.00–1.66; p = 0.049) than people bereaved by sudden natural causes, as were people bereaved by non-suicide unnatural deaths (adjusted OR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.03–1.68; p = 0.026).ConclusionJust under half of young UK adults who experience sudden bereavement increase their alcohol use afterwards, and very few increase their use of drugs. People bereaved by suicide or non-suicide unnatural deaths may be more likely than people bereaved by sudden natural causes to use substances as part of the grieving process, and may have a greater need for monitoring of potential harms. Understanding the reasons for substance use will help primary care and bereavement practitioners screen and address needs appropriately.

S238. PATIENT ENGAGEMENT TO EARLY INTERVENTION IN PSYCHOSIS SERVICES: RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF ENGAGEMENT PATTERNS

BackgroundWithin outpatient mental health services there exists an important awareness of the difficulties in engaging and maintaining contact with patients, as well as the understanding of the negative effects of disengagement, including worse patient outcomes and increased healthcare burden. Despite the importance of engagement on service delivery and recovery outcomes, few studies have examined rates and predictors of engagement in the early phase psychosis population. Although better than community care, it has been reported that an average of 30% of patients disengage from specialized early intervention services for psychosis (EIS). We examined rates of disengagement to a 5 year EIS for psychosis, including potential individual risk factors for disengagement at entry to service.MethodsThis cross-sectional cohort study examined engagement to services to a single EIS site from November 2006 to November 2016. Disengagement was determined retrospectively on review of medical records, defined as not attending to clinic services despite repeated attempts by clinicians/clinic for a three month time frame. Gender, age at clinic entry, ethnicity, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI-30), General Assessment of Function (GAF), Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS), WHO-ASSIST version 3.0, and the Psychological General Well Being (PGWB)scale at entry to service were examined between groups. . Descriptive statistical and survival analyses for time to disengagement were conducted on the patient data set.Results331 patient records were complete (with above scales) from entry to service to discharge or loss to follow-up. Patients were found to fall into 3 categories with regard to patterns of engagement. The first category we named “engagers” as they remained committed to their care throughout the program and comprised 50% of the sample. The second group were labeled the disengagers (20% of the group) and these were individuals who disengaged at some point in the program and did not return, in contrast to “intermittent engagers“ who comprised 30% of the sample. Intermittent engagers were patients who at some point during their care would meet criteria for disengagement but would re-engage later (still within the 5 years from entry to EIS) and complete the program. Absolute disengagement by the disengager group was predominantly prior to 12 months of treatment (78% of the group) with a survival analysis showing a median time to absolute disengagement of 8 months. The 3 groups though defined based on their engagement status, did not significantly differ in age, gender and ethnicity. Additionally, the clinician reported scores GAF and SOFAS did not differ between the groups. Patterns of substance use differed between the groups. There was a trend toward higher tobacco use in the two groups showing disengagement. Cannabis use did not differ significantly between groups but the pattern of use was highest in the disengagers followed by the engagers and then intermittent engagers. Alcohol use was significantly different between the groups with 81% of the disengagers having problem levels of alcohol use (WHO ASSIST v. 3.0 score above 4), however, there was no correlation between alcohol score and time to disengagement.DiscussionOur retrospective study found a surprisingly large portion of the patient population will wax and wane in their commitment to health services but ultimately maintain attendance to complete the program, suggesting that patients should not be discharged early from EIS for psychosis. Substance use patterns and functional measures may identify patients who are at risk of early disengagement from EIS.

A qualitative exploration of substance misuse among homeless women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundSubstance use among homeless people is higher compared to the general population. In some studies, reported rates of problematic drug use among the homeless vary, with estimates ranging from 25 to 70%. There is a common perception that substance abuse and homelessness are linked, but there is considerable debate about the direction of the relationship. Despite observations of high levels of substance use among the homeless population in Addis Ababa, there are limited studies to date conducted on the topic. This study aims to explore the factors associated with onset of substance use and its continued use, patterns of substance use and its social and health consequences among female residents of a shelter in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted in 2019. In-depth interviews were conducted on 14 study participants who were selected purposively. The qualitative data analysis software QDA Miner 5.0.30 was used for data processing and analysis.ResultsFour major thematic areas were identified and they comprised the categories under which sub-themes were identified and coded. The major segments or categories included the following: reasons for the onset of substance use after becoming homeless, experiences of substance use and reasons for continued use, the harms which resulted on them from substance use, and the means of obtaining supply of the substances.ConclusionFactors related to life on streets were strong reasons for onset of substance use, as well as for its continued use. Homeless women suffered untimely death, addiction, and ill health from use of substances; however, they gave priority to obtaining substances than any other thing, and used every means to grab a supply of the substances.

Substance Use Disorder in Adult-Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients: Patterns of Use and Related Clinical Features.

Background: While a large amount of medical literature has explored the association between Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), less attention has been dedicated to the typologies of SUD and their relationships with ADHD-specific symptomatology and general psychopathology in dual disorder patients. Methods: We selected 72 patients (aged 18–65) with a concomitant SUD out of 120 adults with ADHD (A-ADHD). Assessment instruments included the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in adults (DIVA 2.0), Conner’s Adult ADHD Rating Scales–Observer (CAARS-O:S): Short Version, the Structured Clinical Interview for Axis I and II Disorders (SCID-I), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), the Brief Psychiatric rating scale (BPRS), the Reactivity Intensity Polarity Stability Questionnaire (RIPoSt-40), the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). A factorial analysis was performed to group our patients by clusters in different typologies of substance use and correlations between SUDs, as made evident by their typological and diagnostic features; in addition, specific ADHD symptoms, severity of general psychopathology and patients’ functionality were assessed. Results: Two patterns of substance use were identified: the first (type 1) characterized by stimulants/alcohol and the second (type 2) by the use of cannabinoids (THC). Type 1 users were significantly younger and had more legal problems. The two patterns were similar in terms of ADHD-specific symptomatology and its severity at treatment entry. No differences were found regarding the other scales assessed, except for lower scores at MEQ in type 1 users. Conclusions: At treatment entry, the presence of different comorbid SUD clusters do not affect ADHD-specific symptomatology or severity.

Clinical characteristics distinguishing tramadol-using adolescents from other substance-using adolescents in an out-patient treatment setting

BackgroundNon-medical Prescription Opioid Use (NMPOU) has increased worldwide during the last decades, and specifically, tramadol misuse may represent a novel pattern of substance use among adolescents. The present study aims to analyze characteristics distinguishing tramadol-using adolescents from other substance-using adolescents seeking out-patient treatment. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of treatment-seeking patients between 13 and 24 years of age in an out-patient facility for substance use problems in Malmö, Sweden. A total of 526 treatment-seeking adolescents at an out-patient treatment center were included. Data on substance use, treatment history and socio-demographic variables were extracted through a semi-structured interview method aimed specifically for adolescents with alcohol or drug problems (Ung-DOK). Lifetime tramadol users were compared to non-users, and also, primary tramadol users were compared to remaining subjects. ResultsThirty-one percent (n = 162) were tramadol users (lifetime prevalence). In logistic regression, the tramadol group showed a significantly increased risk of tobacco use, problematic lifetime cocaine, benzodiazepine and amphetamine use, and were more likely to report contacts with the judicial system, and less likely to report contacts with child or adult psychiatry, and more likely to have parents born outside the Scandinavian countries. In logistic regression, primary tramadol use was negatively associated with frequent cannabis use. ConclusionsTramadol use appears to be a novel pattern among treatment-seeking adolescents. They showed a significantly increased risk of initiation of other illicit drugs and criminal behaviour, despite less contact with psychiatric care. More attention may be needed to this relatively novel pattern of opioid use.

A latent class analysis of changes in adolescent substance use between 1988 and 2011 in Sweden: associations with sex and psychosomatic problems.

To characterize changes in patterns of adolescent substance use in Sweden between 1988 and 2011, and to assess whether sex and psychosomatic problems were associated with substance use and whether these associations changed over time. Secondary analysis of repeated cross-sectional survey data. Survey data were collected eight times and analyzed as four cohorts (1988-91, 1995-98, 2002-05 and 2008-11). The sample included all 15-16-year-olds in Värmland County, Sweden (n=20 057). Binary-coded substance use measures included life-time use of alcohol and tobacco, getting drunk and past school year use of inhalants. An eight-item scale was used to assess psychosomatic problems. A three-class model fitted the data best (i.e. non/low use, mainly alcohol use and polysubstance use). The patterns of substance use were different among cohorts; most notably, adolescents in the last cohort had lower odds of being included in the alcohol and polysubstance use classes rather than the non/low use class than in the earlier cohorts (all Ps<0.001). Males had higher odds than females of being in the polysubstance use class rather than the non/low use class among the first three cohorts (all Ps<0.001) but not the last. Sex was not associated with inclusion in the alcohol use class rather than the non/low use class. Adolescents who reported more psychosomatic problems had higher odds of being included in the alcohol and polysubstance use classes rather than the non/low use class (all Ps<0.001). The associations of sex and psychosomatic problems with class inclusion did not change during the study period. Between 1988 and 2011, patterns of substance use among adolescents in Sweden shifted away from polysubstance use and alcohol use to non-use or low use. Associations between patterns of substance use and sex and psychosomatic problems remained largely consistent across the study period.

Lifetime drug use and related factors among street children and youth in Iran in 2016

ABSTRACT Background: The prevalence and patterns of substance use and its related risk factors in street children are significant for policymakers. The present study was conducted in six cities of Iran to explore the prevalence rate of drug use disorders and their associated high-risk behaviors among street children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 among 856 street children in Iran. The samples were recruited through Time-Location Sampling (TLS) method. Trained interviewers administered the questionnaires. The applied questionnaire consisted of modules concerning sociodemographic characteristics and risky behaviors. We used bivariate and multiple logistic regression models to identify factors associated with drug use disorders. Results: Of 856 street children participants, 5.28% (CI 95%: 3.84, 7.04) reported lifetime drug use. According to the final multivariable model, factors including nationality (AOR = 4.79, 95% CI 1.57, 14.56), father’s history of drug use (AOR = 3.25, 95% CI 1.43, 7.41), and alcohol use (AOR = 5.63, 95% CI 2.43, 13.07) were independently associated with lifetime drug use. Conclusion: The children with Iranian nationality, father’s history of drug use, and alcohol use had significantly higher odds of lifetime drug use. This study calls for the development of an urgent plan to implement appropriate interventions for street children, particularly high-risk ones in Iran.

Longitudinal stability and change in adolescent substance use: A latent transition analysis

Substance use is widespread among adolescents and several studies focused on its prevalence, sequencing of initiation and frequency. However, longitudinal patterns of substance use in adolescence, combining sequencing and frequency, are rarely studied. The objective of this study was to analyze patterns of polysubstance use in adolescence including sequencing and frequency, their stability and change, using between-individual and within-individual analyses. This was done through a prospective longitudinal study with 879 Spanish children and adolescents (9–17 years old at time 1, 10–18 at time 2) followed-up for one year. Substance use was measured with a survey using a validated self-reported questionnaire focused on the frequency of use of different substances. Latent transition analysis found three patterns of substance use including non-users, occasional users and frequent users. Non-users and frequent users were stable over time whereas around one fifth of occasional users transitioned to frequent users. Substance use started with occasional alcohol consumption and tended to progress to frequent use and illicit drugs. It is concluded that substance use starts early in life and the best predictor of future non-use is the past non-use. Prevention and intervention seem necessary throughout the adolescence, especially before the progression to frequent use that does not seem to remit spontaneously.

Examining risk behavior and syringe coverage among people who inject drugs accessing a syringe services program: A latent class analysis

IntroductionInjection drug use (IDU) remains a significant public health problem. IDU has been associated closely with the opioid crisis; driving overdose, HIV, and Hepatitis C (HCV) infection nationwide. Syringe services programs (SSPs) remain pivotal evidence-based interventions to reduce harm and engage subgroups of people who inject drugs (PWID). This study aims to provide policy considerations from the IDEA SSP, the first legal SSP in the state of Florida. MethodsWe performed a latent class analysis on patterns of substance use among participants (N = 982) newly enrolled in a syringe services program (SSP). Associations between classes of substance use and sociodemographic variables, risky injection and sex behaviors, HIV/HCV status and syringe coverage were analyzed using the R3STEP and BCH 3-step procedures in latent class regression. ResultsWe found a three-class solution: Heroin-Dominant class (73.9%), Methamphetamine-Dominant class (9.5%) and Heroin/Cocaine class (16.6%). Compared to Heroin-Dominant class, the Heroin/Cocaine class were more likely to report homelessness, sharing works, unprotected sex, public injection, and to be HCV positive. Compared to both Heroin-Dominant and Heroin/Cocaine classes, the Methamphetamine-Dominant class were more likely to be male, Hispanic, gay or bisexual orientation, HIV positive, to report unprotected sex and sex with PWID. In addition, the lowest and highest syringe coverage were among those in the Heroin/Cocaine and Methamphetamine-Dominant classes, respectively. ConclusionExisting interventions among this population to mitigate infectious disease risk, such as SSPs, can be a used to engage differing PWID populations. However, multi-component, targeted preventive interventions and need-based syringe distribution policies are required to further reduce HIV and HCV risk among various PWID populations.

A Systematic Review of Music Therapy for Psychosocial Outcomes of Substance Use Clients

The objective of this study is to systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experiments that assess how music therapy affects the psychosocial outcomes of clients who are being treated for substance use concerns. This review includes all RCTs and quasi-experiments published in English-language peer-reviewed journals since 2006 that assess music therapy interventions for substance use. A search of bibliographic databases returned a list of 195 potential studies, which was narrowed to 14 for analysis. Current research supports the possibility that music therapy is an expressive intervention that can reduce depressive symptoms, as well as increase motivation for treatment and readiness to change patterns of substance use. Despite an increase in quantitative research on this topic in the last 10 years, an overall paucity of quantitative studies and lack of long-term research suggest that more primary studies are still needed before any conclusions can be made about the efficacy of music therapy for treating substance use.

Differential typologies of current substance use among Black and White high-school adolescents: A latent class analysis

Black and White adolescents demonstrate different prototypical profiles (i.e., typologies) of substance use, with Blacks demonstrating lower risk for concurrent use of two or more substances. Despite knowledge of these differences, typologies of adolescent substance use identified by person-centered methods, such as latent class analysis, have not characterized profiles by racial group. The current study examined typologies of substance use among Black and White youth separately using person-centered methods to identify common patterns of substance use among subjects. Data were drawn from a 5-year parent study examining adolescent health outcomes. The current study examined high-school aged White (n = 7271, 45.4% male) and Black youth (n = 1301, 40.1% male) who reported past-30-day frequency of cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, inhalant, and other drug use. Latent class analysis was used to examine substance use typologies among each group adjusting for grade and sex. Black and White youth demonstrated different typologies such that four typologies emerged among Blacks: Non-Use (87.8%), Alcohol and Marijuana Use (6.3%), Alcohol, Marijuana, and Cigarette Use (3.8%), and Frequent Polysubstance Use (2.0%). Conversely, five typologies emerged among Whites: Non-Use (73.4%), Predominant Alcohol Use (13.9%), Alcohol, Marijuana, and Cigarette Use (9.4%), Moderate Polysubstance Use (1.6%), and Frequent Polysubstance Use (1.7%). Findings suggest that Black and White youth engage in similar rates of concurrent substance use. Given that Black youth face greater risk for adverse consequences from substance use, prevention efforts are needed to prevent related health disparities related to concurrent substance use.

Substance Use and Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences in Undergraduate and Graduate Nursing Students

BACKGROUND: Substance misuse remains a public health crisis and contributor to morbidity and mortality. The nursing workforce is not immune to the impacts of substance misuse as rates are thought to mirror those of the general population. Additionally, as substance misuse often begins in adolescence or early adulthood, prevalence of misuse among practicing nurses highlights the fact that students are also at risk. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine rates and patterns of substance use and adverse childhood experience (ACE) exposure among nursing students while also examining associations between substance use and ACE exposure. METHOD: This study utilizes a cross-sectional and descriptive design through the provision of email surveys to nursing students. Email surveys consisting of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, the Drug Abuse Screening Tool 10-item survey, the ACE Questionnaire, and a demographic inquiry were distributed via Qualtrics survey software. RESULTS: A total of 662 individuals participated in the survey, the majority of whom self-identified as female, were undergraduate students, and were between 18 and 21 years. Moderate- to high-risk alcohol use was identified in 20% of students, while moderate- to high-risk drug use was identified in 3.6% of students. More than half of students endorsed exposure to at least one ACE. Significant associations were found between the Drug Abuse Screening Tool 10-item survey and the ACE Questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study have significant implications for nursing educators and must inform groundwork for the development of policies and interventions that are evidence based, nonpunitive, and trauma informed.

Patterns of Substance Use among Patients in Addiction Rehabilitation in Jordan.

Background: This study aimed to identify pattern of substance use among patients at two public addiction rehabilitation centers in Amman. It provided a description of substance use career and assessment of addiction severity, quality of life and quality of sleep among participants.Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study using a structured data collection form consisting of 4 parts: 1. General data including the demographic characteristics, medical history and career of drug abuse. 2. Severity of addiction using the severity of dependence scale (SDS). 3. Quality of life measured by the EQ-5D and 4. Quality of sleep measured by the insomnia severity index (ISI) scale.Results: A total of 93 patients from 2 treatment settings were recruited over 5 months. The total number of actively used substances was 196, with an average of 2 substances per patient. Alcohol and synthetic cannabinoids were the two most commonly used substances (39.8% and 38.7% respectively) followed by benzodiazepines (33.4%). A notable drop in heroin use was observed (5.4%, 5 out of 23 opioid user) compared to the years 2007-2009. The mean SDS score among patients was 11.43 (SD ± 3.48) indicating high dependence. Sleep problems were reported by 45% of patients. Data showed a significant role of community pharmacies in supplying drugs of abuse for users.Conclusion: Pattern of substance use changed significantly in Jordan with synthetic cannabinoids being of the top substances used and heroin use dropping. Actions should be taken to reframe the legalization of dispensing certain drugs by pharmacists without a prescription.

Substance use in Roma population in contact with social workers in the Czech Republic: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey

An increasing number of studies have focused on the topic of Roma communities and social exclusion in the Czech Republic, however, substance use has been surveyed only marginally. This paper brings new data on the patterns of substance use among Roma population in contact with social workers (546 respondents). Substance use, including daily smoking and regular excessive alcohol drinking, has been 2–6 times higher among Roma compared to the general population. Current illicit substance use was reported by 1/3 of the respondents (46.7% of males, 17.8% of females) with cannabis (27.1%) and methamphetamine (11.9%) being the most reported substances.