Prescription Drug Misuse Research Articles

Differences in prescription drug misuse among U.S. adults with and without disabilities.

Increasing evidence suggests that adults with disabilities have higher rates of drug misuse compared to adults without disabilities, however; there is limited information on rates of commonly misused prescription drugs (e.g., stimulants, opioids, tranquilizers) to quantify the magnitude of this disparity. Thus, the purpose of this cross-sectional study is to examine and compare prevalence rates of prescription drug misuse by disability status and age group in a national sample of U.S. adults. Data (n=47,100 adults) from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health was stratified by age group: 1) 18-29 years; 2) 30-49 years; 3) 50 - 64 years; and 4) 65+ years. Disability status, defined as difficulties with vision, hearing, ambulation, cognition, self-care, or communication, and misuse of prescription drugs were treated as dichotomous variables. Rao-Scott Chi-squared tests examined differences in misuse between individuals with and without disabilities, by age group, and logistic regression models estimated odds ratio for past-year misuse among individuals with disabilities compared to same-age peers without disabilities. All analyses were performed in June through August 2024. Adults with disabilities in the 18-29 and 30-49-year age groups had twice the odds of misusing stimulants, tranquilizers, and pain relivers compared to adults without disabilities. Adults with disabilities in both the 50 - 64 and 65+years age groups had over twice the odds of misusing pain relievers compared to adults without disabilities, however; there were no significant differences in stimulant or tranquilizer misuse. Given the disparity in prescription drug misuse in adults with disabilities across all age groups and prescription drug category, further research should focus on prevention and treatment of misuse in this population.

Psychosocial correlates of alcohol and substance use in college youth with type 1 diabetes.

Adolescents and young adults with chronic diseases face unique challenges during the college years and may consume alcohol and other substances to cope with stressors. This study aimed to assess the patterns of substance use and to determine psychosocial correlates of these behaviors among college youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). College youth with T1D were recruited via social media and direct outreach into a web-based study. Participants answered validated questions about substance use, and they completed validated screeners of depressive and anxiety symptoms (PHQ-2 and GAD-2), illness acceptance (ICQ), interpersonal support (ISEL), and grit (Grit scale). Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariable regression evaluated substance use behaviors as a function of psychosocial factors while adjusting for age and sex. Alcohol (84.06%) and marijuana (41.30%) were the most common substances reported. In bivariate analyses, depressive symptoms were positively associated (p = .01) and illness acceptance was inversely associated (p = .02) with marijuana use. Higher grit scores were inversely associated with marijuana use (p < .001) and prescription drug misuse (p = .04). The significant associations between marijuana use and depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.66), illness acceptance (AOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.91-0.99), and grit (AOR 0.32, 95% CI 0.17-0.60) persisted after adjustment for age and sex. Substance use is prevalent among college youth with T1D. While psychosocial factors such as depressive symptoms may confer an increased risk, illness acceptance and grit may be protective-especially against marijuana use. Providers should address both positive and negative psychosocial factors to mitigate substance use in this population.

A Nationally Representative Analysis of Substance Use and Sexual Health Correlates Associated with HIV and STI Testing among Adolescents.

Adolescents in the United States (US) continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV and STIs. We investigated the associations between sexual health and substance use behaviors with HIV and STI testing among high school students in the US. Cross-sectional weighted stepwise multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to determine the odds of lifetime HIV and STI testing among students, stratified by sex. Drugs and alcohol before sex, condom use during sex, number of sex partners, sex of sexual partners, substance use (e-cigarette, alcohol, and cannabis) frequency, lifetime cocaine use, and lifetime prescription drug misuse were predictors, adjusting for race/ethnicity and age. This analysis used the 2019 and 2021 cycles of the CDC Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System (YRBSS) data. Our sample of adolescents (n = 30,909) had a mean age of 16; 51% were male. Females engaging in substance use had increased odds of HIV and STI testing whereas that pattern did not reflect among males. Multiracial male adolescents had increased odds of HIV testing. Females engaging in condomless sex had lower odds of HIV and STI testing. This study highlights the need for tailored HIV and STI testing promotion and ongoing efforts for dismantling barriers to testing services. Furthermore, our study suggests that screenings follow the concurrent nature of sexual health and substance use behaviors of adolescents for integrated HIV/STI testing.

Analysis of Overdose-related Posts on Social Media

Intentional overdose (OD) of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs is becoming a significant social issue all over the world. While previous research has focused on drug misuse, there has been limited analysis using social networking service data. This study aims to analyze posts related to a drug overdose on Twitter® (X®) to understand the characteristics and trends of drug misuse, and to examine the applicability of social media in understanding the current situation of OD through natural language processing techniques. We collected posts in Japanese containing the term "OD" from January 10 to February 8, 2023, and analyzed 30203 posts. Using a pre-trained, fine-tuned bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) model, we classified the posts into categories, including direct mentions of OD. We examined the content for drug types and emotional context. Among the 5283 posts categorized as "Posts describing ODing," about one-third included specific drug names or related terms. The most frequently mentioned OTC drugs included active ingredients such as codeine, dextromethorphan, ephedrine, and diphenhydramine. Prescription drugs, particularly benzodiazepines and pregabalin, were also common. Tweets peaked at midnight, suggesting a link between negative emotions and potential OD incidents. Our classifier showed high accuracy in distinguishing OD-related posts. Analyzing Twitter® posts provides valuable insights into the patterns and emotional contexts of drug misuse. Monitoring social networking services for OD-related content could help identify high-risk individuals and inform prevention strategies. Enhanced monitoring and public awareness are crucial to reducing the risks associated with both OTC and prescription drug misuse.

Geographic Determinants and Spatial Epidemiology of Prescription Drug Abuse: A Comprehensive Analysis of Distribution Patterns, Treatment Accessibility and Intervention Strategies

This study examines the complex spatial patterns and geographic variations in prescription drug abuse, analyzing their impact on treatment outcomes and public health interventions. Through comprehensive spatial epidemiological analysis, we investigate how geographic factors influence abuse patterns across urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. The research synthesizes data on healthcare accessibility, socioeconomic conditions, and regional policy frameworks to understand their collective impact on prescription drug misuse. Our findings reveal significant geographic disparities in treatment accessibility, with rural areas facing substantial barriers to addiction services compared to urban centers. Analysis of prescription drug monitoring programs demonstrates varying effectiveness across regions, highlighting the need for spatially-tailored interventions. The study identifies distinct regional profiles of drug misuse, influenced by factors including healthcare infrastructure, cultural norms, and local regulatory environments. Advanced spatial analysis techniques, including geospatial mapping and hotspot analysis, revealed significant correlations between geographic determinants and abuse patterns. Results indicate that proximity to healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical distribution networks, and demographic characteristics contribute to localized risk profiles. The integration of multiple data sources, including prescription records and treatment admissions, provided insights into space-time clustering of abuse patterns. This research emphasizes the importance of developing geographically-informed approaches to combat prescription drug abuse, suggesting that intervention strategies should be tailored to specific regional contexts while addressing broader systemic issues. The findings have significant implications for public health policy, healthcare resource allocation, and the development of targeted prevention strategies.

Prescription and nonprescription drug misuse and abuse in community pharmacies in Iraq: a cross-sectional survey.

There is little known regarding prescription and nonprescription medicine nonmedical use (abuse and misuse) in Iraq, with limited treatment. Pharmacists could be a valuable source of information in the absence of any national monitoring system. This study aimed to explore Iraqi community pharmacists' perspectives on prescription and nonprescription medicine abuse/misuse, including motives for use and how often they encounter people whom they think are misusing or abusing medicines. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken between November 2020 and February 2021. Community pharmacists in Iraq were asked to complete a prepiloted self-administered questionnaire, distributed through online social media platforms. 300 pharmacists completed the questionnaire. The most commonly reported nonprescription drugs suspected of abuse/misuse were cough and cold medications (n = 80, 26.6%), topical corticosteroids (n = 54, 17.9%), and allergy products (n = 33, 11%). The most common reported prescription drugs suspected of abuse/misuse were systemic antibiotics (n = 111, 36.9%), gabapentinoids (n = 56, 18.6%), and moderate-weak opioids (n = 34, 11.3%). The most commonly method used by pharmacists to limit access to such drugs was responding that the requested medication was unavailable (n = 273, 51.7%), followed by advising on risks (n = 152, 33.2%). Prescription/nonprescription medicine abuse and misuse are suspected in community pharmacies in Iraq. Current methods for controlling the problem are likely to be ineffective in the absence of prescription drug enforcement. Pharmacists could have a more proactive role in managing this issue, networking with other pharmacists, and referring suspected users to support.

Characteristics of patients who are initiated on long-acting buprenorphine (Buvidal®) in France: A retrospective cross-sectional study

The long-acting buprenorphine Buvidal® is a recent type of opioid agonist treatment (OAT) used for opioid use disorder (OUD). It was initially suggested to preferentially use Buvidal® for specific OUD populations, including people in prison, or patients in recovery and on sublingual buprenorphine. We conducted a national study to examine whether the profile of patients treated with Buvidal® in France matched these initial recommendations. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 national addiction centers (outside prison), using the individual medical records of patients initiated on Buvidal®. Baseline characteristics were collected and described, including sociodemographic features, comorbid medical conditions, concurrent substance use and prescription drug misuse, and OAT features before Buvidal® initiation, respectively. In total 101 patients (72.3% males, mean age 43.9±11.3years) were identified, which corresponded to one sixth of all patients treated with Buvidal® in France at the time of the study. Of them, 36 (36.4%) of them were professionally active, 35 (35.4%) were durably inactive, and the rest in an intermediary situation. Furthermore, 90 (90.0%) patients had at least one medical comorbidity (all types), and 83 (83.0%) at least one psychiatric comorbidity. Most frequent non-psychiatric comorbidities were chronic pain (n=20, 20.0%) and chronic viral infection (n=16, 17.8%). Current use of psychoactive substances included cocaine and crack (n=43, 42.6%), heroin (n=19, 18.8%), but also misuse of prescription drugs (n=20, 20%), mainly opioid analgesics. Moreover, 99 (98.0%) patients had an OAT before Buvidal® initiation, including 7 (8.1%) patients on methadone. The profile of patients initiated on Buvidal® in France was extremely similar to that of patients treated for OUD in France, either in terms of social or clinical features. While initial recommendations essentially underlined the interest of Buvidal® for some niche populations, the on-the-ground practice reveals a more widespread use, including for unrecovered patients, or patients treated with methadone.

Abuse Deterrent Dosage Forms: Approaches, Advantages and Limitations

Background: Abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) are dosage forms designed to prevent or discourage the misuse of prescription drugs, particularly opioids. They achieve this aim by either minimizing the benefit of tampering with the dosage form or making it challenging to change this dosage form. Therefore, one of the priorities for public health is to develop dosage forms that have abuse-deterrent formulations. The escalation in the prescription of opioids has led to a surge in their abuse or misuse, resulting in a high mortality rate. Objectives: This review article explores drug abuse methods among addicted individuals and lists the most frequently abused drug classes. Furthermore, this review concentrates on understanding the most prevalent technologies used to deter abuse of prescribed opioid drugs. Methods: The search included online published databases from PubMed, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Science Direct, Elsevier, and others. The objective was to collect as much information as possible from articles using the keywords “abuse deterrent formulations and abuse deterrent technology." Conclusions: Physical-chemical barriers and agonist-antagonist formulations are available as marketed drugs as well as aversive agents’ formulations. Each of these types can inhibit or reduce specific cases of opioid misuse. Although the success of these products mostly relies on robust formulation strategies, it also requires a thorough understanding of their benefits and broad adoption in the market.

Development of Hill Cipher Method For Encryption And Decryption of Drug Prescriptions to Improve Data Security

A prescription is a written request from a doctor to a pharmacist, as not everyone can know the dosage or type of a particular drug, especially patients who need a prescription for the drug must be kept secret. Rapid technological advances can have an impact on all sectors, both private and government, including the medical field. One of the medical services that utilizes IT is to send prescription messages electronically to pharmacists in response to doctors' requests. The many misuse of prescription drugs by irresponsible people and misreading prescription drugs by pharmacists can be fatal for patients, so a solution is needed to overcome these problems. The purpose of this study is to create an encrypted electronic recipe application using the Hill Cipher method. This research method generally starts from data collection, data analysis and encryption model development. Applications designed with the Hill Cipher Algorithm are developed with modified algorithm keys using postal code patterns as the matrix keys, this aims to achieve the maximum level of security. The results of the system functionality test using the black box method obtained normal results for all system test scenarios. Validity testing yields valid results. The final test, through questionnaire testing, obtained a good level of system feasibility, namely an average level of Service of 83%, Features of 78% and Performance of 81%. Overall, the system has given a good performance score as the accuracy of the system is above 70%.

Exploring the Confluence of Animal Medicine and its Implications for Human Health: A Systematic Literature Review.

The abuse of veterinary drugs has emerged as a concerning trend, with global fatalities on the rise. Our understanding of this phenomenon remains limited. This study aims to identify the veterinary drugs being misused, the reasons behind their misuse, and how they are obtained. Utilising PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, along with related grey literature, we applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework for data collection. Screening and cross-referencing yielded 66 relevant articles, encompassing case reports, surveys, reports, and systemic literature reviews. The analysis identified 28 distinct veterinary drugs being misused in humans, primarily falling into categories, e.g., α-2- and β-2-adrenergic receptor agonists, GABAergic receptor modulators, opioid receptor agonists, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. These drugs were used for various purposes, including recreational use, weight loss, bodybuilding, pain relief, and self-medication for stress-related symptoms. Routes of administration predominantly included parenteral, oral, and inhalation methods. Veterinary workers/assistants and individuals connected to animals were identified as contributors to the misuse of these medications. Motivations for their utilisation ranged from affordability and accessibility to the ease of obtaining multiple prescriptions from various veterinary sources, often in conjunction with other illicit substances. Dependence and addiction were common outcomes of the misuse of veterinary medicines by humans. Overall, this systematic review underscores the increasing popularity of veterinary prescription drug misuse despite being under-reported with limited available data. Healthcare professionals are urged to remain vigilant to potential overdose events involving these medications.

Health Care Needs and Costs for Children Exposed to Prenatal Substance Use to Adulthood.

Children exposed to substance use during pregnancy have increased health needs but whether these are influenced by engagement in out-of-home care is uncertain. To evaluate the association between substance use during pregnancy, out-of-home care and hospitalization utilization, and costs from birth up to age 20 years. This was a retrospective cohort study using individual-linked population birth, hospital, and out-of-home care information of all liveborn infants from New South Wales, Australia, between 2001 and 2020 using longitudinal population-based linkage records from administrative databases. Substance use during pregnancy included newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome (n = 5946) and intrauterine exposure to drugs of addiction (n = 1260) and other substances (eg, tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs or misused prescription drugs; n = 202 098). Children not exposed to substance use during pregnancy were those without known exposure to substance use during pregnancy (n = 1 611 351). Data were analyzed from July 2001 to December 2021. Main outcomes were hospital readmission, length of stay, and cost burden associated with substance use during pregnancy from birth up to age 20 years. Outcomes were investigated using 2-part and Poisson regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. Mediation analysis was used to evaluate whether the association of substance use during pregnancy with risk of readmission was mediated through engagement with out-of-home care. Of the 1 820 655 live births, 935 807 (51.4%) were male. The mean (SD) age of mothers was 30.8 (5.5) years. Compared with children who were not exposed to substance use during pregnancy, those who were exposed incurred significantly higher birth hospital costs (adjusted mean difference, A$1585 per child [US$1 = A$1.51]; 95% CI, 1585-1586). If discharged alive, more children with exposure to substance use during pregnancy had at least 1 readmission (90 433/209 304 [43.4%] vs 616 425/1 611 351[38.3%]; adjusted relative risk [RR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.06-1.07), most commonly for respiratory conditions (RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.09-1.12) and mental health/behavioral disorders (RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.33-1.41). Excess hospital costs associated with substance use during pregnancy were A$129.0 million in 2019 to 2020. Mediation analyses showed that any out-of-home care contact mediated the association between substance use during pregnancy and risk of inpatient readmission and lower health care cost (decreased by A$25.4 million). For children with neonatal abstinence syndrome, any out-of-home care contact mediated readmission risk by approximately 30%, from adjusted RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.19-1.35, to RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.98-1.02. Children who were exposed to substance use during pregnancy incurred more hospital costs than children who were not exposed up to 20 years of age, but this was reduced in association with any contact with out-of-home care. This provides insights into possible strategies for reducing health and financial burdens associated with exposure to substance use during pregnancy for children.

Evaluation of an infographic: prescription drug misuse among older adults in Saskatchewan

ABSTRACT Background Misuse of prescription drugs leads to morbidity and mortality. Prescription drug misuse among older adults over the age of 60 years is an understudied area which needs attention and one of the best methods to spread awareness is through infographics. The main objective of this study was to develop and evaluate an infographic on the extent of prescription drug misuse problems among older adults over the age of 60 years in Saskatchewan, Canada. Methods A mixed-method approach was used for this study which involved an online survey and development of an infographic. The survey was administered between October and November 2022. Survey participants were asked about their drug use habits. An infographic was created based on the results. Two focus groups which consisted of seven individuals were carried out to evaluate the infographic over Zoom. Questions were asked based on three themes (content, presentation, and reflection). Results Data from the focus group was used to revise the infographic. The majority of participants in the focus group indicated that the infographic was useful in getting the message across to the public and would be beneficial in various health care settings.

T133 - Cigarette and E-Cigarette Use Trajectories and Prospective Prescription Drug Misuse Among Adolescents and Young Adults

T133 - Cigarette and E-Cigarette Use Trajectories and Prospective Prescription Drug Misuse Among Adolescents and Young Adults

Workplace access, burnout, and prescription drug misuse among Korean hospital nurses: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrescription drug misuse has been identified as a global issue of concern. Nurses’ prescription drug misuse is linked to personal health problems and impaired nursing care. This study explored the level of South Korean hospital nurses’ prescription drug misuse and examined associations with workplace access and burnout.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used data from 1142 nurses working in South Korean hospital settings. Nurses completed the online survey anonymously. Descriptive analysis, logistic regression, and Shapley value assessment were conducted.ResultsPain relievers (44.2%), IV drips (26.8%), and antibiotics (13.5%) were the most commonly misused drugs among hospital nurses. Accessibility in the workplace was high, with nurses reporting frequent administration of IV drips, pain relievers, and antibiotics and perceiving these drugs as easily accessible. Logistic regression demonstrated that perceived availability was significantly related to misuse across all drug types. Burnout was associated with IV drips, sleeping pills, and steroids, increasing the likelihood of misuse. Shapley feature importance analysis highlighted perceived availability as the most influential factor for IV drips, pain relievers, and steroids, while burnout emerged as crucial for antibiotics and sleeping pills. Notably, age played a significant role in appetite suppressant misuse, distinguishing it from other drugs.ConclusionOur results revealed that workplace access and burnout are associated with nurses’ prescription drug misuse. Effective educational strategies are essential for enhancing nurses’ willingness to seek help for personal health issues. Hospital organizations play a crucial role in facilitating access to healthcare and fostering a supportive environment for nurses to seek treatment when necessary. Additionally, governmental policies should prioritize the implementation of active surveillance systems to monitor medication usage in healthcare settings, thereby mitigating drug misuse among healthcare professionals. By addressing these issues, we can ensure the well-being of nurses and promote a safer healthcare environment.

Substance use among individuals with cancer: A US population-based cohort study.

e23133 Background: The prevalence of concurrent substance use or comorbid substance use disorder (SUD) among individuals with a cancer diagnosis, and their participation in substance use treatment, has not yet been described in a large US population-based cohort. Methods: A population-based cohort study was conducted using cross-sectional survey data collected by the National Survey on Drug Use &amp; Health (NSDUH) between 2015-2022. Descriptive statistics were calculated to describe two populations: those with any kind of cancer diagnosis within the preceding 12 months and either comorbid SUD as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illness (DSM)-5 or concurrent use of any of the following substances: alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, crack, heroin, methamphetamines, or misuse of prescription drugs. Chi-square tests were conducted to describe associations with the demographic and geographic characteristics of these individuals. Results: Between 2015-2022, 432,764 individuals (53% female) completed the survey. A total of 2,547 respondents had a cancer diagnosis in the preceding 12 months; the most common cancer types were breast cancer (17.0%), non-melanoma skin cancers (16.2%), and prostate or testicular cancer (11.0%). Among this cohort, 1,664 (65%) reported concurrent alcohol use, 354 (14%) reported marijuana use, and 82 (3%) reported illicit use of other substances. Among those with an active cancer diagnosis in the preceding 12 months, 103 (4%) met DSM-5 criteria for a comorbid SUD based on survey responses. Among individuals with a past-year cancer diagnosis, there was a statistically significant association between concurrent substance use and income bracket (X2 = 92.67, p &lt; 0.001), concurrent substance use and race (X2=46.12, p&lt; 0.001), and between concurrent substance use and population density (X2= 7.05, p = 0.029). Zero respondents with cancer and either concurrent substance use or comorbid SUD received outpatient treatment for substance use in the preceding year, three (0.002%) received inpatient treatment, and seven (0.004%) participated in a support group. Among respondents with comorbid SUD, many reported being recently asked by a healthcare professional about their alcohol (83%) or drug use (67%), while only 1.9% reported recently receiving information from a healthcare professional about substance use treatment. Conclusions: There is overlap between the population with a cancer diagnosis and that with concurrent substance use or comorbid SUD. Based on population-level survey data, these individuals have low rates of participation in outpatient or inpatient substance treatment, and report that they do not often receive information about substance use treatment from healthcare professionals. Describing this population may inform how providers approach their unique healthcare needs.

Health literacy and adolescents' substance use behaviors and correlates: a scoping review.

From 2011 to 2023, substance use increased by 23% worldwide. Given that substance use initiation is highest during adolescence, it is crucial to identify amenable correlates of substance use prevention [e.g. health literacy (HL)], which, if embedded in interventions, may improve uptake and outcomes. Hence, this study conducted a scoping review to answer the question: What is known from the existing literature about the relationship between HL and substance use correlates and behaviors in adolescents? Five electronic databases and the bibliography of review articles were searched and a total of 1770 records were identified. After removing duplicates and engaging in three levels of screening to identify studies that included adolescents ≤ 25 years old and assessed the relationship between general HL (vs. behavior/disease-specific health knowledge) and substance use behaviors and correlates, 16 studies were retained. Studies assessed alcohol-related (n = 11), tobacco-related (n = 12), electronic vapor product use-related (n = 4), cannabis-related (n = 1), and amphetamines/methamphetamines-related (n = 1) outcomes. Studies spanned Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and Central America. Most studies included substance use as an outcome and found an inverse relationship between HL and use. Few studies examined substance use correlates (e.g. risk perception). There were no longitudinal or intervention studies. This review highlighted that the topic of adolescent HL and its relationship with substance use remains inadequately researched. Notable gaps for future studies include intervention and longitudinal designs, expansion of outcomes (e.g. more studies on marijuana, prescription drug misuse, vaping, substance use-related correlates), and examining HL as a mediator or moderator of substance use and its correlates.

Misuse of Prescription Drugs and Illicit Sales without Prescription in Amravati District

There are major public health problems associated with the misuse of prescription drug abuse problem and the illegal sale of medications without valid prescriptions. This paper analyzes theproblems, focusing on how they affect people's health, healthcare systems, and the pharmaceutical sector. The study focuses on the Amravati District in Maharashtra, India, where concerns regarding public health interventions and regulatory frameworks are raised by a rise in prescription drug usage. The study looks at the prevalence, underlying causes, and effects of misuse in order to pinpoint trends, contributing elements, and the size of illegal sales. The interaction of socioeconomic factors, cultural influences, and healthcare accessibility is explored to provide insight into prescription drug misuse in the local environment.The global context explores how prescription drug abuse is recognized by the World Health Organization, with a focus on the risks associated with addiction, overdose, and negative health outcomes.The influence of COVID-19 on the pharmaceutical sector is discussed in the research, with an emphasis on the rising usage of telemedicine and the greater reliance on online platforms.

Narrative review on the spectrum of diseases prevalent among substance-addicted populations and their interconnected health dynamics

Substance addiction is a complex phenomenon characterized by the dysfunction of the brain's reward system and neuroplasticity, leading individuals to lose control over their behaviour. This review explores the diverse health implications of addiction, including its impact on liver diseases, cardiovascular conditions, respiratory issues, cancers, infectious diseases, gastrointestinal problems, and mental disorders. Heavy alcohol consumption, tobacco use, illicit drug abuse, and prescription drug misuse contribute significantly to these health burdens, affecting various organs and systems in the body. Respiratory issues arise from tobacco smoking, inhalation of illicit drugs, and volatile chemicals, causing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancers, and bronchial asthma. Substance addiction is also linked to various cancers, particularly lung cancer from tobacco, oral cancers from tobacco and alcohol, and oesophageal cancers from alcohol and prescription drugs. Furthermore, addictive substances impair immunity, making individuals more susceptible to infectious diseases like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, especially among injection drug users. The interconnected nature of substance addiction with mental health disorders, genetic factors, environmental influences, and social determinants underscores the need for comprehensive public health strategies. These strategies should encompass education, prevention programs, access to treatment and support services, harm reduction approaches, and destigmatization efforts to address substance addiction comprehensively and improve overall health outcomes for individuals and communities.

Prescription drug monitoring programs and prescription pain medication misuse among U.S. high school students—2019

BackgroundPrescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are state-level databases that track and inform prescribing practices to reduce prescription drug diversion and misuse. To our knowledge, only three studies have examined the impact of PDMPs on opioid-related outcomes among adolescents, and none have focused on prescription pain medication misuse among adolescents.MethodsThis study leveraged data from the 2019 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) to explore the associations between five categories of PDMP dimensions and the prevalence of self-reported prescription pain medication misuse. Demographic factors’ associations with self-reported prescription pain medication misuse were also examined.ResultsIn 2019, none of the PDMP dimensions were associated with self-reported prescription pain medication misuse among U.S. high school students, adjusting for gender, grade, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation.ConclusionsNone of the five PDMP dimensions were associated with lower prescription pain medication misuse, however further research is needed, especially as new YRBS data become available.

Drug use and COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and infection among underserved, minority communities in Miami, Florida.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disproportionately impacted people who use drugs (PWUD). This study explored relationships between drug use, COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and infection. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Miami, Florida between March 2021 and October 2022 as part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics-Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) initiative and the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) cohort. Users of cannabis, cocaine/crack, heroin/fentanyl, methamphetamines, hallucinogens, and/or prescription drug misuse in the previous 12 months were considered PWUD. Sociodemographic data, COVID-19 testing history, and vaccination-related beliefs were self-reported. Vaccinations were confirmed with medical records and positivity was determined with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and logistic regression. Of 1,780 participants, median age was 57 years, 50.7% were male, 50.2% Non-Hispanic Black, and 66.0% reported an annual income less than $15,000. Nearly 28.0% used drugs. PWUD were less likely than non-users to self-report ever testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (14.7% vs. 21.0%, p = 0.006). However, 2.6% of participants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, with no significant differences between PWUD and non-users (3.7% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.076). PWUD were more likely than non-users to experience difficulties accessing testing (10.2% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.033), vaccine hesitancy (58.9% vs. 43.4%, p = 0.002) and had lower odds of receiving any dose of a COVID-19 vaccine compared to non-users (aOR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.49-0.81; p<0.001). PWUD presented with greater difficulties accessing COVID-19 testing, greater vaccine hesitancy, and lower odds of vaccination. Testing and immunization plans that are tailored to the needs of PWUD and consider access, trust-building campaigns, and education may be needed.