Substance Service Use Research Articles

“Being in the system is really difficult and…I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.” Trauma and the public sector system of care for youth

Youth involved in public sector services for substance use and other forms of mental health, juvenile justice, foster care, or homelessness report higher rates of trauma compared to the general youth population. We interviewed 26 youth, ages 14–21, with lived experience in public systems of care for the purpose of a state-contracted needs assessment evaluation. Qualitative analysis of these data indicated trauma occurs sequentially vis-à-vis the system of care. Participants experienced family adversity and a lack of social support, which has been defined as pre-system trauma. Because of this pre-system trauma, youth were referred to the public sector system of care. Rather than resolving trauma, system involvement exacerbated existing trauma and introduced new forms of trauma, defined as system-based trauma. Existing policies and practice address pre-system trauma, though there is room for improvement for both pre-system and system-based trauma. The field has yet to reckon fully with system-based trauma and this may be the next transformation for public sector youth services.

Detectable viral load associated with unmet mental health and substance use needs among trans women living with HIV in San Francisco, California

BackgroundSubstance use and mental distress are known barriers to HIV care engagement among trans women. Less is known about access and utilization of mental health and substance use care among trans women and the relationship between unmet behavioral health needs and HIV viral suppression. We examined the relationship between mental health and substance use on HIV viral load among trans women living with HIV. We also examined the relationship between mental health and substance use services needs with HIV care engagement and having a detectable viral load by comparing engagement in care cascades.MethodsData are from a 2022 baseline assessment for an intervention with trans women living with HIV (n = 42) in San Francisco. Chi-Squared or Fisher’s exact tests were conducted to determine associations between HIV viral load, mental health, and substance use. We also examine characteristics associated with each step in the HIV, mental health, and substance use care cascades.ResultsMost participants were trans women of color (85.7%), 40 years of age or older (80.9%), with low income (88.1%), and almost half were unstably housed (47.6%). Of the 32 participants who screened positive for depression, anxiety and/or psychological distress, 56.3% were referred for mental health services in the past 12 months. Of those who were referred, 44.4% received mental health services. Of the 26 participants who screened positive for a substance use disorder, 34.6% were referred to substance use services in the past 12 months. Of those referred, 33.3% received substance use services in the past 3 months. Latina trans women had a low referral rate to meet their mental health needs (50%) and only 16.7% of African American/Black trans women who screened positive for a substance use disorder were referred for services, while trans women of other race/ethnicities had high referral and services utilization. No significant results were found between HIV viral load and screening positive for a mental health disorder. Methamphetamine use was statistically associated with having a detectable HIV viral load (p = 0.049).ConclusionsWe identified significant unmet mental health and substance use services needs and noted racial/ethnic disparities in the context of high HIV care engagement among trans women living with HIV. We also found that methamphetamine use was a barrier to having an undetectable viral load for trans women living with HIV. To finally end the HIV epidemic, integration of behavioral health screening, linkage, and support are needed in HIV care services for populations most impacted by HIV, especially trans women.Trial registrationNCT, NCT 21–34,978. Registered January 19, 2022.

Increasing linkage to hepatitis C care following trauma-informed rehabilitation: An education and quality improvement project among women.

The on-going substance use crisis has led to unprecedented rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Canada, with increasing positivity among women who use drugs (WWUD). Despite efforts to reduce barriers to HCV testing and treatment, follow-up remains a major issue. In this quality improvement project (QIP), we partnered with a short-stay trauma-informed residential drug treatment facility specifically for WWUD, to provide an engaging peer-led HCV education session, followed by low-barrier nurse and peer-led testing and treatment. We sought to evaluate these interventions, as well as determine what factors could improve engagement after women leave. The session was attended by 217 participants, 130 completed the survey and 153 opted into testing. Survey results indicated that participants were highly motivated to access general care as well as HCV testing and treatment. The most frequently reported barriers to testing and treatment werea previous negative test and being asymptomatic, respectively. Follow-up facilitators included a non-judgmental provider (88%), monetary incentives (67%), follow-up phone calls (77%), e-mails (66%) and text messages (58%). Of those who were RNA positive, 5 of 13 initiated treatment on-site. By using the results of the QIP in real-time, 6 of 13 were started after leaving the centre(one pending and one lost to follow-up). The implementation of co-localised peer-led testing and treatment for HCV, along with persistent follow-up efforts, led to increases in linkage to care and treatment. Co-localisation of testing and care with substance-use services, especially if residential, is a viable, low-barrier strategy for increasing linkage to care among WWUD.

Telephonic Outreach to Engage Patients with Substance Use Disorder Post-Hospitalization During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the initial COVID-19 surge, one public hospital in NYC updated their post-discharge outreach approach for patients with substance use disorder, as part of the CATCH (Consult for Addiction Treatment and Care in Hospitals) program. Beginning April 1, 2020, three peers and two addiction counselors attempted telephonic outreach to patients who received a CATCH consultation during hospitalization from program launch (October 7, 2019) through March 31, 2020 (n = 329). Outreach calls could include counseling, in-depth peer support, and referrals to substance use services (SUS)-a significant expansion of the services offered via outreach pre-pandemic. CATCH staff successfully reached 29.5% of patients and provided 77.6% of them with supportive counseling and referrals. Thirty percent of unsuccessful calls were due to inactive numbers, and only 8% of patients without housing were reached. Telephonic outreach established a low-barrier connection between patients and SUS that may be valuable during any period, including non-COVID times. Future interventions that address social determinants such as housing and cell phone access concomitantly with substance use should be considered by addiction consultation services to potentially reduce acute care utilization and improve health outcomes.

Housing and supportive services for substance use and self-efficacy among young mothers experiencing homelessness: A randomized controlled trial

AimsHomeless mothers with young children in their care contend with high rates of substance use and low self-efficacy. However, a limited number of studies have examined these outcomes associated with housing and supportive services. DesignParticipants were randomly assigned to: (1) housing + support services (n = 80), (2) housing-only (n = 80), or (3) services as usual (SAU) (n = 80) and were re-assessed at 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-months postbaseline. SettingsThe study recruited a community-based sample from homeless service agencies and advertisements in a large Midwestern city. ParticipantsThe study recruited two hundred forty (N = 240) women between the ages of 18 to 24 years, experiencing homelessness and with a substance use disorder (SUD) who also had a biological child under the age of 6 years in their care. MeasurementsWe measured frequency of alcohol and drug use using the Form 90 semi-structured interview, and self-efficacy using Pearlin and Schooler's (1978) 7-item Mastery Scale. FindingsOverall, mothers showed significant improvement in substance use and self-efficacy over time in each condition. However, as expected, patterns of change differentiated intervention groups with more mothers showing better substance use and self-efficacy outcomes in housing + supportive services than in SAU. Unexpectedly, more mothers in SAU showed better outcomes than those in housing-only. ConclusionsSubstance use decreased and self-efficacy increased over time, but patterns of change characterized the intervention groups. In particular, findings suggest that when providing housing to this population, supportive services should also be offered.

Polysubstance use in young people accessing residential and day-treatment services for substance use: substance use profiles, psychiatric comorbidity and treatment completion.

People with substance use disorders (SUDs) frequently present to treatment with polysubstance use and mental health comorbidities. Different combinations of substance use and mental health problems require different treatment approaches. Our study aimed to: (i) identify the shared substance use classes among young people at treatment admission, (ii) determine which mental health symptoms, quality of life (QoL) and service types were associated with the identified substance use classes, and (iii) prospectively determine which substance use classes and service types were more likely to complete treatment. Cross-sectional and prospective study using service and outcome data. Substance use treatment services in Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. De-identified service and outcome measure data were extracted from the files of 744 clients aged 18-35 years (48% male) admitted into seven residential and four day-treatment programmes. Substance use and severity among tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine-type stimulants, opioids, sedatives and inhalants. Other variables included: depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and psychotic symptoms, as well as QoL. Latent class analysis identified three polysubstance use classes: wide-ranging polysubstance users (WRPU; 22.45%), primary amphetamine users (56.45%) and alcohol and cannabis users (21.10%). The WRPU class had higher odds of psychotic symptoms than the alcohol and cannabis use class [odds ratio (OR) = 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11-1.11]; and double the odds of residential programme enrolment than those in the amphetamine use class (OR = 2.35; 95% CI = 1.50-3.68). No other class differences on mental health or QoL variables were found. Clients enrolled in day-programmes had higher odds of completing treatment. There appear to be high levels of polysubstance use among young people entering substance use treatment in Australia. Wide-ranging polysubstance users were more likely to report psychotic symptoms and be enrolled into a residential programme than primary amphetamine users and alcohol and cannabis users.

The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on services for substance use in Denmark: Implications for meeting users' needs and recommendations for the future.

Background: The aim of this study was to document employees’ experiences of changes in service provision for substance use disorders (SUDs) during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Denmark (spring 2020), as well as to examine their relation to challenges in meeting the service users’ needs. Methods: Employees (N = 373) working in SUD treatment and harm reduction services completed an online survey soon after the first national lockdown. The survey included questions about changes in service provision during the lockdown, perceived concerns of the service users, and challenges in meeting the users’ emerging needs. Results: Employees reported some positive changes in service provisions, such as increased flexibility in appointments, administering medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and use of telehealth. Negative changes were related to reduced contact with practitioners and harm reduction facilities. Approximately one third of employees reported significant challenges in meeting the users’ emerging needs. This was particularly so when users’ concerns were about physical and mental well-being, and substance use. In regression models, negative changes in the access to practitioners and MAT administration (but not other changes) predicted difficulties meeting the users’ needs. Conclusion: Employees in SUD treatment and harm reduction services in Denmark experienced both positive and negative changes as a result of the first lockdown. However, not all the provision changes were linked to challenges in meeting the users’ needs. We discuss practical and research implications of our findings with a focus on the users’ physical and mental health, use of telehealth, MAT, and overall service reorganisation.

People who make frequent emergency department visits based on persistence of frequent use in Ontario and Alberta: a retrospective cohort study.

Background:The factors that underlie persistent frequent visits to the emergency department are poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize people who visit emergency departments frequently in Ontario and Alberta, by number of years of frequent use.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study aimed at capturing information about patients visiting emergency departments in Ontario and Alberta, Canada, from Apr. 1, 2011, to Mar. 31, 2016. We identified people 18 years or older with frequent emergency department use (top 10% of emergency department use) in fiscal year 2015/16, using the Dynamic Cohort from the Canadian Institute of Health Information. We then organized them into subgroups based on the number of years (1 to 5) in which they met the threshold for frequent use over the study period. We characterized subgroups using linked emergency department, hospitalization and mental health–related hospitalization data.Results:We identified 252 737 people in Ontario and 63 238 people in Alberta who made frequent visits to the emergency department. In Ontario and Alberta, 44.3% and 44.7%, respectively, met the threshold for frequent use in only 1 year and made 37.9% and 38.5% of visits; 6.8% and 8.2% met the threshold for frequent use over 5 years and made 11.9% and 13.2% of visits. Many characteristics followed gradients based on persistence of frequent use: as years of frequent visits increased (1 to 5 years), people had more comorbidities, homelessness, rural residence, annual emergency department visits, alcohol- and substance use–related presentations, mental health hospitalizations and instances of leaving hospital against medical advice.Interpretation:Higher levels of comorbidities, mental health issues, substance use and rural residence were seen with increasing years of frequent emergency department use. Interventions upstream and in the emergency department must address unmet needs, including services for substance use and social supports.

Medicolegal Issues with Reference to NDPS and MHCA in Management and Rehabilitation of Persons with Substance Use Disorders.

Medicolegal Issues with Reference to NDPS and MHCA in Management and Rehabilitation of Persons with Substance Use Disorders.

Legalization of cannabis use in Canada: Impacts on the cannabis use profiles of youth seeking services for substance use

BackgroundCannabis is a highly used substance among youth, but has the potential to negatively impact the developing brain. Recreational cannabis use was legalized in Canada in October 2018. This exploratory study examines cannabis use profiles of high-risk youth before and after the national legalization of recreational cannabis use. MethodThis cross-sectional cohort study examines the cannabis use profiles of two cohorts of youth, one recruited prior to legalization (N = 101) and one recruited after legalization (N = 168). ResultsThis study found few changes in cannabis use patterns after legalization. The rate of high-frequency cannabis use, polysubstance use, social circles of use, and mental health and substance use challenges showed no change, and the study found no associations with age. Exceptions were that youth were more likely to report purchasing cannabis from a legal source after legalization. Concealment of cannabis use from legal authorities declined after legalization among youth over the age of majority (19+ years), but not among younger youth (<19 years). ConclusionsMinimal changes have occurred in the cannabis use patterns of service-seeking youth in the short term following legalization. This holds true both for youth who have reached the age of majority and those who have not. Nevertheless, this population has overlapping substantial mental health and substance use challenges. Integrated services should address cannabis use and other concurrent challenges and be sensitive to the postlegalization social climate.

Operationalising cultural competency in the context of substance use treatment: a qualitative analysis

The concept of cultural competency raises questions about the meaning of culture, difference and professional practice as well as how best to address religious and cultural marginality, epistemologically and practically, within codes of ethical practice. Despite continued policy and research emphasis on delivering culturally competent substance-use services to the Muslim and Arabic speaking community, limited evidence exists about what health practitioners consider to be culturally competent care for this group. To explore how practitioners operationalise cultural competence, qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 staff working in Sydney, Australia. Differences in epistemological bases of practice were present across the interviews which resulted in a variety of ways cultural competence became operationalised. Three broad epistemological approaches emerged in the data which can be classified as instrumental, comprehensive and connection-centred. These ranged in emphasis from provision of basic education around cultural traits; a heightened awareness of difference; and lastly a focus on minimising difference through enhancing relatability. Our findings highlight the importance of fostering an open and reflective attitude towards the ambiguity and complexity inherent in drug health encounters between practitioners and culturally diverse consumers. Such openness may provide opportunities to challenge structures and ideologies that reinforce points of difference and disconnection.

Removing the stigma of medication for opioid use disorder

Removing the stigma of medication for opioid use disorder

Receipt of substance-use services by caregivers involved in the child-welfare system

The present study of children’s caregivers involved in child welfare examined the factors associated with their receiving services for substance use. Our sample of 1445 such caregivers for whom maltreatment had been substantiated was extracted from a national data set. The results of generalized estimating equations showed that caregivers’ receipt of substance use services was associated positively with nonmedical use of medication; with number of services needed; and with inclusion of substance use services in the case plan. Additionally, caregivers’ receipt of substance use services was associated negatively with lack of access to such services; with refusal of services; with physical and with sexual maltreatment; and with child’s placement in parent’s home. No significant associations appear to link receipt of substance use services to gender, race/ethnicity, education, family income, health insurance status, or caseworker–caregiver engagement. The findings imply the importance of identifying need for substance use services among caregivers involved in child welfare and mandating services for them. As well, they imply the need for child welfare professionals to collaborate and coordinate with other professionals.

Longitudinal cost of services in a homeless sample with cocaine use disorder

ABSTRACTHomeless people with cocaine use disorder have multiple comorbidities and costly service needs. This study examined service costs associated with cocaine use and substance service use in substance, psychiatric, and medical service sectors. 127 homeless participants with cocaine use disorder were interviewed annually. Self-report and agency-report service use and cost data were combined. Pairwise comparisons were made with cocaine abstinence and substance service use in relation to mean and yearly proportional service costs in 3 service sectors. Among substance service users, the achievement of abstinence was not associated with decreased substance service costs. Cocaine abstinence was associated with proportional reduction of substance service costs over time. Substance service use was associated with proportional reduction of psychiatric service costs over time among the abstinent subgroup. Conversely, substance service use was associated with continuing higher medical service expenditures in the abstinent subgroup and higher psychiatric service expenditures in those not abstinent. Homeless individuals who achieved cocaine abstinence after using substance services had decreased substance service expenditures. Individuals with continued substance service use had greater medical and psychiatric service costs. Policy-based on maximizing benefits while minimizing costs appears insufficiently complex to incorporate the multiple needs and associated with the costs of treating homeless populations.

Associations of alcohol use disorder, alcohol use, housing, and service use in a homeless sample of 255 individuals followed over 2 years

Background: Homeless individuals with alcohol use disorders have multiple comorbidities and therefore various service needs. Despite need for services, homeless individuals face numerous barriers to treatment. Little is known about the associations of specific services in relation to homelessness in the context of alcohol problems. The current study analyzed 2-year prospective longitudinal data on a homeless sample, examining relationships between alcohol use disorder, alcohol use, housing status, and service use over time. Methods: Two hundred fifty-five of 400 individuals recruited systematically from shelters and street locations completed 3 annual assessments (69% completion). Data on lifetime and current psychiatric disorders, housing status, and past-year service use were obtained and merged with service use data gathered from local agencies. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were created to predict dependent outcome variables of stable housing, alcohol use, and service use in both follow-up years. Results: Lifetime alcohol use disorder was positively associated with substance and medical service use. Alcohol problems did not hinder attainment of stable housing, and placement in housing did not necessarily increase risk for alcohol use. Stable housing was negatively associated with psychiatric and substance service use. In the second year, when alcohol use was finally associated with receiving substance services, it appears that these services provided a gateway to psychiatric services. The psychiatric services in turn appeared to provide a gateway to medical services. Conclusions: Alcohol use behaved differently compared with lifetime alcohol use disorder in relation to service use. Lack of association between alcohol use and housing supports Housing First policy. Obtaining housing may have ameliorative effects on mental health, diminishing perceived need for psychiatric services. Services may also be more accessible during homelessness. Obtaining substance treatment may provide a gateway for those who use alcohol after becoming homeless to connect with psychiatric and medical services, informing policy and practice.

A system-level study of initiation, engagement, and equity in outpatient substance use treatment

Understanding the nature of variations in the quality of substance use treatment is critical to ensuring equity in service delivery and maximizing treatment effectiveness. We used adapted versions of the US Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) treatment initiation and engagement measures to assess care quality in specialized outpatient services for substance use in Ontario, Canada. Using administrative data, we calculated rates of outpatient treatment initiation and engagement (N = 120,394 episodes) and investigated variation by client characteristics and treatment mandates. About half of clients who entered outpatient treatment met the criteria for initiation (i.e., had a second visit within 14 days) and 30% met the criteria for engagement (i.e., had another two visits within 30 days of initiation). The likelihood of treatment initiation and engagement was greater among older people, those with more education, those who were not mandated to enter treatment, and those with greater substance use at admission. People who entered treatment for cannabis were less likely to engage. Engagement was less likely among men than women, but gender differences were slight overall. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using adapted versions of two common measures to characterise care quality in substance use treatment services in the Canadian context. Overall, the magnitude of associations with client characteristics were quite small, suggesting that initiation and engagement were not overly localized to specific client subgroups. Findings suggest that the Ontario system has difficulty retaining clients who enter treatment and that most outpatient treatment involves care episodes of limited duration.

Service Use and Unmet Needs for Substance Use and Mental Disorders in Canada.

To investigate patterns and predictors of help seeking and met/unmet needs for mental health care in a national population health survey. Participants were respondents to the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey on Mental Health (CCHS-MH; n = 25,133). We used regression to identify the diagnostic and sociodemographic predictors of the use of informal supports, primary care, and specialist care, as well as perceived unmet needs. Eleven percent of Canadians reported using professionally led services for mental health or substance use in 2012, while another 9% received informal supports. Two-thirds of people with substance use disorders did not receive any care, and among those who did, informal supports were most common. Seventy-four percent of people with mood/anxiety disorders and 88% of those with co-occurring disorders did access services, most commonly specialist mental health care. Men, older people, members of ethnocultural minorities, those not born in Canada, those with lower education, and those with higher incomes were less likely to receive care. Unmet needs were higher among people with substance use disorders. Gaps in services continue to exist for some potentially vulnerable population subgroups. Policy and practice solutions are needed to address these unmet needs. In particular, the convergence of research pointing to gaps in the availability and accessibility of high-quality services for substance use in Canada demands attention.

Integrating HIV and substance use services: a systematic review.

Introduction: Substance use is an important risk factor for HIV, with both concentrated in certain vulnerable and marginalized populations. Although their management differs, there may be opportunities to integrate services for substance use and HIV. In this paper we systematically review evidence from studies that sought to integrate care for people living with HIV and substance use problems.Methods: Studies were included if they evaluated service integration for substance use and HIV. We searched multiple databases from inception until October 2015. Articles were screened independently by two reviewers and assessed for risk of bias.Results and discussion: 11,057 records were identified, with 7616 after removal of duplicates. After screening titles and abstracts, 51 met the inclusion criteria. Integration models were categorized by location (HIV, substance use and other facilities), level of integration from mirco (integrated care delivered to individuals) to macro (system level integrations) and degree of integration from least (screening and counselling only) to most (care for HIV, substance use and/or other illnesses at the same facility). Most reported descriptive or cohort studies; in four randomized control trials integrated activities improved patient outcomes. There is potential for integrating services at all facility types, including mobile health services. While services offering screening only can achieve synergies, there are benefits from delivering integrated treatment for HIV and substance use, including ease of referral to other mental health and social services.Conclusions: Our review used a wide range of databases and conference archives to increase representation of papers from low- and middle-income countries. Limitations include the overrepresentation of studies from the United States, and the descriptive nature of the majority of papers. The evidence reviewed shows that greater integration offers important benefits in both patient and service outcomes but further research and outcome reporting is needed to better understand innovative and holistic care models at the complex intersection of substance use and HIV services.

Provider and Consumer Perceptions of Trauma Informed Practices and Services for Substance Use and Mental Health Problems

Both trauma-informed practices and trauma-specific services have been developed to meet the needs of individuals seeking services for mental health and substance use disorders. These approaches involve an acknowledgement of an individual’s inter-related experiences of trauma, mental health, and substance use problems in all aspects of service delivery, and focus on enhancing consumer safety and control. Although trauma-informed practices and trauma-specific interventions have been repeatedly identified as critical to service provision in this area, there is little understanding of how these practices and interventions are delivered and experienced from the perspectives of service users and providers. The purpose of this study was to explore facilitators and barriers in implementing trauma-informed practices and delivering trauma-specific services in mental health and addiction service settings through qualitative interviews with service providers, consumers and research experts. Based on thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 19 participants (including service providers, research experts and consumers), a number of key facilitators and challenges to implementation of trauma-informed practices and services emerged. Key facilitators included: organizational support, community partnerships, staff awareness of trauma, a safe environment, peer support, the quality of consumer-provider relationships, consumer and provider readiness to change, and staff supports. Challenges included: provider reluctance to address trauma, lack of accessible services, limited funding for programs/services, and staff burnout. Key areas of change identified in the study point to the need for increased intersectoral collaboration and support, greater system-wide trauma awareness and provider training in order to enhance the ability of trauma-informed practices and -specific services to meet the complex needs of this population.

Psychosocial Interventions in Reducing Cannabis Use in Early Phase Psychosis: A Canadian Survey of Treatments Offered.

Cannabis use in people with early phase psychosis (EPP) can have a significant impact on long-term outcomes. The purpose of this investigation was to describe current cannabis use treatment practices in English-speaking early intervention services (EISs) in Canada and determine if their services are informed by available evidence. Thirty-five Canadian English-speaking EISs for psychosis were approached to complete a survey through email, facsimile, or online in order to collect information regarding their current cannabis use treatment practices. Data were acquired from 27 of the 35 (78%) programs approached. Only 12% of EISs offered formal services that targeted cannabis use, whereas the majority (63%) of EISs offered informal services for all substance use, not specifically cannabis. In programs with informal services, individual patient psychoeducation (86%) was slightly more common than individual motivational interviewing (MI) (76%) followed by group patient psychoeducation (52%) and information handouts (52%). Thirty-seven percent of EISs offered formal services for substance use, and compared to programs with informal services, more MI, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and family services were offered, with individual treatment modalities more common than groups. No EISs used contingency management, even though it has some preliminary evidence in chronic populations. Evidence-based service implementation barriers included appropriate training and administrative support. While most English-speaking Canadian EIS programs offer individual MI and psychoeducation, which is in line with the available literature, there is room for improvement in cannabis treatment services based on current evidence for both people with EPP and their families.