Substance Use Disorder Programs Research Articles

Giving Voice to Women with Substance Use Disorder: Findings from Expressive Writing About Trauma.

Trauma exposure is a risk factor for substance use disorders (SUD) among women. This study explores written content from an expressive writing (EW) intervention conducted within a residential SUD program to examine themes across trauma experiences and characterize their deep insight into such experiences. This qualitative study is a secondary data analysis of written content of the first writing session from women (n = 44) randomized to an EW condition while in residential SUD treatment. Nearly all participants (72.7% African American; mean age 37.3 years) reported a significant trauma event (93.2%) with an average of 3.7 types of trauma events (54.4% had a current posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis). Four primary themes emerged: (1) trauma across the lifespan; (2) loss of safety; (3) altered self-concept; and (4) desire to move on. Most participants identified interpersonal trauma, especially at an early age, as well as parental neglect and physical and/or sexual violence. These themes indicate a pattern of interpersonal betrayal and paint a picture of trauma and the subsequent "rippling effect" such that the physical, mental, and emotional consequences were often as impactful as the event itself. However, there was also a desire to move on and gain a sense of normalcy. Findings highlight the importance of the written word and addressing underlying trauma in addiction treatment to facilitate healing and the woman's desire to move on.

Comparing the Performance of World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview Substance Abuse Module in Adolescents to Diagnoses Made by Pediatric Addiction Medicine Specialists.

The World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview Substance Abuse Module (WMH-CIDI-SAM) is commonly used as a criterion standard measure for substance use disorder (SUD) diagnoses, although the accuracy of this tool when used with adolescents is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agreement between SUD diagnoses for adolescents made by WMH-CIDI-SAM and those made by specialists based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) ( DSM-5 ) SUD criteria during an SUD evaluation. Adolescents aged 12 to 17 years presenting to an outpatient SUD program for youth were administered the WMH-CIDI-SAM by a trained research assistant, and results were compared with diagnoses made by experienced clinicians based on DSM-5 SUD criteria during an initial SUD evaluation. Chance-corrected concordance was estimated using the κ coefficient for the comparisons. The level of concordance between the WMH-CIDI-SAM interview and the clinician diagnosis based on DSM-5 SUD criteria were fair to moderate for alcohol use disorder and tobacco use disorder and poor for cannabis use disorder. Three of 11 WMH-CIDI-SAM item constructs showed poor concordance with clinician diagnosis. Interpreting the diagnostic criteria for SUDs, particularly cannabis use disorders, is nuanced, and the meaning of the criteria may be misunderstood by adolescents. Further evaluation of the performance of the WMH-CIDI-SAM diagnostic interview for identifying cannabis use disorders in adolescents is needed.

Opioid and methamphetamine co-use: associations with economic vulnerabilities and interpersonal victimization among SUD program clients

ABSTRACT Increases in methamphetamine use among individuals seeking treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) have implications for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Secondary data from 28,358 adults (18+) in a multi-year evaluation of publicly funded SUD treatment was analyzed. A significant linear trend showed an increase in opioid and methamphetamine co-use over time. In the multinomial logistic regression, recent co-use of opioids and methamphetamine was significantly associated with being female, younger age, being White, living in a metropolitan community, greater economic hardship, using more substances (other than opioids and methamphetamine) relative to the other drug use patterns. Past-12-month interpersonal victimization was associated with co-use of opioids and methamphetamine relative to individuals who did not use opioids-methamphetamine and individuals who used opioids, no methamphetamine.

Adoption of Electronic Health Record Among Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs: Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

Electronic health record (EHR) systems have been shown to be associated with improvements in care processes, quality of care, and patient outcomes. EHR also has a crucial role in the delivery of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and is considered important for addressing SUD crises, including the opioid epidemic. However, little is known about the adoption of EHR in SUD treatment programs or the organizational-level factors associated with the adoption of EHR in SUD treatment. We examined the adoption of EHR in SUD programs, with a focus on changes in adoption from 2014 to 2017, and identified organizational-level factors associated with EHR adoption. We used data from the 2014 and 2017 National Drug Abuse Treatment System Surveys. Our analysis included 1027 SUD programs (531 in 2014 and 496 in 2017). We used chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively, to assess changes in EHR adoption, technology use, program, and client characteristics. We also investigated differences in characteristics and barriers to adoption by EHR adoption status (adopted EHR vs had not adopted or were planning to adopt EHR). We then conducted multivariate logistic regressions to examine internal and external factors associated with EHR adoption. The adoption of EHR increased significantly from 57.6% (306/531) in 2014 to 69.2% (343/496) in 2017 (P<.001), showing that nearly one-third (153/496, 30.8%) of SUD programs had not yet adopted an EHR system by 2017. We identified a significant increase in technology use and ownership by a parent company (P=.01 and P<.001) and a decrease in the percentage of uninsured patients in 2017 (P<.001), compared to 2014. Our analysis further showed significant differences by adoption status for three major barriers to adoption: (1) start-up costs, (2) ongoing financial costs, and (3) privacy or security concerns (P<.001). Programs that used computerized scheduling (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.02, 95% CI 2.23-4.09) and billing systems (AOR 2.29, 95% CI 1.62-3.25) were more likely to adopt EHR. Similarly, ownership type, such as private nonprofit (AOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.31-2.65) and public (AOR 2.14, 95% CI 1.27-3.67), or interest in participating in a patient-centered medical home (AOR 1.93, 95% CI 1.29-2.92), were associated with an increased likelihood to adopt EHR. Overall, SUD programs were more likely to adopt an EHR system in 2017 compared to 2014 (AOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.07-1.94). Our findings highlighted that SUD programs may be on track to achieve widespread EHR adoption. However, there is a need for focused strategies, resources, and policies explicitly designed to systematically address barriers and tackle obstacles to expanding the adoption of EHR systems. These efforts must be holistic and address factors at multiple organizational levels.

Implementing a peer-supported, integrated strategy for substance use disorder care in an outpatient infectious disease clinic is associated with improved patient outcomes

Substance use disorder (SUD) and infectious disease (ID) care integration may lead to improvements in SUD and ID outcomes. We assessed implementation of integrating peer-supported SUD care in an outpatient ID setting. In this implementation study, we describe REcovery in Specialty care Through medication and OutREach (RESTORE), a low-threshold SUD program implemented in a Baltimore outpatient ID clinic. Key program components were clinician training and support in SUD care, prescription of SUD treatment medications, and peer-based psychosocial support provided by peer recovery specialists. We assessed clinician adoption of RESTORE and compared patient outcomes from baseline to 6 months. Between January 2019 and January 2022, the number of ID clinicians (N=61) who prescribed buprenorphine increased eightfold from 3 (5%) to 24 (39%). Of 258 ID patients referred to RESTORE, 182 (71%) engaged, 137 consented to study participation. Mean age in the study sample was 52.1 (SD=10.4), 63% were male, 84% were Black/African-American. Among 127 (93%) who completed 6-month follow-up, fewer participants reported illicit/non-prescribed opioid use in the past 30 days at follow-up (32%) compared to baseline (52%; p<0.001). Similar reductions were noted for cocaine use (47% to 34%; p=0.006), emergency department visits (23% to 9%; p=0.002), and inpatient hospitalizations (15% to 7%; p=0.025). SUD care integration into an outpatient ID care setting using a peer-supported implementation strategy was adopted by clinicians and improved clinical outcomes for patients. This strategy is a promising approach to treating people with infectious diseases and SUD.

Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs during a Health Crisis: Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Future Implications

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly changed how substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services are delivered. In this qualitative study, we examined what changes SUD treatment programs in Arkansas implemented in response to the pandemic, what factors influenced their ability to implement these changes, and their reflections, outlook, and future recommendations. Methods: Between May and August 2020, we conducted semi-structured phone interviews with 29 leaders at 21 SUD programs throughout Arkansas. Interview questions focused on what changes programs implemented in response to the pandemic, barriers and facilitators to implementation, and future outlook. Interviews were thematically analyzed. Results: Programs implemented similar infection control practices, including COVID-19 screening at entry, masks, hand hygiene, and social distancing. Residential programs discontinued outside visitations and capped admissions, and outpatient programs implemented telehealth services. Clients generally responded well to the changes, however many experienced difficulties (e.g., anxiety, lack of access to telehealth). While programs welcomed additional financial support (e.g., CARES act) and looser regulatory restrictions (e.g., telehealth use), many struggled economically due to lower demand and insufficient reimbursement. Programs varied in leadership and staff responses to the pandemic, and in their capacity to implement the changes (e.g., facilities, staffing). Finally, interviewees acknowledged they were unprepared for the pandemic and were uncertain about the future. Conclusions: The insights from the COVID-19 pandemic and SUD programs’ responses helps researchers, policymakers and practitioners understand what has happened during the pandemic, how to prepare for future crises, and how to build more resilient SUD and public health systems.

Substance Use Disorder Program Availability in Safety-Net and Non–Safety-Net Hospitals in the US

Safety-net hospitals (SNHs) are ideal sites to deliver addiction treatment to patients with substance use disorders (SUDs), but the availability of these services within SNHs nationwide remains unknown. To examine differences in the delivery of different SUD programs in SNHs vs non-SNHs across the US and to determine whether these differences are increased in certain types of SNHs depending on ownership. This cross-sectional analysis used data from the 2021 American Hospital Association Annual Survey of Hospitals to examine the associations of safety-net status and ownership with the availability of SUD services at acute care hospitals in the US. Data analysis was performed from January to March 2022. This study used 2 survey questions from the American Hospital Association survey to determine the delivery of 5 hospital-based SUD services: screening, consultation, inpatient treatment services, outpatient treatment services, and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). A total of 2846 hospitals were included: 409 were SNHs and 2437 were non-SNHs. The lowest proportion of hospitals reported offering inpatient treatment services (791 hospitals [27%]), followed by MOUD (1055 hospitals [37%]), and outpatient treatment services (1087 hospitals [38%]). The majority of hospitals reported offering consultation (1704 hospitals [60%]) and screening (2240 hospitals [79%]). In multivariable models, SNHs were significantly less likely to offer SUD services across all 5 categories of services (screening odds ratio [OR], 0.62 [95% CI, 0.48-0.76]; consultation OR, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.47-0.83]; inpatient services OR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.55-0.97]; outpatient services OR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.59-0.99]; MOUD OR, 0.6 [95% CI, 0.46-0.78]). With the exception of MOUD, public or for-profit SNHs did not differ significantly from their non-SNH counterparts. However, nonprofit SNHs were significantly less likely to offer all 5 SUD services compared with their non-SNH counterparts (screening OR, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.41-0.66]; consultation OR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.44-0.73]; inpatient services OR, 0.45 [95% CI, 0.33-0.61]; outpatient services OR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.44-0.76]; MOUD OR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.46-0.79]). In this cross-sectional study of SNHs and non-SNHs, SNHs had significantly lower odds of offering the full range of SUD services. These findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that SNHs may face additional barriers to offering SUD programs. Further research is needed to understand these barriers and to identify strategies that support the adoption of evidence-based SUD programs in SNH settings.

Addressing nutrition and physical activity in substance use disorder treatment: Client reports from a wellness-oriented, tobacco-free policy intervention

IntroductionInterest in wellness interventions in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is growing although evidence remains limited. This study evaluated nutrition, physical activity, nutrition and physical activity counseling, and relationships of counseling with wellness behavior before and after a wellness-oriented, tobacco-free policy intervention in 17 residential SUD programs. MethodsClients completed cross-sectional surveys reporting sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, physical activity, and receipt of nutrition and physical activity counseling before (n= 434) and after (n = 422) an 18-month intervention. Multivariable regression models assessed pre-post-intervention differences in these variables and examined associations of nutrition counseling with sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and physical activity counseling with physical activity. ResultsPost-intervention clients were 83% more likely than pre-intervention clients to report nutrition counseling (p = 0.024). There were no pre-post- differences for other variables. Past week sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was 22% lower among clients reporting nutrition counseling than for those who did not (p = 0.008) and this association did not vary by time (pre/post). There was a significant interaction of physical activity counseling receipt by time on past week physical activity (p = 0.008). Pre-intervention clients reporting physical activity counseling had 22% higher physical activity than those who did not; post-intervention clients reporting physical activity counseling had 47% higher physical activity. ConclusionA wellness policy intervention was associated with increased nutrition counseling. Nutrition counseling predicted lower sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. Physical activity counseling predicted higher physical activity, an association that was greater post-intervention. Adding wellness components to tobacco-related interventions may promote health among SUD clients.

Retention and Overdose Risk among Patients Receiving Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Mental Health Care and Peer Recovery Support: A Longitudinal Analysis.

Drug overdose remains a major crisis in the United States. Expanding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery support services is critical for reducing overdose risk during disasters such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) pandemic. We evaluated the outcomes of an innovative multicomponent service, inclusive of medications for SUD, and peer support, colocated in an outpatient infectious disease clinic in Baltimore City. Our goal was to examine whether a multicomponent SUD program can support patients in recovery during a pandemic. One hundred five patients in the RESTORE service between 2019-2020 completed baseline, 3-month, and 6-month surveys. Telemedicine and phone-based support groups were implemented in March 2020 after statewide restrictions on face-to-face services due to SARS-CoV2. Data from surveys and electronic medical records were integrated and analyzed using mixed-effects regression models. At baseline, most patients (88%) reported using drugs/alcohol in the preceding 30 days; 48% of patients reported a history of drug overdose, as well anxiety (23%) and depression (28%) symptoms. Despite pandemic-related disruptions and procedural changes, retention in RESTORE was high (83% after 3 months, 76% after 6 months). Mixed-effects regression models indicated decreased anxiety, alcohol use, heroin use, and nonfatal overdose after 6 months of enrollment (all P < 0.05). Multicomponent SUD services that are colocated within infectious disease specialty services could help patients to successfully manage their overdose risk and mental health even during future disasters. This model of care could be implemented in other specialty settings that see high rates of SUD.

Comparing client and staff reports on tobacco-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and services provided in substance use treatment.

Smoking is highly prevalent in substance use disorder (SUD) programs, but few studies have explored the tobacco-related attitudes of staff and clients in the same program. The aim of this study was to compare staff and client reports on 10 tobacco-related items and associate them with tobacco measures implemented in the programs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 18 residential SUD programs from 2019 to 2020. Overall, 534 clients and 183 clinical staff self-reported their tobacco use, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices/services regarding smoking cessation. Ten comparable items were asked of both clients and staff. Differences in their responses were tested using bivariate analyses. We examine the association between selected tobacco-related items on making a quit attempt and planning to quit in the next 30 days. In all, 63.7% of clients were current cigarette users versus 22.9% of staff. About half of clinicians (49.4%) said they had the skills to help patients quit smoking, while only 34.0% of clients thought their clinicians had these skills (p=0.003). About 28.4% of staff reported encouraging their patients to use nicotine replacement treatment (NRT), and 23.4% of patients said they had been encouraged to use these products. Client reports of planning a quit attempt were positively correlated with whether both staff and clients reported that the use of NRT was encouraged (clients: r=0.645 p=0.004; staff: r=0.524 p=0.025). A low level of tobacco-related services was provided by staff and received by clients. In programs where smokers were encouraged to use NRT, a higher percentage of smokers planned a quit attempt. Tobacco-related training among staff, and communication about tobacco use with clients, should be improved to make tobacco services more visible and accessible in SUD treatment.

Congress Passes Spending Bill With Several APA Priorities

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Government & LegalFull AccessCongress Passes Spending Bill With Several APA PrioritiesKatie O'ConnorKatie O'ConnorSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:20 Jan 2023https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2023.02.2.43AbstractThe $1.7 trillion omnibus package includes many provisions for which APA heavily advocated, including new investments in the psychiatric workforce, collaborative care, and mental health parity.dkfieldingIn December, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (HR 2617), a massive spending bill that will keep the U.S. government funded through September.The package, which President Joe Biden signed on December 29, includes numerous APA priorities for which it has advocated heavily. They include APA initiatives focused on encouraging implementation of the evidence-based Collaborative Care Model (CoCM), enforcing mental health parity, and bolstering the psychiatric workforce.“These accomplishments as well as many others in the legislation are a great victory for psychiatry and the patients we serve and could not have been achieved without the active engagement of APA members and the dedication of APA staff,” said APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A.Some of the APA priorities in the package include the following:Collaborative care: The package includes grants and technical assistance to implement the CoCM in primary care settings for the prevention of mental and substance use disorders (SUD) and early intervention for treatment.Mental health parity: Grants for state insurance agencies were included in the package to enforce the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) and ensure that insurers are complying with the federal parity law. The spending package also eliminates the parity opt-out for non-federal governmental health plans.Workforce: The package made significant investments in the medical workforce with the creation of 200 new graduate medical education (GME) residency slots, half of which are designated specifically for psychiatry or psychiatric subspecialties.Telehealth: The package extends the current Medicare telehealth flexibilities instituted due to the ongoing public health emergency. It delays the implementation of the in-person requirement for telehealth services for mental health until December 31, 2024.APA’s members and staff have initiated many of these provisions and actively advocated for them. In May 2022, in her role at the time as incoming APA President, Rebecca Brendel, M.D., J.D., provided expert testimony to the Subcommittee on Health of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. She spoke about numerous bills that would bolster the nation’s mental health system, explaining that many insurers are not in compliance with MHPAEA and that Congressional action is needed. She also emphasized the importance of integrating mental and physical health care to enhance access and the need of primary care offices for support so they can implement the CoCM (“Incoming APA President Testifies Before House Subcommittee”).In addition, APA members and staff engaged congressional offices and deployed a strong grassroots push to encourage congressional action addressing the psychiatry workforce shortage, resulting in the 100 new GME slots reserved for psychiatry. Congress has increased the number of GME slots only twice over the last 25 years.Other APA-supported provisions within the spending package include investments in health equity. The package increased the authorizations and funding for programs to improve maternal health and for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Minority Fellowship Program, a program in which APA participates.Additionally, the package increases funding for critical mental health and SUD programs under SAMHSA; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and the National Institutes of Health, including the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.In a statement applauding the package’s passage, APA also emphasized the need for continued work. Congress did not entirely eliminate a cut in Medicare payments for physicians imposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The cut, which went into effect January 1, was originally slated to be 4.5%, but Congress adjusted it down to 2%. “This runs counter to the need to improve access to care for patients, and we urge Congress to revisit this continuing challenge as soon as possible in the new year,” APA’s statement reads.“Improving mental health care is critically important for families across the country,” said Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). “I was proud to fight for measures that will bring more mental health providers into the workforce and boost access through innovations like telehealth. There’s still more work to do, but the accomplishments in this legislation are a promising start for Americans that need mental health care.” ■APA Statement on Mental Health Provisions in Federal End-of-Year Spending Package ISSUES NewArchived

Pre-Paid Phone Distribution: A Tool for Improving Healthcare Engagement for People with Substance Use Disorder

Background The COVID-19 pandemic drove significant disruptions in access to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and harm reduction services. Healthcare delivery via telemedicine has increasingly become the norm, rendering access to a phone essential for engagement in care. Methods Adult patients with SUD who lacked phones (n = 181) received a free, pre-paid phone during encounters with inpatient and outpatient SUD programs. We evaluated changes in healthcare engagement including completed in-person and telemedicine outpatient visits and telephone encounters 30 days before and after phone receipt. We used descriptive statistics, where appropriate, and paired t-tests to assess the change in healthcare engagement measures. Results Patients were predominantly male (64%) and white (62%) with high rates of homelessness (81%) and opioid use disorder (89%). When comparing 30 days before to 30 days after phone receipt, there was a significant increased change in number of telemedicine visits by 0.3 (95% CL [0.1,0.4], p < 0.001) and telephone encounters by 0.2 (95% CL [0.1,0.3], p = 0.004). There was no statistically significant change in in-person outpatient visits observed. Conclusions Pre-paid phone distribution to patients with SUD was associated with an increased healthcare engagement including telemedicine visits and encounters.

Trends in the Prioritization and Implementation of Substance Use Programs by Nonprofit Hospitals: 2015-2021.

Hospitalizations are an important opportunity to address substance use through inpatient services, outpatient care, and community partnerships, yet the extent to which nonprofit hospitals prioritize such services across time remains unknown. The objective of this study is to examine trends in nonprofit hospitals' prioritization and implementation of substance use disorder (SUD) programs. We assessed trends in hospital prioritization of substance use as a top five community need and hospital implementation of SUD programing at nonprofit hospitals between 2015 and 2021 using two waves (wave 1: 2015-2018; wave 2: 2019-2021) by examining hospital community benefit reports. We utilized t or χ 2 tests to understand whether there were significant differences in the prioritization and implementation of SUD programs across waves. We used multilevel logistic regression to evaluate the relation between prioritization and implementation of SUD programs, hospital and community characteristics, and wave. Hospitals were less likely to have prioritized SUD but more likely to have implemented SUD programs in the most recent 3 years compared, even after adjusting for the local overdose rate and hospital- and community-level variables. Although most hospitals consistently prioritized and implemented SUD programs during the 2015-2021 period, a 11% removed and 15% never adopted SUD programs at all, despite an overall increase in overdose rates. Our study identified gaps in hospital SUD infrastructure during a time of elevated need. Failing to address this gap reflects missed opportunities to engage vulnerable populations, provide linkages to treatment, and prevent complications of substance use.

Understanding Vaccine Perceptions and Willingness to Receive COVID-19 Vaccination: Opportunities to Strengthen Public Health Responses and COVID-19 Services for People Who Use Drugs.

People who use drugs (PWUD) are at high risk for COVID-19 infection, morbidity, and mortality. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at reducing serious illness and death from COVID-19. There are sparse data on the perceptions and willingness of PWUD to receive COVID-19 vaccination. In order to assess the perceptions of, and willingness to receive, COVID-19 vaccination among PWUD, we conducted a rapid survey-based assessment of 100 PWUD in NYC (Spring 2021) who reported not having received COVID-19 vaccination and who reported past 30-day illicit drug use. More than 80% of respondents agreed that personally receiving a COVID-19 vaccine was important for the health of others in the community, and endorsing this belief was significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccine willingness reflecting a high prevalence of altruistic beliefs (p-value: 0.01). Other reported perceptions that were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccine willingness were believing that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for PWUD and trusting COVID-19 information from their healthcare providers (p-values &lt; 0.05). That said, 62% reported being unwilling to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and 70-83% had concerns about general vaccine safety/efficacy. Examining pairs of questions to explore potential ambivalence between vaccine endorsement and vaccine concerns identified that 56-65% simultaneously reported vaccine safety/efficacy concerns and beliefs that vaccination was an important intervention. Of the 75 respondents who reported past 30-day use of harm reduction and/or substance use disorder (SUD) programs, nearly 90% reported these programs as trusted sources of COVID-19 information. Most participants reported altruistic beliefs about the role of vaccines for community health, including COVID-19 vaccines, and this altruism was associated with willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19. These findings suggest a complex relationship between beliefs about the role of vaccination in community health and the safety/efficacy of vaccines; this ambivalence suggests that COVID-19 vaccine willingness may not be firmly fixed, indicating potential opportunities to address questions and build vaccine confidence. Harm reduction and SUD programs could be leveraged to further engage PWUD in receipt of COVID-19 information and/or vaccination. Recognizing vaccine ambivalence, emphasizing collective and individual benefits of vaccination, and messaging from trusted sources may be promising approaches to increase vaccination in this population.

A comparison of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia to standard of care in an outpatient substance use disorder clinic embedded within a therapeutic community: a RE-AIM framework evaluation

BackgroundRates of substance use disorders (SUDs) continue to rise in the USA with parallel rises in admissions to outpatient SUD treatment programs. Insomnia symptoms reduce treatment adherence, trigger relapse, and generally undermine SUD recovery efforts. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the first-line treatment recommended for chronic insomnia. No study has examined the effectiveness of CBT-I for individuals who recently entered an outpatient SUD treatment program embedded within a therapeutic community (i.e., long-term drug-free residential setting).MethodsA randomized controlled trial conducted at a SUD program embedded in a therapeutic community aimed to compare group-based CBT-I (gCBT-I) (N = 10) with the standard of care (SOC) (N = 11) among individuals who have SUDs and comorbid insomnia. We present a RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework evaluation to provide empirical data on gCBT-I feasibility and facilitators and barriers of conducting an insomnia-focused clinical effectiveness study within a therapeutic community.ResultsParticipants in both study arms reported moderately severe insomnia symptoms at admission and reductions in insomnia symptoms over time. Among participants who completed the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) beyond admission, ISI decreased to ≤ 8 (the clinical cutoff for mild insomnia) in 80% of individuals in the gCBT-I group compared with 25% of individuals in the SOC group. A RE-AIM framework evaluation showed initial success with Reach and Adoption while Implementation, and Maintenance were limited. Effectiveness was inconclusive because of challenges with recruitment, intervention integrity, and missing data that precluded meeting the planned recruitment and study aims and led to study termination. Coordination and communication with staff and leadership facilitated gCBT-I implementation, yet well-known CBT-I barriers including time- and resource-intensive sleep medicine training for interventionalists and maintenance of treatment integrity during an 8-week intervention limited gCBT-I sustainability.ConclusionsThis analysis supports the feasibility of conducting behavioral sleep medicine research in outpatient SUD treatment programs embedded within therapeutic communities. Implementation of an insomnia-focused intervention was widely accepted by patients and providers and has potential to address insomnia symptoms in early SUD recovery. Addressing patient- and organizational-level implementation barriers may enhance the sustainability and scalability of sleep interventions and provide new hope to effectively treat insomnia among people living with SUDs.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov: NCT03208855. Registered July 6, 2017https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03208855?term=NCT03208855&draw=2&rank=1

Smoking Behavior and Wellness among Individuals in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

ABSTRACT Tobacco-related morbidity and mortality disproportionately affect people with substance use disorders (SUD). Encouraging overall wellness may support tobacco use cessation. We investigated relationships between wellness (health status, physical activity, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption), cigarette smoking, and smoking cessation among SUD treatment patients to inform clinical care. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted with 395 patients in 20 California residential SUD programs. Using multivariate regression, we examined associations between smoking status and wellness. Among smokers, we examined associations between lifetime smoking exposure, cessation behaviors and attitudes, and wellness. Compared to nonsmokers (n = 121), smokers (n = 274) reported more SSB consumption, poorer physical health, and more respiratory symptoms. Among smokers, SSB consumption and respiratory symptoms increased per ten pack-years of smoking. Smokers with respiratory symptoms reported higher motivation to quit and more use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Smokers with more days of poor mental health reported lower motivation to quit. Overall, cigarette smoking was associated with other health-risk behaviors among SUD treatment patients. Respiratory symptoms may increase, and poor mental health may decrease, SUD patients’ intent to quit smoking. To reduce chronic disease risk among SUD patients, treatment programs should consider promoting overall wellness concurrently with smoking cessation.

Pre-implementation Assessment of Tobacco Cessation Interventions in Substance Use Disorder Residential Programs in California

Background Across the United States, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs vary in terms of tobacco-related policies and cessation services offered. Implementation of tobacco-related policies within this setting can face several barriers. Little is known about how program leadership anticipate such barriers at the pre-implementation phase. This study used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) during the pre-implementation stage to identify factors that may influence the implementation stage of tobacco-related cessation policies and services in residential SUD programs. Methods We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with sixteen residential treatment program directors in California. The analysis was guided by a deductive approach using CFIR domains and constructs to develop codes and identify themes. ATLAS.ti software was used to facilitate thematic analysis of interview transcripts. Findings Themes that arose as anticipated facilitators for implementation included the relative advantage of the intervention vs. current practice, external policies/incentives to support tobacco-related policy, program directors’ strong commitment and high self-efficacy to incorporate cessation into SUD treatment, and recognizing the importance of planning and engaging opinion leaders. Potential barriers included the SUD recovery culture, low stakeholder engagement, organizational culture, lack of workforce expertise, and lack of reimbursement for smoking cessation services. Conclusion To support successful implementation of tobacco-related organizational change interventions, staff and clients of residential SUD programs require extensive education about the effectiveness of evidence-based medications and behavioral therapies for treating tobacco dependence. Publicly funded SUD treatment programs should receive support to address tobacco dependence among their clients through expanded reimbursement for tobacco cessation services.

Bill would reauthorize MD, SUD programs, strengthen parity

Strengthening existing mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) parity laws, improving community mental health services and authorizing a significant increase in the Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG), are among the provisions present in the legislation to reauthorize key programs that are set to expire in September and are endorsed by more than 30 health, addiction and mental health organizations.

403 Can supervision support implementation of evidence-based practices in substance use disorder treatment programs? A qualitative analysis of organizational and environmental contexts in Arkansas

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Supervision is a promising strategy for supporting high-fidelity implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in substance use disorder (SUD) settings. In this study, we explore current supervision practices in community SUD programs and identify organizational and environmental factors that shape them. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We interviewed 25 leaders and counselors at 8 community SUD programs in Arkansas, and 16 leaders at external stakeholder organizations (e.g., regulators, payers, licensing boards). Interview guides were based on the i-PARIHS framework. Interviews were conducted on Zoom or phone, lasted ~1 hour, and were recorded and transcribed. Below we outline findings based on preliminary analyses; full thematic analyses will be completed before presentation. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Participants generally recognized the importance of utilizing EBPs and supporting their use through supervision. Counselors professional backgrounds and training vary substantially, necessitating continuing education and supervision. However, different professional, licensing and regulatory standards create a complex web of requirements and practices. Supervisors typically require clinical experience, but are rarely trained in supervision. They are internal or external to the organization, and provide individual or group supervision. Supervisors most often rely on case summaries and chart reviews, sometimes on direct observations and role-playing, and rarely (one program) on session recordings. Supervision goals are broad, and while EBP use is encouraged, it is rarely the focus of supervision. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: To enhance supervision in community SUD settings and improve implementation of EBPs, new supervision strategies need to fit the various norms, expectations, and standards (e.g., professional, regulatory) that characterize community SUD programs, their workforce, and their environments.

An investigation comparing primary and secondary substance cravings between mental health and substance use disorder program inpatients

Background: Mental illness symptoms can trigger substance use cravings, which are strongly associated with relapse. Aim: Our study examines differences in substances craved among adults entering inpatient mental health (MH) and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs in 2018. Method: Our sample includes 2,486 adults; 1,686 adults admitted to MH programs and 800 adults admitted to SUD programs. We conducted chi-square tests and Fisher’s exact tests to determine group differences, with a Bonferroni correction to adjust the alpha for multiple tests. Results: We found that patients programmed to SUD services more often reported alcohol (39.99 vs. 49.63%; x2 (1, N = 2,488) =20.56, p&lt;0.001) and opioid (8. 00% vs. 35.88%; x2 (1, N = 2,488) =299.48, p &lt; 0.001) cravings. Patients programmed to MH primary more often reported cannabis (16. 35% vs. 1.00%; x2 (1, N=2,488) =299.48, p&lt;0.001), stimulants (10.25% vs. 6.13%; x2(1, N =2,488) = 11.36, p &lt; 0.001), and “other substances” cravings (21.45% vs. 3.25; x2 (2, N = 2,488) =136.52, p &lt;0.001). Both groups mostly did not report secondary cravings. Conclusions: Because cravings can negatively impact treatment success of patients with co-occurring disorders, cravings should be assessed upon admission to mental health or SUD inpatient treatment.