The substance use disorder treatment gap among US college students: Findings from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Background: Substance use and substance use disorders (SUD) are prevalent among college students. Information about the gap between substance use treatment need versus treatment receipt can guide efforts to increase service access. This study examined past-year DSM-5 SUD and receipt of treatment among US college students.

Public Perceptions of Opioid Use for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain.

: Chronic non-cancer pain affects 20% of Americans. This is significantly impacted by the ongoing opioid crisis and reduced opioid dispensing. Public perceptions additionally shape pain management strategies.

Attitudes toward medications for opioid use disorder among peer recovery specialists.

Peer recovery specialists (PRSs) are substance use service providers with lived experience in recovery. Although a large body of research demonstrates the efficacy of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), emerging research suggests PRSs' attitudes toward MOUD are ambivalent or mixed. Few studies have quantitatively assessed factors influencing PRSs' attitudes.

Adolescents' Use of Medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Subsequent Risk of Nonmedical Stimulant Use.

Purpose: This national prospective multicohort study examined the relationship between US adolescents' use of stimulant therapy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and subsequent risk of nonmedical stimulant use (i.e., nonmedical use of prescription stimulants and cocaine use) during young adulthood, relative to nonstimulant therapy and population controls.

Naloxone Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Overdose Response Among Family Members of People who Misuse Opioids.

Providing family members of individuals with opioid use disorders (OUD) naloxone is a cost-effective way to prevent overdose deaths. However, misconceptions and negative attitudes towards naloxone hinder family engagement with naloxone programs. This study examines factors associated with knowledge and attitudes toward naloxone among adults with close family members who misused opioids.

Support for Safe Consumption Sites Among Peer Recovery Coaches.

Safe consumption sites (SCSs), legally sanctioned facilities where people can use drugs under medical supervision, are an effective strategy to reduce overdose fatalities. Peer recovery coaches (PRCs), substance use service providers with lived experience in recovery, are a key provider group affecting SCS implementation. This study assesses support for SCSs among PRCs and identifies personal and professional characteristics associated with support for these sites.

Experiences of healthcare and substance use treatment provider-based stigma among patients receiving methadone.

Background: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) are efficacious, however only one-third of individuals with an opioid use disorder (OUD) enter into treatment. Low rates of MOUD utilization are partially due to stigma. This study examines provider-based stigma toward MOUD and identifies factors associated with experiencing stigma related to MOUD from substance use treatment and healthcare providers among people receiving methadone.

Stigma Communication Surrounding Nonmedical Opioid Use Among Affected Family Members.

A growing body of research demonstrates the role of language in stigma toward nonmedical opioid use (NMOU). Terms like "substance abuser" perpetuate stereotypes and evoke punitive judgments. This study examines how affected family members (AFMs) communicate stigma when discussing their loved one's NMOU.

Attitudes toward Medication for Opioid Use Disorder among Substance Use Treatment Providers.

Provider attitudes can be a powerful reinforcer of stigma toward medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). This study examines attitudes toward MOUD among substance use treatment providers and identifies personal and professional characteristics associated with more positive attitudes. Treatment providers (N = 570) working at publicly-funded substance use programs in Michigan self-administered a web-based survey (November 2020 through July 2021), reporting their socio-demographics, professional experience, and attitudes toward MOUD.

Cumulative barriers to retention in methadone treatment among adults from rural and small urban communities.

Background: Though methadone has been shown to effectively treat opioid use disorder, many barriers prevent individuals from accessing and maintaining treatment. Barriers are prevalent in less populated areas where treatment options are limited. This study examines barriers to retention in methadone treatment in a small Midwest community and identifies factors associated with greater endorsement of barriers.

Comorbid Affective and Substance Use Disorders of Medicaid/Medicare Beneficiaries at an Opioid Treatment Program Serving Small Urban and Rural Communities.

Objectives: Identify rates and correlates of comorbid affective and substance use disorders among an understudied population, Medicaid/Medicare beneficiaries receiving care at an opioid treatment program serving patients from small urban and rural areas. Examine whether past-year non-medical opioid use status differentiates comorbidity status.

Methods: A cross-sectional, venue-based design was used to recruit a convenience sample of patients treated with methadone for opioid use disorder.

An examination of correlates of simultaneous opioid and benzodiazepine use among patients in medication treatment for opioid use disorder in a small midwestern community.

Concurrent and/or simultaneous use of opioids and benzodiazepines has been associated with increased risk of accident and injury, as well as with co-occurring psychopathology. The purpose of the present study was to explore potential correlates of simultaneous opioid and benzodiazepine use in a small community, including perceived risk, positive screens for psychiatric symptoms, and opioid-related consequences. A sample of 267 participants were recruited from a medication treatment provider that serves a small Midwestern community.

Predictors of Safe Prescription Opioid Storage and Participation in Drug Take-Back Events: Results from a Statewide Survey.

Improper storage and disposal of prescribed opioids can lead to diversion or accidental poisonings. Studies of emergency department and cancer patients suggest prescription opioids are rarely stored securely or disposed of when unneeded. Safe storage and disposal practices reduce risks for others living in or visiting a household.

Evaluating the implementation of a prisoner re-entry initiative for individuals with opioid use and mental health disorders: Application of the consolidated framework for implementation research in a cross-system initiative.

Given the interrelated nature of opioid use, criminal justice interaction, and mental health issues, the current opioid crisis has created an urgent need for treatment, including medication assisted treatment, among justice-involved populations. Implementation research plays an important role in improving systems of care and integration of evidence-based practices within and outside of criminal justice institutions. The current study is a formative qualitative evaluation of the implementation of a cross-system (corrections and community-based) opioid use treatment initiative supported by Opioid State Targeted Response (STR) funding.