Analyzing and predicting short-term substance use behaviors of persons who use drugs in the great plains of the U.S.

Background: Substance use induces large economic and societal costs in the U.S. Understanding the change in substance use behaviors of persons who use drugs (PWUDs) over time, therefore, is important in order to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders toward more efficient allocation of limited resources to at-risk PWUDs.

"Addiction is Not a Choice." #narcansaveslives: Collective Voice in Harm Reduction on TikTok.

Using 100 videos posted to TikTok by harm reduction creators with the hashtags #narcansaveslives and #naloxonesaveslives, this study examines who is posting, what they are saying, and how they are explaining Narcan/naloxone to their followers. Incorporating the concept of reverse agenda setting, we examine how, through hashtags, TikTok creators can set the agenda for what is important to discuss in the harm reduction space. Findings demonstrate that harm reduction creators have developed a collective voice and created an affective public, attempting to educate others, shed stigma, and normalize the conversation around harm reduction.

Patterns of delta 8 THC and cannabis uptake in Nebraska: A cannabis prohibition state.

Background: Following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, derived psychoactive cannabis products containing delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have become increasingly popular across the US, particularly in states that lack medical or recreational cannabis programs. Despite this, little is known about patterns of delta 8 THC use.

Methods: A sample of Nebraska residents (a state without legal medical or recreational cannabis) were surveyed to gather data on substance use, including delta 8 THC and cannabis, across the state.

Factors associated with gaps in naloxone knowledge: evidence from a 2022 great plains survey.

Background: The rising prevalence of fast-acting opioids in the USA suggests the increased need for non-professional first responder administration of naloxone. Effective administration of naloxone during an overdose requires that bystanders are familiar with, have access to, and know how to use naloxone.

Methods: Drawing on a statewide, address-based sample of Nebraskan adults, we used logistic regression to predict the likelihood of respondents' familiarity with, access to, and competency to administer naloxone.