The Cyclical and Evolving Nature of Methamphetamine Use: An Evaluation of Near Real-time Urine Drug Test Results.

Objective: To determine methamphetamine positivity and copositivity with other drugs in urine drug test (UDT) results geographically through time.

Methods: This cross-sectional study of UDT results from January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2019, included patient specimens submitted by health care professionals across the United States. The analysis used LC-MS/MS to detect cocaine, heroin, alcohol, marijuana and nonprescribed methamphetamine, fentanyl, methadone, buprenorphine, benzodiazepines, and other opioids.

An Examination of State and Federal Opioid Analgesic and Continuing Education Policies: 2016-2018.

Introduction: Opioid overdose deaths in the United States have climbed sharply over the past two decades. Simultaneously, increased awareness of inadequately treated chronic pain has resulted in increased opioid analgesic prescribing. The correlation between these two phenomena has led policymakers to posit that they are causally linked, and to implement policy changes supporting safe opioid prescribing.

Evaluation of Trends of Near-Real-Time Urine Drug Test Results for Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Heroin, and Fentanyl.

This cross-sectional study uses nationally representative urine drug test data to analyze changes in positivity rates for methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.

Rate of Fentanyl Positivity Among Urine Drug Test Results Positive for Cocaine or Methamphetamine.

Importance: Drug overdose deaths continue to increase, despite the leveling off of prescription opioid use and policy changes limiting opioid prescribing. Illicit fentanyl is the leading cause of drug overdose death, and it is important to characterize the emerging combination of other illicit drugs with fentanyl, which increases the risk of overdose.

Objective: To determine whether rates of the combination of nonprescribed fentanyl with cocaine or methamphetamine have changed in urine drug test (UDT) results through time.

Impact of opioid dose reduction on individuals with chronic pain: results of an online survey.

Background: In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a guideline on opioid prescribing for primary care physicians. Patients with chronic pain receiving long-term opioid therapy were surveyed to assess the incidence and impact of opioid dose reduction following this guideline's promulgation.

Methods: Members of an advocacy organization for people with chronic pain were invited to participate in a 16-item, anonymous, online survey conducted in September/October 2017.