The United States is in the midst of an evolving overdose crisis, driven by the proliferation of potent synthetic opioids (e.g., illicitly made fentanyl), the resurgence of stimulants (e.g., methamphetamine), and the introduction of adulterants (e.g., xylazine) into the illicit drug supply. These substance use challenges are happening against the backdrop of rising mental health challenges that are closely linked to substance use and overdose. As overdose deaths have increased, the demographic profile of those dying has shifted and now disproportionately affects certain racial and ethnic minority populations. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are an underexplored component of the prevention response but are particularly salient in addressing substance use and overdose. Many SDOH have been linked to an increased risk for substance use and overdose, either directly or indirectly. The author examines the connection between SDOH and substance use and overdose, with a particular focus on young adults.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20240022 | DOI Listing |
J Addict Med
January 2025
From the Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Maryland, College Park, MD (MMA); RAND, Santa Monica, CA (EAT, YM, DA, JC); and RAND, Pittsburgh, PA (BDS).
Objectives: This study explores trends in buprenorphine availability at substance use disorder treatment facilities (SUDTFs) and by waivered clinicians during the pandemic. We also examined whether there were differences in access based on a county's metropolitan status and annual fatal drug poisoning rate.
Methods: Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration' Behavioral Health Treatment Locator between July 2019 and May 2021 were used to calculate trends in SUDTFs offering buprenorphine and the number of waivered clinicians per 10,000 population.
J Appl Lab Med
January 2025
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, United States.
Background: Drug overdose-related deaths continue to increase globally. Testing demands have likewise increased, prompting healthcare facilities to adopt a range of methods, from simple point-of-care immunoassays to comprehensive chromatographic and mass spectrometry-based techniques. Each of these testing methods has trade-offs related to cost, performance, speed, and convenience, requiring healthcare facilities to carefully determine the best options to meet their clinical needs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHealth Aff Sch
December 2024
New York State Department of Health, Office of the Commissioner, Albany, NY 12237, United States.
BMC Glob Public Health
January 2025
Division of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, 80045 CO, USA.
Background: In the USA, many states, including Colorado, have increased criminal penalties for illicit opioid possession, which may alter overdose risk. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between Colorado's increased drug-related criminal legal penalties, risk of overdose, and substance use patterns.
Methods: We used concept mapping - a mixed-methods approach used to develop a conceptual understanding of an issue from a community lens - to engage with people with living and/or lived experience with the criminal legal system, substance use, and/or overdose, their loved ones, and service providers.
J Subst Use Addict Treat
December 2024
Department of Pharmacy Practice & Science, Center for the Advancement of Pharmacy Practice, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY 40508, USA. Electronic address:
Introduction: This study uses the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) model to retrospectively describe the mail-based overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) program developed in collaboration with the Kentucky Department of Corrections (DOC) for use in the HEALing Communities Study in Kentucky (HCS-KY) and details the reach of this innovative delivery model.
Methods: HCS-KY is a community-engaged cluster-randomized trial assessing the effects of implementing evidence-based practices, including OEND, on overdose death reduction across 16 communities highly impacted by the opioid epidemic in Kentucky. The study launch coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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