The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse
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Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse · Mar 2016
A descriptive regional study of drug and alcohol use in pregnant women using results from urine drug testing by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
Patterns of drug use during pregnancy may be changing. Identifying changes in pregnant women's drug use may help to target prevention and treatment. ⋯ Compared with older reports, our detection rates of prescription opioid analgesics were increased while rates of urinary alcohol detection were relatively unchanged, and detection rates of marijuana were decreased. Provider awareness of these substance detection rates may facilitate the identification of patients using these substances during pregnancy and ultimately help promote potential prevention and treatment.
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Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse · Mar 2016
Symptom profile of alcohol withdrawal delirium: factor analysis of Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 version.
The symptom profile of alcohol withdrawal delirium (AWD), relative to deliriums of other etiology, remains uncertain. ⋯ Results of the current factor analyses suggest that the factor structure of pure AWD is different from AWD with associated etiologies. Hence, attention to the symptom profile of patients with AWD may provide clues to delirium etiology.
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Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse · Mar 2016
ReviewLegal regimes surrounding naloxone access: considerations for prescribers.
Since the late 1980s, opioid-related morbidity and mortality in the United States has dramatically increased. This serious epidemic requires a coordinated medical, public policy, and social response. It is becoming readily apparent that widespread provision of naloxone may help to address this problem. However, because naloxone access laws vary between states, the extent of antidote dissemination may be limited by a given provider's geographic location. ⋯ Evidence suggests that naloxone administration by laypersons, pursuant to physician prescription or standing order, is safe and effective for reversal of opioid overdose. As of July 2015, 44 states and the District of Columbia have passed naloxone access laws, offering varying degrees of protections for prescribers. Although the likelihood of naloxone-related legal action may parallel that inherent to the usual practice of medicine, providers should be mindful of potential scenarios, exercise methods to mitigate risk, and appreciate the utility of comprehensive naloxone access legislation in orchestrating a coordinated response to the opioid overdose epidemic.