The American journal on addictions
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Multicenter Study
Health-related quality of life among prescription opioid-dependent patients: Results from a multi-site study.
Although prescription opioid use disorder has recently increased sharply in the United States, relatively little is known about the general well-being of this population. Assessment of quality of life in patients with substance use disorders has been recommended to improve clinical care. ⋯ The growing focus on wellness underscores the importance of measuring quality of life in addition to substance use outcomes. Routine assessment of health-related quality of life can add an important dimension to overall evaluation of patients' treatment response.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
The relationship between primary prescription opioid and buprenorphine-naloxone induction outcomes in a prescription opioid dependent sample.
This analysis aims to: (1) compare induction experiences among participants who self-reported using one of the four most commonly reported POs, and (2) examine factors associated with difficult bup-nx induction. Our hypothesis, based on previous research and current guidelines, is that those on longer-acting opioids will have experienced more difficult inductions. ⋯ Difficult bup-nx inductions were not associated with participants' primary PO. Severity of withdrawal, measured with the COWS, was an important variable, reminding clinicians that bup-nx should not be commenced prior to evidence of moderate opioid withdrawal. These findings add to the evidence that with careful procedures, bup-nx can used with few difficulties in PO-dependent patients. (Am J Addict 2014;23:343-348).
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Early outcomes following low dose naltrexone enhancement of opioid detoxification.
Although withdrawal severity and treatment completion are the initial focus of opioid detoxification, post-detoxification outcome better defines effective interventions. Very low dose naltrexone (VLNTX) in addition to methadone taper was recently associated with attenuated withdrawal intensity during detoxification. ⋯ VLNTX addition was also associated with higher rates of negative drug tests for opioids and cannabis and increased engagement in outpatient treatment after one week. Further studies are needed to test the utility of this approach in easing the transition from detoxification to various follow-up treatment modalities designed to address opioid dependence.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Withdrawal symptoms do not predict relapse among subjects treated for cannabis dependence.
This is the first follow-up study on the association between cannabis withdrawal symptoms and risk of relapse to cannabis use. Withdrawal symptoms were assessed in 36 subjects seeking treatment for cannabis dependence. All were free of other substance use or alcohol abuse in the month before abstinence from cannabis. ⋯ This offers further validation of a cannabis withdrawal syndrome. Average withdrawal scores at baseline did not differ with gender, age, treatment type, extent of cannabis use, or a lifetime history of anxiety or affective disorders. Withdrawal scores at baseline did not predict relapse during follow-up.