Articles: opioid.
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Journal of women's health · Jan 2021
Prescription Opioids and Patient Sex: A National Cross-Sectional Study.
Background: Surveillance data suggest that women are prescribed more opioid analgesics than men. It remains unclear whether these sex-related differences solely reflect the associations with other characteristics more prevalent among women (e.g., adverse socioeconomic and health status-related factors, and more contact with the health system). Materials and Methods: We examined the factors associated with opioid prescriptions and sex in a large, nationally representative U. ⋯ Conclusions: In this nationally representative sample, women received higher rates of prescription opioids, consistent with prior surveillance data. However, this relationship was attenuated with adjustment for sociodemographic and health status-related factors, and nonsignificant with adjustment for higher rates of nonnarcotic prescriptions among women. Higher opioid prescription rates in women may simply be reflective of these other factors, and the overall greater use of health care among women.
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During the last decade, drug abuse rates, particularly prescription drugs, have increased. Simultaneously, music consumption has dramatically increased, and the leading genre is currently rap music. While the casual relationship is debated, musical preference is related to substance misuse and other risky behaviors. ⋯ Xanax & Adderall) (10%). Yearly trends indicate that alcohol lyrics are declining, illicit drug lyrics remain stable, and prescription drug lyrics increase. Conclusions/Importance: The rise in music consumption with rap music leading in popularity and 72% of songs celebrating drug usage is a concerning trend, especially as prescription drug misuse is rising in popularity within rap music.
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Substance use & misuse · Jan 2021
Cannabis Use and Nonfatal Opioid Overdose among Patients Enrolled in Methadone Maintenance Treatment.
Some ecological studies found lower rates of opioid overdose in states with liberalized cannabis legislation, but results are mixed, and the association has not been analyzed in individuals. We quantified the association between cannabis use and nonfatal opioid overdose among individuals enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) for opioid use disorder (OUD). ⋯ Among individuals enrolled in MMT, frequent cannabis use in the past month was associated with fewer self-reported nonfatal opioid overdoses in the past year. Methodological limitations caution against causal interpretation of this relationship. Additional studies are needed to understand the prospective impact of co-occurring cannabis on opioid-related outcomes.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jan 2021
Healthcare Provider Attitudes, Beliefs, and Perceived Confidence in Managing Patients with Cancer Pain and Nonmedical Opioid Use.
Health care provider education is an effective strategy to improve knowledge and competencies in opioid-prescribing practices. However, there are very few studies regarding this among providers of patients with cancer pain and nonmedical opioid use (NMOU). The aim of our study was to assess participants' attitudes, beliefs, and self-perceived confidence in caring for patients with cancer pain and NMOU before and after attending an opioid educational seminar on the use and nonmedical use of opioids in patients with cancer. ⋯ Most health care providers expressed concerns about underdetection of NMOU and undertreatment of pain among patients with cancer. Many self-reported knowledge and confidence deficits in caring for patients with cancer with NMOU. Seminar participation was associated with an increase in the number of participants with self-perceived knowledge and confidence. Future studies are needed to ascertain the impact of such opioid educational events on patient care practices.
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The novel coronavirus has thrown large sections of our healthcare system into disarray, with providers overburdened by record breaking number of hospitalizations and deaths. The U. ⋯ This commentary draws attention to substance use and opioid access during the ongoing crisis, given the potential for breakdowns in treatment access for addiction, the growing concern of mental health comorbidities, and the lack of access for those who require opioids for adequate pain management. Further, the commentary will offer policy and practice recommendations that may be implemented to provide more equitable distribution of care.