1. |
- Bjarnadottir, G. D., et al.
(author)
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Prevalent intravenous abuse of methylphenidate among treatment-seeking patients with substance abuse disorders: A descriptive population-based study
- 2015
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In: Journal of Addiction Medicine. - : Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. - 1932-0620. ; 9:3, s. 188-194
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Prescription rates of methylphenidate (MPH) are sharply rising in most Western countries. Although it has been reported that MPH has abuse potential, little is known about the prevalence of intravenous (IV) abuse of MPH. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of IV MPH abuse among treatment-seeking IV substance abusers in Iceland. Methods: This is a descriptive population-based study using a semistructured interview assessing sociodemographics, substance abuse history, and the method of administration of 108 IV substance abusers. During 1 year, consecutively admitted adult inpatients with substance use disorder at any detoxification center in Iceland that reported any IV substance abuse in the past 30 days were invited to participate. Abuse was defined as nontherapeutic use of a substance to gain psychological or physiological effect. Results: Prevalence of any IV MPH abuse among participants was 88% in the last 30 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82-0.94) and MPH was the most commonly abused substance (65%) and the preferred substance (63%). Around one third (30%) reportedMPH as the first IV substance ever abused. However, among those reporting a shorter history than 10 years of IV abuse, 42% reported MPH as the first IV substance ever abused. Conclusions: This first nationwide study on IV abuse ofMPH shows that it is common among treatment-seeking IV abusers in Iceland and suggests that MPH has high abuse potential. Therefore, both the use and possible abuse of MPH in those with high abuse potential should be monitored, especially in countries where MPH prescriptions rates are on the rise. Copyright © 2015 American Society of Addiction Medicine.
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2. |
- Blom Nilsson, Marcus, et al.
(author)
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Sexual Abuse and Future Mental Health Hospitalization in a Swedish National Sample of Men Who Use Opioids
- 2020
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In: Journal of addiction medicine. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 1932-0620 .- 1935-3227. ; 14:4, s. e24-e28
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Experiences of trauma, specifically sexual abuse, have been linked to both mental health and substance use disorders. This study used 14 years of Swedish health registry data to select a sample of adult men who reported frequent opioid use and assessed if those with a self-reported history of sexual abuse had a higher likelihood of hospitalization for a mental health disorder.Methods: A Swedish longitudinal (2003–2017) registry study linked Addiction Severity Index (ASI) assessments completed with individuals who sought treatment for substance use disorders with data on hospitalizations for mental health disorders, and assessed associations with self-reported histories of sexual abuse among men who reported sustained and frequent use of opioids (n¼1862). Cox regression methods tested associations and controlled for age, and the7 ASI composite scores: family and social relationships, employment, alcohol use, drug use, legal, physical health, and mental health.Results: The ASI composite score for mental health (hazard ratio[HR] 16.6, P<0.001) and a history of sexual abuse (HR 1.93,P<0.001) were associated with an elevated risk of future mental health hospitalization.Conclusion: Both the ASI composite scores for mental health andself-reported history of sexual abuse reflected complex needs amongmen who used opioids and increased risk for mental health hospitalization.Treatment providers should strive to provide integrated careand address the negative aspects of victimization.
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3. |
- Håkansson, Anders, et al.
(author)
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Gambling During the COVID-19 Crisis - A Cause for Concern
- 2020
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In: Journal of addiction medicine. - 1932-0620. ; 14:4, s. 10-12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- : The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to worsen mental health problems in the general population, including increasing engagement in addictive behaviors. Here, we describe observations suggesting that the current crisis and its sequelae may worsen problem gambling. The current pandemic may impact financial and psychological well-being due to social isolation during spatial distancing, and these stressors in conjunction with substantial changes in gambling markets (land-based, online) during the pandemic may significantly influence gambling behaviors. This situation calls for rapid research initiatives in this area and preventive and regulatory measures by multiple stakeholders.
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4. |
- Jemberie, Wossenseged Birhane, 1985-, et al.
(author)
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A Multidimensional Latent Class Analysis of Harmful Alcohol Use Among Older Adults : Subtypes Within the Swedish Addiction Severity Index Registry
- 2020
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In: Journal of addiction medicine. - : Wolters Kluwer. - 1932-0620 .- 1935-3227. ; 14:4, s. e89-e99
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: The present study aimed to identify multidimensional typologies of harmful alcohol use based on the Swedish Addiction Severity Index (ASI) assessment data on individuals aged 50 years and above.Methods: Latent class analysis examined 11 indicators from ASI data on 1747 individuals (men = 1255, women = 492) who reported they were troubled by alcohol problem at least one day in the past 30 days before their assessment. The discriminative validity of the classes was assessed by comparing other measures of individual characteristics and problem severity of other ASI dimensions.Results: Five subtypes of harmful alcohol use were identified. Two classes with alcohol problems varying in psychosocial functioning, age composition and ages of onset of both regular and heavy drinking. Two with psychiatric comorbidity but varying in violence, criminality, gender composition and ages of onset of regular and heavy drinking. One with high prevalence of concurrent use of other substances, psychiatric, legal, and employment problems.Conclusions: The analysis identified, in a national sample, heterogeneous risk groups of older adults with harmful alcohol use. These findings suggest a need for healthcare providers to assess older adults not only for their substance use but also for associated problems and needs. Given these findings, the Addiction Severity Index is a valuable assessment tool for older adults with harmful alcohol use.
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5. |
- Lundgren, Lena, et al.
(author)
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Immigration Status and Substance Use Disorder-related Mortality in Sweden : A National Longitudinal Registry Study
- 2019
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In: Journal of addiction medicine. - : Wolters Kluwer. - 1932-0620 .- 1935-3227. ; 13:6, s. 483-492
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: First-generation immigrants, in many countries, are healthier than their native counterparts. This study examined the association between first- and second-generation immigrant status and alcohol- or drugs other than alcohol-related (primarily opioids) mortality for those with risky substance use.Methods: A Swedish longitudinal, 2003 to 2017, registry study combined Addiction Severity Index (ASI) assessment data with mortality data (n = 15 601). Due to missing data, the analysis sample for this study was 15 012. Multivariate models tested the relationship between immigration status and drugs other than alcohol or alcohol-related mortality, controlling for demographics and the 7 ASI composite scores (CS).Results: Age, a higher ASI CS for alcohol, a lower ASI CS family and social relationship, a lower ASI CS for drug use and a higher ASI CS for health significantly predicted mortality because of alcohol-related causes. Higher ASI CS for drugs other than alcohol, employment, and health, age, male sex, and immigration status predicted drugs other than alcohol, related mortality. Individuals born in Nordic countries, excluding Sweden, were 1.76 times more likely to die of drugs other than alcohol compared with their Swedish counterparts. Individuals born outside a Nordic country (most common countries: Iran, Somalia, Iraq, Chile) were 61% less likely to die of drugs other than alcohol compared with their Swedish counterparts. Those with parents born outside Nordic countries were 54% less likely to die of drugs other than alcohol.Discussion: Research is needed on why people with risky substance use from Nordic countries (not Sweden) residing in Sweden, have higher mortality rates because of drugs other than alcohol (primarily opioids drugs other than alcohol compared with the other population groups in our study). Findings indicate that ASI CSs are strong predictors of future health problems including mortality due to alcohol and other drug-related causes.
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6. |
- Löfberg, Andreas, 1987-, et al.
(author)
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Assessing Childhood Maltreatment Exposure in Patients Without and With a Diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder
- 2023
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In: Journal of addiction medicine. - : Wolters Kluwer. - 1932-0620 .- 1935-3227. ; 17:3, s. 263-270
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Childhood maltreatment (CM), widely held as a risk factor for substance use disorders (SUDs), is commonly assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Retrospective self-reports are, however, potentially subject to bias. We used a unique patient sample with prospectively documented CM to examine the performance of the CTQ and how this is affected by the presence of SUD.Methods: Analysis was based on a total of 104 individuals. Subjects with prospectively recorded CM were identified from a specialized childhood trauma unit in Linköping, Sweden (n = 55; 31 with SUD, 61% females; 24 without SUD, 71% females). Clinical controls had SUD but no CM (n = 25, 48% females). Healthy controls had neither SUD nor CM (n = 24, 54% females). We analyzed the agreement between retrospective CTQ scores and prospectively documented CM by κ analysis and assessed the performance of the CTQ to identify CM exposure using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.Results: Agreement between prospectively and retrospectively recorded CM exposure was poor for sexual abuse (36.6%, Cohen κ = 0.32, P = 0.008) and physical abuse (67.3%, κ = 0.35, P = 0.007). Overall CTQ performance was fair (ROC: area under the ROC curve = 0.78, optimal cutoff = 36.5, sensitivity = 0.65, specificity = 0.75). However, performance was excellent in the absence of SUD (area under the ROC curve = 0.93, cutoff = 32.0, sensitivity = 0.88, specificity = 0.88), but poor in participants with lifetime SUD (area under the ROC curve = 0.62, cutoff = 42.0, sensitivity = 0.60, specificity = 0.36).Conclusions: These data support the CTQ as a tool to assess CM exposure but suggest that it may be less useful in patients with SUD.
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7. |
- Nehlin, Christina, 1958-, et al.
(author)
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Patients' Experiences of Using a Cellular Photo Digital Breathalyzer for Treatment Purposes
- 2018
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In: Journal of addiction medicine. - 1932-0620 .- 1935-3227. ; 12:2, s. 107-112
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: The field of eHealth systems is rapidly developing and is now expanding into alcohol treatment settings. Despite a growing public and professional interest, cellular photo digital breathalyzers (CPDBs) have not been investigated in a clinical context so far. In this study, we aimed to investigate the experiences of patients in alcohol treatment who had been using a CPDB—TripleA- for a minimum of three months. What are their personal experiences of using the CPDB? Do the patients think it supports them to change their drinking habits, and if so, in what way?Methods: A qualitative interview study with individuals who had been using the CPDB TripleA, for at least 3 months as complement to treatment (12-step program or hospital-based outpatient care). A thematic analysis with an inductive approach was used to identify, analyze, and interpret patterns within data.Results: In all, 12 interviews were conducted with 8 men and 4 women. Participants were generally enthusiastic about the CPDB and found it convenient and useful, even though it created a need for privacy when using the device. Although technical problems were substantial, participants were tolerant to those. The system was perceived to support self-control and to restore relations, but did not replace the need for close contact with caregivers. Self-motivation to change drinking habits was essential, and could not be reached by solely using the CPDB.Conclusions: Participants perceived the CPDB as a convenient and useful tool that was supportive under the circumstances that it was used in a context that included personal contact with a caregiver; and the user felt more than just a minimum of motivation to reduce drinking. Technical stability needs to be achieved to secure long-term use.
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8. |
- Persson, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure ( COPE): A Pilot Study in Alcohol-dependent Women
- 2017
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In: Journal of addiction medicine. - : LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. - 1932-0620 .- 1935-3227. ; 11:2, s. 119-125
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders are highly comorbid. Effective treatments are largely lacking. This pilot study evaluated the safety and feasibility of a novel intervention, Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure (COPE), in preparation for a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-two treatment-seeking women with current DSM-IV-TR PTSD and alcohol dependence (AD) were recruited. Participants received COPE. Safety and feasibility were evaluated, as were efficacy-related outcomes: PTSD and depression symptom severity, alcohol use, craving, and dependence severity. Results: No adverse events occurred. COPE was implemented in routine clinical practice. Among the assessed women, 95.8% were eligible to participate. Treatment attendance and completion were higher than in previous studies. Post treatment, all efficacy-related outcomes, including PTSD and depression symptom severity, alcohol use, craving, and dependence severity, were significantly reduced. Conclusions: COPE was safe and feasible to use. Concerns that trauma-focused, exposure-based therapy might promote relapse in this population appear unwarranted. Our findings provide initial evidence suggestive of COPE efficacy for comorbid PTSD and AD in women. These results provide a strong rationale for investigating the efficacy of COPE for comorbid PTSD and AD in women in a randomized controlled trial.
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