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Same-day use of opioids and other central nervous system depressants amongst people who tamper with pharmaceutical opioids: A retrospective 7-day diary study
Citation
Peacock, A and Bruno, R and Larance, B and Lintzeris, N and Nielsen, S and Ali, R and Dobbins, T and Degenhardt, L, Same-day use of opioids and other central nervous system depressants amongst people who tamper with pharmaceutical opioids: A retrospective 7-day diary study, Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 166 pp. 125-133. ISSN 0376-8716 (2016) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
DOI: doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.07.003
Abstract
Objective: The aims were to determine: (i) quantity and frequency of same-day use of opioids with benzodiazepines and/or alcohol amongst people who regularly tamper with pharmaceutical opioids; and (ii) socio-demographic, mental health, harms and treatment profile associated with same-day use of high doses.
Method: The cohort (n = 437) completed a retrospective 7-day diary detailing opioid, benzodiazepine, and alcohol intake. Oral morphine equivalent (OME) units and diazepam equivalent units (DEU) were calculated, with > 200mg OME, > 40mg DEU and > 4 standard alcoholic drinks (each 10g alcohol) considered a "high dose".
Results: One-half (47%) exclusively consumed opioids without benzodiazepines/alcohol; 26% had days of opioid use with and without benzodiazepines/alcohol; and 26% always used opioids and benzodiazepines/alcohol. Same-day use of opioids with benzodiazepines/alcohol typically occurred on 1-3days in the past week. Six in ten (61%) participants reported high dose opioid use on at least one day; one in five (20%) reported high dose opioid and high dose benzodiazepine/alcohol use on at least one day. The latter group were more likely to use prescribed opioid substitution therapy, often alongside diverted pharmaceutical opioids. Socio-demographic and clinical profiles did not vary according to high dose opioid, alcohol and benzodiazepine use, and there was no association with harms.
Conclusions: Same-day use of opioids with benzodiazepines/alcohol, and high dose combinations, are common amongst people who tamper with pharmaceutical opioids. Assessment of concomitant benzodiazepine/alcohol use during opioid therapy, implementation of real-time prescription monitoring systems, and research to clarify upper safe limits for polydrug depressant use, are potential implications.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | alcohol, benzodiazepine, concurrent use, opioid, overdose, polydrug abuse |
Research Division: | Psychology |
Research Group: | Other psychology |
Research Field: | Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
Objective Division: | Health |
Objective Group: | Public health (excl. specific population health) |
Objective Field: | Public health (excl. specific population health) not elsewhere classified |
UTAS Author: | Peacock, A (Miss Amy Peacock) |
UTAS Author: | Bruno, R (Associate Professor Raimondo Bruno) |
ID Code: | 112897 |
Year Published: | 2016 |
Funding Support: | National Health and Medical Research Council (APP1022522) |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 8 |
Deposited By: | Psychology |
Deposited On: | 2016-12-02 |
Last Modified: | 2018-12-07 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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