Drug Overdose Death Following Substance Use Disorder Treatment Termination in New York City: A Retrospective Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Drug overdose death rates are the highest recorded in New York City (NYC). Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment termination can confer increased risk of drug overdose death. Our objective was to determine the probability of, and factors associated with, drug overdose death following SUD treatment termination. Using a retrospective longitudinal cohort design, we identified those who had NYC-based SUD treatment terminated (01/2016-06/2019) using Chief Medical Examiner and SUD treatment data. Using survival analyses, we examined drug overdose deaths ≤ 14 and ≤ 90 days following SUD treatment termination, respectively. Of 51,171 patients with SUD treatment termination, 140 and 342 had a drug overdose death < 14 and ≤ 90 days, respectively. The crude drug overdose death rate was 26.7 per 1000 person-years at-risk in the ≤ 90-day period and was 71.6 per 1000 person-years at-risk in the ≤ 14-day period. In adjusted Cox proportional hazard model examining death ≤ 14 days, those unemployed (compared to employed) and those terminated from residential treatment (compared to medically supervised withdrawal, opioid treatment programs, and outpatient treatment) were more likely to have had a drug overdose death (all p-values < 0.01). In adjusted Cox proportional hazard model examining death ≤ 90 days, non-Hispanic White people (compared to non-Hispanic Black people), those not stably housed (compared to stably housed), those unemployed and those terminated from residential treatment were more likely to have had a drug overdose death (all p-values < 0.01). Strategies to improve retention including the reassessment of program treatment termination criteria along with strategies to promote ongoing OUD treatment, engagement in harm reduction, and distribution of naloxone are needed.

Comprehensive Treatment for Pregnant and Parenting Women with Substance Use Disorders and Their Children: The UNC Horizons Story.

OBJECTIVES: To describe how the UNC Horizons program, a comprehensive women-centered program for pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders, and its patient population have changed over time and summarize basic neonatal outcomes for infants born to women in treatment at Horizons. METHODS: Yearly Annual Reports from fiscal years of 1994 to 2017 were abstracted. Patient characteristics and infant outcomes compared to normative North Carolina data were examined. RESULTS: Highlights of findings include: The percentage of women for whom opioids were the primary substance of use increased from 0% in 1995-1996 to 62% in 2016-17, while cocaine decreased from 66 to 12%. Intravenous substance use history increased from 7% in 1994-1995 to 41% in 2016-2017. The number of women reporting a history of incarceration rose from 10-20% in the early years to 40%-50% beginning in 2007-2008. The proportion of women reporting a desire to hurt themselves rose from 20% in 2004-2005 to 40% in 2016-2017. Self-reported suicide attempt history remained consistent at 32% across years. While reporting of childhood physical abuse remained at 38% across years, reporting of sexual abuse and domestic violence trended upward. Horizons did not differ from North Carolina in the likelihood of patients giving birth prematurely [χ2(13) = 20.6,p = .082], or the likelihood of a patient giving birth to a low birthweight infant [χ2(13) = 14.7,p = .333]. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Breaking the cycle of addiction for women and children must focus on helping women with substance use problems develop a sense of hope that their lives can improve, and a sense of feeling safe and nurtured.

Systematic examinations of programs that provide treatment services to pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders have typically been focused on a limited set of outcomes and have been cross-sectional in nature. The current paper presents a detailed examination of the patient populations over a 23-year period, with particular attention to the changes over time in the women served. The birth weight and prematurity of infants born to the women in this program were likewise examined over time, and in comparison to state-level data.

Obstacles to treatment retention in opioid use disorder: An international substance use disorder treatment worker survey.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment retention is associated with better outcomes and reduced risk amongst people experiencing opioid use disorder (OUD). Despite this, treatment retention remains low amongst this population. METHODS: We carried out an international cross-sectional survey of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment service workers. We aimed to understand the barriers to treatment retention in the context of OUD from the provider perspective, identify differences in response preference between professional groups, and describe regional differences in treatment provision. RESULTS: We report data from 497 respondents based in the USA and the UK. Personality disorders, low motivation to change and social problems were the most often reported obstacles to retention. Comorbid SUD, hepatitis and HIV were not reported as often as expected. We identified associations between professional groups and response preferences related to comorbid SUD, low motivation, living arrangements and communication difficulties. UK respondents used behavioural treatments more than their US counterparts. US respondents more often reported using objective methods of measuring retention such as urine analysis, compared to their UK counterparts. DISCUSSION: The findings from this survey suggest that regional differences exist between US and UK based SUD treatment service workers. Personality disorders represented the most often experienced obstacles to treatment retention amongst patients with OUD, with mental health and social problems more often reported than comorbid drug problems or physical health problems. Statistically significant relationships exist between professional group and obstacles reported. These data may be used to identify additional training needs amongst SUD treatment service staff.

Implementing an EMA burst design in community-engaged research: participant and researcher perspectives and recommendations.

Background: Implementing ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methodology to evaluate the substance use disorder (SUD) treatment pipeline has clear advantages, including learning about participants' day-to-day experiences to aid in the improvement of services and accessibility for those seeking treatment. Given that the SUD treatment pipeline spans long periods of time, EMA burst designs (deployment of multiple short EMA periods spread over time) can be advantageous for evaluating the treatment pipeline over time while keeping participant burden low.Objectives: This feasibility study describes (1) the process and study design of implementing EMA burst methodology to evaluate the SUD treatment pipeline experience; (2) study implementation from the perspective of researchers, including discussion of collaboration with community partners; and (3) participant feedback on the experience of engaging with this type of research.Method: EMA metrics, feasibility ratings, and general experience ratings in the study are presented from 22 participants (64% women) who participated in a parent EMA study evaluating the SUD treatment pipeline and 8 who provided feedback in a follow-up survey.Results: Participants found the EMA burst design to be acceptable and not burdensome, although technology issues were present for some participants. Steps to partnering with community treatment programs and implementation of a burst design are outlined.Conclusions: Strategies and recommendations for implementation of an EMA burst study with community partners are provided, including aspects of study design, technology issues, retention, and funding.

Improving HIV and HCV Testing in Substance Use Disorder Programs (SUDs) That Provide Medications for Opiate Use Disorder (MOUD): Role of Addressing Barriers and Implementing Universal and Site-Specific Approaches.

Introduction. National strategies to end the HIV epidemic and eliminate hepatitis c (HCV) through a syndemic approach require improvements in testing for HIV and HCV. Given the intersection of the opioid crisis with HIV and HCV acquisition, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment centers providing medications for opiate use disorder (MOUD) provide a critical opportunity to expand testing. Rates of testing in MOUD clinics have been suboptimal. Method. We employed the Nominal Group Technique (NGT), Ishikawa cause and effect diagrams, and individualized Quality Improvement (QI) efforts at two SUD clinics (SUD A and B) in Connecticut (CT) as part of an HRSA-funded grant focused on improving HCV cure in persons with HIV/HCV coinfection. Baseline and longitudinal data were collected on rates of HIV and HCV testing and positivity as well as linkage to treatment. Results. Between April 1, 2019, and May 31, 2021, for SUD A and B respectively, HIV testing increased from 13% to 90% and 33% to 83%; HCV testing increased from 4% to 90% and 30% to 82%, with few reported cases of HIV/HCV coinfection. HCV testing revealed new and prior diagnoses at both sites, with subsequent referrals for treatment. Qualitative assessments identified best practices which included the institution of formal policies and procedures, streamlining of testing logistics, designation of a site champion, and broadening relevant education to staff and clients. Conclusion. Strategic assessment of barriers and facilitators to HIV and HCV testing at MOUD clinics can lead to improved testing and referral rates that are key to improving the cascade of care for both diseases.

"My Life Isn't Defined by Substance Use": Recovery Perspectives Among Young Adults with Substance Use Disorder.

BACKGROUND: While substance use disorder remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for young adults, low rates of treatment engagement and retention persist. One explanation is that substance use disorder treatment approaches do not match young adults' expectations for recovery. While the concept of recovery has been explored among adult populations, less is known about how young adults think about recovery. OBJECTIVE: To describe perspectives of recovery among young adults with substance use disorder. DESIGN: Qualitative, in-depth interviews exploring young adults' definitions of recovery. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty English-speaking young adults (7 women; 21-29 years old) diagnosed with substance use disorder recruited from an urban safety net hospital in Massachusetts. APPROACH: Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. An iterative categorization analytic approach was used to identify and interpret themes. KEY RESULTS: Four themes related to recovery were identified. First, young adults described recovery as a way to grow up and live a normal life not defined by the substance use. A second theme was recovery had to include multiple components, such as mental health treatment, to be successful. Third, young adults described recovery as a self-motivated process, and it was important that young adults had agency in recovery decision-making. Fourth, recovery was described as a lifelong pursuit that required vigilance and commitment. CONCLUSIONS: In this qualitative study of young adults with substance use disorder, participants identified themes that have implications for treatment models. Participants recognized recovery as a complex and individually motivated process that includes multiple components such as mental health treatment and re-engagement in regular daily activities. Models of care for young adults should consider incorporating these treatment elements to improve engagement and retention.

Opioid treatment program safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic: a statewide survey.

BACKGROUND: Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) serve as daily essential services for people with opioid use disorder. This study seeks to identify modifications to operations and adoption of safety measures at Pennsylvania OTPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A 25-min online survey to clinical and administrative directors at all 103 state-licensed OTPs in Pennsylvania was fielded from September to November 2020. Survey domains included: 1) changes to services, client volume, hours and staffing during the COVID-19 pandemic 2) types of services modifications 3) safety protocols to reduce COVID-19 transmission 4) challenges to operations during the pandemic. RESULTS: Forty-seven directors responded, for a response rate of 45%. Almost all respondents reported making some service modification (96%, n = 43). Almost half (47%, n = 21) of respondents reported reductions in the number of clients served. OTPs were more likely to adopt safety protocols that did not require significant funding, such as limiting the number of people entering the site (100%, n = 44), posting COVID-safety information (100%, n = 44), enforcing social distancing (98%, n = 43), and increasing sanitation (100%, n = 44). Only 34% (n = 14) of OTPS provided N95 masks to most or all staff. Respondents reported that staff's stress and negative mental health (86%, n = 38) and staff caregiving responsibilities (84%, n = 37) during the pandemic were challenges to maintaining OTP operations. CONCLUSION: OTPs faced numerous challenges to operations and adoption of safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding mechanisms and interventions to improve adoption of safety protocols, staff mental health as well as research on patient experiences and preferences can inform further OTP adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic and future emergency planning.

Linguistic predictors from Facebook postings of substance use disorder treatment retention versus discontinuation.

Background: Early indicators of who will remain in - or leave - treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) can drive targeted interventions to support long-term recovery.Objectives: To conduct a comprehensive study of linguistic markers of SUD treatment outcomes, the current study integrated features produced by machine learning models known to have social-psychology relevance.Methods: We extracted and analyzed linguistic features from participants' Facebook posts (N = 206, 39.32% female; 55,415 postings) over the two years before they entered a SUD treatment program. Exploratory features produced by both Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modeling and the features from theoretical domains of religiosity, affect, and temporal orientation via established AI-based linguistic models were utilized.Results: Patients who stayed in the SUD treatment for over 90 days used more words associated with religion, positive emotions, family, affiliations, and the present, and used more first-person singular pronouns (Cohen's d values: [-0.39, -0.57]). Patients who discontinued their treatment before 90 days discussed more diverse topics, focused on the past, and used more articles (Cohen's d values: [0.44, 0.57]). All ps < .05 with Benjamini-Hochberg False Discovery Rate correction.Conclusions: We confirmed the literature on protective and risk social-psychological factors linking to SUD treatment in language analysis, showing that Facebook language before treatment entry could be used to identify the markers of SUD treatment outcomes. This reflects the importance of taking these linguistic features and markers into consideration when designing and recommending SUD treatment plans.

Coping Strategies and Workplace Supports for Peers with Substance Use Disorders.

Introduction: Substance use disorder (SUD) peers provide support and navigation through a fragmented treatment system for people who use drugs (PWUD) and those in recovery. While barriers to peers' work are well established, from role ambiguity to stigma surrounding substance use, little research has focused on factors that facilitate peers' work. Methods: We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews (N=20) with peers as part of an evaluation of a larger project related to the opioid crisis in Western New York. Participants were recruited from a regional peer network via flyers, emails, and a brief presentation. Interviews were conducted in person or by phone, audio recorded, and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Peers emphasized two factors: healthy personal coping strategies and strong workplace supports. Coping strategies included a sense of community, setting appropriate boundaries, and self-care routines. At the workplace, peers valued mental and emotional support, as well as professional relationships and organizational policies that made their work easier and supported self-care. For a few peers, professional relationships included advocating on behalf of PWUD by sharing personal experiences of SUD. Conclusions: Peers valued peer colleagues and peer-led organizations, noting how shared experiences of substance use and recovery enabled a unique support system. For peers who lack such support at work, the authors suggest peer networks as an alternative. We also recommend organizational policies and practices to facilitate peers' work, such as promoting peer input and feedback, but further research is needed to measure effects on peer retention and job satisfaction.

Women's Motivators to Engage in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment While Enrolled in an Opioid Intervention Court.

IntroductionTo address the rising presence of opioid use disorder in the United States, states have begun to implement specialized opioid intervention courts to provide immediate support for individuals at risk of opioid overdose. The present study sought to understand the motivations of women to engage in treatment while enrolled in an opioid intervention court. MethodsWe conducted 31 in-depth, qualitative interviews with women enrolled in an opioid intervention court in Buffalo, NY, to better understand their motivation regarding opioid use treatment. The data indicated a combined social-ecological and self-determination theory framework. ResultsThematic analysis revealed four themes across the Social-Ecological Model that aligned with motivation-related needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, as defined by Self-Determination Theory. Themes at each level of the Social-Ecological Model described either support for or undermining of women's motivation for treatment: (1) individual level: personal motivation for change, (2) interpersonal level: support for OUD treatment-related autonomy, competence, and relatedness, (3) community level: court systems provide pathways to treatment, and (4) society level: insufficient social resources can undermine competence. ConclusionsThe findings provide new insights into various factors across all levels of the Social-Ecological Model that influence motivation for opioid use disorder treatment among women enrolled in opioid intervention court. Results support the possibility to integrate programs rooted in Self-Determination Theory to support opioid use disorder treatment among justice-involved persons.

Assessing Assessments: Substance use disorder treatment providers' perceptions of intake assessments.

Background: Assessments to determine patients' treatment needs and preferences when they begin substance use disorder (SUD) treatment are essential. The objectives of this paper are to identify the perspectives of providers who conduct assessments on (1) assessments' utility in determining the level of care where patients will receive treatment, (2) strategies to engage patients in treatment during assessments, and (3) assessment strengths and shortcomings. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 California treatment providers who routinely perform SUD assessments for Medicaid beneficiaries. Interviews asked about the utility of assessment tools in determining appropriate levels of care, patient engagement during assessments, and strengths and shortcomings of intake assessment processes. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by multiple researchers using template analysis. Results: Providers reported that assessments linked to level-of-care decision rules sometimes generate recommendations inconsistent with their clinical judgment, and that the timing of assessments can influence the quality of the information collected. Providers described engagement strategies that help patients feel more comfortable during assessments and that encourage more thoughtful and accurate responses. Providers valued assessments that helped ensure comprehensive collection of patient information, that allowed flexibility to probe for additional information and context, and that facilitated treatment planning. Providers did not like assessments that were long and repetitive or those that did not collect detailed information about patients' mental health and recovery environments. Conclusions: Assessments can be improved if providers conduct them in a manner that makes patients feel comfortable while building trust and rapport. Ensuring that assessments are not long or repetitive and giving comprehensive assessments once patients have developed trusting relationships with treatment programs can improve assessment processes. Further research is needed to optimize SUD assessments.

The Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale in Substance Use Disorder Treatment-Seeking American Indian Adults.

BACKGROUND: American Indians (AIs) experience substance use disorder and sexual risk related inequities with elevated rates of sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancy, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Substance misuse is associated with risky sexual behaviors including condomless sex. Objectives: The current study aimed to test the validity of the Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale (CUSES) and the relationship between self-efficacy and condom use behaviors in AI individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). Exploratory analyses also examined changes in condom use self-efficacy across SUD treatment. Methods: As part of a larger randomized controlled trial, AI individuals (N = 79) seeking SUD treatment completed baseline measures of condom use self-efficacy and sexual risk behaviors. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that a 3-factor, 10-item version of the CUSES was a reliable and valid measure in this population. Condom use self-efficacy was associated with condom use behavior and increased during SUD treatment. Conclusions: Overall, it appears that the CUSES is a valid measure in AI individuals, is related to condom use behavior, and increases with SUD treatment. There is a need for future research to integrate these findings into AI cultural values. Addressing sexual risk behaviors in SUD treatment may be an important target and future research is needed to understand predictors of condom use self-efficacy and determine potential intervention targets to reduce sexual risk behaviors and related health inequities.

Hepatitis C Virus Screening among Medicaid-Insured Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder across Substance Use Disorder Treatment Settings.

Objective: Although the rapid increase in opioid use disorders (OUD) and concurrent increase in Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States is well-documented, little is known about HCV testing among high-risk populations. We examine patterns of HCV testing across OUD treatment settings for individuals with OUD in New York. Methods: Using 2014 New York Medicaid claims data, we identified OUD diagnosis, OUD treatment (methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, other treatment (inpatient or outpatient non-medication-based psychosocial treatment, such as psychotherapy) and no treatment) utilization and HCV-testing status among beneficiaries. We performed multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with HCV screening across OUD treatment settings. Results: 79,764 individuals with OUD diagnoses were identified in 2014. The prevalence of HCV screening was 32.4%, 16.2%, 20.6%, 16.8%, and 18.1% for those receiving methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, other treatment, and no treatment, respectively. In the adjusted logistic regression, those receiving any OUD treatment had greater odds of being screened, with the highest odds among methadone clients. Conclusions: Engagement in medication for OUD is associated with increased HCV testing. Findings indicate the importance of access to medication-based treatment for OUD and a need to further improve HCV screening rates.

"The assessment really helps you with the first step in recovery." What do clients think substance use disorder treatment intake assessments should look like?

Background: In general, research has found that patient-centered substance use disorder treatment is positively correlated with improved patient outcomes. However, little research has examined what factors make intake assessments-the first step in addiction treatment-patient-centered. Methods: We conducted interviews with 30 Medicaid-enrolled individuals who received addiction treatment in California about their experiences with the intake assessment process. Results: Participants reported that the intake assessment process evoked strong feelings, both positive and negative. Some participants said that answering detailed questions about their substance use, mental health, and social relationships, for example, was cathartic and gave them helpful insights. Other participants found the questions invasive, exhausting, and anxiety provoking. Participants also emphasized how critical it is for the person conducting the assessment to be supportive, nonjudgmental, and attentive. Participants recommended delaying the comprehensive assessment because they did not feel physically or emotionally ready to complete the intake. Conclusions and recommendations: Patients' introduction to addiction treatment is typically the intake assessment. By understanding how patients experience intake assessments, providers can make the process more patient-centered, which may lead to improved patient outcomes.

Challenges to Conducting Contingency Management Treatment for Substance Use Disorders: Practice Recommendations for Clinicians.

A growing empirical literature supports contingency management (CM) as an efficacious treatment for substance use disorders, especially when reinforcers are immediate, frequent, and of sufficient magnitude on escalating schedules. However, in real world-practice, CM is often conducted in ways that are inconsistent with research protocols. One reason for these inconsistencies may be due to pragmatic challenges inherent in conducting CM. In this article, we described an outpatient CM treatment program for drug use disorders and several specific challenges associated with adherence to CM parameters from research protocols. Finally, we propose possible solutions for these challenges and discuss implications for practice.

Review of Individual Placement and Support Employment Intervention for Persons with Substance Use Disorder.

Objectives: Work is a critical part of recovery for many people with chronic health conditions, including Substance Use Disorders (SUD). Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based practice designed initially for adults with mental illness. Although the evidence for using IPS with individuals with severe mental illness is well documented, less is known about the efficacy of using IPS with consumers with substance use disorders, and the results have yet to be systematically evaluated and organized. Key components of zero exclusion, rapid competitive job search, and incorporation with treatment services as well as benefits are components that make IPS a strong practice to incorporate into substance abuse treatment. This study aims to evaluate and organize the evidence base of using IPS with adults with substance use disorders. Results: A systematic review was conducted of meta-analyses, reviews, and individual studies from 2000 through 2019, measuring the efficacy of IPS with individuals with SUD or comorbid SUD. Databases searched were Scopus, PubMed, and PsychInfo. Experimental and quasi-experimental studies are reviewed and critiqued for their application to a SUD population. Then, barriers and facilitators of IPS implementation with this population are discussed. Conclusions/Importance: There is a high evidence to support to application of IPS for persons with SUD, both singly and when combined with a mental health disorder. Barriers to IPS implementation including episodic treatment, risk of relapse, and housing or criminal justice instability make the IPS program a useful best practice to consider for this population.

Factors Contributing to Substance Misuse Treatment Completion among Native Hawaiians, Other Pacific Islanders, and Asian Americans.

Background: Research on substance abuse treatment completion (SATC) among Asian Americans and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders (NHOPIs) is extremely limited despite growing concern of SA among these groups. Objectives: This study examined predictors of SATC among and within Asian, NHOPI, and White racial groups. Methods: 129,939 cases from the SA and Mental Health Services, Treatment Episode Data Set-Discharges-2016 were used in this study. Logistic regressions were employed to examine the differential impact of race on SATC and to investigate the moderating effect of race on the relationship between socioeconomic factors, type of substance used, and type of treatment setting on SATC. Results: NHOPIs were less likely to complete SA treatment than Whites. Within-group analysis indicated that NHOPIs who were in outpatient non-intensive treatment were more likely to complete treatment compared to ones in inpatient (more than 30 days), and outpatient intensive settings. In contrast, Asians and Whites in outpatient non-intensive treatment settings were less likely to complete compared to all other types of treatment settings. Older adults for Whites were more likely to complete treatment compared with younger adults. Age was not a significant predictor of SATC for Asians and NHOPIs. Asian and NHOPI methamphetamine users were less likely to complete treatment compared with White users. Conclusion/Importance: Findings highlight the importance of disaggregating Asians and NHOPIs in future SA studies to better understand how specific factors are relevant to each group, and to guide the development of cultural and race-informed treatments for these groups.

Aligning three substance use disorder interventions among a tribe in the Southwest United States: Pilot feasibility for cultural re-centering, dissemination, and implementation.

In this article we describe cultural re-centering, dissemination, and implementation activities in partnership between an American Indian reservation community and a university in the Southwest United States. We offer examples of cultural adaptation and implementation of evidence-based treatments (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, Community Reinforcement Approach and the Community Reinforcement and Family Training) using the Interactive Systems Framework. Facilitators and barriers are described within each study including recruitment strategies, training, and sustainability of counselors in the community. Through this Tribal-university partnership, we offer insight on the cultural adaptation and implementation process that will be translatable and clinically meaningful to other rural and reservation communities.

Borderline Features and Prescription Opioid Misuse in a Substance Use Disorder Treatment Sample.

BACKGROUND: An association between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and substance use disorders has been well established. However, very little is known about the relationship between BPD and prescription opioid misuse, specifically. OBJECTIVES: The relationship between borderline personality disorder features and prescription opioid misuse was examined in a sample of 208 substance use disorder treatment patients in the outpatient level of care. RESULTS: Controlling for use of alcohol and cannabis, as well as other relevant covariates, we found that BPD features were associated with age of first use of prescription opioids, prescription opioid use disorder symptom count, lifetime use, past 12-month use, problem use, and cravings. Additionally, we found that BPD features were not associated with greater use of medically necessary opioid pain killers as prescribed by a physician; rather the association with BPD was in the greater likelihood of misuse (non-prescribed) of prescription opioid pain killers. The self-harm/impulsivity facet of BPD was most strongly associated with prescription opioid-related variables. Conclusions/Importance: These findings suggest that BPD is related to prescription opioid misuse, above and beyond the tendency to use other drugs of abuse, and that the self-harm impulsivity facet appears to be driving this relationship.

Predictors of substance use treatment initiation and engagement among adult and adolescent Medicaid recipients.

Background: It is important to understand patterns and predictors of initiation and engagement in treatment for Medicaid-covered individuals with substance use disorders because Medicaid is a major source of payment for addiction treatment in the United States. Our analysis examined similarities and differences in predictors between adults and adolescents. Methods: An analysis of Oregon Medicaid claims data for the time period January 2010 through June 2015 assessed rates of substance use and of treatment initiation and engagement using the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) definitions. The analysis included individuals aged 13-64 with a new alcohol and other drug dependence diagnosis who met the HEDIS enrollment criteria and did not have cancer. We created 4 logistic regression models to assess treatment initiation and engagement, separately for adults (ages 18-64) and adolescents (ages 13-17). Independent predictors included age, gender, race, the interaction of gender and race, urban/rural residence, presence of any chronic disease, a psychiatric diagnosis, or a pain diagnosis. Results: Among adults, odds of initiation were lower in white males than in nonwhite males, white females, and nonwhite females. Conversely, among adolescents, odds of initiation were higher in white males than in the other gender/race groups. Predictors of initiation also went in opposite directions for presence of a psychiatric diagnosis (negative in adults, positive in adolescents) and urban residence (positive in adults, negative in adolescents). We found similar patterns in models of engagement, although for engagement those with a psychiatric diagnosis had lower odds of engagement in both adults and adolescents. Conclusions: Predictors of treatment initiation and engagement for alcohol and drug use disorders differed between adults and adolescents on Medicaid. A better understanding of these differences will enable development of targeted treatment programs that are effective within age groups.