Substances of abuse consumption among patients seeking medical help for uro-andrological purposes: a sociobehavioral survey in the real-life scenario.

Substances of abuse (SoA), as well as smoking and alcohol consumption, are well known for their impact on male fertility status, erectile function, and ejaculation. We assessed SoA consumption habits in a cohort of men seeking medical attention for uro-andrological purposes. Data from 7447 men seeking medical attention for the first time for uro-andrological purposes were analyzed. A complete medical and sexual history was collected for each patient. Smoking, alcohol, and SoA consumption were investigated. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the whole cohort. The primary motivations for their evaluation were lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), erectile dysfunction (ED), and infertility in 1912 (25.7%), 2944 (39.5%), and 2591 (34.8%) men, respectively. Previous use of SoA was reported by 378 (5.1%) men, and 190 (2.6%) individuals were current users. Patients seeking medical attention for infertility were more frequently current SoA users (107; 4.1%) than men with ED (66; 2.2%) and LUTS (17; 0.9%) (both P < 0.001). Current users of SoA were younger than those with past or no SoA history (P < 0.001). Current SoA users were more frequently smokers (P < 0.001) and alcohol consumers (P < 0.001) than those with a previous history or those who had never tried SoA. In conclusion, approximately 3% of men seeking medical attention for uro-andrological purposes were current SoA consumers. Infertile men reported a higher use of SoA than those with ED or LUTS. Current SoA users were younger and more frequently concomitant smokers and alcohol consumers compared to those who did or had never used SoA.

Substance use, mental health and weight-related behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic in people with obesity.

Studies have shown the negative impact of COVID-19 lockdown orders on mental health and substance use in the general population. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic onsubstance use, mental health and weight-related behaviors in a sample of adults with obesity after lockdown orders were lifted (June-September 2020). A retrospective medical chart review identified patients with obesity from one university-based obesity medicine clinic, and two metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) practices. Patients who completed an online survey from June 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020 were included. The primary outcome measure was substance use (various drugs, alcohol, tobacco). Substance use and mental health survey questions were based on standardized, validated instruments. A total of 589 patients (83.3% female, mean age 53.6 years [SD 12.8], mean BMI 35.4 [SD 9.1], 54.5% Non-Hispanic white, 22.3% post-MBS) were included. Seventeen patients (2.9%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 13.5% reported symptoms. Nearly half (48.4%) of the sample reported recreational substance use and 9.8% reported increased use since the start of the pandemic. There was substantial drug use reported (24.3% opioids, 9.5% sedative/tranquilizers, 3.6% marijuana, and 1% stimulants). Patients who reported stockpiling food more (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 1.50, 95% CI 1.03-2.18), healthy eating more challenging (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.01-2.16), difficulty falling asleep (aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.14-2.34), and anxiety (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.01-2.14) were more likely to report substance use versus non-users. Results here show that the COVID-19 pandemic is having a deleterious impact on substance use, mental health and weight-related health behaviors in people with obesity regardless of infection status.

The changing patterns and correlates of population-level polysubstance use in Australian youth: a multi-group latent class analysis of nationally representative samples spanning 12 years.

AIMS: To (1) identify population-level classes of polysubstance use among young Australians between 2004 and 2016, (2) test if these classes changed over the same period, in terms of class prevalence and probabilities of substance use within each class, and (3) identify demographic and health-related correlates of polysubstance use. DESIGN: Repeated cross-sectional nationally representative household surveys. SETTING: All Australian states/territories. PARTICIPANTS: Young adult samples (aged 18-30 years; 58% females) from the National Drug Strategy Household Surveys (n = 20 350) MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes were the extent of past-year use of 10 licit (e.g. alcohol), and illicit substances (e.g. cannabis) were used to derive polysubstance use classes. The correlates were gender, age, psychological distress, general health, language background, personal income, education level, remoteness of residence and socio-economic index for area of residence. FINDINGS: Three polysubstance use classes were consistently identified between 2004 and 2016 (SSABIC: 188349): minimal users (MU, ~60%), mainly tobacco, alcohol and cannabis users (TAC, ~30%) and extended range polysubstance users (POLY, ~10%). There were substantial changes in use of different substances within each class over the study period. For example, smoking decreased in all classes (P < 0.05), while harmful alcohol use only decreased in the first two classes (P < 0.05). Factors associated with TAC and POLY were similar over the study period. These included: being male and having an English-speaking background, a high level of psychological distress, suboptimal health and high personal income. Living in an affluent area was associated with reduced likelihood of being TAC, but an increased likelihood of being POLY. CONCLUSION: At the population-level among young Australians between 2004 and 2016, six in 10 did not engage in polysubstance use; four in 10 used a limited range of substances (mainly alcohol, tobacco and cannabis) and one in 10 used an extended range of substances. Over time, the types of substance within the extended polysubstance use class changed substantially.

Mujeres argentinas y usos de drogas: análisis sociohistórico del uso femenino de sustancias psicoactivas en Argentina (1860-1930) / Argentinian women and the uses of drugs: A sociohistorical analysis of female drug use in Argentina (1860-1930)

RESUMEN Este trabajo describe casos expuestos por expertos de los ámbitos legislativo y médico-legal periodístico, en los que se reporta el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas por parte de mujeres de Argentina, entre 1878 y 1930. Se presentan antecedentes sobre mujeres y usos de distintos fármacos, se analizan las intervenciones médicas que utilizan sustancias psicoactivas sobre el cuerpo femenino, y se detallan los casos de mujeres consumidoras desde las miradas expertas. En este periodo, los discursos expertos no buscaron comprender la especificidad femenina del consumo, sino promover el tema drogas como un problema. Esto se produce utilizando tres prototipos: la víctima de un marido enfermo, la prostituta que envicia a los débiles de espíritu (criminal nata), y la joven virtuosa que contraviene la ley del padre y sucumbe en la toxicomanía. Cada figura refuerza la necesidad de intervención estatal y control social.

ABSTRACT This article describes cases presented by experts from the legislative and medical-legal fields regarding the use of psychoactive substances among Argentinian women from 1878 to 1930. Background information is presented regarding the relationship between women and the use of different drugs, medical interventions on the female body where psychoactive substances were used are analyzed, and experts' descriptions of cases of female drug users are detailed. Experts' discourses during this period did not attempt to comprehend the specificities of female consumption but were rather used to position the issue of drug use as a social problem. This was done using three prototypes: the victim of a sick husband; the prostitute who encourages drug use among the weak in spirit (natural-born criminals); and the virtuous young woman who succumbs to drug addiction in spite of her father's rule. Each figure reinforces the need for state intervention and increased social control.

Multidisciplinary team actions of a Brazilian Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and Drugs / Acciones del equipo multiprofesional del Centro de Atención Psicosocial Alcohol y Drogas / Ações da equipe multiprofissional do Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Drogas

ABSTRACT Objective: to investigate the criteria used by health professionals to identify the phase of consumption of alcohol and drug users, and actions directed to their care. Method: a qualitative study developed with 14 professionals from a Brazilian Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and Drugs (Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Drogas) based in the south of the country. Data were collected in June 2017 through semi-structured interviews and then submitted to thematic analysis. Results: the criteria used by the professionals were: periodicity of use; amount and type of drug used; repercussions of misuse; and place that the drug occupies in the person's life. The actions developed were orientation and referral to support groups, therapeutic workshops and individual care. Final considerations: the chronic nature of alcohol/drug use/dependence requires specific care in each phase, and objective criteria to identify and intervene in early phases, aiming at the prevention of chemical dependence.

RESUMEN Objetivo: investigar los criterios utilizados por los profesionales de la salud para identificar la fase del consumo en que se encuentran los usuarios de alcohol y drogas y las acciones que realizan para el cuidado de los mismos. Método: estudio cualitativo, desarrollado con 14 profesionales de un Centro de Atención Psicosocial Alcohol y Drogas, ubicado en el sur del país. Los datos fueron recolectados en junio/2017, a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y sometidos al análisis temático. Resultados: los criterios utilizados por los profesionales fueron: periodicidad del uso; cantidad y tipo de droga ingerida; repercusiones del uso indebido; y lugar que la droga ocupa en la vida de la persona. Las acciones desarrolladas fueron orientación y encaminamiento para grupos de apoyo, talleres terapéuticos y atendimientos individuales. Consideraciones finales: la naturaleza crónica del uso/dependencia de alcohol y drogas requiere cuidados específicos en cada fase, y criterios objetivos para identificar e intervenir en las fases iniciales, buscando la prevención de la dependencia química.

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar os critérios utilizados pelos profissionais da saúde para identificar a fase do consumo em que se encontram os usuários de álcool e drogas, e as ações que realizam para o cuidado dos mesmos. Método: estudo qualitativo, desenvolvido com 14 profissionais de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Drogas, localizado no sul do país. Os dados foram coletados em junho/2017, através de entrevistas semiestruturadas e submetidos à análise temática. Resultados: os critérios utilizados pelos profissionais foram: periodicidade do uso; quantidade e tipo de droga ingerida; repercussões do uso indevido; e lugar que a droga ocupa na vida da pessoa. As ações desenvolvidas foram orientação e encaminhamento para grupos de apoio, oficinas terapêuticas e atendimentos individuais. Considerações finais: a natureza crônica do uso/dependência de álcool e drogas requer cuidados específicos em cada fase, e critérios objetivos para identificar e intervir nas fases iniciais, visando à prevenção da dependência química.

Epidemiology of adolescent substance use in Norfolk schools.

BACKGROUND: The pattern of alcohol and substance use is changing, with the introduction of novel psychoactive substances, the internet as a means of acquisition and variations in drug purity and price. Alcohol and substance use among adolescents is associated with behavioural, mental health, health and social difficulties; arising at a vulnerable period in their development. Little is known about adolescent substance use in the UK, especially in rural areas. AIM: To investigate the prevalence of substance use amongst young people, aged 16-21 years, in Norfolk schools. DESIGN: Cross sectional questionnaire survey. METHOD: Pupils from two, sixth form colleges in Norfolk answered a self-report questionnaire designed to measure prevalence, age of onset and frequency of use for alcohol, tobacco, illicit substances including new psychoactive substances as well as demographic data. RESULTS: A total of 482 students completed the survey (68% participation rate). Life-time use of alcohol was reported by 442 (91.7%) students and over half the pupils had tried tobacco (52.5%, n=253). About 40.7% reported cannabis use and nearly one-fifth (18.9%, n=91) reported using 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA); 41.1% (n=198) students reported using 'any drug' and 23.2% (n=112) 'using an illicit drug other than cannabis' and 8.7% (n=42) reported the use of a novel psychoactive substance. CONCLUSION: The most widely used substances were alcohol, tobaccos and cannabis; in keeping with European trends. Over the past decade a decline in alcohol and drug use by adolescents has been seen in the UK. However, since 2010 this decline has slowed with an increase in substance use noted in the past 2 years. This study provides evidence to support this trend. The findings demonstrate differences between the use of substances by pupils in this Norfolk sample compared to national surveys and more urbanized areas. These regional differences can be used to assist the development of local interventions targeting substance use among adolescents.

Assessing the longitudinal stability of latent classes of substance use among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.

BACKGROUND: Association between substance use and HIV-risk among gay and bisexual men (GBM) is well documented. However, their substance use patterns are diverse, and it is unknown whether self-reported use patterns are stable over time. METHODS: Sexually-active GBM, aged >16 years, were recruited in Metro Vancouver using respondent-driven sampling and followed across 5 study visits at six-month intervals (n = 449). To identify distinct patterns of substance use and their longitudinal stability, Latent Transition Analysis (LTA) was conducted for drugs reported by at least 30 participants. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) quantified the stability of class assignments. RESULTS: Six classes characterizing 'limited drug use' (i.e., low use of all drugs, except alcohol), 'conventional drug use' (i.e., use of alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco), 'club drug use' (i.e., use of alcohol, cocaine, and psychedelics), 'sex drug use' (i.e., use of alcohol, crystal meth, GHB, poppers, and erectile dysfunction drugs), 'street drug use' (i.e., use of alcohol and street opioids) and 'assorted drug use' (i.e., use of most drugs) were identified. Across five visits (2.5 years), 26.3% (n = 118/449) of GBM transitioned between classes. The prevalence of limited use trended upwards (Baseline:24.5%, Visit 5:28.3%, p < 0.0001) and assorted use trended downwards (13.4%-9.6%, p = 0.001). All classes had strong longitudinal stability (ICC > 0.97). CONCLUSION: The stability of latent substance use patterns highlight the utility of these measures in identifying patterns of substance use among people who use drugs - potentially allowing for better assessment of these groups and interventions related to their health.

Tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs during pregnancy and risk of neuroblastoma: systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether prenatal and perinatal maternal consumption of alcohol, tobacco and/or illicit drugs is associated with risk of neuroblastoma. DATA SOURCES: Medline and Embase (both from inception to February 2017), and reference lists of included studies. STUDY SELECTION: To be eligible, a study had to be an original report including data on intake of alcohol, tobacco smoking and/or consumption of illicit drugs during pregnancy and risk of neuroblastoma in the child. DATA EXTRACTION: From eligible studies, data study characteristics as well as effect measures and confounders were extracted. We assessed unadjusted and confounder-adjusted estimates, performed risk of bias analysis, constructed random-effects models and assessed heterogeneity. RESULTS: We identified 14 case-control studies (1987-2016) involving a total of 3114 children with neuroblastoma. Meta-analysis of unadjusted estimates showed an association between alcohol (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.49), tobacco (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.44) and illicit drug consumption during pregnancy and risk of neuroblastoma during childhood, with illicit drug consumption showing the strongest association (OR 3.26; 95% CI 1.36 to 7.86). However, adjusted estimates were highly heterogeneous. LIMITATIONS: All studies were at high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking, alcohol or illicit drugs during pregnancy might play a role in the development of neuroblastoma. However, well-designed studies are needed to assess whether these exposures are causal and whether time period during pregnancy, dose or co-consumption of substances is critical. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Registration number CRD42016036165.

Sistema de Classificação de Pacientes em álcool e outras drogas: construção e validação / Sistema de Clasificación de Pacientes en alcohol y otras drogas: construcción y validación / Patient Classification System for alcohol and other drugs: construction and validation

RESUMO Objetivo: Construir e validar um sistema de classificação de dependência de cuidados de enfermagem em álcool e outras drogas. Método: Estudo psicométrico. Utilizou-se do percentual de concordância e coeficiente de correlação intraclasse para concordância interavaliadores. Empregou-se o Receiver Operating Characteristic para determinar valores e precisão dos pontos de cortes. As etapas foram revisão de literatura, validação de conteúdo e validação clínica. Resultado: Participaram 15 juízes, seis enfermeiros e 65 usuários de emergência psiquiátrica e unidade de internação. Obtiveram-se 11 indicadores, divididos em três subcategorias de dependência, e somatório entre 11 e 33. Em relação à avaliação dos juízes sobre as categorias, a concordância foi satisfatória, sendo igual ou maior a 80%. Entre os enfermeiros, a concordância foi satisfatória na maioria dos indicadores (K>0,400) e Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse igual a 0,723. Conclusão: O Sistema de Classificação de Pacientes em Álcool e outras Drogas apresenta evidência estatística de confiabilidade, obtida pela satisfatória concordância interavaliadores. Acredita-se amplamente em sua aplicabilidade para auxiliar no gerenciamento da assistência de enfermagem e dimensionamento de equipe.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Construir y evaluar el sistema de clasificación de dependencia de cuidados de enfermería en alcohol y otras drogas. Método: Estudio psicométrico. Se utilizó el porcentual de concordancia y coeficiente de correlación intraclase para concordancia interevaluadores. Se empleó el Receiver Operating Characteristic para determinar valores y precisión de los puntos de corte. Las etapas fueron revisión de literatura, validación de contenido y validación clínica. Resultado: Participaron 15 jueces, seis enfermeros y 65 usuarios de emergencia psiquiátrica y unidad de estancia hospitalaria. Se lograron 11 indicadores, divididos en tres subcategorías de adicción, y sumatorio entre 11 y 33. Con relación a la evaluación de los jueces acerca de las categorías, la concordancia fue satisfactoria, siendo igual o mayor que el 80%. Entre los enfermeros, la concordancia fue satisfactoria en la mayoría de los indicadores (K>0,400) y Coeficiente de Correlación Intraclase igual que 0,723. Conclusión: El Sistema de Clasificación de Pacientes en Alcohol y otras Drogas presenta evidencia estadística de confiabilidad, obtenida por la satisfactoria concordancia interevaluadores. Se cree ampliamente en su aplicabilidad para auxiliar la gestión de la asistencia enfermera y dimensionamiento de equipo.

ABSTRACT Objective: To construct and validate a nursing care dependency classification system for alcohol and other drugs. Method: A psychometric study. We used the agreement percentage and intraclass correlation coefficient for inter-rater agreement. The Receiver Operating Characteristic was used to determine values and accuracy of the cut-off points. The steps were literature review, content validation and clinical validation. Results: Fifteen (15) judges, 6 nurses and 65 users of psychiatric emergency and hospitalization units participated. There were 11 indicators divided into three subcategories of dependency, and a sum between 11 and 33. The agreement regarding the judges' evaluation on the categories was satisfactory, being equal to or higher than 80%. Agreement was satisfactory among the nurses in most of the indicators (K>0.400), and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was equal to 0.723. Conclusion: The Classification System of Patients for Alcohol and other Drugs presents statistical evidence of reliability, obtained by a satisfactory inter-rater agreement. Its applicability is widely believed to assist in the management of nursing care and team sizing.

Influência do grupo de pares e uso de drogas ilícitas entre adolescentes brasileiros: um estudo transversal / Peer group influence and illicit drug use among adolescent students in Brazil: a cross-sectional study / La influencia del grupo y el consumo de drogas ilícitas entre estudiantes adolescentes en Brasil: un estudio transversal

O estudo teve como objetivo examinar o uso de drogas ilícitas e as associações com fatores socioeconômicos e influência do grupo de pares entre adolescentes brasileiros de 15 a 19 anos de idade. Foi adotada uma amostra de clusters em dois estágios, com a seleção aleatória de escolas públicas e privadas entre os nove distritos administrativos de uma capital de estado, e a seleção aleatória de turmas em cada escola. A variável de desfecho foi o uso de drogas ilícitas, medido pela seguinte pergunta: "Você já usou drogas ilícitas (maconha, inalantes, hipnóticos, cocaína/crack, alucinógenos, anfetaminas e/ou opióides) alguma vez na vida?". Os grupos de pares foram classificados como: escola, família, atividades religiosas e esportes/cultura. O nível socioeconômico foi avaliado com o Índice de Vulnerabilidade em Saúde (IVS) baseado em área. Foram analisados os dados de 91 adolescentes com o teste do qui-quadrado e regressão logística. A proporção global de uso de drogas ilícitas foi 15,2%. A heterogeneidade por gênero dentro de grupos (OR = 3,14; IC95%: 1,63-6,06), amizades baseadas em religião (OR = 0,36; IC95%: 0,17-0,75) e amizades baseadas em esportes/cultura (OR = 0,44; IC95%: 0,22-0,87) permaneceram associadas significativamente com o uso de drogas ilícitas. Os adolescentes que residiam em áreas menos vulneráveis mostraram maior probabilidade de uso de drogas ilícitas, quando comparados aos jovens em áreas mais vulneráveis. As amizades baseadas em religião e esportes/cultura parecem ter um efeito protetor contra o uso de drogas ilícitas. A heterogeneidade de gênero dentro de grupos e a residência em áreas menos vulneráveis aumentaram as chances de uso de drogas ilícitas por adolescentes.

The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to examine illicit drug use and associations with socioeconomic factors as well as peer group influence among Brazilian adolescents aged 15 to 19 years. Two-stage cluster sampling was adopted, involving the random selection of public and private schools from the nine administrative districts of a Brazilian state capital and the random selection of classrooms at each school. Illicit drug use was the outcome and was measured through the question: "Have you ever used any illicit drugs (marijuana, inhalants, hypnotics, cocaine/crack, hallucinogens, amphetamines and opioids) in your life?". The most important group of friends was ranked as school, family, religious activities and sports/culture. The area-based Health Vulnerability Index (HVI) was used to assess socioeconomic status. Data from 891 adolescents were analyzed using the chi-squared test and logistic regression. The overall rate of illicit drug use was 15.2%. Gender heterogeneity within groups (OR = 3.14; 95%CI: 1.63-6.06), religion-based friendships (OR = 0.36; 95%CI: 0.17-0.75) and sports/culture-based friendships (OR = 0.44; 95%CI: 0.22-0.87) remained significantly associated with illicit drug use. Adolescents who lived in less vulnerable areas had higher chance of drug use in comparison with those living in more vulnerable areas. Religion-based and sports/culture-based friendships seem to demonstrate a protective effect against lifetime illicit drug use. Gender heterogeneity within groups and residing in a less vulnerable area increased the chances of adolescents reporting illicit drug use.

El objetivo del presente estudio transversal fue examinar el consumo de drogas ilícitas, y su asociación con factores socioeconómicos, así como con la influencia del grupo entre adolescentes brasileños de 15 a 19 años de edad. Se adoptó una muestra del grupo en dos etapas, considerando una selección aleatoria de escuelas públicas y privadas de nueve distritos administrativos de una capital de estado brasileña y una selección aleatoria de clases en cada escuela. El consumo ilícito era el resultado que se midió a través de la pregunta: "¿Has consumido alguna vez drogas legales (marihuana, inhalantes, hipnóticos, cocaína/crack, alucinógenos, anfetaminas y opioides) en tu vida?" El grupo más importante de factores protectores fue categorizado como: escuela, familia, religioso y deportes/cultura. El área, basada en el Índice de Vulnerabilidad de la Salud (IVS), se usó para evaluar el estatus socioeconómico. Se analizaron los datos de 891 adolescentes, usando el test chi-cuadrado test y regresión logística. El porcentaje global de consumo de drogas ilícitas fue de un 15.2%. La heterogeneidad de género en los grupos (OR = 3.14; 95%CI: 1.63-6.06), amistad basada en la religión (OR = 0.36; 95%CI: 0.17-0.75) y amistades basadas en deporte/cultura (OR = 0.44; 95%CI: 0.22-0.87) quedaron significativamente asociadas con el consumo de drogas ilícitas. Los adolescentes que vivían en áreas menos vulnerables tenían una oportunidad más alta de consumo de drogas, en comparación con aquellos que vivían en áreas más vulnerables. Las amistadas basadas en la religión y deporte/cultura parece que demuestran ser un factor protector contra el consumo de drogas a lo largo de la vida. La heterogeneidad de género en los grupos y residir en áreas menos vulnerables incrementó la oportunidad en el consumo de ilícito de drogas.

Latent class profile of psychiatric symptoms and treatment utilization in a sample of patients with co-occurring disorders

Objective: To identify symptom-based subgroups within a sample of patients with co-occurring disorders (CODs) and to analyze intersubgroup differences in mental health services utilization. Methods: Two hundred and fifteen patients with COD from an addiction clinic completed the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised. Subgroups were determined using latent class profile analysis. Services utilization data were collected from electronic records during a 3-year span. Results: The five-class model obtained the best fit (Bayesian information criteria [BIC] = 3,546.95; adjusted BIC = 3,363.14; bootstrapped likelihood ratio test p < 0.0001). Differences between classes were quantitative, and groups were labeled according to severity: mild (26%), mild-moderate (28.8%), moderate (18.6%), moderate-severe (17.2%), and severe (9.3%). A significant time by class interaction was obtained (chi-square [χ2[15]] = 30.05, p = 0.012); mild (χ2[1] = 243.90, p < 0.05), mild-moderate (χ2[1] = 198.03, p < 0.05), and moderate (χ2[1] = 526.77, p < 0.05) classes displayed significantly higher treatment utilization. Conclusion: The classes with more symptom severity (moderate-severe and severe) displayed lower utilization of services across time when compared to participants belonging to less severe groups. However, as pairwise differences in treatment utilization between classes were not significant between every subgroup, future studies should determine whether subgroup membership predicts other treatment outcomes.

Greater Prevalence of Proposed ICD-11 Alcohol and Cannabis Dependence Compared to ICD-10, DSM-IV, and DSM-5 in Treated Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Proposed International Classification of Diseases, 11th edition (ICD-11), criteria for substance use disorder (SUD) radically simplify the algorithm used to diagnose substance dependence. Major differences in case identification across DSM and ICD impact determinations of treatment need and conceptualizations of substance dependence. This study compared the draft algorithm for ICD-11 SUD against DSM-IV, DSM-5, and ICD-10, for alcohol and cannabis. METHODS: Adolescents (n = 339, ages 14 to 18) admitted to intensive outpatient addictions treatment completed, as part of a research study, a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM SUDs adapted for use with adolescents and which has been used to assess DSM and ICD SUD diagnoses. Analyses examined prevalence across classification systems, diagnostic concordance, and sources of diagnostic disagreement. RESULTS: Prevalence of any past-year proposed ICD-11 alcohol or cannabis use disorder was significantly lower compared to DSM-IV and DSM-5 (ps < 0.01). However, prevalence of proposed ICD-11 alcohol and cannabis dependence diagnoses was significantly higher compared to DSM-IV, DSM-5, and ICD-10 (ps < 0.01). ICD-11 and DSM-5 SUD diagnoses showed only moderate concordance. For both alcohol and cannabis, youth typically met criteria for an ICD-11 dependence diagnosis by reporting tolerance and much time spent using or recovering from the substance, rather than symptoms indicating impaired control over use. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed ICD-11 dependence algorithm appears to "overdiagnose" dependence on alcohol and cannabis relative to DSM-IV and ICD-10 dependence, and DSM-5 moderate/severe use disorder, generating potential "false-positive" cases of dependence. Among youth who met criteria for proposed ICD-11 dependence, few reported impaired control over substance use, highlighting ongoing issues in the conceptualization and diagnosis of SUD.

Validation of the TAPS-1: A Four-Item Screening Tool to Identify Unhealthy Substance Use in Primary Care.

BACKGROUND: The Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription Medication, and Other Substance use (TAPS) tool is a combined two-part screening and brief assessment developed for adult primary care patients. The tool's first-stage screening component (TAPS-1) consists of four items asking about past 12-month use for four substance categories, with response options of never, less than monthly, monthly, weekly, and daily or almost daily. OBJECTIVE: To validate the TAPS-1 in primary care patients. DESIGN: Participants completed the TAPS tool in self- and interviewer-administered formats, in random order. In this secondary analysis, the TAPS-1 was evaluated against DSM-5 substance use disorder (SUD) criteria to determine optimal cut-points for identifying unhealthy substance use at three severity levels (problem use, mild SUD, and moderate-to-severe SUD). PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand adult patients at five primary care sites. MAIN MEASURES: DSM-5 SUD criteria were determined via the modified Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Oral fluid was used as a biomarker of recent drug use. KEY RESULTS: Optimal frequency-of-use cut-points on the self-administered TAPS-1 for identifying SUDs were ≥ monthly use for tobacco and alcohol (sensitivity = 0.92 and 0.71, specificity = 0.80 and 0.85, AUC = 0.86 and 0.78, respectively) and any reported use for illicit drugs and prescription medication misuse (sensitivity = 0.93 and 0.89, specificity = 0.85 and 0.91, AUC = 0.89 and 0.90, respectively). The performance of the interviewer-administered format was similar. When administered first, the self-administered format yielded higher disclosure rates for past 12-month alcohol use, illicit drug use, and prescription medication misuse. Frequency of use alone did not provide sufficient information to discriminate between gradations of substance use problem severity. Among those who denied drug use on the TAPS-1, less than 4% had a drug-positive biomarker. CONCLUSIONS: The TAPS-1 can identify unhealthy substance use in primary care patients with a high level of accuracy, and may have utility in primary care for rapid triage.

Brain circuitry associated with the development of substance use in bipolar disorder and preliminary evidence for sexual dimorphism in adolescents.

Substance use disorders and mood disorders are highly comorbid and confer a high risk for adverse outcomes. However, data are limited on the neurodevelopmental basis of this comorbidity. Substance use initiation typically occurs during adolescence, and sex-specific developmental mechanisms are implicated. In this preliminary study, we review the literature and investigate regional gray matter volume (GMV) associated with subsequent substance use problems in adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD) and explore these associations for females and males. Thirty adolescents with DSM-IV-diagnosed BD and minimal alcohol/substance exposure completed baseline structural magnetic resonance imaging scans. At follow-up (on average 6 years post baseline), subjects were administered the CRAFFT interview and categorized into those scoring at high ( ≥ 2: CRAFFTHIGH ) vs. low ( < 2: CRAFFTLOW ) risk for alcohol/substance problems. Lower GMV in prefrontal, insular, and temporopolar cortices were observed at baseline among adolescents with BD reporting subsequent alcohol and cannabis use compared to adolescents with BD who did not (P < 0.005, clusters ≥ 20 voxels). Lower dorsolateral prefrontal GMV was associated with future substance use in both females and males. In females, lower orbitofrontal and insula GMV was associated with future substance use, while in males, lower rostral prefrontal GMV was associated with future use. Lower orbitofrontal, insular, and temporopolar GMV was observed in those who transitioned to smoking tobacco. Findings indicate that GMV development is associated with risk for future substance use problems in adolescents with BD, with results implicating GMV development in regions subserving emotional regulation in females and regions subserving executive processes and attention in males. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Participation restrictions in substance use disorders : Registration by screening and assessment instruments]. / Teilhabeeinschränkungen bei Suchterkrankungen : Erfassung durch Screening- und Assessment-Verfahren.

BACKGROUND: Substance use disorders can contribute to severe participation restrictions. Whether these participation restrictions are covered by assessment instruments that are frequently used in addiction treatment services is not known. The international Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a framework to compare the content of different assessments. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether assessments that are frequently used in German addiction treatment services, cover participation restrictions according to the ICF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the summer of 2015, we asked German addiction treatment services to participate in an online survey. Addiction treatment services were approached via the mailing lists of German associations of addiction treatment. Respondents were asked to indicate which assessments from a list of frequently used assessment instruments they were using in their treatment service. The most frequently used assessments were then linked to components of the ICF. RESULTS: A total of N = 177 addiction treatment services responded to the survey. Most of them offered long-term rehabilitation treatment (n = 97; 61 %) or counselling services (n = 44; 28 %). Twelve assessments were used by more than 10 % of the respondents. The analysis revealed a total of 491 so-called meaningful concepts that could be linked to components of the ICF. Of these, 95 (16 %) referred to the ICF component activity and participation. CONCLUSIONS: Frequently used assessments in addiction treatment services include contents of the ICF component activity and participation to a substantial degree. However, this does not mean by default that these assessments can be used to assess participation restriction in a meaningful way.

Substance Use in the Perinatal Period.

Perinatal substance use remains a major public health problem and is associated with a number of deleterious maternal and fetal effects. Polysubstance use in pregnancy is common and can potentiate adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Tobacco is the most commonly used substance in pregnancy, followed by alcohol and illicit substances. The treatments for perinatal substance use are limited and consist mostly of behavioral and psychosocial interventions. Of these, contingency management has shown the most efficacy. More recently, novel interventions such as progesterone for postpartum cocaine use have shown promise. The purpose of this review is to examine the recent literature on the use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and opioids in the perinatal period, their effects on maternal and fetal health, and current treatments.

Substance use in individuals at clinical high risk of psychosis.

BACKGROUND: A series of research reports has indicated that the use of substances such as cannabis, alcohol and tobacco are higher in youth at clinical high risk (CHR) of developing psychosis than in controls. Little is known about the longitudinal trajectory of substance use, and findings on the relationship between substance use and later transition to psychosis in CHR individuals are mixed. METHOD: At baseline and 6- and 12-month follow-ups, 735 CHR and 278 control participants completed the Alcohol and Drug Use Scale and a cannabis use questionnaire. The longitudinal trajectory of substance use was evaluated with linear mixed models. RESULTS: CHR participants endorsed significantly higher cannabis and tobacco use severity, and lower alcohol use severity, at baseline and over a 1-year period compared with controls. CHR youth had higher lifetime prevalence and frequency of cannabis, and were significantly younger upon first use, and were more likely to use alone and during the day. Baseline substance use did not differentiate participants who later transitioned to psychosis (n = 90) from those who did not transition (n = 272). Controls had lower tobacco use than CHR participants with a prodromal progression clinical outcome and lower cannabis use than those with a psychotic clinical outcome at the 2-year assessment. CONCLUSIONS: In CHR individuals cannabis and tobacco use is higher than in controls and this pattern persists across 1 year. Evaluation of clinical outcome may provide additional information on the longitudinal impact of substance use that cannot be detected through evaluation of transition/non-transition to psychosis alone.

An electronic screen for triaging adolescent substance use by risk levels.

IMPORTANCE: Screening adolescents for substance use and intervening immediately can reduce the burden of addiction and substance-related morbidity. Several screening tools have been developed to identify problem substance use for adolescents, but none have been calibrated to triage adolescents into clinically relevant risk categories to guide interventions. OBJECTIVE: To describe the psychometric properties of an electronic screen and brief assessment tool that triages adolescents into 4 actionable categories regarding their experience with nontobacco substance use. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Adolescent patients (age range, 12-17 years) arriving for routine medical care at 2 outpatient primary care centers and 1 outpatient center for substance use treatment at a pediatric hospital completed an electronic screening tool from June 1, 2012, through March 31, 2013, that consisted of a question on the frequency of using 8 types of drugs in the past year (Screening to Brief Intervention). Additional questions assessed severity of any past-year substance use. Patients completed a structured diagnostic interview (Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Substance Abuse Module), yielding Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) substance use diagnoses. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: For the entire screen and the Screening to Brief Intervention, sensitivity and specificity for identifying nontobacco substance use, substance use disorders, severe substance use disorders, and tobacco dependence were calculated using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Substance Abuse Module as the criterion standard. RESULTS: Of 340 patients invited to participate, 216 (63.5%) enrolled in the study. Sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 84% (95% CI, 76%-89%) for identifying nontobacco substance use, 90% (95% CI, 77%-96%) and 94% (95% CI, 89%-96%) for substance use disorders, 100% and 94% (95% CI, 90%-96%) for severe substance use disorders, and 75% (95% CI, 52%-89%) and 98% (95% CI, 95%-100%) for nicotine dependence. No significant differences were found in sensitivity or specificity between the full tool and the Screening to Brief Intervention. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: A single screening question assessing past-year frequency use for 8 commonly misused categories of substances appears to be a valid method for discriminating among clinically relevant risk categories of adolescent substance use.

Substance use disorder and its effects on outcomes in men with advanced-stage prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Substance use disorder in patients with cancer has implications for outcomes. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of the type and timing of substance use on outcomes in elderly Medicare recipients with advanced prostate cancer. METHODS: This was an observational cohort study using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked data from 2000 to 2009. Among men who were diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer between 2001 and 2004, we identified those who had a claim for substance use disorder in the year before cancer diagnosis, 1 year after cancer diagnosis, and an additional 4 years after diagnosis. The outcomes investigated were use of health services, costs, and mortality. RESULTS: The prevalence of substance use disorder was 10.6%. The category drug psychoses and related had greater odds of inpatient hospitalizations (odds ratio [OR], 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-2.8), outpatient hospital visits (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.9-3.6), and emergency room visits (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4). Substance use disorder in the follow-up phase was associated with greater odds of inpatient hospitalizations (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.8-2.2), outpatient hospital visits (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.7-2.4), and emergency room visits (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5-2.1). Compared with men who did not have substance use disorder, those in the category drug psychoses and related had 70% higher costs, and those who had substance use disorder during the follow-up phase had 60% higher costs. The hazard of all-cause mortality was highest for patients in the drug psychoses and related category (hazard ratio, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7) and the substance use disorder in treatment phase category (hazard ratio, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.7). CONCLUSIONS: The intersection of advanced prostate cancer and substance use disorder may adversely affect outcomes. Incorporating substance use screening and treatments into prostate cancer care guidelines and coordination of care is desirable.