The Long-Term Relationship Between Cannabis and Heroin Use: An 18- to 20-year Follow-Up of the Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS).

OBJECTIVE: Cannabis use is common among individuals with opioid use disorder, but it remains unclear whether cannabis use is associated with an increase or a reduction in illicit opioid use. To overcome limitations identified in previous longitudinal studies with limited follow-ups, the authors examined a within-person reciprocal relationship between cannabis and heroin use at several follow-ups over 18 to 20 years. METHODS: The Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS) recruited 615 people with heroin dependence in 2001 and 2002 and reinterviewed them at 3, 12, 24, and 36 months as well as 11 and 18-20 years after baseline. Heroin and cannabis use were assessed at each time point using the Opiate Treatment Index. A random-intercept cross-lagged panel model analysis was conducted to identify within-person relationships between cannabis use and heroin use at subsequent follow-ups. RESULTS: After accounting for a range of demographic variables, other substance use, and mental and physical health measures, an increase in cannabis use 24 months after baseline was significantly associated with an increase in heroin use at 36 months (estimate=0.21, SE=0.10). Additionally, an increase in heroin use at 3 months and 24 months was significantly associated with a decrease in cannabis use at 12 months (estimate=-0.27, SE=0.09) and 36 months (estimate=-0.22, SE=0.08). All other cross-lagged associations were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was some evidence of a significant relationship between cannabis and heroin use at earlier follow-ups, this was sparse and inconsistent across time points. Overall, there was insufficient evidence to suggest a unidirectional or bidirectional relationship between the use of these substances.

'This is hardcore': a qualitative study exploring service users' experiences of Heroin-Assisted Treatment (HAT) in Middlesbrough, England.

BACKGROUND: Heroin-Assisted Treatment (HAT) is well evidenced internationally to improve health and social outcomes for people dependent on opioids who have not been helped by traditional treatment options. Despite this evidence base, England has been slow to implement HAT. The first service outside of a trial setting opened in 2019, providing twice-daily supervised injections of medical-grade heroin (diamorphine) to a select sample of high-risk heroin users in Middlesbrough. This paper explores their experiences, including the negotiation of the strict regularly controls required of a novel intervention in the UK context. METHODS: We conducted in-depth interviews with service providers and users of the Middlesbrough HAT service between September and November 2021. Data from each group were thematically analysed and reported separately. This paper details the experiences of the twelve heroin dependent men and women accessing HAT. RESULTS: Participants' accounts of HAT treatment evidenced a tension between the regulatory constraints and uncertainty of treatment provision, and the positive outcomes experienced through supportive service provision and an injectable treatment option. Limited confidence was held in treatment efficacy, longevity of funding, and personal capacity for treatment success. This was counteracted by a strong motivation to cease engagement with the illicit drug market. While attendance requirements placed restrictions on daily activities, participants also experienced benefits from strong, supportive bonds built with the service providers through their continued engagement. CONCLUSIONS: The Middlesbrough HAT programme provided benefits to a high-risk population of opioid dependent people who were unable or disinclined to participate in conventional opioid substitution treatments. The findings in this paper highlight the potential for service modifications to further enhance engagement. The closure of this programme in 2022 prohibits this opportunity for the Middlesbrough community, but holds potential to inform advocacy and innovation for future HAT interventions in England.

Psychosocial Correlates of Opioid Use Profiles among Young Adults in a Longitudinal Study across 6 US Metropolitan Areas.

Background: Examining opioid use profiles over time and related factors among young adults is crucial to informing prevention efforts. Objectives: This study analyzed baseline data (Fall 2018) and one-year follow-up data from a cohort of 2,975 US young adults (Mage=24.55, 42.1% male; 71.7% White; 11.4% Hispanic). Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine: 1) psychosocial correlates (i.e. adverse childhood experiences [ACEs], depressive symptoms, parental substance use) of lifetime opioid use (i.e. prescription use vs. nonuse, nonmedical prescription [NMPO] use, and heroin use, respectively); and 2) psychosocial correlates and baseline lifetime use in relation to past 6-month use at one-year follow-up (i.e. prescription use vs. nonuse and NMPO/heroin use, respectively). Results: At baseline, lifetime use prevalence was: 30.2% prescription, 9.7% NMPO, and 3.1% heroin; past 6-month use prevalence was: 7.6% prescription, 2.5% NMPO, and 0.9% heroin. Compared to prescription users, nonusers reported fewer ACEs and having parents more likely to use tobacco, but less likely alcohol; NMPO users did not differ; and heroin users reported more ACEs and having parents more likely to use cannabis but less likely alcohol. At one-year follow-up, past 6-month use prevalence was: 4.3% prescription, 1.3% NMPO, and 1.4% heroin; relative to prescription users, nonusers were less likely to report baseline lifetime opioid use and reported fewer ACEs, and NMPO/heroin users were less likely to report baseline prescription opioid use but more likely heroin use. Conclusions: Psychosocial factors differentially correlate with young adult opioid use profiles, and thus may inform targeted interventions addressing different use patterns and psychosocial risk factors.

Modeling Opioid Abuse: A Case Study of the Opioid Crisis in New England.

For the past two decades, the USA has been embroiled in a growing prescription drug epidemic. The ripples of this epidemic have been especially apparent in the state of Maine, which has fought hard to mitigate the damage caused by addiction to pharmaceutical and illicit opioids. In this study, we construct a mathematical model of the opioid epidemic incorporating novel features important to better understanding opioid abuse dynamics. These features include demographic differences in population susceptibility, general transmission expressions, and combined consideration of pharmaceutical opioid and heroin abuse. We demonstrate the usefulness of this model by calibrating it with data for the state of Maine. Model calibration is accompanied by sensitivity and uncertainty analysis to quantify potential error in parameter estimates and forecasts. The model is analyzed to determine the mechanisms most influential to the number of opioid abusers and to find effective ways of controlling opioid abuse prevalence. We found that the mechanisms most influential to the overall number of abusers in Maine are those involved in illicit pharmaceutical opioid abuse transmission. Consequently, preventative strategies that controlled for illicit transmission were more effective over alternative approaches, such as treatment. These results are presented with the hope of helping to inform public policy as to the most effective means of intervention.

Prevalence of ADHD in a Sample of Heroin Addicts Receiving Agonist Treatment-Study Conducted in a Public Addiction Service.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder that can persist into adulthood. The co-occurrence of ADHD and substance use disorders is very frequent and has received considerable attention in recent clinical/scientific investigations. However, few studies have investigated the prevalence of ADHD in heroin addicts. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a sample of heroin addicts treated with opioid agonists and to report this clinical experience in a public service for addiction. Outpatients over 18 years old and being treated with opioid agonists for heroin addiction were enrolled. Each patient took part in a psychiatric examination and completed an ASRS (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale) self-assessment. Subjects with positive results were called in for another psychiatric visit, and the Brown ADD scale was used as a second-level test for ADHD; furthermore, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and Hypomania/Mania Checklist (HCL-32) were used for differential diagnoses and to assess comorbidities. In total, 111 patients were enrolled. All were followed up by the psychiatrist, who is also the author of this report and the person who formulated the diagnoses. The prevalence of ADHD in this sample was 18%. Among the 20 patients diagnosed with ADHD, 5 (25%) were female and 15 (75%) were male. The most frequent psychiatric comorbidity was major depression, found in 11 patients (55%), of which 4 presented with hypomania (bipolar disorder). In this sample, making diagnoses was very difficult. Frequently, multiple comorbidities further complicated these cases. In conclusion, the results of this study are consistent with the literature: There seems to be a significant prevalence of ADHD even among heroin addicts, and often, the diagnosis is difficult to make. We also do not know the exact effect of opioid agonist therapy on ADHD symptoms. Hypotheses have been put forward, but studies are needed.

Trends in heroin use and injection drug use among high school students in five urban school districts in the US (2005-2017).

Background. We describe the prevalence of and changes in heroin use and injection drug use (IDU) among high school students in five large, urban school districts in the US (2005-2017); nearly three-fourths of the students were Black and/or Hispanic/Latino.Methods. Data are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "Youth Risk Behavior Survey" program, which includes biennial surveys in urban school districts. We pooled data across districts and survey years, and then generated weighted prevalence estimates (and 95% CIs) for any lifetime heroin use and IDU. Joinpoint regression modeling was used to estimate changes in prevalence over the study period.Results. Biennial prevalence estimates (2005-2017) for heroin use and IDU were above 1.8% for all seven timepoints. In 2017, prevalence of heroin use and IDU were 2.9% and 2.5%, respectively. Both heroin use and IDU were higher among boys than girls. There were statistically significant increases in heroin use and IDU among girls from 2005-2009, whereas changes over time were stable among boys.Conclusions. High school students in large, urban school districts may have higher rates of heroin use and IDU than US high school students in general, and there is little evidence of increases since 2009. This study suggests that adolescence may be a critical period for initiation of heroin use among adolescents in large urban school districts, the majority of whom are Black and/or Latino.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/15332640.2021.1992327 .

A 35-year follow-up study of patients admitted to methadone treatment between 1982-1984 in Asturias, Spain. / Estudio de seguimiento de 35 años de pacientes admitidos a tratamiento con metadona entre 1982-1984 en Asturias, España.

The objective was to evaluate outcomes in a heroin-dependent population 35 years after first enrolment in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT).  An ad hoc protocol was used to assess drug misuse, treatment, and drug-related morbidity in the survivor sample. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.  A total of 214 heroin-dependent patients entered MMT between 1982 and 1984 in the Asturias Public Health Service. Information was received on 195 subjects, of whom 146 were deceased.  Men accounted for 77.5% of the study cohort. Over the 35-year follow-up period, the SMR was 11.75 (95% CI = 9.95 - 13.77). In the survivor sample, 5.7% were still enrolled in MMT; human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was diagnosed in 38.77% and hepatitis B/C in 73.46%. No differences were found between sexes in mortality or HIV and hepatitis B/C status. None of the female survivors were using heroin at the 35-year follow-up compared with 5.26% of males. In conclusion, our study confirms the high long-term mortality rate of heroin addicts, even after enrollment in MMT.

El objetivo fue evaluar el estado de una población dependiente a la heroína 35 años después de su primera inscripción en un tratamiento de mantenimiento con metadona (TMM). Se utilizó un protocolo ad hoc para evaluar morbilidad, consumo y tratamiento de la adicción en la muestra de supervivientes. Se calculó la razón de mortalidad estandarizada (RME) con un intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95%. Un total de 214 pacientes ingresaron en TMM entre 1982 y 1984 en el Servicio de Salud Pública de Asturias. Se recibió información sobre 195 sujetos, de los cuales 146 habían fallecido. Los hombres representaron el 77,5% de la cohorte del estudio. Durante el período de seguimiento de 35 años, la RME fue de 11,75 (IC 95% = 9,95 ­ 13,77). En la muestra de supervivientes, el 5,7% todavía estaba inscrito en TMM; el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) se diagnosticó en un 38,77% y la hepatitis B/C en un 73,46%; el consumo actual de heroína se informó en un 4,1%. No hubo diferencias de género en la mortalidad o la condición de VIH y hepatitis B/C. Ninguna de las mujeres consumía heroína en el seguimiento de 35 años en comparación con el 5,26% de los hombres. En conclusión, nuestro estudio confirma la alta tasa de mortalidad a largo plazo, incluso después de la inscripción en TMM.

State-Level Prevalence and Associates of Opioid Dependence in the USA.

Traditionally, opioid-related disease burden was primarily due to heroin use. However, increases in extra-medical (or non-medicinal use of prescription opioids; NMPOs) use has precipitated the current overdose epidemic in North America. We aim to examine the state-level prevalence of heroin and NMPO dependence and their associations with opioid-related mortality and state-level socio-demographic profiles. Data were pooled from the 2005-2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). We examine opioid-related mortality from CDC WONDER (Cause of Death database) by the past year prevalence of DSM-IV heroin and NMPO dependence, by age and sex, and their associations with state-level socio-demographic characteristics from census data. State-level rates of heroin dependence were associated with opioid-related death rates in young and mid-aged adults, while rates of NMPO dependence were associated with opioid-related death rates across all ages. The prevalence of heroin dependence was positively associated with state-level GDP/capita and urbanity. State-level NMPO dependence prevalence was associated with higher unemployment, lower GDP/capita, and a lower high-school completion rate. The prevalence of heroin and NMPO dependence are associated with a broad range of geographical and socio-demographic groups. Taking a wider view of populations affected by the opioid epidemic, inclusive interventions for all are needed to reduce opioid-related disease burden.

Structural violence and the need for compassionate use of methadone in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data from Mexico have documented an increase in heroin use in the last decade. However, there is no comprehensive care strategy for heroin users, especially those who have been accused of a crime. The objective of this study was to describe the heroin and methadone use of intravenous heroin users of both sexes who have been in jail, to offer evidence for the formulation of health policy. METHODS: This study used an ethnographic approach, with open-ended interviews carried out from 2014 to the present. Heroin users of both sexes attending a private methadone clinic in Mexico City were invited to participate. The sample was non-probabilistic. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed, and narratives were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants in this study were 33 users of heroin, two of them women, who had been in prison. They ranged in age from 33 to 62 years, had used heroin for a period of 13-30 years, and were from three states: Michoacan, Oaxaca, and Mexico City. Three principal categories of analysis were structured: 1. Pilgrimage for help (dynamics of the drama of suffering, pain, and time through health care spaces); 2) methadone use as self-care; and 3) accessibility to methadone treatment. The impossibility of access to methadone treatment is a condition which motivates users in their journey. The dynamics of methadone use are interpreted as a form of self-care and care to avoid substance use. Reducing the psychological, physical, and harmful effects of the substance allows them to perform daily activities. The inability to access treatment leads to a significant effect on users who experience structural violence. CONCLUSION: Compassionate methadone treatment and holistic attention should be considered as a way to meet patients' needs and mitigate their suffering, based on public health policy that allows for human rights-based care.

[Early maladaptive schemes and relapse during methadone maintenance treatment among drug addicts (a cognitive approach)]. / Les schémas précoces inadaptés et la rechute au cours de traitement de maintien par la méthadone chez les toxicomanes (une approche cognitive).

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: Dysfunction of cognitive schemas and addictive behaviors are often coexisting which can cause relapse during drug treatment. The objective of this study is to assess early maladaptive schemas (EMS) among heroin users and their relationship with relapse during methadone maintenance treatment. SUBJECT AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study carried out on 166 heroin users treated with methadone at the medico-psychological center in northern Morocco during 2017. The subjects completed both the Young short version schema questionnaire (YQS) and the ASI questionnaire (Addiction Severity Index) to measure the severity of drug addiction. RESULTS: The results showed that the most activated schemas in the totality of the subjects were fear of losing control, Emotional deficiency and failure. They were also significantly more activated in women than in men for five schemas indicating rejection and separation, and a lack of autonomy. Regarding the relapse during treatment consumption there was a positive and significant correlation with ten out of thirteen SPI, which means the more the intensity of SPI decrease the greater the tendency to relapse (r=0.509, P<0.0001). However, there was also a weak correlation between the consumption of other drugs and SPI. CONCLUSION: The cognitive approach has highlighted the essential role of cognitive disorders in addictive behaviors that EMS may be predictors of relapse during substitution treatment, and that a concurrent therapy of schema may reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Smoking and loneliness in older adults: a population-based study in Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil / Tabagismo e solidão em idosos: um estudo de base populacional em Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil / Tabaquismo y soledad en adultos mayores: un estudio basado en población de Campinas, estado de São Paulo, Brasil

This study aims to analyze the relationship between social isolation and loneliness with smoking in older adults. This is a cross-sectional, population-based study performed with 986 individuals aged 60 years or older. Data were collected from the Health Survey of the Municipality of Campinas (ISACamp 2014/2015), state of São Paulo, Brazil. We estimated the prevalence of smoking and smoking cessation according to independent variables and tested the associations using the chi-square test, considering a 5% significance level. Adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated using simple and multiple Poisson regression. Smoking and smoking cessation were not associated with most variables that indicate objective social isolation. "Often or always" loneliness was related to a higher prevalence of smoking (PR = 2.25; 95%CI: 1.38-3.66) whereas loneliness accompanied of self-reported emotional problems or common mental disorders was strongly associated with smoking and with lower smoking cessation (PR = 6.24; 95%CI: 1.37-28.47 and PR = 0.46; 95%CI: 0.28-0.77, respectively). These findings indicate that loneliness is a psychosocial aspect related to tobacco use which hinders smoking cessation in older adults, emphasizing the importance of emotional problems in this association.

O estudo busca analisar a relação entre isolamento social, solidão e tabagismo entre idosos. Trata-se de um estudo transversal de base populacional que incluiu 986 indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais. Os dados foram obtidos do Inquérito de Saúde de Município de Campinas (ISACamp 2014/2015), São Paulo, Brasil. Foram estimadas as taxas de prevalência do tabagismo e da cessação do tabagismo de acordo com as variáveis independentes e testadas as associações através do teste de qui-quadrado, considerando nível de significância de 5%. Foram calculadas as razões de prevalência ajustadas com o uso de regressão de Poisson simples e múltipla. O tabagismo e a cessação do tabagismo não mostraram associação com a maioria das variáveis que indicam isolamento social objetivo, enquanto o relato da solidão muitas vezes ou sempre esteve relacionado a uma maior prevalência de tabagismo (RP = 2,25; IC95%: 1,38-3,66). A solidão, acompanhada pelo autorrelato de problemas emocionais ou a presença de transtornos mentais comuns, esteve fortemente associada com o tabagismo e com menor prevalência de cessação do tabagismo (RP = 6,24; IC95%: 1,37-28,47 e RP = 0,46; IC95%: 0,28-0,77, respectivamente). Os achados sustentam o papel da solidão enquanto aspecto psicossocial relacionado ao uso de tabaco e ao impedimento da cessação do tabagismo em idosos e destacam a importância de problemas emocionais nessa associação.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la relación entre el aislamiento social y la soledad con el hábito de fumar en adultos mayores. Se trata de un estudio transversal basado en población, realizado con 986 individuos con 60 años o mayores. Los datos se recogieron de la Encuesta de Salud de la Ciudad de Campinas (ISACamp 2014/2015), estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Estimamos la prevalencia del hábito de fumar y dejar de fumar según variables independientes y probamos las asociaciones usando el test chi-cuadrado, considerando un nivel de significancia de un 5%. Se calcularon las ratios de prevalencia usando una regresión simple y múltiple de Poisson. Fumar y dejar de fumar no estuvieron asociadas con la mayor parte de variables que indican aislamiento social objetivo, mientras que informar soledad a menudo o siempre estuvo relacionado con una más alta prevalencia de tabaquismo (RP = 2,25; IC95%: 1,38-3,66). Soledad acompañada de problemas emocionales autoinformados o la presencia de desórdenes mentales comunes estuvo fuertemente asociado con el tabaquismo y con una menor prevalencia de dejar de fumar (RP = 6,24; IC95%: 1,37-28,47 y RP = 0,46; IC95%: 0,28-0,77, respectivamente). Estos resultados apoyan el papel de la soledad como un aspecto psicosocial relacionado con el consumo de tabaco y el impedimento de dejar de fumar en adultos mayores, además de subrayar la importancia de problemas emocionales en esta asociación.

Fatal and Non-Fatal Heroin-Related Overdoses: Circumstances and Patterns.

INTRODUCTION: Heroin overdose is a leading cause of mortality among drug users. This paper aims to identify individual and contextual factors associated with lethal and non-lethal heroin-related overdoses on the basis of case reports and semi-structured proxy interviews. Typical patterns within these cases are determined by means of cluster analysis. METHODS: Within the CaRe (Case Reports of heroin-related overdoses) study, case reports (100 proxy reports of overdose events from 36 different facilities) were gathered and evaluated as part of a nationwide survey of experts conducted in Germany in 2019. Following initial descriptive analyses a two-step cluster analysis with the four binary variables of gender, age, time and place was conducted to identify patterns within the reported cases. RESULTS: The case reports grouped into five clusters: 1) Younger male drug users, found in a public space during the daytime; 2) Female drug users; 3) Older male drug users, found in a public space during the daytime; 4) Drug users found at home at night; 5) Drug users found outside at night. Overdoses by female drug users and those which occurred at home and/or at night were significantly more likely to have a fatal outcome. CONCLUSION: Future prevention and intervention measures should aim to consider the context, i.e. typical constellations of risk, and attempt to inhibit this through appropriate counter measures.

Association between GABA receptor delta subunit gene polymorphisms and heroin addiction.

Evidence suggests that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors are involved in the development of drug dependence. Considering its exclusively extrasynaptic localization, GABA receptor delta subunit (GABRD) is likely involved in heroin addiction. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of GABRD and heroin addiction. Genotyping of five SNPs (rs13303344, rs4481796, rs2376805, rs2229110, and rs41307846) in GABRD gene was performed by using TaqMan SNP assay. The association between heroin addiction and these SNPs was assessed in 446 heroin dependent patients and 400 normal control subjects of male Han Chinese origin. Only the genotype and allele frequencies at rs13303344 differed significantly between the cases and controls (nominal P values were 0.028 and 0.019, respectively). The C allele of rs13303344 was associated with an increased risk of heroin addiction (OR = 1.281, 95 % CI: 1.042-1.575). After Bonferroni correction, the association lost significance. The frequencies of the haplotype C-C-A and A-C-A at GARBD (rs13303344-rs4481796- rs2376805) differed significantly between the cases and controls. The heroin craving score was significantly higher in patients with CC/AC genotypes at rs13303344 than in those with the AA genotype (nominal P = 0.017). The results suggest that GABRD rs13303344 may contribute to the susceptibility to heroin addiction and is associated with the drug cravings of heroin dependent patients.

Prognostic plasma exosomal microRNA biomarkers in patients with substance use disorders presenting comorbid with anxiety and depression.

Psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression precipitated by substance use occurred during both use and withdrawal. Exosomes play significant roles in biological functions and regulate numerous physiological and pathological processes in various diseases, in particular substance use disorders (SUDs) and other psychiatric disorders. To better understand the role of exosomal miRNAs in the pathology of symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with SUDs, we first isolated circulating exosomes from heroin-dependent patients (HDPs) and methamphetamine-dependent patients (MDPs) and identified exosomal miRNAs that were differentially expressed between patients and healthy controls (HCs). Furthermore, the correlations between exosomal DE-miRNAs and symptoms of anxiety and depression which were measured using Hamilton-Anxiety (HAM-A)/Hamilton-Depression (HAM-D) Rating Scales in the participants. Notably, the expression level of exosomal hsa-miR-16-5p, hsa-miR-129-5p, hsa-miR-363-3p, and hsa-miR-92a-3p showed significantly negative correlations with HAM-A scores in both HDPs and MDPs. But all of the 4 DE-miRNAs lost significant correlations with HAM-D scores in HDPs. Functional annotation analyses showed that the target genes of the DE-miRNAs were mainly enriched for "synapse", "cell adhesion", "focal adhesion" and "MHC class II protein complex". Our study suggests that a set of circulating exosomal miRNAs were associated with anxiety and depression in SUD patients and may have clinical utility as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.

Sexual relationship, self-esteem, dysfunction, and sexual satisfaction in treatment naïve men with heroin dependence.

Heroin use, a prevalent and disabling condition, affects sexual functioning and the sexual quality of life. While there is adequate literature on sexual dysfunction with heroin use, the literature is scarce on the emotional aspects of sex, like the perception of sexual relationship, self-esteem, and satisfaction amongst heroin users. The study assessed these parameters among treatment-naïve, sexually active, married, male patients with heroin dependence. We interviewed 63 treatment-naïve men seeking treatment for heroin dependence using Self-esteem and Relationship Questionnaire (SEAR), New Sexual Satisfaction Scale-Short form (NSSS-S), Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Male (SQoL-M), Index of Premature Ejaculation (IPE), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Overall scores in SEAR, NSSS-S, SQoL-M, IIEF, and IPE were low, suggesting poor self-esteem and relationship, poor sexual quality of life and sexual satisfaction, higher premature ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction. Injecting drug use was associated with lower scores on confidence domain of SEAR, partner activity focused domain of NSSS-S, intercourse-satisfaction, and overall sexual quality of life. Sexual dysfunctions, poor sexual relationship, and sexual quality of life are common among men seeking treatment for heroin dependence. Treatment strategies must not lose focus on this dimension of health during the treatment process.

How risky are heroin markets? A multi-site study of self-reported risk perceptions among police detainees in Australia.

BACKGROUND: There has long been an international interest in the eradication of drug markets-particularly heroin markets-given their documented connection to the deterioration of local community and social amenity. Recent interest in focused drug law enforcement strategies has reinvigorated debate about the potential for deterrence; however, there exists no large-scale effort to document the risk perceptions of those who transact in heroin markets. METHODS: We use data from 2,257 police detainees interviewed as part of the Australian Institute of Criminology's (AIC) Drug Use Monitoring in Australia (DUMA) program. We employ a multilevel generalised ordinal logistic regression model to explore the geographical and temporal heterogeneity of risk, controlling for individual demographic covariates. RESULTS: With one exception, we find a surprising degree of homogeneity at the high end of the risk perception scale, with between 30 and 35 percent of respondents rating their local heroin market as very risky. At the low end, there was greater geographical and temporal variability with between 15 and 30 percent of respondents rating their market as not at all risky. One location stands out as anomalous, being perceived as considerably more risky. Of the demographic and drug-use covariates, only age and gender were statistically significant. Neither the length nor frequency of association with the heroin market predicted lower levels of risk perception. CONCLUSION: A little over half of all heroin market participants consider transacting in their local market to be somewhat or very risky-the others consider it not at all or only a little risky. With few exceptions, this broad pattern appears consistent over time and between geographical locations, although an individual's personal perception is not tied to their degree of exposure to the heroin market. The policy implications of these findings are discussed.

"I think everybody should take it if they're doing drugs, doing heroin, or having sex for money": a qualitative study exploring perceptions of pre-exposure prophylaxis among female participants in an opioid intervention court program.

BACKGROUND: Women's rise in opioid use disorder has increased their presence in the criminal justice system and related risk behaviors for HIV infection. Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective biomedical HIV prevention treatment, uptake among this high-risk population has been particularly low. Considerably little is known about the interplay between justice-involved women with opioid use disorder and HIV prevention. The aim of this study was to explore PrEP knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions for personal and partner use among women participants in the nation's first ever opioid intervention court program. METHODS: The authors conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 31 women recruited from an Opioid Intervention Court, a recent fast-track treatment response to combat overdose deaths. We utilized a consensual qualitative research approach to explore attitudes, perceptions, and preferences about PrEP from women at risk for HIV transmission via sexual and drug-related behavior and used thematic analysis methods to code and interpret the data. RESULTS: PrEP interest and motivation were impacted by various factors influencing the decision to consider PrEP initiation or comfort with partner use. Three primary themes emerged: HIV risk perceptions, barriers and facilitators to personal PrEP utilization, and perspectives on PrEP use by sexual partners. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest courts may provide a venue to offer women PrEP education and HIV risk assessments. Study findings inform public health, substance use, and criminal justice research and practice with justice-involved participants experiencing opioid use disorder on the development of gender-specific PrEP interventions with the ultimate goal of reducing HIV incidence.