Characterizing Opioid Withdrawal Experiences and Consequences Among a Community Sample of People Who Use Opioids.
Subst Use Misuse
; 59(6): 886-894, 2024.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38287506
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Opioid withdrawal symptoms are a highly salient and consequential health condition experienced by people who use opioids (PWUO). This study utilized qualitative interviews to explore opioid withdrawal experiences and consequences among PWUO in Los Angeles County, USA.METHODS:
Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 22 PWUO (aged 27-63 years) between May 2021 and May 2022. Participants self-reported opioid and injection drug use in the last 30 days. We employed an inductive thematic approach to systematically code and synthesize textual interview data.RESULTS:
Participants experienced withdrawal symptoms frequently, with many going to great lengths to avoid them. Withdrawal pain was described as incapacitating and interfered with PWUO's ability to sustain regular employment and ensure stable housing. Avoiding withdrawal was described as influential in driving decisions to continue using opioids. Mechanisms for managing withdrawal included using other substances to the point of sedation. PWUO who transitioned from heroin to fentanyl use revealed more frequent, painful, and faster onset of withdrawal symptoms. Adverse withdrawal experiences and fear of precipitated withdrawal from buprenorphine were barriers to treatment initiation and continuation.CONCLUSION:
Withdrawal symptoms among PWUO increase health risk. Improved strategies to treat opioid withdrawal are urgently needed. Solutions such as safe supply and intentional opioid withdrawal interventions (educational trainings, withdrawal comfort kits) are needed to improve withdrawal management and reduce opioid-related harm.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Síndrome de Abstinência a Substâncias
/
Buprenorfina
/
Overdose de Drogas
/
Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Opioides
Tipo de estudo:
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article