Michael D Stein1, Shannon R Kenney2, Bradley J Anderson3, Genie L Bailey4. 1. Behavioral Medicine Department, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, United States of America; Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America. 2. Behavioral Medicine Department, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, United States of America; Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States of America. Electronic address: Shannon_Kenney@brown.edu. 3. Behavioral Medicine Department, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, United States of America. 4. Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States of America; Stanley Street Treatment and Resources, Inc., Fall River, MA 02720, United States of America.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fentanyl-adulterated heroin supply chains are increasing risks for fatal overdose in the U.S. OBJECTIVE: The current study examined the use of overdose risk reduction behaviors among persons seeking treatment for heroin use and whether perceptions about the presence of fentanyl in one's heroin are associated with overdose risk reduction behaviors. METHOD: We recruited persons with opioid use disorder entering a managed withdrawal program. We used multiple linear regression to estimate the adjusted associations of participant characteristics and perception of fentanyl exposure with the frequency of engaging in each of five overdose reduction behaviors. RESULTS: Participants (n = 239; 75.3% male, 81.2% White, 67% injectors) estimated that 69.2% of the heroin they use contains fentanyl, and 94.6% knew that fentanyl increases overdose risk. Approximately 30% of respondents reported usually or always making sure others are around when they use heroin, carrying naloxone, taking "tester" doses of heroin or intentionally using in reduced amounts. While a majority of the sample reported never carrying naloxone or taking tester doses, and 70.2% reported never making sure that others around them carry naloxone, 84.5% had implemented one or more behavior at least rarely. Past month injection drug use was associated with making sure others are around, but perceptions about fentanyl in one's heroin were not associated with use of harm reduction behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of people who use heroin, although overdose risk reduction behaviors were not usually used, a majority had tried at least one behavior. That perceived exposure to fentanyl-adulterated heroin was not associated with the use of such behaviors provides important implications for public health education and intervention programming.
BACKGROUND:Fentanyl-adulterated heroin supply chains are increasing risks for fatal overdose in the U.S. OBJECTIVE: The current study examined the use of overdose risk reduction behaviors among persons seeking treatment for heroin use and whether perceptions about the presence of fentanyl in one's heroin are associated with overdose risk reduction behaviors. METHOD: We recruited persons with opioid use disorder entering a managed withdrawal program. We used multiple linear regression to estimate the adjusted associations of participant characteristics and perception of fentanyl exposure with the frequency of engaging in each of five overdose reduction behaviors. RESULTS:Participants (n = 239; 75.3% male, 81.2% White, 67% injectors) estimated that 69.2% of the heroin they use contains fentanyl, and 94.6% knew that fentanyl increases overdose risk. Approximately 30% of respondents reported usually or always making sure others are around when they use heroin, carrying naloxone, taking "tester" doses of heroin or intentionally using in reduced amounts. While a majority of the sample reported never carrying naloxone or taking tester doses, and 70.2% reported never making sure that others around them carry naloxone, 84.5% had implemented one or more behavior at least rarely. Past month injection drug use was associated with making sure others are around, but perceptions about fentanyl in one's heroin were not associated with use of harm reduction behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of people who use heroin, although overdose risk reduction behaviors were not usually used, a majority had tried at least one behavior. That perceived exposure to fentanyl-adulterated heroin was not associated with the use of such behaviors provides important implications for public health education and intervention programming.
Authors: Alexandria Macmadu; Jennifer J Carroll; Scott E Hadland; Traci C Green; Brandon D L Marshall Journal: Addict Behav Date: 2017-01-06 Impact factor: 3.913
Authors: Sarah Bauerle Bass; Patrick J A Kelly; Sphoorti Pandit-Kerr; Jenine Pilla; Katherine Morris; Erin Larsen; Jennifer P Wisdom; Phillip R Torralva Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2022-07-22