Narrative minireview of the spatial epidemiology of substance use disorder in the United States:Who is at risk and where?

Drug overdose is the leading cause of death by injury in the United States.The incidence of substance use disorder(SUD)in the United States has increased steadily over the past two decades,becoming a major public health problem for the country.The drivers of the SUD epidemic in the United States have changed over time,characterized by an initial heroin outbreak between 1970 and 1999,followed by a painkiller outbreak,and finally by an ongoing synthetic opioid outbreak.The nature and sources of these abused substances reveal striking differences in the socioeconomic and behavioral factors that shape the drug epidemic.Moreover,the geospatial distribution of the SUD epidemic is not homogeneous.The United States has specific locations where vulnerable communities at high risk of SUD are concentrated,reaffirming the multifactorial socioeconomic nature of this epidemic.A better understanding of the SUD epidemic under a spatial epidemiology framework is necessary to determine the factors that have shaped its spread and how these patterns can be used to predict new outbreaks and create effective mitigation policies.This narrative minireview summarizes the current records of the spatial distribution of the SUD epidemic in the United States across different periods,revealing some spatiotemporal patterns that have preceded the occurrence of outbreaks.By analyzing the epidemic of SUD-related deaths,we also describe the epidemic behavior in areas with high incidence of cases.Finally,we describe public health interventions that can be effective for demographic groups,and we discuss future challenges in the study and control of the SUD epidemic in the country.

Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on depressive symptoms in patients with substance use disorders:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:We examined the effects of mindfulness-based interventions(MBIs)on depressive symptoms in patients with substance use disorders(SUDs)and explored the moderating effects of participant,method,and intervention characteristics.Methods:We systematically searched 8 databases from their inception till November 2021.The inclusion criteria were primary studies evaluating MBIs in patients with SUDs with depression measured as an outcome,those including a control group,and those written in English.We used a random-effects model to compute effect sizes(ESs)using Hedges’g,a forest plot,and Q and I2 statistics as measures of heterogeneity;we also examined moderator analyses.Results:Nineteen studies included 1352 participants(age:38.6±7.0 years).Overall,MBIs showed significantly improved depression(g=0.67,95%confidence interval[CI]:0.29,1.05,I2=89%)compared to controls.With regard to moderators,providing MBIs as an individual plus group intervention had a greater effect(g=2.13)on reducing depressive symptoms than providing MBIs as a group intervention(g=0.64)or an individual intervention only(g=0.33,P=0.034).Using concealed allocation tended to reduce depressive symptoms(g=1.22)as compared to not using concealed allocation(g=0.48,P=0.086).No other quality indicators were demonstrated to have a moderating influence on the value of the ES.Conclusions:MBIs improved depressive symptoms in patients with SUDs.MBIs might be used as an adjunctive or alternative to conventional treatment for depressed patients with SUDs.

An Overview of the Connection between Hoarding Disorder and Substance Use Disorder

This essay explores the connections between Hoarding Disorder and Substance Use Disorder,two distinct mental health conditions with clear diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5.Hoarding Disorder,marked by excessive possession accumulation and difficulties in letting go,affects 2-6%of the global population,leading to severe consequences.Potential causes include genetic predisposition,neural issues,and traumatic experience.Substance Use Disorder is influenced by more societal factors.Both disorders share a comorbidity in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD).Network analysis shows a strong direct relationship between Hoarding Disorder and ADHD,while social influences increase ADHD prevalence in Substance Use Disorder individuals.Moreover,both disorders benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT).Exposure and Ritual Prevention effectively address hoarding symptoms,while CBT for Substance Use Disorder focuses on the interplay between thoughts,emotions,and actions.Despite being classified as a mental illness in DSM-5,Hoarding Disorder receives less attention than Substance Use Disorder.This essay aims to raise awareness of Hoarding Disorder by highlighting its commonalities with Substance Use Disorder in terms of causes,comorbidities,and treatment approaches.

Craving variations in patients with substance use disorder and gambling during COVID-19 lockdown:The Italian experience

BACKGROUND Following the development of the coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)pandemic in Italy,a strict lockdown was imposed from March 9 to May 5,2020.The risks of self-medication through alcohol or psychoactive substance abuse were increased,as well as the tendency to adopt pathological behaviors,such as gambling and internet addiction.AIM To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated containment measures on craving in a group of patients suffering from substance use disorder and/or gambling disorder who were in treatment in outpatient units or in residency programs as inpatients.METHODS One hundred and fifty-three patients completed a structured questionnaire evaluating craving and other behaviors using a visual analogue scale(VAS).Forty-one subjects completed a pencil and paper questionnaire during the interview.The clinician provided an online questionnaire to 112 patients who had virtual assessments due to lockdown restrictions.Statistical analyses were performed using Statistica version 8.0.Quantitative parameters are presented as the mean±SD and qualitative parameters as number and percentage per class.The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to check for normality of distributions.Analysis of variance and Duncan post hoc test were employed to analyze differences among subgroup means.The associations between variables were measured using Pearson's correlation.A P value of<0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS The variation in craving between the present and the month before showed VASrelated reductions of craving in 57%,increases in 24%,and no significant change in 19%of the sample.The level of craving was significantly higher(F=4.36;P<0.05)in outpatients(n=97;mean=3.8±3.1)living in their own home during the quarantine compared with inpatients(n=56;mean=2.8±2.8)in residential programs.Craving for tetrahydrocannabinol was the greatest(4.94,P<0.001)among various preferred substances.CONCLUSION The unexpected result of this study may be explained by a perceived lack of availability of substances and gambling areas and/or decreased social pressure on a subject usually excluded and stigmatized,or the acquisition of a new social identity based on feelings of a shared common danger and fate that overshadowed the sense of exclusion and rejection in the abuser.

Telehealth for Substance Use Disorders Treatment in Nigeria: Implementation Strategies Post-COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way healthcare services are delivered. These changes will likely persist as countries recover from the economic crises following lockdowns. In developing countries, services for substance use disorders (SUDs) are inadequate and as countries prioritize infectious diseases, individuals with SUDs may suffer further neglect. This paper is a narrative review of peer-reviewed and grey literature on the current challenges with SUD treatment in Nigeria assesses how telehealth may positively affect access to evidence-based treatments and suggests strategies for implementation considering the unique challenges and opportunities in the country. If prioritized in her policy, telehealth has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for SUDs in Nigeria.

Pilot Study of Problem Gambling in Specialized Substance Use Disorder Treatment—High Lifetime Prevalence of Problem Gambling in Opioid Maintenance Treatment Patients

Problem gambling is over-represented in patients treated for substance use disorders, but substance-specific prevalence of problem gambling is rarely reported. In specialized addiction treatment facilities for opioid maintenance treatment and for alcohol and prescription drug dependence, respectively, 129 patients were screened for problem gambling using the NODS-CLiP. The lifetime prevalence of problem gambling was markedly higher in opioid maintenance treatment (61 percent) than in alcohol and prescription drug dependence treatment (11 percent, p < 0.001). When controlling for gender and age, problem gambling remained significantly associated with opioid maintenance treatment. The present study demonstrated a very high prevalence of lifetime problem gambling in opioid maintenance treatment patients. This calls for active screening for problem gambling in substance use disorder patients, and mainly in treatment for opioid dependence.

Alcohol and drug use disorders in adult attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder:Prevalence and associations with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptom severity and emotional dysregulation

BACKGROUND High risk of alcohol and drug use disorders in people with attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)calls for exploratory research of relationships with clinical features of ADHD.AIM To estimate prevalence of alcohol/drug use disorders and associations with ADHD symptom severity and emotional dysregulation,in adults with ADHD.METHODS This observational cross-sectional clinical study consisted of patients admitted to a private psychiatric outpatient clinic in Oslo,Norway(2014-2018).Five-hundred and fifty-eight eligible patients diagnosed with ADHD(Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition(DSM-5)criteria)agreed to participate.Alcohol and drug use disorders were diagnosed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview(MINI).Dependence and abuse were merged into“use”disorder as in MINI version 7.0/DSM-5.Questions were related both to lifetime and the past 12-mo.ADHD severity was assessed by the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale(ASRS).Subdivisions of the ASRS questionnaire as inattentive items and hyperactive/impulsivity items were recorded separately.Emotional dysregulation was assessed by the eight-item version of Barkley’s Current Behavior Scale-Self Report.RESULTS The 12-mo prevalence was 5.3%for alcohol use disorder and 13.7%for drug use disorder.The lifetime prevalence was 12.0%for alcohol use disorder and 27.7%for drug use disorder.Men had higher rates of both alcohol use disorder and drug use disorder compared to women.The prevalence of drug use disorder was more than twice that of alcohol use disorder for both sexes.The drugs most participants reported having used were(in descending order):Amphetamine(19.1%),cannabis(17.1%),cocaine or ecstasy(7.4%),benzodiazepines(7.4%),and heroin or other opioids(2.9%).Lifetime drug use disorder was significantly associated with both hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms and emotional dysregulation symptom severity.Lifetime alcohol use disorder,on the other hand,was not significantly associated with ADHD symptoms or emotional dysregulation when adjusted for gender and age.CONCLUSION Patients with ADHD have a high lifetime prevalence of drug use disorder,which is associated with higher levels of hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms and emotional dysregulation.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation: potential treatment for co-occurring alcohol, traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorders

Alcohol use disorder （AUD）, mild traumatic brain injury （mTBI）, and posttraumatic stress disorder （PTSD） commonly co-occur （AUD ＋ mTBI ＋ PTSD）. These conditions have overlapping symptoms which are, in part, reflective of overlapping neuropathology. These conditions become problematic because their co-occurrence can exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, treatments must be developed that are inclusive to all three conditions. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation （rTMS） is non-invasive and may be an ideal treatment for co-occurring AUD ＋ mTBI ＋ PTSD. There is accumulating evidence on rTMS as a treatment for people with AUD, mTBI, and PTSD each alone. However, there are no published studies to date on rTMS as a treatment for co-occurring AUD ＋ mTBI ＋ PTSD. This review article advances the knowledge base for rTMS as a treatment for AUD ＋ mTBI ＋ PTSD. This review provides background information about these co-occurring conditions as well as rTMS. The existing literature on rTMS as a treatment for people with AUD, TBI, and PTSD each alone is reviewed. Finally, neurobiological findings in support of a theoretical model are discussed to inform TMS as a treatment for co-occurring AUD ＋ mTBI ＋ PTSD. The peer-reviewed literature was identified by targeted literature searches using PubMed and supplemented by cross-referencing the bibliographies of relevant review articles. The existing evidence on rTMS as a treatment for these conditions in isolation, coupled with the overlapping neuropathology and symptomology of these conditions, suggests that rTMS may be well suited for the treatment of these conditions together.

Evaluation of Perinatal and Developmental Outcomes in Neonates with Abstinence Syndrome Admitted to NICU

Drug abuse by pregnant women is one of the significant problems for mothers and their neonates.This study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal substance use disorder during pregnancy on neonatal developmental criteria.In a case-control study,clinical records of 90 neonates diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome who were admitted to NICU in one of four hospitals affiliated with Shahid-Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran,Iran between 2017 and 2020 were compared to 90 neonates without neonatal abstinence syndrome(control group).Demographic information and data for neonatal developmental characteristics and complications were extracted from the clinical records of this convenience sample.Data for the type and method of maternal substance use during pregnancy were collected through a telephone call with mothers.Our data showed that the prevalence of drug addiction was 1.8%among pregnant women,and the most common drugs used by mothers were opium(n=45%,50%),amphetamine(n=30%,33%),and methadone(n=14%,16%).Neonates with abstinence syndrome had a higher prevalence of transient tachypnea of the newborn(TTN)(P=0.004),and a prevalence of being admitted to NICU(P=0.05)and for a longer duration(P<0.001).Their mothers had a higher prevalence of having pre-eclampsia(P=0.010).Using morphine vs.amphetamine showed no difference based on their effects on mothers and neonates.Substance use during pregnancy increased the prevalence of pregnancy complications(pre-eclampsia)and neonatal complications(TTN and prevalence and duration of hospitalization).Therefore,planning for the development of health policies to raise awareness among women and more broadly,all members of the community,is important to prevent the tendency to engage in this potentially high-risk behavior.

Updated Review on the Clinical Use of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Psychiatric Disorders

With the ability to modulate cortical activity,repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation（r TMS） is becoming increasingly important in clinical applications for psychiatric disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated its promising efficacy in depression and schizophrenia, and emerging evidence has also been found in patients with anxiety disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and substance or food craving. However, the overall literature features some conflicting results, varied quality of studies,and a lack of consensus on optimal r TMS parameters.Besides, the efficacy of r TMS in patients with medicationresistant symptoms has drawn most attention from clinicians. Here we review multi-site studies and double-blind randomized controlled trials（RCTs） in single sites, as well as meta-analyses of RCTs in the last three years, in order to update evidence on efficacy and the optimal protocol of r TMS in psychiatric disorders, especially for medicationresistant symptoms.

Hepatitis C virus burden:Treating and educating people without prejudice

Hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection has a worldwide incidence of 1.1%.In Italy,60%of people who inject drugs(PWIDs)and are receiving assistance for substance use disorder are infected with HCV.However,this subset of patients has extremely limited access to care due to multiple factors,including alcohol abuse,psychological comorbidities,and homeless status.AIM To describe the impact of our HCV-dedicated service for substance use disorder(SSUD)service on PWIDs receiving anti-HCV therapy.METHODS A dedicated,multidisciplinary team was set up at the SSUD of Trento in October 2020 to provide antiviral treatment to HCV RiboNucleic Acid-positive patients with an active or previous history of substance abuse.The treatment was followed by a health education program.Patients were treated with Direct-Acting Antivirals(DAAs).Data were retrospectively analyzed to assess the efficacy of our dedicated program in terms of therapy completion,HCV eradication,and compliance(primary endpoint).The rate of HCV reinfection and DAA-related toxicity were also assessed(secondary endpoints).RESULTS A total of 40 patients were enrolled in the study:28(70.0%)were treated with Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir,while 12(30.0%)received Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir.At the time of inclusion in the study,36 patients were receiving opioid agonist maintenance therapy,whilst another 4 had just finished the treatment.37.5%had a history of alcoholism and 42.5%received concomitant psychiatric treatment.All 40 patients(100.0%)completed the therapy cycle and 92.5%of patients adhered to the program.All patients tested negative for viral load at the end of the treatment.There were no significant drug interactions with common psychiatric treatments and no side effects were observed.The sustained virological response was achieved in 92.5%of cases with good tolerability,although two patients discontinued treatment temporarily.After HCV eradication,one patient died from an overdose,another from complications of cirrhosis,and one reinfection occurred.CONCLUSION Very high adherence to therapy and good tolerability was observed in our series of HCV patients treated at the SSUD,regardless of the substance abuse condition.Further validation in a larger population is required.

Construction of the Chinese Veteran Clinical Research （CVCR） Platform for the assessment of non-communicable diseases

Background Based on the excellent medical care and management system for Chinese veterans,as well as the detailed medical documentation available,we aim to construct a Chinese Veteran Clinical Research （CVCR） platform on noncommunicable diseases （NCDs） and carry out studies of the primary disabling NCDs.Methods The Geriatric Neurology Department of Chinese People＇s Liberation Army General Hospital and veterans＇ hospitals serve as the leading and participating units in the platform construction.The fundamental constituents of the platform are veteran communities.Stratified typical cluster sampling is adopted to recruit veteran communities.A cross-sectional study of mental,neurological,and substance use （MNS） disorders are performed in two stages using screening scale such as the Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal cognitive assessment,followed by systematic neuropsychological assessments to make clinical diagnoses,evaluated disease awareness and care situation.Results A total of 9 676 among 277 veteran communities from 18 cities are recruited into this platform,yielding a response rate of 83.86％.8 812 subjects complete the MNS subproject screening and total response rate is 91.70％.The average participant age is （82.01±4.61） years,69.47％ of veterans are 80 years or older.Most participants are male （94.01％）,83.36％ of subjects have at least a junior high school degree.The overall health status of veterans is good and stable.The most common NCD are cardiovascular disorders （86.44％）,urinary and genital diseases （73.14％）,eye and ear problems （66.25％）,endocrine （56.56％） and neuro-psychiatric disturbances （50.78％）.Conclusion We first construct a veterans＇ comprehensive clinical research platform for the study of NCDs that is primarily composed of highly educated Chinese males of advanced age and utilize this platform to complete a cross-sectional national investigation of MNS disorders among veterans.The good and stable health condition of the veterans could facilitate the long-term follow-up studies of NCDs and provide prospective data to the prevention and management of NCDs.

Neurobiological mechanisms and related clinical treatment of addiction: a review

Drug addiction or substance use disorder(SUD),has been conceptualized as a three-stage(i.e.binge/intoxication,withdrawal/negative affect,and preoccupation/anticipation/craving)recurring cycle that involves complex changes in neuroplasticity,reward,motivation,desire,stress,memory,and cognitive control,and other related brain regions and brain circuits.Neuroimaging approaches,including magnetic resonance imaging,have been key to mapping neurobiological changes correlated to complex brain regions of SUD.In this review,we highlight the neurobiological mechanisms of these three stages of addiction.The abnormal activity of the ventral tegmental,nucleus accumbens,and caudate nucleus in the binge/intoxication stage involve the reward circuit of the midbrain limbic system.The changes in the orbitofrontal cortex,dorsolateral prefrontal cortex,amygdala,and hypothalamus emotional system in the withdrawal/negative affect stage involve increases in negative emotional states,dysphoric-like effects,and stress-like responses.The dysregulation of the insula and prefrontal lobes is associated with craving in the anticipation stage.Then,we review the present treatments of SUD based on these neuroimaging findings.Finally,we conclude that SUD is a chronically relapsing disorder with complex neurobiological mechanisms and multimodal stages,of which the craving stage with high relapse rate may be the key element in treatment efficacy of SUD.Precise interventions targeting different stages of SUD and characteristics of individuals might serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for SUD.

Burn recidivism:a 10-year retrospective study characterizing patients with repeated burn injuries at a large tertiary referral burn center in the United States

Background:Psychiatric and substance use disorders are common among trauma and burn patients and are known risk factors for repeat episodes of trauma,known as trauma recidivism.The epidemiology of burn recidivism,specifically,has not been described.This study aimed to characterize cases of burn recidivism at a large US tertiary care burn center and compare burn recidivists(RCs)with non-recidivists(NRCs).Methods:A 10-year retrospective descriptive cohort study of adult burn patients admitted to the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center was conducted using data from an electronic burn registry and the medical record.Continuous variables were reported using medians and interquartile ranges(IQR).Chi-square and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare demographic,burn,and hospitalization characteristics between NRCs and RCs.Results:A total of 7134 burn patients were admitted,among which 51(0.7%)were RCs and accounted for 129(1.8%)admissions.Of the 51 RCs,37 had two burn injuries each,totaling 74 admissions as a group,while the remaining 14 RCs had between three and eight burn injuries each,totaling 55 admissions as a group.Compared to NRCs,RCs were younger(median age 36 years vs.42 years,p=0.02)and more likely to be white(75%vs.60%,p=0.03),uninsured(45%vs.30%,p=0.02),have chemical burns(16%vs.5%,p<0.0001),and have burns that were≤10%total body surface area(89%vs.76%,p=0.001).The mortality rate for RCs vs.NRCs did not differ(0%vs.1.2%,p=0.41).Psychiatric and substance use disorders were approximately five times greater among RCs compared to NRCs(75%vs.15%,p<0.001).Median total hospital charges per patient were nearly three times higher for RCs vs.NRCs($85,736 vs.$32,023,p<0.0001).Conclusions:Distinct from trauma recidivism,burn recidivism is not associated with more severe injury or increased mortality.Similar to trauma recidivists,but to a greater extent,burn RCs have high rates of comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions that contribute to increased health care utilization and costs.Studies involving larger samples from multiple centers can further clarify whether these findings are generalizable to national burn and trauma populations.