Few studies have examined exercise as a substance use disorder treatment. This pilot study investigated the feasibility and acceptability of an exercise intervention comprising the Wii Fit Plus™ and of a time-and-attention sedentary control comprising Wii™ videogames. We also explored their impact on physical activity levels, substance use, and psychological wellness. Twenty-nine methadone-maintained patients enrolled in an 8-week trial were randomly assigned to either Active Game Play (Wii Fit Plus™ videogames involving physical exertion) or Sedentary Game Play (Wii™ videogames played while sitting). Participants had high satisfaction and study completion rates. Active Game Play participants reported greater physical activity outside the intervention than Sedentary Game Play participants despite no such differences at baseline. Substance use decreased and stress and optimism improved in both conditions. Active Game Play is a feasible and acceptable exercise intervention, and Sedentary Game Play is a promising time-and-attention control. Further investigations of these interventions are warranted.

Background: Arterial stiffness is a natural consequence of aging, accelerated in certain chronic conditions, and predictive of cardiovascular events in adults. Emerging research suggests the importance of arterial stiffness in pediatric populations. Methods: There are different indices of arterial stiffness. The present manuscript focuses on carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and pulse wave analysis, although other methodologies are discussed. Also reviewed are specific measurement considerations for pediatric populations and the literature describing arterial stiffness in children with certain chronic conditions (primary hypertension, obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, hypercholesterolemia, genetic syndromes involving vasculopathy, and solid organ transplant recipients). Conclusions: The measurement of arterial stiffness in children is feasible and, under controlled conditions, can give accurate information about the underlying state of the arteries. This potentially adds valuable information about the functionality of the cardiovascular system in children with a variety of chronic diseases well beyond that of the brachial artery blood pressure.

Background and Objectives A paucity of studies has examined the pain experiences of opioid dependent individuals seeking office-based buprenorphine-naloxone treatment (BNT). We set out to examine, among those seeking BNT: (a) the prevalence of pain types (i.e., recent pain, chronic pain), (b) the characteristics of pain (intensity, frequency, duration, interference, location, and genesis), and (c) substance use to alleviate pain. Methods We surveyed 244 consecutive individuals seeking office-based buprenorphine-naloxone treatment (BNT) for opioid dependence about physical pain and associated substance use. Results Thirty-six percent of respondents reported chronic pain (CP) (i.e., pain lasting at least 3 months) and 36% reported “some pain” (SP) (i.e., past week pain not meeting the threshold for CP). In comparison to SP respondents, those with CP were, on average, older; reported greater current pain intensity, pain frequency, typical pain duration, typical pain intensity, and typical pain interference; were more likely to report shoulder or pelvis and less likely to report stomach or arms as their most bothersome pain location; and were more likely to report accident or nerve damage and less likely to report opioid withdrawal as the genesis of their pain. Both pain subgroups reported similarly high rates of past-week substance use to alleviate pain. Conclusions and Scientific Significance The high rates of pain and self-reported substance use to manage pain suggest the importance of assessing and addressing pain in BNT patients.

BACKGROUND Psychiatric comorbidity can adversely affect opioid dependence treatment outcomes. While the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity among patients seeking methadone maintenance treatment has been documented, the extent to which these findings extend to patients seeking primary care office-based buprenorphine/naloxone treatment is unclear. AIMS To determine the prevalence of mood and substance use disorders among patients seeking primary care office-based buprenorphine/naloxone treatment, via cross sectional survey. METHODS 237 consecutive patients seeking primary care office-based buprenorphine/naloxone treatment were evaluated using modules from the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I). Current (past 30 days) and past diagnoses were catalogued separately. RESULTS Patients ranged in age from 18 to 62 years old (M = 33.9, SD = 9.9); 173 (73%) were men; 197 (83%) were white. Major depression was the most prevalent mood disorder (19% current, 24% past). A minority of patients met criteria for current dysthymia (6%), past mania (1%), or past hypomania (2%). While 37 patients (16%) met criteria for current abuse of or dependence on at least one non-opioid substance (7% cocaine, 4% alcohol, 4% marijuana, 2% sedatives, 0.4% stimulants, 0.4% polydrug), 168 patients (70%) percent met criteria for past abuse of or dependence on at least one non-opioid substance (43% alcohol, 38% marijuana, 30% cocaine, 9% sedatives, 8% hallucinogens, 4% stimulants, 1% polydrug, and 0.4% other substances). CONCLUSION Mood and substance use comorbidity is prevalent among patients seeking primary care office-based buprenorphine/naloxone treatment. The findings support the need for clinicians to assess and address these conditions.

Objectives Effective and safe pain management interventions in methadone maintenance treatment are needed. Methods We examined the feasibility (i.e., single session attendance) and acceptability (i.e., patient satisfaction, booster session attendance) of cognitive-behavioral therapy-informed groups for pain management: Coping with Pain, Relaxation Training, Group Singing, and Mindful Walking. Pre- and post-session measures were collected. Results 349 (out of a census of approximately 800) methadone-maintained patients attended at least one of the groups. Group satisfaction was high. Booster session attendance was numerically lower in Mindful Walking (15%) as compared to the other groups (at least 40%). Repeat attendance at Coping with Pain was associated with reduced characteristic pain intensity and depression, while repeat attendance at Relaxation Training was associated with decreased anxiety. Conclusions Coping with Pain, Relaxation Training, and Group Singing are transportable, affordable, adaptable, and tolerated well by patients with pain and show promise as components of a multimodal pain management approach in methadone maintenance treatment.