Abuse of Antibiotics by Abusers of Parenteral Heroin or Cocaine

Novick, David M.; Ness, Genna L De

doi:10.1097/00007611-198403000-00008

Cited by 14 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…PWUD often cite mistreatment and stigma experienced in medical settings [17][18][19][20][21], sometimes noting that they are labeled as "drug seeking" and fear experiencing withdrawal if hospitalized [21]. As a result, some PWUD turn to treatment options outside traditional healthcare settings, for example self-treating abscesses and obtaining antibiotics from sources other than healthcare providers [21][22][23]. In contrast, communityand peer-based harm reduction organizations, such as syringe services programs (SSPs), have earned the trust of PWUD, and thus are uniquely situated to offer education and services to address SSTIs and IE [24,25].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Treatment experiences for skin and soft tissue infections among participants of syringe service programs in North Carolina

Figgatt

Salazar²,

Vincent³

et al. 2021

Harm Reduct J

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Introduction Bacterial and fungal infections, such as skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and infective endocarditis (IE), are increasing among people who use drugs in the United States. Traditional healthcare settings can be inaccessible and unwelcoming to people who use drugs, leading to delays in getting necessary care. The objective of this study was to examine SSTI treatment experiences among people utilizing services from syringe services programs. This study was initiated by people with lived experience of drug use to improve quality of care. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among participants of five syringe services programs in North Carolina from July through September 2020. Surveys collected information on each participant’s history of SSTIs and IE, drug use and healthcare access characteristics, and SSTI treatment experiences. We examined participant characteristics using counts and percentages. We also examined associations between participant characteristics and SSTI history using binomial linear regression models. Results Overall, 46% of participants reported an SSTI in the previous 12 months and 10% reported having IE in the previous 12 months. Those with a doctor they trusted with drug use-related concerns had 27 fewer (95% confidence interval = − 51.8, − 2.1) SSTIs per every 100 participants compared to those without a trusted doctor. Most participants with a SSTI history reported delaying (98%) or not seeking treatment (72%) for their infections. Concerns surrounding judgment or mistreatment by medical staff and self-treating the infection were common reasons for delaying or not seeking care. 13% of participants used antibiotics obtained from sources other than a medical provider to treat their most recent SSTI. Many participants suggested increased access to free antibiotics and on-site clinical care based at syringe service programs to improve treatment for SSTIs. Conclusions Many participants had delayed or not received care for SSTIs due to poor healthcare experiences. However, having a trusted doctor was associated with fewer people with SSTIs. Improved access to non-judgmental healthcare for people who use drugs with SSTIs is needed. Expansion of syringe services program-based SSTI prevention and treatment programs is likely a necessary approach to improve outcomes among those with SSTI and IE.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Treatment experiences for skin and soft tissue infections among participants of syringe service programs in North Carolina

Figgatt

Salazar²,

Vincent³

et al. 2021

Harm Reduct J

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“…The reasons for delaying care are not well described, but some hypothesize a complex relationship between social characteristics, drug use behaviors, and access to health care 15. Furthermore, although it has been reported that injecting drug users often acquire antibiotics without a prescription16 or cut into their own abscesses,6 it is not well known how they might otherwise be self-managing their injected-related wounds. It is possible that certain self-management strategies may lead to otherwise avoidable complications, ultimately requiring more costly or extensive care or both.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Self-Management of Injection-Related Wounds Among Injecting Drug Users

Roose

Hayashi

Cunningham

2009

Journal of Addictive Diseases

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Injection-related wounds are an important complication of injection drug use. This study describes behaviors related to self-management of injection-related wounds and identifies factors associated with behaviors that may increase the potential for harm. We conducted interviews with 101 injecting drug users in Washington, DC. A total of 82 (81.2%) injecting drug users reported ever having an injection-related wound, and of these 93.9% reported self-management of their wounds. The most commonly reported behaviors were cleaning and applying ointment to wounds; however, several participants engaged in behaviors determined to be more potentially harmful, including acquiring antibiotics without prescriptions and manipulating their wounds. In multivariate analysis, injecting drug users who had ever injected amphetamines were more likely to engage in potentially harmful self-management behaviors (adjusted odds ratio = 4.38; 95% confidence interval = 1.15-16.64). Selfmanagement of injection-related wounds is common and certain behaviors may increase the potential for harm. Further research is needed to best focus efforts to improve wound care for injecting drug users.

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Cocaine colitis

Fishel

Hamamoto

Barbul

et al. 1985

Diseases of the Colon &Amp; Rectum

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An unusual case of colitis in a 37-year-old cocaine addict is described. The patient presented with right-sided abdominal pain and diarrhea exacerbated by his use of cocaine. Significant antibiotic ingestion was denied. At laparotomy, an edematous cecum and ascending colon were found, the cut surface of which revealed diffuse superficial ulcerations and yellowish fibrinous material. Microscopic examination demonstrated findings consistent with pseudomembranous colitis with an ischemic component. A mechanism involving catecholamine-induced mucosal ischemia is postulated to explain the findings seen in this patient.

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Abuse of Antibiotics by Abusers of Parenteral Heroin or Cocaine

Cited by 14 publications

References 0 publications

Treatment experiences for skin and soft tissue infections among participants of syringe service programs in North Carolina

Treatment experiences for skin and soft tissue infections among participants of syringe service programs in North Carolina

Self-Management of Injection-Related Wounds Among Injecting Drug Users

Cocaine colitis

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