Non‐medical use of pharmaceutical opioids with and without other illicit substances in Australia: Prevalence and correlates

Chan, Gary; Leung, Janni; Hall, Wayne

doi:10.1111/dar.12893

Cited by 9 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“… 42 - 44 , 66 , 67 In addition, some authors insist on the importance of understanding factors that contribute to regional differences in opioid use, such as culture, practices and regulations. 7 , 68 In line with their work, this review supports a better understanding of how local factors like socioeconomic contexts, local illegal drug markets and public health policies shape different profiles of people who have problematic opioid use and their associated needs. This understanding may be key to adapting the service offer to specific needs.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 58%

Problematic Opioid Use: A Scoping Literature Review of Profiles

2022

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Background and Objectives: Problematic opioid use can be defined as opioid use behaviors leading to social, medical, or psychological consequences. In some instances, people presenting problematic opioid use can also meet criteria for an opioid use disorder. A growing body of literature highlights different types of people who use opioids, with contrasting characteristics and initiation patterns. In recent years, dynamic trends in opioid use have been documented and studies have demonstrated a shift in profiles. Methods: A scoping literature review was conducted to identify profiles of people presenting problematic opioid use, in order to support the development of tailored interventions and services. Results: Nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Five classifications emerge from the literature reviewed to distinguish types of people presenting problematic opioid use, according to: (1) the type of opioids used, (2) the route of opioid administration, (3) the level of quality of life, (4) patterns of other drugs used, and (5) dependence severity. While samples, concepts, and measurement tools vary between studies, the most salient finding might be the distinct profile of people presenting problematic use of pharmaceutical-type opioids. Discussion and Conclusions: This scoping review highlights that few studies address distinctive profiles of people presenting problematic opioid use. Geographical and chronological differences suggest that local timely assessments may be needed to tailor the service offer to specific needs. Scientific Significance: Future studies should focus on providing a deep understanding of distinct experiential perspectives and service needs, through exploratory quantitative and qualitative designs.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 58%

Problematic Opioid Use: A Scoping Literature Review of Profiles

2022

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“…Literature suggests that most people use these medicines appropriately [25]. By analyzing the data of the latest round of the National Drug Strategy Household Survey, Chan and colleagues [26] found that in Australia the overall prevalence of past year non-medical pharmaceutical opioid use was 3.56%. Given that there is a demand for reducing untreated pain, and there exists a strong correlation between the quantity dispensed/the user numbers and the likelihood of inappropriate use, the public health measures mainly aim to reduce the inappropriate dispensing/utilization without hampering access for those who are duly in need to these medicines [27].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A comparison of opioids and benzodiazepines dispensing in Australia

Islam

Wollersheim

2019

PLoS ONE

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Background Inappropriate utilization of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines is a public health problem. This study examined and compared user-types and trends in dispensing of these medicines, and identified associated factors related to the duration of dispensing in Australia. Methods A random 10% sample of unit-record data of opioids and benzodiazepines dispensed nationally during 2013–2016 was analyzed. Users were categorized into four types: single-quarter (i.e., three months), medium-episodic (dispensed 2–6 quarters), long-episodic (dispensed 7–11 quarters), chronic (dispensed 12–16 quarters). Dispensing quantity was computed in defined daily dose (DDD). Generalized multilevel ordinal models were developed to examine the factors associated with the duration of dispensing. Results There were similarities in terms of trends of dispensing of opioids and benzodiazepines in Australia. Overall, more people were dispensed opioids than benzodiazepines. Around 52% of opioids users and 46% of benzodiazepines users were dispensed these medicines for a single quarter. However, chronic users were dispensed 60% of opioids and 50% of benzodiazepines in DDD/1000 people/day, respectively. On average, 16.6 DDD/1000 people/day of opioids and 14.2 DDD/1000 people/day of benzodiazepines were dispensed in Australia during the study period. Tasmania was dispensed the highest quantity (in DDD/1000 people/day) of these medicines, followed by South Australia and Queensland. Women compared to men, and clients of age-group 20–44, 45–64 and 65+ compared to age-group 0–19, were significantly more likely to have dispensed opioids/benzodiazepine for a relatively long duration. Clients with a history of dispensing of one of these two medicines were significantly more likely to have dispensed the other for a relatively long period. Conclusions There were similarities in patterns of dispensing of opioids and benzodiazepines in terms of user characteristics and structural variables. Consistent use of real-time drug monitoring program and tailored intervention are recommended.

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“…recreational use) (e.g. Chan et al, 2019) and/or 'in a way other than prescribed' (e.g. Faraone et al, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Protective behavioural strategies of Belgian young adults who use psychoactive medicines nonmedically: insights for harm reduction

Bawin

Pardal

Tieberghien

2022

Preprint

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The increase in the non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) has become a global health concern. Evidence shows that people who use psychoactive substances employ different strategies to minimise the harmful consequences of their use. However, most of the research investigating these protective behaviours focusses on the use of illicit drugs or alcohol. The goal of this paper is to improve the understanding of young adults’ nonmedical use practices of prescription drugs, perceptions about risks associated with use, and protective behavioural strategies (PBS), including the type of information they consult and rely on regarding prescription drugs. In order to gather in-depth insights into these issues, we conducted semi-structured interviews among young adults who have used prescription drugs nonmedically in Belgium. The PBS employed by the young adults encompass a spectrum of strategies that aim to minimise the negative consequences associated with NMUPD. They were mainly used to avoid acute side effects and long-term negative consequences. Reflecting on young adults’ own PBS and perceptions may be informative for developing harm reduction initiatives in the context of NMUPD.

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Non‐medical use of pharmaceutical opioids with and without other illicit substances in Australia: Prevalence and correlates

Cited by 9 publications

References 28 publications

Problematic Opioid Use: A Scoping Literature Review of Profiles

Problematic Opioid Use: A Scoping Literature Review of Profiles

A comparison of opioids and benzodiazepines dispensing in Australia

Protective behavioural strategies of Belgian young adults who use psychoactive medicines nonmedically: insights for harm reduction

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