The Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network: constructing and operating a statewide epidemiologic intelligence system

Abstract

Working with the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (ODADAS) and researchers at the University of Akron, Wright State University's Center for Interventions, Treatment, and Addictions Research developed the Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring (OSAM) Network to provide a statewide summary of substance abuse trends. Ten key informants across the state collect qualitative and statistical data on substance abuse trends in their regions and prepare biannual reports. The OSAM network has a rapid response capability through which key informants can investigate special issues related to substance abuse identified by ODADAS and provide policymakers with timely, statewide reports. Within 12 months after operations began, the key informants produced reports on drug abuse trends and rapid response issues for the state. These reports prepared policymakers to respond more effectively to prevention and substance abuse treatment needs.

Observations on the Relationship between Opioid Medications,Illicit Drugs and Heroin Use in Pain Patients

“…These observations are consistent with other studies that the pain population has a higher prevalence of illicit drug use (Manchikanti et al, 2004;2006a;2006b;2005;Cone et al, 2008) The proportion of oxycodone used concomitantly with heroin was twice as large as that of hydrocodone. The incidence of abusing prescription oxycodone prior to heroin abuse is supported by national reports (Siegal et al, 2000;Hart, 2002;Callahan, 2002;Information bulletin: OxyContin diversion and abuse, 2001;Hunt, 2002). Although our data does not prove that oxycodone is a gateway drug, it is consistent with the current thinking of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).…”

“…Some subjects in these reports had stated that the reason for heroin use after oxycodone abuse was the heroin was more accessible and cheaper than oxycodone (Siegal et al, 2000). Heroin is metabolized to morphine and works on the opioid receptor similar to other opioids (Trescot et al, 2008).…”

Perspectives of Treatment Consumers, Treatment Providers, and Law Enforcement on Drug Treatment and Prevention

“…Established in 1999, the OSAM Network is a prospective, longitudinal study of illicit and prescription drug abuse in Ohio. 18 Regional epidemiologists conduct focus groups with persons receiving SUD treatment (treatment consumers). These focus group findings are cross-referenced with findings from individual interviews and focus groups conducted with community professionals who provide SUD prevention/treatment services (ie, social workers and counselors/therapists), as well as with those whose work is directly impacted by substance use disorders (ie, law enforcement, probation officers, and coroners).…”