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Published in: Current Addiction Reports 2/2017

01-06-2017 | Alcohol (R Leeman, Section Editor)

Co-use of Alcohol and Opioids

Authors: Karlyn A. Edwards, Kevin E. Vowles, Katie Witkiewitz

Published in: Current Addiction Reports | Issue 2/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This paper provides a narrative review of the co-use of alcohol and opioids, and its impact on biological, neurocognitive, and behavioral systems. In addition, data addressing co-use among patients receiving opioid replacement therapy and those who have chronic pain are discussed.

Recent Findings

Alcohol and opioids are among the most commonly used substances, and co-use has contributed to a growing number of accidental poisonings, emergency room visits, and overdose deaths. Prevalence of co-use is high among multiple populations and severely impacts treatment outcomes.

Summary

Treatment for those that co-use alcohol and opioids is inadequate. Future research should further investigate salient influences on co-use and identify potential targets for intervention to address this treatment need.
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Metadata
Title
Co-use of Alcohol and Opioids
Authors
Karlyn A. Edwards
Kevin E. Vowles
Katie Witkiewitz
Publication date
01-06-2017
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Current Addiction Reports / Issue 2/2017
Electronic ISSN: 2196-2952
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-017-0147-x

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