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01-04-2021 | Naloxone | Original Paper

Engagement in Harm Reduction Strategies After Suspected Fentanyl Contamination Among Opioid-Dependent Individuals

Authors: Colleen B. Mistler, Divya K. Chandra, Michael M. Copenhaver, Jeffrey A. Wickersham, Roman Shrestha

Published in: Journal of Community Health | Issue 2/2021

Abstract

The evolving opioid epidemic in the United States has increased drug-related overdose rates exponentially (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Opioid overdose, 2020c, https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/otherdrugs.html#:~:text=Polysubstance%20drug%20use%20occurs%20with,or%20other%20non%2Dopioid%20substances). Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has recently fueled the epidemic, increasing overdose death rates (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl, 2011-2016, 2019a, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr68/nvsr68_03-508.pdf). Harm reduction strategies (drug checking, naloxone administration, etc.) are at the forefront of preventing opioid-related overdoses in high-risk populations (Kennedy et al. in Drug Alcohol Depend 185:248–252, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.12.026; Laing et al. in Int J Drug Policy 62:59–66, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.10.001). Little is known, however, about how people who inject drugs (PWID) may modify their drug use behaviors after suspected fentanyl contamination in their drugs. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 105 opioid-dependent PWID enrolled in a methadone maintenance program. We assessed their willingness to engage in various harm reduction methods (i.e., slowing down drug use, not using drugs, carrying naloxone, using with someone who has naloxone) after suspected fentanyl contamination of their drugs. In a multivariable analysis, participants who were white, low-income, polysubstance users, and had previously experienced an overdose or had previously administered naloxone were more likely to report a willingness to engage in harm reduction measures. These findings provide an evidence-based understanding of PWID’s engagement in harm reduction behaviors after suspecting potential fentanyl exposure as well as a basis for tailoring intervention strategies in the context of fentanyl-adulterated markets.

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Title: Engagement in Harm Reduction Strategies After Suspected Fentanyl Contamination Among Opioid-Dependent Individuals
Authors: Colleen B. Mistler
Divya K. Chandra
Michael M. Copenhaver
Jeffrey A. Wickersham
Roman Shrestha
Publication date: 01-04-2021
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Naloxone
Opioids
Opioids
Methadone
Fentanyl
Published in: Journal of Community Health / Issue 2/2021
Print ISSN: 0094-5145
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3610
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-020-00928-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Engagement in Harm Reduction Strategies After Suspected Fentanyl Contamination Among Opioid-Dependent Individuals

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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