County and Demographic Differences in Drug Arrests and Controlled Substance Use in Maine

Abstract

Introduction: The Diversion Alert Program (DAP) was established to curb the misuse of drugs and help identify people in need of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Law enforcement compiled arrest data into a database accessible by health care providers. The objectives of this investigation were to identify regional and demographic differences in drug use and misuse in Maine. Methods: All arrests (N=11,234) reported to the DAP from 2013 to 2018 were examined by county, arrestee demographics, and classified into families (opioids, stimulants, sedatives). The Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) tracks the distribution of controlled pharmaceuticals (schedule I-V). Opioids were converted to oral morphine mg equivalents (MME). County and zip-code heat maps were constructed. Results: The counties with the most arrests per capita were Cumberland, Androscoggin, and Penobscot. Opioids were the most common drug class in arrests in all counties except Aroostook, where stimulants were most common. Medical distribution of opioids varied. With the exception of buprenorphine, which doubled, many prescription opioids like hydrocodone, fentanyl, and oxymorphone exhibited large (>50%) reductions. Methadone was the predominant opioid statewide (56.4% of the total MME) although there were sizeable differences (Presque Isle=8.6%, Bangor=78.9%) and this is likely impacted by use for SUD treatment. Amphetamine distribution increased by 67.9%. Conclusions: The DAP was useful to prevent information silos and enhance communication between law enforcement and health care providers. Maines DAP was a unique system to identify patients in need of additional treatment resources. The increase in prescription stimulants may warrant continued monitoring.