Tianze Sun, Gary Chan, Shannon Gravely, Anne C K Quah, Gang Meng, Geoffrey T Fong, Steve S Xu, Kota Katanoda, Hong Gwan Seo, Takahiro Tabuchi, Itsuro Yoshimi, Chang Bum Kang, Giang Vu, Ara Cho, Carmen Lim, Kayo Togawa, Sujin Lim, Sungkyu Lee, Sung-Il Cho, Gil-Yong Kim, Janni Leung
{"title":"Knowledge and Concerns About Smoking-Related Health Risks: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the 2021 International Tobacco Control Japan and Korea Surveys.","authors":"Tianze Sun, Gary Chan, Shannon Gravely, Anne C K Quah, Gang Meng, Geoffrey T Fong, Steve S Xu, Kota Katanoda, Hong Gwan Seo, Takahiro Tabuchi, Itsuro Yoshimi, Chang Bum Kang, Giang Vu, Ara Cho, Carmen Lim, Kayo Togawa, Sujin Lim, Sungkyu Lee, Sung-Il Cho, Gil-Yong Kim, Janni Leung","doi":"10.1111/dar.70043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.70043","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This cross-sectional study examined: (i) knowledge of smoking-related health risks among adults who currently and formerly smoke; (ii) concerns about personal health damage from smoking among adults who currently smoke; (iii) sociodemographic predictors of knowledge; and (iv) associations between knowledge and concerns in Japan and the Republic of Korea.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from the 2021 International Tobacco Control Surveys included adults (aged ≥ 20, ≥ 19 respectively) in Japan (n = 2956 currently smoke, n = 852 formerly smoke) and Korea (n = 3776 currently smoke, n = 194 formerly smoke). Primary outcomes included knowledge of smoking-related health risks (six consistently measured: stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema, impotence, early death), categorised as correct or incorrect, summed into a knowledge index score and concerns about smoking damaging their own health. Survey-weighted analyses examined country and smoking status differences and associations between knowledge, concerns and sociodemographic characteristics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among adults who currently smoke, knowledge of lung cancer was highest (Japan: 82.8%, Korea: 92.2%); lowest were impotence in Japan (35.7%) and heart disease in Korea (69.6%). Adults who formerly smoked had higher knowledge than those who currently smoke in Japan (4.74 [4.50-4.97] vs. 4.00 [3.82-4.18]) but not in Korea (5.05 [4.39-5.72] vs. 4.69 [4.47-4.90]). Japanese adults who currently smoke had lower knowledge and fewer concerns than their Korean counterparts (p < 0.05). Greater knowledge predicted increased concerns in both countries (OR = 1.27 [1.20, 1.35]). Only in Japan were younger age (B = 0.59 [0.06, 1.13]) and moderate income (B = 0.41 [0.16, 0.66]) associated with greater knowledge.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusions: </strong>The observed differences in knowledge and concerns about smoking-related health risks between Japan and Korea may reflect their contrasting tobacco control policies.</p>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145198653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Timothy Piatkowski, Emma Kill, Geoff Davey, Monica J Barratt, Jason Ferris, Suzanne Nielsen, Amy Peacock
{"title":"Creating Safer Injecting Practices Through Community-Led Harm Reduction: Lessons From People Who Use Steroids for the Alcohol and Other Drug Sector.","authors":"Timothy Piatkowski, Emma Kill, Geoff Davey, Monica J Barratt, Jason Ferris, Suzanne Nielsen, Amy Peacock","doi":"10.1111/dar.70044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.70044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Research on anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use has addressed health outcomes, social dynamics, service access and risk management strategies. Yet little work has examined how these domains converge in injection practices, where community-led knowledge and structural barriers shape harm reduction. This study aimed to explore people's experiences of injecting AAS, focusing on practices, challenges and sources of harm reduction knowledge, and examined how consumers develop safer injection methods through lived-living expertise.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data were drawn from semi-structured interviews with Australian AAS consumers (N = 25), including follow-ups with 15 participants, resulting in 40 research interactions. These interactions examined safer injecting, harm reduction strategies and structural barriers. Analysis employed iterative categorisation, integrating lived-living experience and a lens of prefigurative politics to develop knowledge into three theme-categories.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants articulated that injecting, when done correctly, was perceived as a safer usage pathway. However, many participants lacked access to clear, evidence-based injection guidance and acquired information through informal sources including online forums and peer networks. Some AAS consumers experienced bacterial infections and abscesses, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with injecting. Experienced consumers had developed practices, through experimentation, on site rotation, injection volume and hygiene to mitigate harms.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusions: </strong>AAS consumers prefigure harm reduction through their community, yet informal learning is inconsistent. Peer-led interventions which partner with trusted allies, including clinicians and health workers, can work toward reducing injecting-related harms in the community; thus, moving the alcohol and other drug sector toward sustainable, collective care.</p>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145191413","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Opportunities for Use: Explaining Associations Between Retail Availability and Use of Alcohol and Cannabis Among Youth.","authors":"Mallie J Paschall, Joel W Grube, Kirsten Helgeson","doi":"10.1111/dar.70041","DOIUrl":"10.1111/dar.70041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study examined associations between retail alcohol and cannabis availability, use, and simultaneous use of these substances among youth and potential explanatory variables.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In 2023-24, 1082 15- to 20-year-olds were surveyed in 40 California cities. The survey included questions about past-year alcohol use, binge drinking, cannabis use, and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis (SAC) use, exposure to opportunities for these behaviours in different contexts, normative and health-related beliefs, and demographic characteristics. City-level measures included retail alcohol and cannabis outlet density and demographic characteristics. Analyses examined associations of these substance use behaviours with retail availability of alcohol and cannabis and potential explanatory variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>On-premises alcohol outlet density was significantly associated with past-year alcohol use (b = 0.36, p < 0.05) and binge drinking (b = 0.23, p < 0.05). Licensed cannabis retail outlet density was positively associated with past-year cannabis use (b = 6.4, p < 0.01), while unlicensed cannabis outlet density was negatively associated with cannabis use (b = -21.1, p < 0.01). On-premises alcohol outlet density was positively associated with past-year SAC use (b = 0.18, p < 0.01). These associations were at least partially explained by greater exposure to opportunities for alcohol, cannabis, and SAC use in different contexts/situations and beliefs related to these behaviours.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusions: </strong>Retail availability of alcohol and cannabis is associated with alcohol and cannabis use and SAC use among youth. These associations are at least partly explained by greater exposure to opportunities to engage in these behaviours and related beliefs.</p>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12479093/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145148310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Merci Ujeneza, Jessica Tardif, Erin Thompson, Adina Badea, Alexis Morales, Cole Altomare-Jarczyk, Traci C Green, Rachel Serafinski, Michelle McKenzie, Ju Nyeong Park
{"title":"Point-Of-Care Drug-Checking: Assessing the Rhode Island Drug Supply Using FTIR Spectroscopy to Detect Fentanyl, Xylazine and Other Substances.","authors":"Merci Ujeneza, Jessica Tardif, Erin Thompson, Adina Badea, Alexis Morales, Cole Altomare-Jarczyk, Traci C Green, Rachel Serafinski, Michelle McKenzie, Ju Nyeong Park","doi":"10.1111/dar.70037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.70037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The illicit drug supply constantly fluctuates, with new adulterants and unexpected mixtures creating uncertainty. Point-of-care drug-checking services are vital in reducing overdose risk and other harms by providing real-time analysis, harm reduction education and links to care. This study aimed to characterise the local drug supply using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, complemented by Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS) for additional context, from drug residues collected through a drug-checking program within a Rhode Island harm reduction site.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>From January to May 2023, 100 samples were analysed using FTIR and sent for additional qualitative and semi-quantitative testing via LC-QToF-MS. Substances detected by both methods were summarised by prevalence, mixture composition and alignment with self-reported drug categories.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fentanyl (53%) and cocaine (48%) were the most prevalent substances detected by FTIR, followed by xylazine (10%) and methamphetamine (8%). Cross-category analysis revealed cocaine in 36% of opioid-reported samples and fentanyl in 3% of self-reported cocaine samples, underscoring the mixed nature of the supply. We found the local fentanyl supply (n = 57) showed high variability, with 15 additional components detected by FTIR, including xylazine (19.3%).</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusions: </strong>These findings provide a snapshot of the unpredictable and highly mixed nature of the Rhode Island drug supply defined by stimulant-opioid overlaps, xylazine adulteration and the presence of cocaine across drug categories. By pairing real-time FTIR with laboratory-based analysis, we provided actionable information back to service users while also uncovering deeper patterns in local drug trends.</p>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145112163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matheus De Carlos Oliveira, Marília Mendes-Sousa, Luís Eduardo Soares-Santos, Juliana Y Valente, Sheila C Caetano, Zila M Sanchez
{"title":"Community-Based Environmental Interventions to Prevent Alcohol Use in Adolescents: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Matheus De Carlos Oliveira, Marília Mendes-Sousa, Luís Eduardo Soares-Santos, Juliana Y Valente, Sheila C Caetano, Zila M Sanchez","doi":"10.1111/dar.70038","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.70038","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Issues: </strong>This systematic review of community-based environmental prevention strategies seeks to understand their characteristics, examine their effectiveness and identify challenges for preventing alcohol use among adolescents.</p><p><strong>Approach: </strong>A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus and PsycINFO through December 2024. Eligible studies were randomised or quasi-experimental designs targeting individuals under 21 years, evaluating environmental interventions (regulatory, physical or economic) with outcomes related to underage alcohol consumption and access. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias using the RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools.</p><p><strong>Key findings: </strong>Regulatory strategies were the most frequent (94%; 15/16), followed by physical strategies (37%; 6/16). The most reported outcome was a reduction in alcohol availability (62%; 10/16), followed by a general reduction in consumption (37%; 6/16). Although 69% (11/16) of the studies reported positive effects, heterogeneity in study designs and terminology limited comparability. It is crucial to note that community mobilisation, although not an environmental strategy per se, was described in 81% (13/16) of the studies.</p><p><strong>Implications: </strong>The analysis indicates that the effectiveness and sustainability of environmental interventions are strongly associated with their integration with community mobilisation. This synergy, however, introduces methodological complexity, making it difficult to analyse components in isolation and to standardise evaluation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings reaffirm the value of environmental interventions, particularly regulatory ones, in preventing alcohol use among adolescents. The most promising model is multicomponent, combining actions that modify the environment with robust processes of community participation, forming an adaptable and holistic framework to promote sustainable outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145079816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Paul Griffiths, Charles Parry, Atul Ambekar, Balasingam Vicknasingam, Abel Basutu, Bronwyn Myers, Alessandra Bo, Paul Dietze, Ken Douglas, Nadine Ezard, Mauricio Fiore, Marya Hynes, Christopher M Jones, Pamela Kent, Jane Mounteney, Kamran Niaz, Klaudia Palczak, Antonio Pascale, Amy Peacock, Marta Rychert, Lela Sturua, Yong-An Zhang
{"title":"The Need to Revitalise Drug Use Monitoring to Keep Pace With a More Dynamic, Digitally Enabled and Globally Connected Drug Market.","authors":"Paul Griffiths, Charles Parry, Atul Ambekar, Balasingam Vicknasingam, Abel Basutu, Bronwyn Myers, Alessandra Bo, Paul Dietze, Ken Douglas, Nadine Ezard, Mauricio Fiore, Marya Hynes, Christopher M Jones, Pamela Kent, Jane Mounteney, Kamran Niaz, Klaudia Palczak, Antonio Pascale, Amy Peacock, Marta Rychert, Lela Sturua, Yong-An Zhang","doi":"10.1111/dar.70029","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.70029","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145069381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Winifred Asare-Doku, Amy Peacock, Stella Settumba, Tammy Abbott, Kate Wilson, Adam Craig, Jioji Ravulo, George Economidis, Litea Meo-Sewabu, Catherine D'Este, Poshan Thapa, Christopher Doran, Sally Nathan, Emily Waller, Trevor Satour, Lorraine Tulele, Michael Farrell, Anthony Shakeshaft
{"title":"Assessing the Early Impact of the Change in the Kava Importation Policy in Australia.","authors":"Winifred Asare-Doku, Amy Peacock, Stella Settumba, Tammy Abbott, Kate Wilson, Adam Craig, Jioji Ravulo, George Economidis, Litea Meo-Sewabu, Catherine D'Este, Poshan Thapa, Christopher Doran, Sally Nathan, Emily Waller, Trevor Satour, Lorraine Tulele, Michael Farrell, Anthony Shakeshaft","doi":"10.1111/dar.70039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.70039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Australian Government launched the kava pilot program to ease import regulations on kava, aiming to strengthen cultural and economic ties between Australia and Pacific Island countries. Implemented in two phases, personal importation in 2019 and commercial importation in 2021, the program was accompanied by a concurrent evaluation. The evaluation examined the health, social, cultural and economic impacts of the pilot program on the Australian community. Findings indicate support for the program; however, ongoing monitoring is necessary, especially among groups at risk of harm.</p>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145069390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Activity-Based Funding in Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services: Clinical Staff Perspectives and Practice Implications.","authors":"Ciara Smyth, Kaniz Fatema, Kylie Valentine, Raquel Lowe, Brett Ross, Eltham Cook, Gilbert Whitton","doi":"10.1111/dar.70033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.70033","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Many drug health services receive activity-based funding (ABF), which is reliant on accurate data collection to ensure appropriate reimbursement and quality care. This article reports results of a qualitative study commissioned by NSW Health about drug health services clinical staff's experiences in meeting ABF data entry requirements.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Semi-structured interviews were conducted with drug health services clinical staff (n = 10) to investigate their experiences in meeting ABF data entry requirements.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants identified some benefits of an ABF model, but they described many technical and conceptual barriers to complying with ABF data reporting requirements. These included making frequent data entry errors, activity categories not aligning with their interpretation of the work they did, and not always knowing what activities attracted funding.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusions: </strong>Practical measures to improve compliance include training and quality assurance opportunities, enhanced managerial and administrative support, database enhancements and increased collaboration between clinicians and technicians. Implementing these measures could result in more accurate funding for services and improve patient care.</p>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145063529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Olajumoke A Olateju, Tyler Varisco, Scott Weiner, Douglas Thornton
{"title":"Buprenorphine Adherence Trajectories and Their Impact on Opioid Overdose and Healthcare Costs.","authors":"Olajumoke A Olateju, Tyler Varisco, Scott Weiner, Douglas Thornton","doi":"10.1111/dar.70035","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.70035","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Buprenorphine is effective for opioid use disorder (OUD), yet adherence remains suboptimal. This study aimed to identify adherence trajectories, explore their predictors, and assess their association with opioid overdose risk and healthcare costs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Merative MarketScan Commercial Database, which includes a nationally representative sample of individuals with private, employer-sponsored health insurance in the United States. We included adults (≥ 16 years) with OUD who initiated and completed at least 30 consecutive days of buprenorphine treatment between July 2017 and June 2019, with a 180-day follow-up. Group-based trajectory modelling identified distinct adherence patterns. Multinomial logistic regression examined predictors of adherence trajectories. A discrete-time survival model estimated the association between adherence and opioid overdose risk, while generalised linear models assessed healthcare costs. Sensitivity analyses, including E-value calculations, evaluated residual confounding.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 5107 individuals (median [Q1-Q3] age in years: 37 [26-47]; 3185 [62.4%] male), three distinct buprenorphine adherence trajectories were identified in the follow-up period: consistent adherence (CA, 49.5%), slow-declining adherence (SDA, 28.0%) and rapidly-declining adherence (RDA, 22.5%) trajectory groups. The mean (95% CI) time to buprenorphine discontinuation among all beneficiaries was 153 (151-155) days. Compared to the CA group, SDA and RDA groups had 2.74 (95% CI 2.71-2.77) and 3.81 (95% CI: 3.76-3.86) times higher opioid overdose risk and $13,670 (95% CI $7644-$19,695) and $19,431 (95% CI $13,632-$25,229) higher healthcare spending, respectively.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusions: </strong>Consistent adherence to buprenorphine was associated with a lower risk of opioid overdose and reduced healthcare expenditures.</p>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145033091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sameer Imtiaz, Sami Aftab Abdul, Huan Jiang, Cayley Russell, Farihah Ali, Iesha Henderson, Bernard Le Foll, Tara Elton-Marshall, Brooke Kinniburgh, Jürgen Rehm
{"title":"The Short-Term Impacts of Decriminalisation of Personal Possession of Select Illegal Drugs on Drug Poisonings in British Columbia, Canada (2015-2023).","authors":"Sameer Imtiaz, Sami Aftab Abdul, Huan Jiang, Cayley Russell, Farihah Ali, Iesha Henderson, Bernard Le Foll, Tara Elton-Marshall, Brooke Kinniburgh, Jürgen Rehm","doi":"10.1111/dar.70036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.70036","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Canada is in the midst of a crisis featuring drug poisonings. Decriminalisation of personal possession of select illegal drugs was implemented in British Columbia, Canada on 31 January 2023 as one element of a public health response to reduce drug-related harms. We evaluated the short-term impacts of decriminalisation on paramedic responses to opioid poisonings and drug poisoning deaths to detect if there were early signals of change.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We sourced population-based monthly counts of drug poisonings from the provincial emergency services provider and coroners service to compute total and sex-specific age-standardised rates per 100,000 (January 2015-December 2023 [97 months pre-decriminalisation and 11 months post-decriminalisation]). Generalised additive models in an interrupted time series design were used to evaluate the short-term impacts of decriminalisation on rates of paramedic responses to opioid poisonings and drug poisoning deaths.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Decriminalisation was not associated with an immediate effect (β [95% confidence interval; CI] -0.078 [-0.318, 0.163]) or trend change (β [95% CI] -0.022 [-0.082, 0.037]) in the total rate of paramedic responses to opioid poisonings, nor was it associated with an immediate effect (β [95% CI] -0.165 [-0.477, 0.147]) or trend change (β [95% CI] -0.010 [-0.082, 0.062]) in the total rate of drug poisoning deaths. These findings were consistent after stratification by sex.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusions: </strong>Decriminalisation of select illegal drugs was not associated with significant changes in drug poisonings in the first 11 months of its implementation. However, the direction of effects was encouraging from a public health standpoint.</p>","PeriodicalId":11318,"journal":{"name":"Drug and alcohol review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145039326","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}