Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation最新文献

{"title":"\"I've Never Seen It as a Real Problem\": Experiences of Access to Care for People Who Use Methamphetamine.","authors":"Annette Peart, Rachel Petukhova, Jesselyn Sin, Victoria Manning, Shalini Arunogiri, Dan I Lubman, Jasmin Grigg","doi":"10.2147/SAR.S564520","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/SAR.S564520","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>People who use methamphetamine can experience significant barriers to access treatment, care, and support. This study aimed to explore the experiences of access to care using a conceptual model, for this population.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>This descriptive qualitative study was embedded within an Australian telephone-delivered intervention trial for methamphetamine use problems. Twenty-seven participants were interviewed about their experiences of access to care (prior to enrolment in the trial). Interview transcripts were analysed using framework analysis, and data mapped to a patient-centred access to care framework.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three themes were identified: (1) the \"problem\" of methamphetamine use; (2) beliefs about treatment; and, (3) the impact of stigma. These themes were aligned to relevant determinants of access to care. Access to care was experienced through participant perceptions about the need for care, the ability to engage in the care process, and the acceptability of service providers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Stigma and beliefs about problematic use, and knowledge of treatment options dominated participants' experiences of access. Clear information about available treatment options, particularly to address fears of engaging in treatment that is viewed as stigmatising, are important considerations for policy makers and service providers.</p>","PeriodicalId":22060,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation","volume":"17 ","pages":"564520"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13101809/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147781701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cannabis Use Disorder in the Era of Legalization: Implications for Addiction Treatment Systems.","authors":"Anees Bahji","doi":"10.2147/SAR.S581271","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/SAR.S581271","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;Cannabis legalization has expanded rapidly across high-income jurisdictions, altering patterns of cannabis use, product potency, and commercial markets. Although surveillance systems increasingly quantify cannabis exposure, clinically meaningful harm is more difficult to detect. Cannabis use disorder (CUD) represents a key construct linking exposure to sustained impairment, yet its epidemiologic visibility depends heavily on diagnostic frameworks and measurement design.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aim: &lt;/strong&gt;This review examines how contemporary surveillance systems detect cannabis-related harm and evaluates the implications of diagnostic classification, epidemiologic measurement, and treatment capacity for understanding and responding to CUD in the post-legalization era.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;We conducted a narrative review synthesizing literature on cannabis legalization, psychiatric epidemiology, and treatment of CUD. Evidence was identified from biomedical databases, epidemiologic surveys, systematic reviews, randomized trials, and policy analyses. Sources were examined across three domains: (1) post-legalization surveillance of cannabis exposure and harm, (2) diagnostic evolution and measurement of CUD in population surveys, and (3) current evidence for treatment interventions and treatment system responses.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Population surveillance systems measure cannabis exposure with increasing precision but show limited sensitivity for persistent or clinically meaningful harm. Transitions from DSM-IV's hierarchical abuse-dependence framework to the dimensional DSM-5 model expanded detection of mild and moderate disorder and altered prevalence estimates across epidemiologic surveys. International studies using DSM-5-aligned instruments generally report past-year CUD prevalence of approximately 2-3% in the general population, with substantially higher conditional risk among frequent users. However, surveillance systems relying on legacy diagnostic modules or restrictive assessment logic may underestimate disorder prevalence despite rising cannabis exposure and increasing acute health-care encounters. Evidence for CUD treatment indicates modest but consistent benefits from psychosocial interventions-including motivational, cognitive-behavioral, and contingency-based approaches-while no pharmacotherapies are currently approved, and treatment engagement remains low relative to estimated prevalence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Apparent uncertainty in post-legalization health outcomes often reflects limitations in measurement rather than absence of harm. Aligning surveillance systems with contemporary diagnostic frameworks and strengthening treatment pathways are essential for translating exposure monitoring into effective public health response. As legalization continues to expand, CUD provides an important test of whether addiction treatment systems can adapt to legalized substances whose","PeriodicalId":22060,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation","volume":"17 ","pages":"581271"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13050972/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147634276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Creating and Piloting a Spanish-Language Version of the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS): La Escala Clínica de Síndrome Abstinencia de Opiáceos (ECAO).","authors":"Jessica L Bourdon, Seth Jones, Melanie Arianna Hernandez, America Y Lerma, Samantha Nava, Karina Vazquez","doi":"10.2147/SAR.S588456","DOIUrl":"10.2147/SAR.S588456","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Using English-only assessment tools with Spanish-speaking patients can lead to miscommunication and inadequate care. The current study translates the commonly used Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) into La Escala Clínica de Síndrome Abstinencia de Opiáceos (ECAO) for use by healthcare workers to use with Spanish-speaking patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>First, the COWS was translated using standard forward/backward methods. Next attitudes and feedback about the ECAO were assessed via a mixed-methods pilot study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The translation went according to plan. The final sample size of the pilot study was N=107 healthcare providers (<i>M_age</i> = 40.00 years; woman = 58.88%; master's degree = 42.06%). The translation was rated as accurate (<i>M</i>=7.83; SD = 1.71; range 4-10) with a majority (62.62%) of participants rating it at an 8 or above. Ratings of <i>acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, understandability</i>, and <i>actionability</i> were also quite high, with agreement across questions in these sections ranging from 72.09-95.33%. Qualitative results highlighted favorability toward the ECAO such as its accurate and culturally sensitive translation with areas of improvement including use of overly medical terms.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Based on the results of this pilot study, the ECAO appears to be an accurate, feasible, useful tool for Spanish-speaking healthcare workers who treat patients struggling with opioid withdrawal. The free availability of the Spanish-language ECAO will help patients and providers communicate adequately in order to determine the extent of opioid withdrawal accuracy as well as develop appropriate treatment plans.</p>","PeriodicalId":22060,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation","volume":"17 ","pages":"588456"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13011839/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147514933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Treatment Outcomes in a Specialized Opioid Maintenance Program for Prescription Opioid Use Disorder in Israel.","authors":"Zehavit Mendelson, Anat Sason, Shaul Schreiber, Miriam Adelson, Einat Peles","doi":"10.2147/SAR.S584953","DOIUrl":"10.2147/SAR.S584953","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>A rapid increase in opioid prescriptions necessitated the implementation of a specific opioid maintenance treatment arm in the Methadone Maintenance Treatment clinic for opioid use disorder (OUD).</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To characterize patients referred to this arm, those who initiated treatment and their outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Individuals referred between November/2019 and June/2025 were included. Patient characteristics, retention, and drug abstinence were studied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 184 referrals, 54 (29.3%) were admitted. They had a higher female proportion (50% vs. 32.3%, p=0.03) and more years of education (13.1±3.4 vs. 11.2±3.8, p=0.008) than those not admitted, with no significant age difference (50.5±15.8 vs. 52.0±16.4, p=0.6). Of the 54 admitted patients, 5 were transferred to the \"regular\" OUD arm. Of the remaining 49, 18.4% were treated with methadone and 40 with oral buprenorphine (21 switched later to a once-monthly injectable formulation). Overall, 42.9% used fentanyl: 44.4% of those on methadone, 42.1% on buprenorphine, and 42.9% on the injectable formulation. Ninety (51.4%) stayed one year; of them, 88.9% stopped prescription opioids. Cumulative retention was longer among females (2.3y, 95% CI: 1.8-2.9) than males (1.2y, 95% CI: 0.8-1.6, p=0.046). Retention among those treated with injectable buprenorphine (2.4y, 95% CI: 1.8-3.0) or methadone (1.7y, 95% CI: 0.9-2.4) was comparable, and both were longer than with oral buprenorphine (0.7y, 95% CI: 0.4-1.0, p<0.001 and p=0.039, respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Positive treatment outcomes were observed in this specific population, particularly among those treated with methadone or injectable buprenorphine, but future follow-up and a larger sample are needed. Physicians' education is necessary to achieve more accurate referrals.</p>","PeriodicalId":22060,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation","volume":"17 ","pages":"584953"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13011865/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147514920","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Digital Therapies for Substance Use Disorders: Recent Advances and Engagement Strategies.","authors":"Tyler S Oesterle, Nicholas L Bormann","doi":"10.2147/SAR.S560350","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/SAR.S560350","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Substance use disorders (SUDs) are highly prevalent, chronic conditions that often go untreated. Technology-driven interventions, including digital therapeutics, web-based programs, and mobile applications, have expanded treatment access. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital approaches, and national policy calls for enhanced use of telehealth and app-based recovery support. However, user engagement with SUD apps remains a challenge.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This narrative review summarizes evidence on digital interventions for SUDs, emphasizing mobile apps. It examines what differentiates effective interventions, drawing on insights from the broader context of general mobile app use. It also proposes strategies to enhance engagement in digital therapeutics.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We reviewed the literature (2013-2025) on SUD digital interventions, including randomized trials, systematic reviews, and large observational studies of SUD-focused apps. Key findings on clinical efficacy and engagement were extracted, along with examining engagement tactics from mobile gaming and other app domains to inform potential improvements.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Several apps have demonstrated efficacy in reducing substance use or supporting abstinence, particularly those that integrate evidence-based therapy content, provide personalized feedback, offer craving-management tools, and facilitate connectivity to peer or clinician support. In contrast, apps with minimal interactive content often show no added benefit. A major barrier is sustaining user engagement, as many SUD apps experience a steep drop-off in use after the initial download. Strategies such as gamification, contingency management (utilizing incentives), social networking features, and integration with ongoing care can significantly enhance engagement. Early data suggest that blending these strategies into SUD apps yields higher retention and better clinical results.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Mobile apps are emerging as valuable adjuncts for SUD treatment, but their real-world impact depends on users' engagement with compelling content. By incorporating tangible rewards, personalized and timely interventions, social support, and provider involvement, digital therapies for SUDs enhance engagement and, consequently, improve long-term recovery outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":22060,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation","volume":"17 ","pages":"560350"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12956054/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147356671","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Call to Colleagues on Concentrated Synthetic 7-OH.","authors":"Mark S Gold, Nicole M Avena, Rajendra D Badgaiyan, Panayotis K Thanos, Kenneth Blum","doi":"10.2147/SAR.S583572","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/SAR.S583572","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":22060,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation","volume":"17 ","pages":"583572"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12951852/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recent Trends in Cannabis Use in Adults Ages 60 Years and Older.","authors":"Rachel E Thayer, Elizabeth Anquillare, Juliamaria Coromac-Medrano, Emily E Hardin, Kyle Hatcher, Greta E Hermann","doi":"10.2147/SAR.S560360","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/SAR.S560360","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This narrative review highlights the growing population of older adults (OA) who use cannabis and health considerations of cannabis use especially relevant to aging. The majority of OA who endorse using cannabis also report choosing it for medical purposes, most commonly to target symptoms of pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. However, many OA who use cannabis also do not discuss their use with their medical providers, and additional controlled clinical trials are needed to delineate which symptoms cannabis can successfully alleviate and any conditions or circumstances for which it is contraindicated. Further, emerging research in younger populations has documented possible cardiovascular risks of heavy cannabis use, and this area has yet to be thoroughly investigated in aging adults despite risk for vascular and other forms of dementia. Preclinical models are beginning to offer insight into health effects of cannabis use with aging, including cognition and dementia risk. In particular, cannabis represents a possible treatment for cognitive decline and neurodegeneration in OA, but further research is needed to characterize effects of cannabis use in healthy aging versus dementia processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":22060,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation","volume":"17 ","pages":"560360"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12912127/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146221402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Shifting Drug Landscapes in China: A Multilevel Analysis of Traditional vs New Psychoactive Substance Use and Interregional Differences.","authors":"Xiaochen Ma, Zepeng Chen, Danqi Yao, Hang Su, Min Su","doi":"10.2147/SAR.S570414","DOIUrl":"10.2147/SAR.S570414","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>China's drug landscape is rapidly evolving, yet existing research remains fragmented, lacking a comprehensive national perspective. This study analyzes current drug use patterns, trends, and regional differences in China, providing critical insights to guide effective anti-drug policies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a comprehensive multilevel analysis of secondary data of drug use data from the China Drug Situation Report (2005-2023) and 34 academic articles (1990-2021). Our analysis includes descriptive statistics, time series, regional differences, and population-specific trends.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study identifies a declining trend in traditional drug use, while the use of new synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS) is increasing. Strong negative correlations were found between law enforcement intensity and overall drug use (<i>r</i>: -0.89 to -0.92). Significant regional disparity in NPS use was identified, with prevalence substantially higher in southern China than in the north (<i>p</i> = 0.019). Traditional drugs are more prevalent in the northwest and central regions, while new drugs and NPS are more commonly found in the eastern coastal and central urban areas. The use of NPS is notably higher among adolescents in economically developed regions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The analysis delineates a clear shift in China's drug landscape from traditional drugs to NPS, with concentrations in southern, coastal, and adolescent demographics. These patterns suggest that effective policy responses should be regionally tailored and prioritize youth prevention in economically advanced areas. Future research is needed to verify these associations and explore underlying causal mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":22060,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation","volume":"17 ","pages":"570414"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13016123/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147522113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Factors Associated with Probable Alcohol Use Disorder Among Men at Higher Risk of HIV Enrolled in the HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Program in Tanga, Tanzania. A Call for Integrated Care.","authors":"Nuruel Robert Kitomary, Emmy Metta, Melkizedeck Thomas Leshabari, Kåre Moen, Elia J Mmbaga","doi":"10.2147/SAR.S553175","DOIUrl":"10.2147/SAR.S553175","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Probable alcohol use disorder is rarely on the minds of people who use alcohol, probably due to technicality related to making that diagnosis. Men who have sex with men are more vulnerable to alcohol use, usually as a coping strategy to manage minority distress, stigma, violence and validation. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with probable alcohol use disorder among men who have sex with men enrolled in the HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis program in Tanga, Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This study included 364 men who have sex with men recruited through respondent driven sampling. Structured questionnaire was used for socio-demographic and sexual characteristics data collection. Probable alcohol use disorder was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). A modified Poisson regression model was used to determine the factors associated with probable alcohol use disorder among men who have sex with men.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our study found that about 45% of participants had probable alcohol use disorder. The prevalence was high among participants with a history of having group sex (aPR=1.29; 95% CI: 1.00-1.65, P=0.051), who had ever paid for oral or anal sex (aPR=1.65; 95% CI: 1.21-2.25, p=0.002), who reported facing financial difficulties (aPR=1.40; 95% CI: 1.10-1.79, p=0.007), those who experienced moderate stigma (aPR=1.44;95% CI: 1.13-1.84, p=0.003) and higher stigma (aPR=1.39;95% CI: 1.02-1.91, p=0.040).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The prevalence of probable alcohol use disorder was found to be relatively high among men who have sex with men, especially those with a history of group sex, paying for sex, facing financial difficulties and those who reported experiencing a moderate-to-high level of stigma. This highlights the need to intensify health, reproductive and safe sex practices programs while escalating anti-stigma campaigns. We recommend the integration of substance screening and harm reduction services in HIV treatments and prevention programming.</p>","PeriodicalId":22060,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation","volume":"16 ","pages":"293-307"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12691618/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145744604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Benzodiazepine Use Among Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Yue Liu, Qingxiao Hong, Xiaohu Xie, Wenwen Shen, Weisheng Chen, Huifen Liu, Wenhua Zhou","doi":"10.2147/SAR.S550775","DOIUrl":"10.2147/SAR.S550775","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The concomitant use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) is highly prevalent, with a rapid annual increase in overdose-related deaths. The co-use of BZDs is a significant predictor of opioid overdose. In the absence of other drugs, BZDs are rarely the sole cause of death. Prolonged BZD use frequently results in the rapid development of tolerance and dependence. A strong association has also been established between BZD misuse and depression. Moreover, chronic BZD exposure is linked to cognitive impairments, psychomotor disturbance, delirium, and an increased risk of falls, fractures, injuries, and traffic accidents. Outpatient clinicians should routinely screen for concurrent BZD use and exercise caution in prescribing. Timely interventions-including patient education, gradual discontinuation, psychological therapies, and skills-based training-are critical to mitigating harm and improving prognosis. In addition, Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), including herbal prescriptions and acupuncture, may serve as promising non-addictive alternatives for the management of anxiety, insomnia, and withdrawal-related symptoms. Strengthening multifaceted efforts will be crucial for reducing the burden of BZD use and improving treatment outcomes in OUD.</p>","PeriodicalId":22060,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation","volume":"16 ","pages":"283-291"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12553388/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145378920","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}