Substance use & addiction journal最新文献

{"title":"Changes in Symptoms of Cannabis Use Disorder of Ontario Youth Across the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.","authors":"Jessica Berryhill, Ian Colman, Sameer Imtiaz, Michael Chaiton, Samantha Wells, Sergio Rueda, Mina Tadrous, Hayley Hamilton, Robert Schwartz, Tara Elton-Marshall","doi":"10.1177/29767342261488975","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/29767342261488975","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cannabis use increased among youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a lack of research examining whether there were lasting changes in cannabis use and, in particular, problematic cannabis use, across the pandemic. This is particularly important to examine among young adults because problematic cannabis use is associated with a greater likelihood of impaired neurodevelopment and adverse health outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was a longitudinal cohort survey of Canadian youth (n = 1579; 55% female; mean age 22 years) aged 16 to 30 residing in Ontario who reported cannabis use in the past 3 months. Respondents completed online questionnaires regarding their cannabis use once in 2022 and again in 2023. Linear regression examined the association between reporting increased cannabis use during the pandemic and changes in symptoms of cannabis use disorder (CUD) (measured by the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test-Revised [CUDIT-R]). Models were adjusted for sociodemographic factors and psychological distress.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Linear regression indicated that increased cannabis use in response to the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with increased CUDIT-R scores across survey waves (β: 1.49; 95% CI: 0.99, 2.00). The association between increased cannabis use and changes in symptoms of CUD was stronger for younger than older participants (<i>P</i> = .04).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increasing symptoms of CUD, particularly among youth, even 3 years after it was initially declared. This study highlights the importance of addressing the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and developing strategies to prevent hazardous substance use in future health crises.</p>","PeriodicalId":516535,"journal":{"name":"Substance use & addiction journal","volume":" ","pages":"29767342261488975"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149070822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Supporting Public Safety by Encouraging Nurses' Use of Alternative-to-Discipline Programs.","authors":"Yitong Wang, Amanda Choflet, Jordan Ferris, Karen J Foli, Rebekah Halmo","doi":"10.1177/29767342261490465","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/29767342261490465","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alternative-to-discipline (ATD) programs were developed to address substance use disorder (SUD) among licensed health professionals by offering a recovery-oriented monitoring pathway in lieu of public disciplinary action. ATD programs do not provide treatment; they protect the public by facilitating evaluation and treatment engagement, monitoring individualized recovery plans, and, when appropriate, safe return to practice. While ATD programs are applicable for a range of health professions, nursing serves as a useful case because it is a profession in which licensure oversight, employer action, patient safety, and workforce consequences uniquely converge. Relatedly, evidence suggests that substance use in nursing is not rare, that clinician substance use can affect quality of care, and that recovery in nursing is shaped not only by treatment but also by stigma, regulatory burden, financial barriers, communication problems, and return-to-work barriers. However, program availability does not establish that every nurse with SUD should enter regulatory monitoring. Some nurses seek treatment or mutual support independently before professional practice is affected, whereas others may consider voluntary ATD entry to preserve a nonpublic path to licensure and practice. The question for nursing is no longer whether ATD programs should exist. The more pressing question is whether nurses can reach and use these programs in ways that are timely, psychologically safe, and professionally workable enough to support both public protection and personal recovery. This commentary argues that nursing ATD programs should be evaluated not only by whether they exist but also by whether nurses can realistically access, enter, remain in, and safely return to practice through them. Late entry into treatment remains worthwhile and should never be dismissed. Still, a public protection model works best when the benefits, burdens, limits of confidentiality, and potential career implications are described clearly.</p>","PeriodicalId":516535,"journal":{"name":"Substance use & addiction journal","volume":" ","pages":"29767342261490465"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149067053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring Provider Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Opioid-Induced Androgen Deficiency Through the Lens of the Theory of Planned Behavior.","authors":"Curtis Bone, Chukwuemeka N Okafor, Jimmy Arnold, Jennifer S Potter, Meredith Zozus, Jan M Bruder, Caroline V M Rebicki, Ashlyn Huang, Erin P Finley","doi":"10.1177/29767342261469763","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/29767342261469763","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Individuals with opioid use disorder have reduced life expectancy and inferior outcomes associated with depression, diabetes, and fractures. Opioid-induced androgen deficiency (OPIAD) may contribute to these outcomes, yet few individuals prescribed opioids are evaluated for OPIAD. This study describes provider attitudes and practices related to identifying and managing OPIAD in patients on long-term opioids.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We utilized the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and a previously published survey of international pain specialists to develop a survey for U.S. health care providers. The REDCap-based survey was disseminated via professional networks across Texas. Eligible providers cared for patients using opioids and were able to order lab tests and treatments for OPIAD. Analyses included descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariable logistic regression grounded in TPB, conducted in Stata 16 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX, USA).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 116 respondents, 105 met inclusion criteria. Most were unfamiliar with OPIAD (60.1%) or its prevalence (97.1%) and reported never screening (67.6%). Commonly cited barriers included lack of training (59.0%), absence of patient-reported concerns (47.6%), and nonconducive practice settings (33.3%). In univariate and multivariable analysis, low self-efficacy was the primary TPB factor associated with never screening (<i>P</i> < .05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>OPIAD is not routinely evaluated or treated by medical providers who care for patients who use opioids. Low self-efficacy is the primary barrier to OPIAD screening, and training deficits contribute to this care gap. Targeted education on OPIAD may increase evaluation and treatment of this condition.</p>","PeriodicalId":516535,"journal":{"name":"Substance use & addiction journal","volume":" ","pages":"29767342261469763"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149067110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The 5 Senses Framework-People Who Use Drugs Were and Are the First Drug Checkers.","authors":"Katherine Hill, Elizabeth Znamierowski, Cameron Breen, River Rose, Kimberly L Sue, Robert Heimer","doi":"10.1177/29767342261484080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/29767342261484080","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The unregulated drug supply in the United States has become largely unpredictable, with novel substances emerging and impacting the health and wellbeing of people who use drugs (PWUD). In response to this, harm reduction programs have increased funding for community-based drug checking to empower PWUD to learn about their drug supply. However, important implementation questions must be answered to ensure benefits are maximized. Thus, we aimed to create a conceptual framework to help community partners understand the imperative for including PWUD's input on drug checking implementation.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The 5 Senses Framework describes how PWUD use their sensory data (ie, sight, taste, smell, touch, hearing) and embodied sensations to evaluate their drug supply, allowing them to create informal mental archives of drug use experiences and adjust decision-making as needed to keep themselves safe in the future. PWUD's intimate understanding of the drug supply makes them the first drug checkers, and thus important members of drug checking programs. The creation of a structured intake process that reflects the sensory experiences of PWUD may help engage individuals while recognizing their autonomy and foundational knowledge in the drug checking space. Understanding that PWUD are checking their drugs through sensory input and embodied sensations may help programs assess why some people may be hesitant to engage with drug checking more formally. Recognizing that PWUD may have expectations that differ from what existing programs provide is imperative for implementation, access and success. Additionally, PWUD often are part of communities that already share sensory knowledge about drugs. Building upon such networks may expand drug checking programs' community benefit.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Community-based drug checking programs would be wise to incorporate decision-making from PWUD, as they were, and are, the first drug checkers. Including sensory data during drug checking intake would position PWUD as integral team members.</p>","PeriodicalId":516535,"journal":{"name":"Substance use & addiction journal","volume":" ","pages":"29767342261484080"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149027438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating Filled Buprenorphine Prescriptions Following a Short-Duration Telementoring Program in Three Nevada Medicaid Managed Care Organizations.","authors":"Oluwapelumi I Odubunmi, Troy Jorgensen, Nathan Militante, Danica Pierce, Mark Broadhead, Mordechai S Lavi, Sarah A Friedman","doi":"10.1177/29767342261481614","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/29767342261481614","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are an evidence-based treatment that significantly reduces the risk of overdose. Their underuse may be partly due to clinicians' lack of knowledge. In partnership with Nevada Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, the Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Nevada (PEN) used virtual telementoring to educate clinicians about MOUD and investigated whether this brief MOUD ECHO intervention increased filled buprenorphine prescriptions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study evaluated a six-week program delivered through didactic and case-based learning sessions. Using 2 years of Nevada Medicaid managed care pharmacy claims (August 2022 through March 2024), we examined changes in filled buprenorphine prescriptions from 9 months before (August 2022-April 2023) to 9 months after (July 2023-March 2024) the ECHO program (May-June 2023). Adjusted logistic regression models among participating clinicians estimated the association between the post-intervention period and filled buprenorphine prescriptions (measured by pharmacy claims), adjusting for patient demographics and clinician prescribing volume.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 10 ECHO participants writing 19 613 claims, filled buprenorphine prescriptions declined from 11.7 to 8.4 filled prescriptions per 1000 total filled prescriptions post-ECHO. However, in adjusted analyses among participants, ECHO participation was not associated with a significant change in the likelihood of a filled buprenorphine prescription (adjusted odds ratio 1.07; 95% CI, 0.76-1.51).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A 6-week MOUD ECHO program was not associated with increased filled buprenorphine prescriptions among clinicians in Nevada. Findings suggest that short-duration ECHO interventions may be insufficient to influence complex behaviors related to medication for opioid use disorder.</p>","PeriodicalId":516535,"journal":{"name":"Substance use & addiction journal","volume":" ","pages":"29767342261481614"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149027414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stereotypes About Clients With Intellectual Disabilities in Addiction Care: Evidence From Flemish Health Care Providers.","authors":"Pieter Van Dessel, Belle Fabri","doi":"10.1177/29767342261484077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/29767342261484077","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Substance use among individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) remains an underrecognized concern in addiction care. This population faces dual exclusion due to both their disability and their substance use. While clinical guidelines emphasize person-centered approaches, little is known about how addiction care professionals evaluate clients with ID and co‑occurring substance use problems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eighty-two addiction care professionals in Flanders (Belgium) completed an online study in which they rated 2 fictional client vignettes, 1 describing a client with ID and 1 without, on clinically relevant treatment evaluations (eg, willingness to accept the client into treatment, perceived motivation, expected adherence, and perceived adequacy of the treatment program the participant uses). Participants also completed a brief set of items assessing general beliefs about people with ID in the context of substance use.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Client ID status was associated with lower ratings of expected treatment adherence and appointment keeping, as well as lower perceived adequacy of the treatment program, and lower perceived sufficiency of knowledge and treatment tools, despite identical clinical information. No group differences emerged for perceived motivation, relapse risk, or behavioral predictability. General belief ratings showed significant disagreement with several negative stereotypes (eg, low motivation, poor prognosis), while participants agreed with items reflecting functional autonomy and normative rights.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ID status influenced several clinically relevant evaluations in substance use treatment contexts. These differences were not accompanied by lower ratings of motivation or higher ratings of behavioral risk, but clients with ID were expected to show lower adherence and participants perceived their current knowledge, tools, and treatment programs as less adequate for supporting these clients. The findings highlight the need for disability-inclusive provider training and better support for adapting addiction care to clients with intellectual disabilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":516535,"journal":{"name":"Substance use & addiction journal","volume":" ","pages":"29767342261484077"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149027398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Redesigning Access: Implementation and Evaluation of a Drop-In Clinic for Telehealth Opioid Use Disorder Treatment.","authors":"Rachel French, Allison Schachter, Tanya Jain, Dhwani Krishnan, Max Einstein, Emily Wetzler, Christopher Rowe, Erica A Lyons","doi":"10.1177/29767342261481495","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/29767342261481495","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite expanded access offered by telehealth, many people with opioid use disorder (OUD) miss treatment appointments due to personal and logistical challenges. While strategies such as reminders, incentives, and structured protocols aim to enhance continuity of care, little attention has been given to re-engagement strategies once a visit is missed. Ophelia, a telehealth-based OUD clinic, piloted a virtual drop-in clinic (DC) model to welcome patients back without shame, penalty, or delay.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The implementation of the DC was described, and confirmation and attendance rates were reported. Time between last missed appointment and next attended visit, and proportion of patients not attending any additional visits were reported among patients attending and not attending the DC. An anonymous feedback survey was sent to all DC participants, and results were summarized.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seventy-one DCs were conducted, with 4029 invitations sent following missed appointments (2731 unique patients). Of these, 1014 (25%) confirmations were received (908 unique patients), 626 (62%) attended, and 554 (55%; 526 unique patients) were seen by a clinician. Among those seen, patients attended a mean of 1.1 (SD 0.2) DC visits. Patient satisfaction had mean ratings of 4.85/5 for overall experience and 4.90/5 for quality of care. Most respondents (97%) reported convenience and no issues with wait times. Mean time from a missed appointment to the next attended visit was 1.7 (SD 1.2) days for DC attendees, compared to 12.9 (SD 18.2) days among patients who confirmed but did not attend and 14.4 (SD 18.6) days among those who did not confirm. Discontinuation without return occurred in 7.8% and 21.4% of these groups, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The DC model is a feasible, novel approach to improving access to and continuity of OUD care. Future research should explore expanding the model for broader telehealth integration.</p>","PeriodicalId":516535,"journal":{"name":"Substance use & addiction journal","volume":" ","pages":"29767342261481495"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149027408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementation Studies Funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse on Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorders Treatment: An Updated Mapping Review (2020-2024).","authors":"Mia A Navarro, Hélène Chokron Garneau, Hannah Cheng, Wayne Kepner, Fernando Ramirez, Maryam S Abdel Magid, Mark P McGovern","doi":"10.1177/29767342261484105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/29767342261484105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>While there is high demand for rapid translation of evidence-based innovations related to opioid and stimulant disorders, implementation research-proven to enhance utilization of evidence-based practices-comprises only a small portion of substance-related treatment studies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a mapping review of the National Institute on Drug Abuse investment in implementation-focused studies for opioid and stimulant use disorders treatment from 2020 through 2024. Replicating the same methodology, this review extends the work of Cheng et al. who examined funded studies on the same topic from 2015 to 2019. Data on opioid and stimulant addiction research studies were exported from the National Institutes of Health's Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools. Eligible studies specifically pertained to treatment and were categorized as Implementation Preparation, Implementation Research, or Not Implementation Research. Implementation Preparation and Research studies met inclusion criteria and underwent data extraction.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 856 studies, 194 (22.7%) met eligibility criteria and 61 (7.1%) met inclusion criteria. The number of implementation-focused studies was 38.6% greater than found in the Cheng et al. review. Implementation-focused studies peaked in 2019 and 2022, coinciding with the start of the National Institutes of Health Helping to End Addiction Long-term® Initiative.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Although there is a significant increase in the number of implementation-focused studies, there are missed opportunities for the application of implementation science within substance-related treatment research. To be specific, intervention development, efficacy, and effectiveness studies could be enhanced to the Implementation Preparation category, and Implementation Preparation studies elevated to the Implementation Research category. Without significant budget impact, these methodological enhancements could accelerate the pace at which effective interventions for opioid and stimulant use disorders achieve public health impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":516535,"journal":{"name":"Substance use & addiction journal","volume":" ","pages":"29767342261484105"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149027449","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Online Cannabis Marketing Practices and Regulatory Compliance: A Surveillance Study Across 5 US Cities in States with Different Cannabis Regulations.","authors":"Yuxian Cui, Cassidy R LoParco, Morgan B Speer, Darcey M McCready, Y Tony Yang, Yan Wang, Miranda L Johnson, Hermela Amdeta, Darby Mihelich, Diane Ndisebuye, Patricia A Cavazos-Rehg, Carla J Berg","doi":"10.1177/29767342261472242","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/29767342261472242","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cannabis marketing and regulation have rapidly evolved. This study examined online cannabis marketing across different regulatory contexts.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In 2022 and 2025, we assessed cannabis retailer websites from 5 US cities: Denver, Colorado; Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Las Vegas (LV), Nevada; and Los Angeles (LA), California. We assessed age verification, online sales, products, marketing, and warnings, and compared by city in 2025 (N = 171) and by year (N = 130).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In 2025, most verified age (83.6%) and offered online sales (96.5%). Frequently promoted health benefits included sleep (58.5%) and pain (48.5%), most often by Denver, LV, and LA retailers (<i>P</i>'s < .05). Targeted populations included veterans/military (40.9%) and racial/ethnic minorities (24.0%), especially in LV and LA (<i>P</i>'s < .05), as well as seniors (29.2%), women (25.7%), LGBTQ+ (13.5%), young adults (13.5%), and underage (7.6%). Price promotions included daily/weekly/monthly specials (78.9%) and membership/loyalty programs (75.4%). Most (73.7%) displayed health/safety warnings (range: 57.6% in Portland to 96.9% in LV, <i>P</i> = .003), commonly adults-only (57.9%) and keep from children (46.8%). Most (58.5%) displayed regulation-related warnings (range: 41.9% in LA to 71.9% in Seattle, <i>P</i> = .011), common purchase/amount restrictions (49.1%) and no public use (27.5%). There were increases (<i>P</i>'s < .05) from 2022 to 2025 in beverage offerings (74.6% in 2022 vs 90.0% in 2025), membership/loyalty programs (64.6% vs 78.5%), and targeting veterans/military (28.5% vs 40.0%), seniors (4.6% vs 27.7%), LGBTQ+ (5.4% vs 13.1%), and racial/ethnic minorities (4.6% vs 19.2%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Stronger regulations and enforcement are needed to address online retail, including limiting product access, price promotions, and marketing practices targeting specific populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":516535,"journal":{"name":"Substance use & addiction journal","volume":" ","pages":"29767342261472242"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148898776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Factors Associated With Illicit Drug Use Among Older Australians: A Cross-Sectional Study Using a Nationally Representative Household-Based Survey (HILDA).","authors":"Lucy Ngaihbanglovi Pachuau, Shirin Jahan Mumu, Nargess Ghassempour, Kingsley Emwinyore Agho","doi":"10.1177/29767342261471805","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/29767342261471805","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Illicit drug use among older adults (aged 45+ years) is increasing globally. Despite the growing impact on older adults, studies examining illicit drug use in this population remain limited.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Data were drawn from Wave 21 (2021) of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) longitudinal cohort survey. The analysis included 7862 participants aged 45+ years, representing a weighted population of 8 713 896 individuals. The primary outcome was any illicit drug use in the past 12 months and was coded as a binary variable (yes/no). A series of Survey-weighted logistic regression (svy: logistic) was used to examine associations between illicit drug use and a range of explanatory variables, including individual-level, lifestyle behaviours, and social and mental health factors.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Illicit drug use prevalence among older adults was 42% (95% CI: 40-43). Illicit drug use was significantly higher among participants born in main English-speaking countries (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.08-1.99), in Australia (aOR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.16-1.87), and those living in Inner Regional areas (aOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.07-3.47). Participants with moderate psychological distress (K10) had 1.24 times higher odds (aOR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.03-1.50), and those with high or very high distress had 1.57 times higher odds (aOR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.22-2.04) of reporting illicit drug use. Lower scores on the SF-36 Mental Health scale (moderate or low mental health status) were significantly associated with increased odds of illicit drug use. Those who experienced traumatic life events were more likely to report illicit drug use (aOR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.05-1.42).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Illicit drug use among older adults is associated with smoking, high-risk alcohol use, psychological distress, and trauma exposure. These findings highlight the need for integrated interventions addressing both substance use and mental health.</p>","PeriodicalId":516535,"journal":{"name":"Substance use & addiction journal","volume":" ","pages":"29767342261471805"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148898761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}