We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.
Characteristics of methadone maintenance treatment patients prescribed opioid analgesics
Matthew C. Glenn, Nancy L. Sohler, Joanna L. Starrels, Jeronimo Maradiaga, John J. Jost, Julia H. Arnsten, and Chinazo O. Cunningham
Substance Abuse Vol. 37 , Iss. 3,2016
Despite the potential iatrogenic hazards of concurrent methadone treatment and opioid analgesic prescription, the published literature has focused on illicit opioid use amongst MMT patients. Our novel findings suggest high prevalence of prescription opioid overuse amongst opioid analgesic-prescribed MMT patients, higher prevalence of HIV infection and chronic pain when compared to MMT patients not prescribed opioid analgesics, and similarly high rates of illicit substance use across all MMT patients, regardless of opioid analgesic prescription. Thus, the opioid analgesic-prescribed MMT population represents a very high risk group due to the potential for overdose. These findings highlight the complex challenges facing physicians treating patients with comorbid chronic pain and opioid dependence and adds to the body of literature calling for coordinated and integrated strategies to treating these patients.
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Our newly released issue is now online —> July-September 2016.
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