Attitudes and experiences with fentanyl contamination of methamphetamine: exploring self-reports and urine toxicology among persons who use methamphetamine and other drugs

Original research
by
Daniulaityte, Raminta et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

This study aims to characterize the lay views and experiences with illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF)-contaminated methamphetamine (IMF/meth) and identify participants with unknown IMF exposures through urine toxicology analysis.

Findings/Key points

Besides fentanyl (71.9%), toxicology analysis identified nine fentanyl analogs/metabolites (e.g., 42.7% acetyl fentanyl, 19.0% fluorofentanyl, 5.6% carfentanil), and 12.4% tested positive for Xylazine. The majority (71.4%) believed that IMF/meth was common, and 59.3% reported prior exposures to IMF/meth. 11.2% tested positive for IMF but reported no past 30-day heroin/IMF use (unknown exposure to IMF). Views that IMF/meth was common showed association with homelessness, prior overdose, and greater perceived risk of opioid overdose. Self-reported exposure to IMF/meth was associated with homelessness and obtaining take-home naloxone). Individuals with unknown IMF exposure (test positive for IMF, no reported past 30-day heroin/IMF use) were older, and reported more frequent past 30-day use of methamphetamine. They indicated lower perceived risk of opioid overdose (0.1 vs. 1.9, scale from 0 = “none” to 4 = “high,” p < 0.001).

Design/methods

Structured interviews (n=91)

Keywords

Stimulants
Overdose
About PWUD
Illegal drugs