Trends in comorbid opioid and stimulant use disorders among Veterans receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration, 2005-2019

Original research
by
Warfield, Sara C. et al

Release Date

2022

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

There is evidence of change in recent substance type associated with morbidity and mortality. To better understand the continued rise in overdose deaths, in particular those attributed to opioid and stimulant use disorders, increased knowledge of patterns of use is needed.

Findings/Key points

The prevalence of comorbid SUD, in particular co-occurring opioid and methamphetamine use disorder, increased at a higher rate than other combinations between 2005 and 2019. These findings underscore the urgent need to offer patients a combination of evidence-based treatments for each co-morbid SUD, such MOUD and contingency management for persons with comorbid opioid and methamphetamine use disorders.

Design/methods

Retrospective cohort study

Keywords

Overdose
Mortality
Harm reduction
About PWUD
Illegal drugs
Stimulants