Suchergebnisse

Peer recovery coaches (PRCs), direct service providers with lived experience in recovery, are a growing sector of the substance use workforce. As rates of cannabis use increase nationwide, including among treatment-seeking populations, many PRCs will work with clients who wish to use cannabis for medical or recreational purposes. This study explores how PRCs perceive the use of cannabis among clients in treatment or recovery services. Semi-structured phone interviews were completed with 28 PRCs in Michigan. Inductive thematic analysis was used to document PRCs' perceptions of client cannabis use, including overall trends, potential benefits, and concerns. While participants indicated a desire to support clients' autonomy, and many were able to identify potential benefits of cannabis use, they also expressed concerns about the quality of clients' recovery and difficulties managing personal biases. Findings highlight key areas for training and technical assistance to assist PRCs in their work with clients who use cannabis.

Purpose: Alcohol can have serious side effects alone and can enhance the side effects of prescription opioids in unpredictable and dangerous ways. This study aims to identify risk factors for simultaneous use of alcohol and prescription opioids among young adults. Methods: Demographic characteristics, substance use, mental well-being, other substance-related factors, and simultaneous use of alcohol and prescription opioids were utilized to run multiple logistic regression analysis ( N = 1751; aged 18–25). Results: Mental well-being ( OR = 0.971, p = .003) and education level ( OR = 0.383, p < .001) were associated with a lower likelihood of simultaneous use. Knowing someone who had a fatal overdose ( OR = 2.443, p < .001), binge drinking ( OR = 1.065, p = .012), and older age ( OR = 1.250, p < .001) were associated with a greater likelihood of simultaneous use. Conclusion: The risk and protective factors identified in the current study point to specific areas for intervention to reduce simultaneous use. Further efforts are needed to minimize the increasing polysubstance-involved overdose mortality among young adults.

Non-medical opioid use (NMOU) has had a devastating effect on families. Affected families may experience interpersonal and financial problems and self-stigma that can impede help-seeking and self-care. This study aimed to identify recommendations for families affected by opioids given by those with lived experience. Adults with a family member with NMOU ( N = 299) completed a survey that included an open-ended question asking for advice for other families similarly affected by opioids. Data were coded independently by research team members using an iterative approach to thematic analysis. Themes included seeking support, seeking education, and managing relationships with the loved one and others. Results highlight avenues for helping families cope while supporting a loved one who uses opioids, including contact with others with shared experience and access to educational resources. Families affected by opioids can provide valuable insights that should be considered when designing supports for families.