Work

Brief report: Meth, tranq, gas station heroin & other drugs complicating addiction treatment

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients using fentanyl have worse treatment outcomes; however, little is known about other drugs that complicate treatment. METHODS: A national survey (n = 396) was conducted using a random sample of clinicians waivered to prescribe buprenorphine in the United States. This study reports the results of a single survey item on clinicians' perceptions of other drugs, besides IMF, complicating treatment. RESULTS: Clinicians reported methamphetamine (86.4%), synthetic cannabinoids (42.7%), and xylazine (41.4%) were complicating treatment; reports varied by geographic region. CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Rapid clinician surveys can provide real-time data on changing patterns of drug use's impact treatment outcomes.

Source: American Journal on Addictions

DOI: 10.1111/ajad.70151

Authors: Erin L. Winstanley, Jane M. Liebschutz, Cristina Murray‐Krezan, Galen E. Switzer, Samantha Nash, Sarah Kawasaki

Institutions: University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Health System, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,920