A Post-Hurricane Katrina Examination of Substance Abuse Treatment Discharges With Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders

Abstract

Substance abuse treatment undergoes various changes in the event of a natural disaster. These changes may increase challenges for successful treatment completion for vulnerable populations such as those with a COD. Results of this study demonstrate that discharges with a COD are less likely to complete treatment as compared to those with no COD disorder. Unmet treatment needs may also increase odds of criminalization and homelessness.

Leveraging digital tools to support recovery from substance use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic response

“…Decreased access to routine mental health care also poses a risk, given the prevalence of dual diagnosis in this population and increased mental health issues associated with physical distancing (Dunlop et al, 2020;Khatri & Perrone, 2020;Shuler et al, 2017). We expect increased or return to substance use due to stress, isolation, or grief, as seen with past natural disasters and public health crises (Garfin et al, 2014;Ma & Smith, 2017;North & Pfefferbaum, 2013;Volkow, 2020;Wagner et al, 2009), and as recent surges in alcohol sales suggest (Pollard et al, 2020).…”

Ensuring Access to Opioid Treatment Program Services Among Delawareans Vulnerable to Flooding

“… 6 Following Hurricane Katrina, individuals in OTPs were at higher risk of withdrawal and relapse due to disruptions in treatment attributable to not only storm damage and displacement but also cumbersome state and federal regulations without functional emergency provisions. 7 Another study after Hurricane Katrina noted the downstream effects of treatment disruptions for individuals with comorbid psychiatric conditions 8 ; these included but were not limited to homelessness, criminality, and overdose. In a study assessing disruptions to OTPs, Elliott et al, set forth recommendations from state opioid treatment authorities to mitigate the negative impacts of disasters on treatment continuity.…”

Flood Risk to Hospitals on the United States Atlantic and Gulf Coasts From Hurricanes and Sea Level Rise

“…Interruptions in care after hurricanes prevent patients from obtaining necessary medical care. Lack of access to dialysis centers, substance use treatment facilities, pharmacies, ambulatory care centers, and reliable electricity in patients' homes leads to higher rates of complications and exacerbations of chronic medical problems such as diabetes, asthma, and chronic kidney disease (Baum et al., 2019 ; Dominianni et al., 2018 ; Kelman et al., 2015 ; Melin & Rodríguez‐Díaz, 2018 ; Shuler et al., 2017 ). Having a hurricane disaster declared during radiation therapy for patients with non‐small cell lung cancer is associated with worse overall survival (Nogueira et al., 2019 ).…”