Characteristics Associated with Nonmedical Methadone Use among People Who Inject Drugs in California

Abstract

Background: Illicit, nonmedical use of opioid agonist medications such as methadone is an ongoing concern. Yet, few studies have examined nonmedical use of methadone by people who inject drugs (PWID).Objectives: This study describes the prevalence of nonmedical methadone use in a community sample of PWID and examines factors associated with recent use of nonmedical methadone. Methods:A cross-sectional sample of PWID (N=777) was recruited using targeted sampling and interviewed in California (2011California ( -2013. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine characteristics associated with nonmedical methadone use in the last 30 days. To determine if nonmedical methadone use was associated with overdose in the last 6 months, a separate multivariate analysis was conducted.Results: Among PWID sampled, 21% reported nonmedical methadone use in the last 30 days. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, nonmedical methadone use was associated with recent methadone maintenance treatment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]= 2.

Methadone poisonings: a seven‐year retrospective study of the French poison center network focusing on suicide attempt vs. misuses

“…Moreover, in the group of patients misusing methadone, past history of cocaine use is prevalent ( P < 0.01). The association of other opioids and psychostimulants with nonmedical methadone use is consistent in opioid‐dependent patients, especially when patients were already under opioid maintenance treatment . With this in mind, nonmedical use of methadone may be related to underdosing and withdrawal symptoms.…”