OAT Prescribing Course Flashcards
how is opioid use disorder best conceptualized
as a CHRONIC relapsing illness which, although associated with elevated rates of morbidity and mortality, has the potential to be in SUSTAINED long term REMISSION with appropriate treatment
what is the prevalence of opioid use disorder in the USA
affects 2.1% of americans
canadian estimates not available
define addiction
a PRIMARY, CHRONIC illness of REWARD, MOTIVATION, MEMORY and related circuitry in the brain
what stage of substance use disorder is the word “addiction” used to describe
the most severe, chronic stage of a SUD
DSM V definition of opioid use disorder
recurrent use of opioids causing clinically and functionally significant impairment
how many criteria are there in the DSM V to diagnose opioid use disorder
11
how is severity determined for opioid use disorder
it is established by the number of criteria met
define mild OUD
2-3 criteria are met
define moderate OUD
4-5 criteria are met
define severe OUD
6+ criteria are met
what are the specifiers for OUD
- in early remission
- in sustained remission
- on maintenance therapy
- in a controlled environment
define “in early remission” for OUD
after full criteria for OUD were previously met, NONE of the criteria for OUD have been met for at least THREE MONTHS but for less that 12 months
(with the exception of criterion A4–> “Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use opioids”, which may continue to be met)
define “in sustained remission” for OUD
after full criteria for OUD were previously met, NONE of the criteria for OUD have been met any ANY TIME during a period of TWELVE MONTH or longer
(with the exception of criterion A4–> “Craving” which may continue to be met)
when do you use the specifier “on maintenance therapy” for OUD
it is an additional specifier
it is used if the individual is taking a prescribed agonist medication such as methadone or suboxone and NONE of the criteria for OUD have been met for that class of medication (except tolerance to, or withdrawal from, the agonist)
also applies to those on partial agonists, agonost/antagonist, or full antagonist like oral naltrexone or depot naltrexone
when do you use the specifier “in a controlled environment”
it is an additional specifier
used if the individual is in an environment where access to opioids is restricted
how many diagnostic categories (of individual criteria) are there for OUD in the DSM
4
list the diagnostic categories (made up of individual criteria) in the DSM for OUD
- impaired control
- social impairment
- risky use
- pharmacological properties
list the criteria in the “impaired control” category of criteria for OUD in the DSM (4)
- opioids are used in larger amounts or for longer than intended
- there have been unsuccessful efforts or desire to cut back or control opioid use
- an excessive amount of time is spent obtaining, using or recovering from opioids
- there is craving to use opioids
list the criteria in the “social impairment” category of criteria for OUD in the DSM (3)
- failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school or home as a result of recurrent opioid use
- persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems that are exacerbated by opioids or continued use of opioids despite these problems
- a person has reduced or given up important social, occupational ore recreational activities because of opioid use
list the criteria in the “risky use” category of criteria for OUD in the DSM (2)
- opioids used in physically hazardous situations
- there is continued opioid use despite knowledge of persistent physical or psychological problems likely caused by opioid use
list the criteria in the “pharmacological properties” category of criteria for OUD in the DSM (2)
- tolerance is demonstrated by increased amounts of opioids needed to achieve desired effect–> diminished effects with continued use of the same amount
- withdrawal as demonstrated by symptoms of opioid withdrawal syndromes –> opioids taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal
how can the symptoms of addiction be explained
by the underlying neurocircuitry changes to the brain related to opioid use
opioids activate reward regions in what part of the brain? what does this result in?
opioids activate reward regions in the LIMBIC SYSTEM
causes sharp INCREASE in release of DOPAMINE
triggers CONDITIONED CUES in response to opioids
what are conditioned cues?
cues in the environment that lead humans to seek out important, life sustaining things–> food, water, shelter, relationships
what happens to a persons conditioned cues with repeated opioid use over time
the drive to use opioids becomes as strong or stronger than the drive for natural re-enforcers and results in compulsive drug seeking behaviours
how does ongoing opioid use effect the functioning of the reward circuits of the limbic system
ongoing opioid use causes DESENSITIZATION of reward circuits
RESETS the dopamine reward system (i.e to feel happiness, reward, you need more dopamine than your body can provide)
causes ANHEDONIA and DYSPHORIA in withdrawal states
–> over time, the neurocircuitry pathways that enforce drug use are strengthened and pathways in the brain that cultivate self control related processes and the ability to inhibit impulses are diminished
how does chronic opioid use affect executive functioning
becomes impaired, contributing to relapses into drug use
list the three parts of the cycle of addiction
- intoxication
- withdrawal
- preoccupation
what is the effect of the INTOXICATION phase of the addiction cycle?
drug induced activation of Brain Reward Pathway–> enhanced by conditioned cues
what brain regions are affected in the INTOXICATION phase of the addiction cycle?
ventral tegmentum
nucleus accumbens
dorsal striatum
what is the effect of the WITHDRAWAL phase of the addiction cycle?
negative mood
enhanced sensitivity to stress
what brain regions are affected in the WITHDRAWAL phase of the addiction cycle?
amygdala
basal nucleus of stria terminalis
what are the effects of the PREOCCUPATION phase of the addiction cycle
craving
impaired decision making, inhibitory control and self regulation
relapse
what brain regions are affected in the the PREOCCUPATION phase of the addiction cycle
pre frontal cortex
anterior cingulate cortex
hippocampus
what proteins begin to be transcribed more in the brain during OUD? what does this cause?
corticotropin releasing factor and dynorphin
causes negative effect on persons mood and function due to disrupting dopamine, glutamate and stress control systems of the brain
list factors that increase vulnerability to addiction
family history of substance use disorder/addiction
trauma
early exposure to drug use such as during childhood or adolescence
exposure to high risk environments (drug accessibility, permissive normative attitudes to drug use, social stress + poor supports)
psychiatric disorders (anxiety, PTSD, depression, ADHD etc)
list examples of evidence based harm reduction that should be offered to everyone
- education involving safer use of sterile syringes/needles and other applicable substance use equipment
- access to sterile syringes and other supplies
- access to supervised injection sites
- take home naloxone kits
describes the three categories along the continuum of care for OUD, from low treatment intensity to high treatment intensity
low treatment intensity–> withdrawal management
then agonist therapies
then high treatment intensity–> specialist led alternative approaches to OUD treamtent
when should you consider moving someone up the treatment continuum to higher intensity treatment
if opioid use continues despite treatment
list treatments that focus on withdrawal management
tapered methadone, buprenorphone or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists
+/- psychosocial tx
+/- residential tx
+/- oral naltrexone
list the treatments among the agonist therapies for OUD
buprenorphine/naloxone (preferred)
methadone
+/- psychosocial tx
+/- residential tx
list the specialist led alternative approaches for OUD
slow release oral morphine
+/- psychosocial tx
+/- residential tx
is withdrawal management alone recommended for management of OUD? why or why not?
no–> it is generally ineffective if done alone without transition to OAT or continuation of addiction care
can lead to high rates of relapse which in turn icnreases risk of HIV and hep C transmission, morbidity and mortality (i.e overdose)
what is the role of withdrawal management
often is first point of engagement in clinical care and can serve important role as bridge to treatment
*not recommended unless a strategy is in place for referral to ongoing addiction treatment (i.e intensive outpatient, residential, or access to long term OAT)
how do you response to someone asking for withdrawal management only
provide them with clear, concise discussion about known risk to personal and public safety and engage in discussion about safer treatment options
what are the relapse rates for withdrawal management alone (with methadone taper off opioids)
53-66.7% at 1 month
60-90% at 6 months post methadone taper
how do HIV rates compare between those undergoing withdrawal management and those receiving no treatment
higher amongst those receiving withdrawal management alone
in what treatment measures has OAT been shown to be superior to withdrawal management alone
retention in treatment
sustained abstinence from opioid use
reduced risk of morbidity and mortality
what is first line OAT according to the BC guidelines
suboxone
what patient specific factors should guide treatment of choice of OAT
initial presentation
comorbidities (liver disease, prolonged Qtc)
drug-drug interactions
treatment preference
response to treatment
prescriber experience
appropriate education and training
why is suboxone preferred as first line OAT
superior safety profile
can take it at home which is easier
when might methadone be preferred over suboxone
when suboxone not preferred i.e challenging induction
in women with OUD in residential treatment settings, what % have trauma
90%
define trauma according to the provincial OAT course
an experience that overwhelms an individuals ability to COPE
(both internal and external resources are inadequate to cope w the external threat)
life events that are OUT OF ONES CONTROL with potentially devastating emotional, physical and behavioural consequences
what are the four types of trauma listed in the provincial OAT course
- single incident trauma
- complex, repetitive trauma
- developmental trauma
- historical trauma
define single incident trauma
an unexpected and overwhelming event
define complex, repetitive trauma
ongoing abuse, domestic violence, war
define developmental trauma
occurs during infancy, childhood or adolescence
includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse or beglect
define historical trauma
massive GROUP trauma causing emotional wounding over the lifespan and across GENERATIONS i.e genocide, colonialism, slavery, war
list psychological effects of trauma
anxiety, terror, shock
shame, guilt, helplessness, powerlessness
emotional numbness
disconnection
impaired memory
intrusive memories
flashbacks
nightmares
list developmental effects of trauma
impaired attachment to caregivers
poor impulse control
impaired ability to form intimate relationships
cognitive impairments and attention deficits
*especially damaging if abuse is ongoing or perpetrator is a trusted person
what is the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and likelihood of developing a SUD
the higher number of ACEs, the more at risk an individual is of developing SUD
list physiological effects of trauma
hyperarousal–> anxious, jumpy, easily startled, sleep disturbance
hypervigilance–> external focus of attention
dissociation–> precludes need to develop other affect regulating skills
chronic pain syndromes
list behavioural effects of trauma
can develop behavioural adaptations–> maladaptive coping–> patients may engage in these behaviours in order to try and SOOTHE themselves when they are feeling overwhelmed
i.e:
self harm–> reduces tension, downgrades high levels of arousal, increases adrenaline/endorphins
disordered eating
substance use (“chemical coping”)
avoidance of triggers (via isolating, social impairment)
risky behaviours
list interpersonal effects of trauma
patients may have confusion about identity and agency–> can have poor internal sense of self
have lack of trust that can result in–> frequent conflicts, misinterpretation of others motives, difficulty establishing/maintaining relationships
poor boundaries–> unrealistic expectations of health care provider, overly familiar
how to respond to the interpersonal challenges related to trauma?
with compassionate and consistent boundaries
list spiritual effects of trauma
loss of meaning/faith
loss of connection
shame, guilt, self blame, self hate
what is the % risk of addiction with the use of opioids
- 5% risk of addiction
* canadian guidelines recommend avoiding use of opioids for those with hx SUD or dx mental illness and recommends against use of opioids for those with current substance use concerns
what are the C’s of addiction
Craving
Compulsive use
loss of Control
Consequences
list the elements of an opiate use history
- type of opioid
- quantity used
- frequency of use
- age of initiation
- route of administration
- overdose history
- tolerance and withdrawal
- time of last use
how much is a “point”
a point = 0.1 g
what two other substances should be asked about in hx as they significantly increase risk of opioid overdose and death
alcohol and benzos
–> benzos seem to be higher risk than alcohol for overdose when combined with opioids
what other types of behaviours should be asked about in a SUD ax
other compulsive behaivours–> gambling, compulsive sex, eating disorders, spending, shoplifting
what medication is contraindicated in those on OAT or using illicit opioids
naltrexone
it is an opioid antagonist
which med has the best safety profile of all the OAT options
suboxone
list specific purposes for urine drug testing in OAT management
- confirming illicit opioid use during baseline assessment
- supporting decision making regarding take home doses
- confirming that a medication is being taken
- screening for ongoing non prescribed or illicit opioid use–> may indicate patient is udner treated or needs more support
- detecting presence of other substances, including substances the patient may need to be unaware they have ingested
- evaluating treatment response and outcomes
what types of information do UDS not provide
do not provide accurate info on:
- time of last substance use
- quantity of substance use
- frequency of substance use
when should you provide UDS testing
prior to OAT initiation
during treatment initiation, stabilization, and maintenance
as part of assessment for changes to treatment plan
generally: at baseline, and when patient displays change in clinical status
how often should you do UDS during OAT induction and stabilization phase
monthly or more or less frequently
when clinically indicated
how many random UDS should you do per year when someone has takehome doses of OAT (maintenance phase)
at least 2-4 if on suboxone
at least 6-8 if on methadone or kadian
for how many days is the longest the following substance can be detected in urine:
alcohol
about 1 day
for how many days is the longest the following substance can be detected in urine:
amphetamines
about 5 days