Citation

Edwards KA, Vowles KE, Witkiewitz K. Curr. Addict. Rep. 2017; 4(2): 194-199.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s40429-017-0147-x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

PURPOSE of Review: This paper provides a narrative review of the co-use of alcohol and opioids, and its impact on biological, neurocognitive, and behavioral systems. In addition, data addressing co-use among patients receiving opioid replacement therapy and those who have chronic pain are discussed.Recent FindingsAlcohol and opioids are among the most commonly used substances, and co-use has contributed to a growing number of accidental poisonings, emergency room visits, and overdose deaths. Prevalence of co-use is high among multiple populations and severely impacts treatment outcomes.SummaryTreatment for those that co-use alcohol and opioids is inadequate. Future research should further investigate salient influences on co-use and identify potential targets for intervention to address this treatment need.

Language: en