Crystal methamphetamine use associated with non-fatal overdose among a cohort of injection drug users in Vancouver.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the prevalence and correlates of non-fatal overdose among a polysubstance-using cohort of injection drug users (IDU) in Vancouver.


METHODS
We evaluated factors associated with non-fatal overdose among participants enrolled in the Vancouver Injection Drug Users Study (VIDUS) using univariate statistics. Self-reports of the awareness of drugs taken and drug potency, polysubstance use, and assistance received at the time of non-fatal overdose were also recorded.


RESULTS
From 1 December 2003 to 1 June 2005, 551 participants who were active injectors were followed. In total, 37 (6.7%) individuals reported experiencing a non-fatal overdose in the previous 6 months. Factors positively associated with non-fatal overdose included public injecting (odds ratio (OR)=4.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.35-9.37, P<0.001), crystal methamphetamine use (OR=4.11) and injection (OR=3.63), morphine injection (OR=3.55), non-injection opiate use (OR=3.30), frequent heroin injection (OR=2.28) and sex trade work (OR=2.12). Factors negatively associated with non-fatal overdose included participation in methadone maintenance therapy (OR=0.31) and injecting alone (OR=0.36). Sixty-two percent of individuals were unaware of drug potency, 64.9% of IDU were taking other drugs at the time of overdosing, with crack being the main drug (37.0%). Fifty-four percent were assisted by ambulance personnel, 56.8% were taken to accident and emergency or hospital, 38.1% left accident and emergency or hospital before being released, and 35.1% were given Naloxone.


CONCLUSIONS
Structural interventions are needed that seek to modify the social and contextual risks for overdose, increased access to treatment programmes, and trials of novel interventions for crystal methamphetamine users.
Fairbairn
Nadia
N
British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC Canada, V6Z 146.
Wood
Evan
E
Stoltz
Jo-Anne
JA
Li
Kathy
K
Montaner
Julio
J
Kerr
Thomas
T
D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000506:poisoning*; D062787:Drug Overdose; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000737:chemistry / Q000506:poisoning*; D007198:Indians, North American; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000737:chemistry / Q000506:poisoning*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology*
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008694:Methamphetamine