Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a set of clinical conditions characterized by repetitive, compulsive drug use. More commonly known as addictions, SUDs include behaviors that are harmful on a physical and psychological level. Alcohol, hallucinogens, and opioids are examples of SUD substances.
Opioids are a class of drugs that have analgesic effects. Opioid painkillers include heroin, morphine, and methadone. Opioid use disorder, or OUD, is a subtype of SUD.
Like other SUD conditions, OUD entails compulsive drug use and dependency resulting in physical impairment and psychological distress. Physical symptoms can range from pupil constriction and confusion to agitation and lack of coordination.
Psychologically, OUD patients can struggle with depression. Furthermore, OUD patients engage in time-consuming activities where they continually search for and use opioid drugs. This overtakes their other professional or social obligations.
Diagnosing OUD is based on four core criteria: loss of control, risky drug use, pharmacological problems, and social effects. OUD grading is divided into mild, moderate, and severe categories. Severity is scored based on the number of present symptoms. Out of a possible total of 11 symptoms, a minimum of two is needed for an OUD diagnosis. Mild OUD patients demonstrate two to three symptoms, whereas severe cases show six or more symptoms.
Recommended treatment for OUD incorporates medication supplemented with behavioral counseling - among other supportive services. Multiple studies illustrate the importance of culturally competent treatment that is tailored to the needs of diverse populations, including gender and racial minorities. Many researchers and organizations are exploring this health care issue.
For example, the Research to End Healthcare Disparities (REHD) Corporation conducts research studies to address SUD treatment disparities in underserved communities. REHD research projects focus on health care system capacity and practice implementation.
In addition to its research activities, the REHD team also provides consulting and training services. Its consulting services aim to engender organizational change and development catering to the needs of diverse groups.
The team also offers training sessions to health care staff members. REHD patient-centered training programs employ evidence-based management practices that improve quality of care specifically for vulnerable populations.
One of REHD’s most recent research studies examined gender disparities in outpatient methadone treatment. The study was published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment in 2021.
Conducted by researchers from California, Illinois, and Florida, the study focused on low-income urban communities. Participant demographics included different genders and ethnicities. Researchers analyzed the medical data of a total of 11,169 patients diagnosed with OUD.
The study evaluated factors that contribute to gender disparities in access to and retention in OUD treatment programs. Study findings showed that women and racial minority populations such as African Americans spent more time on waitlists for outpatient methadone treatment.
Conversely, once women entered treatment, they spent more time in the program compared to men. Furthermore, barriers to access were also correlated with women’s family responsibilities, mental illness, and severity of drug use.
Such findings reinforce the need for a more supportive OUD treatment system. To reduce gender disparities in treatment, researchers suggest developing a more holistic approach that integrates mental health care services along with childcare or family support plans. These interventions can enhance women’s access to OUD treatment.
