Pubdate: Fri, 20 May 2016
Source: Globe and Mail (Canada)
Page: S2
Copyright: 2016 The Globe and Mail Company
Contact:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/168
Author: Geordon Omand
Cited: B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS: http://www.cfenet.ubc.ca/

OVERDOSE SURVIVORS AT HIGHER RISK OF DRUG DEATH, STUDY FINDS

British Columbia researchers have determined a straightforward method 
for health-care professionals to effectively identify people at a 
heightened risk of dying from a future drug overdose.

Scientists at the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV-AIDS revealed 
those who have recently survived a non-fatal overdose are more likely 
to die from a subsequent overdose.

The study's senior author, Kanna Hayashi, described the research as 
the first of its kind because it found the risk of death from an 
overdose increases significantly with each non-fatal overdose experienced.

"[This] shows that there are some people who could be in a unique 
position to easily identify people who are most at risk of fatal 
overdose," Dr. Hayashi said.

The study was released five weeks after British Columbia declared a 
state of emergency in response to a surge in drug-related overdose 
deaths across the province. There have been more than 250 overdose 
deaths across the province in 2016.

Seonaid Nolan is an addictions specialist with the research centre 
and she described the study as especially timely given the 
government's emergency measures.

"The primary, take-home message from the study itself is that we now 
know that the simple screening of patients can really lead to the 
identification of people who are at really high risk for dying from a 
potential drug overdose," Dr. Nolan said.

This research will also likely help inform Canada's pending overdose 
prevention strategy, she added.

While the study's conclusion may appear intuitive, having clear and 
quantitative data allows doctors to communicate with their patients 
about the risk of continued drug use.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom