Trends in Fentanyl Use and Administration Routes
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Yijie, Jiang Xinyi, Gladden R. Matthew, Nataraj Nisha, Guy Gery P. Jr., Dowell Deborah
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
What are the trends in administration routes of illegally manufactured fentanyl among adults seeking substance-use treatment?
Conclusion
The study found a significant decline in the injection of illegally manufactured fentanyl and an increase in smoking and snorting it across various U.S. regions from 2017 to 2023.
Supporting Evidence
- From 2020 to 2022, smoking of illegally manufactured fentanyl increased by 78.9%.
- Injection of illegally manufactured fentanyl decreased by 41.6% during the same period.
- Significant regional differences were observed in the trends of fentanyl administration routes.
Takeaway
More people are smoking or snorting fentanyl instead of injecting it, which might be safer but still poses risks.
Methodology
The study analyzed treatment assessments from adults aged ≥18 years who reported using illegally manufactured fentanyl in the past 30 days across 14 states.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data and the convenience sampling method.
Limitations
The study is based on a convenience sample and may not represent all users of illegally manufactured fentanyl.
Participant Demographics
Adults aged 18 and older assessed for substance-use treatment.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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