Brief report: Meth, tranq, gas station heroin & other drugs complicating addiction treatment

American Journal on Addictions 2026 Open access

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Authors: Erin L. Winstanley, Jane M Liebschutz, Cristina Murray-Krezan, Galen E. Switzer, Samantha Nash, Sarah Sharfstein Kawasaki
DOI: 10.1111/ajad.70151
Cited by: 1
References: 10

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients using fentanyl have worse treatment outcomes; however, little is known about other drugs that complicate treatment. METHODS: A national survey (n = 396) was conducted using a random sample of clinicians waivered to prescribe buprenorphine in the United States. This study reports the results of a single survey item on clinicians' perceptions of other drugs, besides IMF, complicating treatment. RESULTS: Clinicians reported methamphetamine (86.4%), synthetic cannabinoids (42.7%), and xylazine (41.4%) were complicating treatment; reports varied by geographic region. CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Rapid clinician surveys can provide real-time data on changing patterns of drug use's impact treatment outcomes.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes Opioid Use Disorder Treatment HIV Drug Use Sexual Risk

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal on Addictions
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
35
Issue
4
Pages
543–546
Publication date
25 February 2026
Language
EN