Methamphetamine Co-Use Among Pregnant Individuals Using Opioids in the United States, 2011-2023

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Substance Use Disorders
• Maternal Health

Background:

• Polysubstance use presents complex challenges in maternal healthcare.
• Understanding trends in co-use of specific substances like opioids and methamphetamine is crucial for pregnant individuals in treatment.
• Shifting patterns of co-use necessitate updated treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in opioid and methamphetamine co-use among pregnant individuals in substance use disorder treatment.
• To identify risk factors and protective factors associated with this co-use pattern.
• To inform the development of targeted interventions for pregnant individuals.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of the Treatment Episodes Dataset-Admissions data from 2011-2023.
• Examination of trends in co-use over the study period.
• Multivariable modeling to assess risk and protective factors.

Main Results:

• Opioid and methamphetamine co-use among pregnant individuals increased from 2.8% to 6.1% from 2011 to 2023.
• Opioid co-use with other substances, excluding methamphetamine, declined during the same period.
• Homelessness and admission to rehabilitation were associated with higher risk of co-use, while higher education and employment were protective.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant upward trend in opioid and methamphetamine co-use among pregnant individuals seeking treatment.
• Social determinants such as homelessness, education, and employment play a critical role in co-use patterns.
• Integrated, socially informed treatment approaches are essential for addressing the needs of pregnant individuals with co-occurring substance use.