Joe Silcox

Dr. Joe Silcox

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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22 May 2023 in Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JHJaclyn M. W. Hughto
Jaclyn M. W. Hughto
ATAbigail Tapper
Abigail Tapper
SRSabrina S. Rapisarda
Sabrina S. Rapisarda
TSThomas J Stopka
Thomas J Stopka
WPWilson R. Palacios
Wilson R. Palacios
TGTraci C. Green
Traci C. Green
Background: Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD; methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone) are the most effective treatments for OUD, and MOUD is protective against fatal overdoses. However, continued illegal drug use can increase the risk of treatment discontinuation. Given the widespread presence of fentanyl in the drug supply, research is needed to understand who is at greatest risk for concurrent MOUD and drug use and the contexts shaping use and treatment discontinuation. Methods: From 2017 to 2020, Massachusetts residents with past-30-day illegal drug use completed surveys (N = 284) and interviews (N = 99) about MOUD and drug use. An age-adjusted multinomial logistic regression model tested associations between past-30-day drug use and MOUD use (current/past/never). Among those on methadone or buprenorphine (N = 108), multivariable logistic regression models examined the association between socio-demographics, MOUD type; and past-30-day use of heroin/fentanyl; crack; benzodiazepines; and pain medications. Qualitative interviews explored drivers of concurrent drug and MOUD use. Results: Most (79.9%) participants had used MOUD (38.7% currently; 41.2% past), and past 30-day drug use was high: 74.4% heroin/fentanyl; 51.4% crack cocaine; 31.3% benzodiazepines, and 18% pain medications. In exploring drug use by MOUD history, multinomial regression analyses found that crack use was positively associated with past and current MOUD use (outcome referent: never used MOUD); whereas benzodiazepine use was not associated with past MOUD use but was positively associated with current use. Conversely, pain medication use was associated with reduced odds of past and current MOUD use. Among those on methadone or buprenorphine, separate multivariable logistic regression models found that benzodiazepine and methadone use were positively associated with heroin/fentanyl use; living in a medium-sized city and sex work were positively associated with crack use; heroin/fentanyl use was positively associated with benzodiazepine use; and witnessing an overdose was inversely associated with pain medication use. Many participants qualitatively reported reducing illegal opioid use while on MOUD, yet inadequate dosage, trauma, psychological cravings, and environmental triggers drove their continued drug use, which increased their risk of treatment discontinuation and overdose. Conclusions: Findings highlight variations in continued drug use by MOUD use history, reasons for concurrent use, and implications for MOUD treatment delivery and continuity.

27 January 2023 in Journal of the American Pharmacists Association
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MGMary Gray
Mary Gray
SSSarah S. Shin
Sarah S. Shin
JSJoe Silcox
Joe Silcox
DFDiana Flores
Diana Flores
DBDerek Bolivar
Derek Bolivar
TGTraci C. Green
Traci C. Green

22 August 2024 in Drug and Alcohol Dependence
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
JSJoe Silcox
Joe Silcox
SRSabrina S. Rapisarda
Sabrina S. Rapisarda
JHJaclyn M.W. Hughto
Jaclyn M.W. Hughto
SVStephanie Vento
Stephanie Vento
PCPatricia Case
Patricia Case
TGTraci C. Green
Traci C. Green

4 November 2022 in Journal of the American Pharmacists Association
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
AFAnthony S. Floyd
Anthony S. Floyd
JSJoe Silcox
Joe Silcox
ECEmma Cousin
Emma Cousin
AIAdriane N Irwin
Adriane N Irwin
MGMary Gray
Mary Gray
TGTraci C. Green
Traci C. Green

19 November 2024 in Drug and Alcohol Dependence
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
JHJaclyn M.W. Hughto
Jaclyn M.W. Hughto
PKPatrick JA Kelly
Patrick JA Kelly
SVStephanie A. Vento
Stephanie A. Vento
DPDavid R. Pletta
David R. Pletta
MNMadeline Noh
Madeline Noh
TGTraci C. Green
Traci C. Green

18 October 2023 in Journal of the American Pharmacists Association
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
TGTraci C. Green
Traci C. Green
JSJoe Silcox
Joe Silcox
DBDerek Bolivar
Derek Bolivar
MGMary Gray
Mary Gray
AFAnthony S. Floyd
Anthony S. Floyd
JBJeffrey Bratberg
Jeffrey Bratberg