Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42781535›Full record

ReviewFrontiers in public health2026

The evolving epidemiology of opioid use disorder: polysubstance use, drug supply transformation, and policy implications.

Naga Koushik Mandapati, Diego Cardenas Tovar, Riya Bindlish, Yesenia Lopez Hernandez, Michele J Alves, Marianna K Baum, Saurabh Aggarwal

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Frontiers in public health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Naga Koushik MandapatiDepartment of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States.
Diego Cardenas TovarDepartment of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States.
Riya BindlishDepartment of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States.
Yesenia Lopez HernandezDepartment of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States.
Michele J AlvesDepartment of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States.
Marianna K BaumDepartment of Biostatistics, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States.
Saurabh AggarwalDepartment of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States.

Funding

Chronic Widespread Pain in HIV: Novel Mechanisms and TherapeuticsR01DA049657 · NIDA · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · PI AGGARWAL, SAURABH · 2021 to 2025
$1.8M
NIDA NIH HHS R01 DA049657
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Synthetic Opioids and the rising polysubstance use have caused a substantial change in the epidemiology of opioid use disorder (OUD) in the United States. Current overdose patterns may no longer be adequately explained by traditional opioid-driven theories. Methods: A structured review was conducted using PRISMA-informed methods. Literature published between 2010 and 2026 was identified through PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using terms related to OUD, fentanyl, polysubstance use, and treatment strategies. Eligible sources included peer-reviewed studies and government reports addressing epidemiology, risk factors, and interventions. Results: A polysubstance-driven milieu marked by fentanyl monopoly, stimulant co-use, and new adulterants like xylazine and nitazenes has resulted from the opioid crisis's evolution through several phases. A regional evaluation of South Florida shows how current drug market trends and past prescribing practices converge to increase the risk of overdose. Structural inequities, like unstable finances and limited access to therapy, continue to affect OUD outcomes. Systemic barriers also make evidence-based treatments less effective. Conclusion: Opioid use disorder needs to be recognized within a wider context of polysubstance risk rather than seen as a solely opioid issue. Successful strategies demand comprehensive policy responses, enhanced harm reduction measures, and flexible surveillance systems that can adapt to rapid shifts in drug availability and usage trends.

Indexed as

Analgesics, OpioidHealth PolicyOpioid-Related DisordersHumansUnited StatesAnalgesics, Opioidepidemiologyfentanylharm reduction (HR)nitazenesopioid use disorderpolysubstance usesynthetic opioidsxylazine

Identifiers

PMID42781535
PMCPMC13599803

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.