Featured Publications
Adaptations to Opioid Use Disorder Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Survey of Prescribers
Sung ML, Black AC, Blevins D, Henry BF, Cates-Wessel K, Dawes MA, Drexler K, Hagle H, Molfenter T, Levin FR, Becker WC, Edelman EJ. Adaptations to Opioid Use Disorder Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Survey of Prescribers. Journal Of Addiction Medicine 2022, 16: 505-513. PMID: 35020698, PMCID: PMC9271533, DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000948.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsVirtual visitsOpioid use disorder careOpioid use disorderAcademic medical centerNational electronic surveyMOUD accessMOUD prescriptionsClinical outcomesBuprenorphine prescribersLongitudinal careMost prescribersMultivariable modelMedical CenterDisorder careUse disordersMOUDPrescribersPatient accessibilityFree-text responsesOverall positive experienceVisitsElectronic surveyCOVID-19COVID-19 pandemicBehavioral healthcareAssociation Between Exposure to Complementary and Integrative Therapies and Opioid Analgesic Daily Dose Among Patients on Long-term Opioid Therapy
Black AC, Zeliadt SB, Kerns RD, Skanderson M, Wang R, Gelman H, Douglas JH, Becker WC. Association Between Exposure to Complementary and Integrative Therapies and Opioid Analgesic Daily Dose Among Patients on Long-term Opioid Therapy. The Clinical Journal Of Pain 2022, 38: 405-409. PMID: 35440528, DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001039.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLong-term opioid therapyMorphine equivalent daily doseVeterans Health AdministrationDaily doseCIH exposureOpioid doseOpioid therapyWhole health systemCIH useVHA electronic health recordsIntegrative health modalitiesOpioid analgesic doseMean starting doseMental health diagnosesElectronic health recordsAnalgesic doseCIH therapiesNonopioid treatmentCohort entryOpioid taperingStarting doseAdverse eventsPain intensityChiropractic careVHA facilitiesCorrespondence Between Retrospective and Momentary Self‐Reported Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: Evidence for Peak and End Effects in Veterans
Decker SE, Rosen MI, Cooney NL, Schnurr PP, Black AC. Correspondence Between Retrospective and Momentary Self‐Reported Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: Evidence for Peak and End Effects in Veterans. Journal Of Traumatic Stress 2021, 34: 889-894. PMID: 33743184, DOI: 10.1002/jts.22669.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConcordance between controlled substance receipt and post-mortem toxicology in opioid-detected overdose deaths: A statewide analysis
Howell B, Black A, Grau L, Lin H, Greene C, Lee H, Heimer R, Hawk K, D'Onofrio G, Fiellin D, Becker W. Concordance between controlled substance receipt and post-mortem toxicology in opioid-detected overdose deaths: A statewide analysis. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2023, 244: 109788. PMID: 36738634, PMCID: PMC9975083, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109788.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPost-mortem toxicologyOverdose deathsChief Medical ExaminerBenzodiazepine prescribingBenzodiazepine prescriptionsPrimary outcomePreventable deathsOpioid overdosesOpioidsAddiction servicesBenzodiazepinesMental healthStudy periodDeathMedical examinersConcordanceStatewide analysisSubstantial numberReceiptDaysDepartmentMedicationsToxicologyFentanylPrescribingProfiles of Psychosocial Risk and Protective Factors and their Associations with Alcohol Use and Regular Smoking in Black Adults
Sartor CE, Black AC. Profiles of Psychosocial Risk and Protective Factors and their Associations with Alcohol Use and Regular Smoking in Black Adults. Journal Of Racial And Ethnic Health Disparities 2020, 8: 60-68. PMID: 32440916, PMCID: PMC7679281, DOI: 10.1007/s40615-020-00754-2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRegular smokingAlcohol useBlack adultsProtective factorsPsychosocial risksRegular smoking prevalenceCurrent alcohol useFrequent alcohol useSmoking prevalenceIntroductionThis studySmokingAdverse experiencesRegression analysisAdultsPrevalenceSocial supportNeighborhood factorsRiskDifferential associationsClass 1Representative studySubgroupsAbsence of supportAssociationAdversityImpulsivity interacts with momentary PTSD symptom worsening to predict alcohol use in male veterans
Black AC, Cooney NL, Sartor CE, Arias AJ, Rosen MI. Impulsivity interacts with momentary PTSD symptom worsening to predict alcohol use in male veterans. The American Journal Of Drug And Alcohol Abuse 2018, 44: 524-531. PMID: 29641264, PMCID: PMC6172135, DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2018.1454935.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPast-month PTSD symptomsPosttraumatic stress disorderPTSD symptom changeAlcohol usePTSD symptomsNumber of drinksSubstance useSymptom changeMomentary assessmentUnique temporal relationshipRisky alcohol useAcute increaseMale veteransLast assessmentTrait impulsivitySymptomsStress disorderProblem alcoholEcological momentary assessmentClinical samplesTemporal associationBarratt Impulsiveness ScaleVeteransAssociationTemporal relationshipTrauma treatment for veterans in buprenorphine maintenance treatment for opioid use disorder
Meshberg-Cohen S, Black AC, DeViva JC, Petrakis IL, Rosen MI. Trauma treatment for veterans in buprenorphine maintenance treatment for opioid use disorder. Addictive Behaviors 2018, 89: 29-34. PMID: 30243036, DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.09.010.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsBuprenorphine maintenanceChart reviewBuprenorphine treatmentTrauma treatmentPTSD diagnosisReference groupRetrospective chart reviewBuprenorphine maintenance treatmentOpioid use disorderFuture clinical trialsLogistic regression analysisEvidence-based psychotherapiesTimes greater oddsTrauma-focused treatmentBuprenorphine retentionOpioid typeOUD treatmentMaintenance treatmentWorse outcomesClinical trialsConsecutive referralsGreater oddsUse disordersComorbid PTSDDisorder ratesVeterans’ compensation claims beliefs predict timing of PTSD treatment use relative to compensation and pension exam
Black AC, Meshberg-Cohen S, Perez-Ortiz AC, Thornhill TA, Rosen MI. Veterans’ compensation claims beliefs predict timing of PTSD treatment use relative to compensation and pension exam. PLOS ONE 2018, 13: e0209488. PMID: 30589882, PMCID: PMC6307722, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209488.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMental health treatment useTreatment useMental health treatmentExamination statusPTSD treatmentTreatment benefitVeterans' useHealth treatmentEffective PTSD treatmentPTSD treatment engagementElectronic health recordsClinical trialsTreatment engagementBaseline assessmentCompensation examinationsHealth recordsPension examinationsVeterans' beliefsTreatmentVeteransBeliefs ScalePTSDDisability-related benefitsExaminationStatusMomentary assessment of PTSD symptoms and sexual risk behavior in male OEF/OIF/OND Veterans
Black AC, Cooney NL, Justice AC, Fiellin LE, Pietrzak RH, Lazar CM, Rosen MI. Momentary assessment of PTSD symptoms and sexual risk behavior in male OEF/OIF/OND Veterans. Journal Of Affective Disorders 2015, 190: 424-428. PMID: 26551400, PMCID: PMC4684959, DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.10.039.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSexual risk behaviorsPost-traumatic stress disorderRisk behaviorsPTSD symptomsSubstance useEcological momentary assessmentSymptom variabilitySymptom severityFocused clinical interventionsHigh-risk sexual behaviorDaily PTSD symptomsMultiple sexual partnersOEF/OIF/OND veteransSurvey completion ratePTSD measurementMomentary assessmentInitial development of patient-reported instrument assessing harm, efficacy, and misuse of long-term opioid therapy
Becker WC, Fiellin DA, Black AC, Kostovich CT, Kerns RD, Fraenkel L. Initial development of patient-reported instrument assessing harm, efficacy, and misuse of long-term opioid therapy. The Journal Of Rehabilitation Research And Development 2016, 53: 127-136. PMID: 27006339, PMCID: PMC4806533, DOI: 10.1682/jrrd.2014.11.0285.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLong-term opioid therapyPatient-reported instrumentOpioid therapyFurther item reductionIneffective medicationsClinical outcomesPrimary careFrequent reassessmentPatient comprehensionItem reductionGold standardEfficacyTherapyInterdisciplinary teamLevel checksCognitive interviewsMisuseHarmMedicationsPatientsA money management-based substance use treatment increases valuation of future rewards
Black AC, Rosen MI. A money management-based substance use treatment increases valuation of future rewards. Addictive Behaviors 2010, 36: 125-128. PMID: 20826055, PMCID: PMC2981645, DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2010.08.014.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchFinancial Capability: Clinicians' Assessment of Beneficiaries With Dual Diagnoses
Thornhill T, Black AC, Rosen MI. Financial Capability: Clinicians' Assessment of Beneficiaries With Dual Diagnoses. Journal Of Dual Diagnosis 2018, 14: 130-136. PMID: 29505348, PMCID: PMC6291373, DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2018.1436732.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2024
Military sexual trauma-related posttraumatic stress disorder service-connection: Characteristics of claimants and award denial across gender, race, and compared to combat trauma
Webermann A, Gianoli M, Rosen M, Portnoy G, Runels T, Black A. Military sexual trauma-related posttraumatic stress disorder service-connection: Characteristics of claimants and award denial across gender, race, and compared to combat trauma. PLOS ONE 2024, 19: e0280708. PMID: 38206995, PMCID: PMC10783784, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280708.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMilitary sexual traumaSexual traumaBlack veteransVeterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans' claimsPosttraumatic stress disorderBenefits administrationWomen veteransWhite veteransSystemic barriersService-connectedStress disorderMen veteransCharacteristics of claimantsStressor typeGenderCombat traumaClaimsRaceArmy veteransDenialEffect sizeUnderserved backgroundsVeteransHigher odds
2023
Receipt of opioid use disorder treatments prior to fatal overdoses and comparison to no treatment in Connecticut, 2016–17
Heimer R, Black A, Lin H, Grau L, Fiellin D, Howell B, Hawk K, D'Onofrio G, Becker W. Receipt of opioid use disorder treatments prior to fatal overdoses and comparison to no treatment in Connecticut, 2016–17. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2023, 254: 111040. PMID: 38043226, PMCID: PMC10872282, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111040.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNon-medication treatmentsRelative riskOpioid overdose deathsIncidence rateMOUD treatmentOverdose deathsOpioid use disorder treatmentResults Incidence ratesRetrospective cohort studyDifferent treatment modalitiesPopulation-level effortsUse disorder treatmentFatal opioid poisoningsCohort studyOpioid poisoningTreatment modalitiesConclusion ExposurePoisoning deathsFatal overdosesTreatment exposureDisorder treatmentDeathTreatmentMethadoneRiskCompensation and Pension Exams for Military Sexual Trauma–Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Examiner Perspectives, Clinical Impacts on Veterans, and Strategies
Webermann A, Nester M, Gianoli M, Black A, Rosen M, Mattocks K, Portnoy G. Compensation and Pension Exams for Military Sexual Trauma–Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Examiner Perspectives, Clinical Impacts on Veterans, and Strategies. Women's Health Issues 2023, 33: 428-434. PMID: 37003918, DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2023.02.002.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsVHA mental health careMental health carePosttraumatic stress disorderMilitary sexual traumaVeterans Benefits AdministrationClinical impactHealth careWomen veteransStress disorderSexual traumaPotential clinical impactCurrent psychosocial functioningThousands of veteransPsychotherapy referralsDiagnostic evaluationPsychosocial functioningDisability claimsPTSD symptomsVeteransCareTraumaExaminersExamDisordersExaminers’ responses
2022
Self-reported Use of Prescribed Buprenorphine Among US Adults With Nonmedical Use of Prescription Opioids Motivated by Pain
Buonora M, Sung M, Falker C, Black A, Becker W. Self-reported Use of Prescribed Buprenorphine Among US Adults With Nonmedical Use of Prescription Opioids Motivated by Pain. JAMA Network Open 2022, 5: e2241670. PMID: 36367731, PMCID: PMC9652749, DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.41670.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchDelphi study to explore a new diagnosis for “ineffective” long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain
Edmond S, Snow J, Pomeranz J, Van Cleve R, Black A, Compton P, Becker W. Delphi study to explore a new diagnosis for “ineffective” long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain. Pain 2022, 164: 870-876. PMID: 36448976, DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002783.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLong-term opioid therapyNew diagnostic entityDiagnostic criteriaPotential diagnostic criteriaDiagnostic entityOpioid therapyChronic painOpioid use disorderCertain patientsNew diagnosisUse disordersDelphi studyPainDisorder criteriaSubgroup of expertsRound 2PatientsTherapyThree-quartersRefining criteriaDelphi panelistsExpert panelistsSubgroupsLikert-type scaleRapid qualitative analysis
2021
Well-Being of Health Care Professionals Treating Opioid Use Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From a National Survey
Blevins D, Henry BF, Sung M, Edelman EJ, Black AC, Dawes M, Molfenter T, Hagle H, Drexler K, Cates-Wessel K, Levin FR. Well-Being of Health Care Professionals Treating Opioid Use Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From a National Survey. Psychiatric Services 2021, 73: 374-380. PMID: 34369804, PMCID: PMC8825878, DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100080.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMultilevel multivariate logistic regression modelsCOVID-19COVID-19 pandemicMultivariate logistic regression modelOpioid use disorderHealth care professionalsCross-sectional surveyLogistic regression modelsHealth care deliveryBoard certificationParticipants' demographic characteristicsHCP experiencesCOVID-19 surveyMale genderCare professionalsUse disordersClinical practiceStaff illnessCare deliveryOlder agePractice settingsMental distressDemographic characteristicsAge-related concernsNational survey
2018
Brief Counseling for Veterans with Musculoskeletal Disorder, Risky Substance Use, and Service Connection Claims
Rosen MI, Becker WC, Black AC, Martino S, Edens EL, Kerns RD. Brief Counseling for Veterans with Musculoskeletal Disorder, Risky Substance Use, and Service Connection Claims. Pain Medicine 2018, 20: 528-542. PMID: 29800338, PMCID: PMC6387983, DOI: 10.1093/pm/pny071.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRisky substance useMusculoskeletal disordersSubstance useMean pain severityCourse of illnessPain severity ratingsProportion of veteransScreening Brief InterventionCounseling armPain severityPain treatmentTAU conditionWeek 12Brief counselingEarly interventionOutcome assessmentBrief interventionStudy therapistsTelephone callsVeteransCounseling interventionCounselingInterventionSeverity ratingsDisorders