Alcohol and opiate misuse in adults with cystic fibrosis

Background International consensus statements on depression and anxiety in adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis (awCF) recommend assessment for comorbid substance misuse. However, at CF centers, the frequency and impact of substance misuse have not been well characterized, and best practices for prevention, identification, and evidence‐based treatment have not been routinely implemented. Methods Medical records of 148 awCF over 3 years were reviewed to determine the prevalence of substance misuse (alcohol or opiates) and its relationship with clinical variables and healthcare utilization. Independent sample t test for continuous outcomes and χ2 test for binary outcomes were used to compare groups with and without substance misuse. Results Substance misuse was documented in 28 (19%) awCF, equally distributed between alcohol (n = 13) and opiates (n = 15). Adults with substance misuse were more likely to be male. The prevalence of diagnosed anxiety and depression did not differ significantly between groups, but those with substance misuse had more severe anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 Item [GAD‐7]: 10.0 ± 6.1 vs. 3.3 ± 4.4; p