Our recent peer-reviewed study found that PST dependance can be treated effectively with our care model.
Opioid use disorder primarily affects those with a dependence on prescription opioids, heroin or fentanyl. Despite these substances being the “standard” substances that cause OUD, they aren’t the only. A growing subset of opiates that can be obtained legally are creating more patients with OUD. Chief among these are unwashed poppy seeds used to make poppy seed tea (PST).
Over the last year, we’ve seen a growing number of patients with PST dependance, but are encouraged to report that these patients have had success with our treatment methods. We recently conducted a study to understand the impact of our treatment methods on these patients. The study analyzed 18 patients treated for primary PST use disorder via Bicycle Health’s telehealth-based treatment model. These patients were treated with buprenorphine, a medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) utilized to prevent withdrawal symptoms and opioid cravings. This represents the largest case series of patients in the US with PST use disorder and the first to describe its treatment in the telehealth environment.
The results were promising:
PST is a subtle, but dangerous, foe. Taken in large quantities, it can lead to overdose and even death. In fact, reports to poison control centers and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration indicated at least 591 exposures and 19 U.S. deaths associated with poppy consumption between 2000 and 2018. To date, the seeds are relatively easy to procure, making way for ease of misuse for people with OUD. There is some movement on the legislative front (namely in Alabama) to ban the sale of the seeds, but, to date, no legislation has been passed.
Some turn to this tea not simply because it’s legal to obtain, but also under the guise that it’s a more holistic approach to pain management. One recent study found that a 65-year old man with a history of alcohol dependance began using PST as a pain management method after his doctor stopped prescribing him pain medication only to find he became dependent. The effective treatment for this man was buprenorphine.
At Bicycle, our treatment for OUD does not discriminate because OUD does not discriminate. As various forms of opioids enter the market and begin to cause dependance, we are committed to utilizing our treatment model for all patients to achieve long-term, stable recovery. We are encouraged that telehealth-based MOUD is extremely effective for the many causes of OUD, including PST.
To read our full study on the positive impact of our treatment methods on patients with PST use disorder click here.
