Monitoring drug use trends through wastewater analysis in Washington State
Drug Consumption Trends and Take Back Program Indicators: A wastewater-based approach in Washington State
This study looks at how much illegal drugs and prescription opioids people are using in six cities in Washington by testing wastewater over three years, to see if a program that encourages people to return unused medications is helping reduce drug abuse and pollution.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Puget Sound NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tacoma, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10046299 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates drug consumption trends, particularly focusing on illicit drugs and prescription opioids, by analyzing wastewater samples from six cities in Washington State over three years. The study coincides with a statewide drug take-back program aimed at reducing prescription opioid abuse and minimizing environmental contamination. By measuring specific drugs and their metabolites in wastewater, researchers aim to assess the effectiveness of the take-back program and improve population-level drug consumption estimates. This innovative approach utilizes data from the 2020 census to enhance the accuracy of the findings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are residents of the six cities in Washington State where wastewater samples are being collected.
Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in the targeted cities or who are not affected by prescription opioid use may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective strategies for reducing prescription opioid abuse and improving public health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel as it represents the first statewide initiative of its kind in the nation, although wastewater analysis has been used in other contexts to monitor drug use.
Where this research is happening
Tacoma, United States
- University of Puget Sound — Tacoma, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burgard, Dan — University of Puget Sound
- Study coordinator: Burgard, Dan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.