7847 Everything You Wanted to Know About Substance Use Disorders (But Were Afraid to Ask)-Slides

Slides

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The document is an educational presentation by Dr. Jaimie P. Meyer about Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), emphasizing the opioid crisis, treatment, and best practices in managing and preventing these disorders. Key points include the role of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funded Opioid Response Network (ORN) in providing local resources and technical assistance for opioid and stimulant use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery.<br /><br />The presentation encourages the use of non-stigmatizing language to respect individuals with SUDs. It defines SUDs as a chronic, treatable brain disease characterized by cycles of relapse. Dopamine neurotransmission and stages of addiction are briefly discussed to explain the neurobiological basis.<br /><br />The presentation elaborates on the varied impact of SUDs on individuals and communities, with a focus on the high mortality rates related to drug overdose, particularly due to substances like fentanyl and xylazine. Xylazine, known as "tranq," when combined with fentanyl, poses severe health risks and complexities in overdose management, highlighting the necessity of naloxone for opioid overdoses despite its ineffectiveness on xylazine.<br /><br />Treatment strategies for SUDs are outlined, including evidence-based behavioral therapies, pharmacological management, and addressing the social determinants of health. Medications like Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone are discussed alongside their pros and cons. Methadone is noted for its structured setting effectiveness, while Buprenorphine offers convenience but risks diversion. Naltrexone's once-monthly regimen is effective in reducing cravings for both alcohol and opioids.<br /><br />A segment on harm reduction emphasizes pragmatic approaches like syringe services, overdose prevention tools, and the importance of reducing health consequences for those who continue to use substances despite treatment. The presentation concludes with a focus on trauma-responsive care and the importance of creating a safe, trust-building environment that empowers patients through integrated services and collaboration. <br /><br />Participants are encouraged to engage actively and respectfully and are provided instructions on accessing further educational materials and evaluations.

Keywords

Substance Use Disorders

Opioid Crisis

Treatment

SAMHSA

Opioid Response Network

Harm Reduction

Naloxone

Behavioral Therapies

Pharmacological Management

Trauma-Responsive Care