PCSS-MAUD Webinar: Co-Occurring Alcohol and Stimulant Use-Slide Materials

Slide Materials

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The webinar "Co-Occurring Alcohol and Stimulant Use," presented by Justin Alves and hosted by the Providers Clinical Support System - Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (PCSS-MAUD), focused on the co-use of alcohol with various stimulants. The initiative aimed to enhance the ability of healthcare professionals to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD), supported by funding from SAMHSA.<br /><br />The session covered the interactions and health risks associated with alcohol when combined with stimulants like caffeine, methamphetamines, cocaine, and MDMA, each having its own agenda section. For example, alcohol and caffeine mixes (AMEDs) can lead to negative health outcomes such as dehydration and increased cardiac arrhythmias, while the combination of alcohol and methamphetamines is linked to a higher risk of suicidal ideation.<br /><br />The webinar highlighted unique medical risks and proposed evidence-based treatments for these dual-substance disorders. Recommendations included using medications for AUD like naltrexone, evaluating cardiac health, and employing strategies like motivational interviewing and contingency management to reduce stimulant use. Harm reduction approaches emphasized educating patients on safer use, regulating caffeine concentration in energy drinks, and improving access to hydration stations.<br /><br />Policy considerations were also discussed, focusing on the need for better access to treatment, insurance reforms to reduce barriers to care, and increasing research to better understand and treat co-use scenarios effectively. A particular concern was structural racism's impact on accessing treatment, emphasizing tailored interventions for vulnerable populations.<br /><br />Overall, the webinar underscored the complex interaction between alcohol and stimulants, demonstrating the necessity for comprehensive treatment strategies and regulatory considerations to mitigate this growing public health issue.

Keywords

alcohol use disorder

stimulant co-use

health risks

evidence-based treatments

motivational interviewing

contingency management

harm reduction

policy considerations

structural racism

public health