Opioid Use Disorder and Harm Reduction in the Era of Poly-Substance Use-View Presentation

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Video Summary

In this webinar moderated by Dr. Andrew Saxon, featuring Dr. Christine Torres-Lockhart, the focus was on opioid use disorder treatment, harm reduction, and addressing polysubstance use. Funding for the initiative was provided by SAMHSA, and the webinar offered continuing medical education credits. The presentation emphasized the importance of patient-centered language to reduce stigma around addiction, with a call to shift away from stigmatizing terms. Dr. Torres-Lockhart discussed the epidemiology of the overdose crisis, emphasizing the role of psychostimulants alongside opioids in driving fatalities. Practical harm reduction strategies were highlighted, including overdose prevention, safe injection practices, and naloxone distribution. Evidence-based treatments for opioid use disorder, such as buprenorphine and methadone, were also discussed, with a focus on initiating these medications safely to avoid precipitated withdrawal. The presentation also touched on approaches to addressing stimulant use disorders in individuals with opioid use disorder, advocating for evidence-based pharmacological treatments and harm reduction measures. Overall, the webinar underscored the importance of addressing substance use disorders with a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to reduce stigma and improve outcomes.

Keywords

opioid use disorder treatment

harm reduction

polysubstance use

SAMHSA funding

patient-centered language

overdose crisis epidemiology

psychostimulants and opioids

harm reduction strategies

evidence-based treatments

stimulant use disorders