The 2023-2024 Presidential Initiative: Confronting Addiction from Prevention to Recovery-View Presentation

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The American Psychiatric Association (APA) launched a year-long Presidential Initiative focusing on addiction, an area previously underexplored in APA's presidential endeavors. Developed by President Dr. Livonis and led by Dr. Smita Das, the initiative's primary goals were to dispel myths around addiction and emphasize that treatment exists, is accessible, safe, and effective. The initiative was divided into four mini-campaigns focusing on vaping, opioids, alcohol, and technology-related addictions.<br /><br />The vaping campaign, led by Dr. Tawhid Zaman, addressed misconceptions that vaping is non-addictive and safe. It emphasized the health risks associated with vaping, especially among youth, and promoted FDA-approved cessation tools. The campaign involved public outreach through animated videos and social media, achieving over 53 million impressions.<br /><br />Dr. Leif Fenno led the opioid campaign, promoting the life-saving potential of naloxone and the benefits of medications like buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. The campaign sought to clarify regulatory changes, encouraging providers to employ evidence-based treatments.<br /><br />The alcohol campaign, led by Dr. Jeremy Kidd, coincided with the holiday season and Dry January, advocating for reflection on personal alcohol use and its impacts. It aimed to normalize conversations around alcohol use and highlight available treatments.<br /><br />Dr. James Scherer spearheaded the technology addiction campaign, increasing awareness of technology's addictive potential and providing tools for assessing and managing these addictions.<br /><br />The initiative involved collaboration with multiple professional organizations to create consensus guidelines, producing significant outreach with nearly 4 billion audience impressions. Future efforts include leveraging the initiative's deliverables, such as explainer videos and strategic partnerships, to continue spreading awareness and fostering addiction treatment advocacy.

Keywords

American Psychiatric Association

addiction

Presidential Initiative

vaping

opioids

alcohol

technology addiction

Dr. Livonis

Dr. Smita Das

naloxone

treatment advocacy