Director of Addiction Medicine Sierra Tucson Tucson, Arizona
Session Description: In the 12 months leading up to April 2021, more than 100,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States - a 28% increase from the prior year - and it is estimated over 75% of these deaths were from opioids. Medications for opioid use disorder including methadone, buprenorphine and XR-naltrexone are associated with lower rates of overdose, mortality, and drug use. These medications also improve retention in treatment and quality of life. Notwithstanding this therapy's evidence, barriers continue to exist for patients. This presentation will discuss the barriers patients face while accessing opioid use disorder treatment as well as the social, psychological, and biologic interventions that overcome these barriers and improve retention. Particular attention will be given to update participants on novel advances made in recent years including buprenorphine microinductions, integrated interdisciplinary models, low threshold treatment approaches, and alternative treatment initiation settings (primary care, emergency room, syringe service programs, and telehealth).
Learning Objectives:
After this activity participants should be able to
Identify patients who will benefit from buprenorphine microinduction and prescribe and educate appropriately
Establish local and community pathways for opioid use disorder treatment and lower barriers for medication for opioid use disorder.
Identify local barriers that prevent patients from accessing opioid use disorder treatment and utilize an interdisciplinary team to address barriers.
