Opioid Addiction (March/April)

Date of Issue: 03/01/2016 | Volume: 4 | Number: 2

Issue Links:Learning Objectives | Editorial Information

Opioid Addiction is pervasive these days, and in this issue we cover what you'll need to know in order to treat patients presenting with this substance use disorder. We have information on using a "harm reduction" approach in prescribing naloxone, describe the process of buprenorphine induction, and talk about strategies using motivational interviewing as part of the approach.

In This Issue

Article

How to Treat Opiate Use Disorders

Topics: Addiction | Free Articles | Practice Tools and Tips | Psychopharmacology Tips

Opiate use disorder is increasingly common, and it is important to develop a systematic approach for treating it. In this article, I will discuss some of the more important elements of treatment, starting with the need to address patients’ denial and moving on to some of the nitty gritty aspects of medication-assisted treatment.

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Expert Q&A

Naloxone and the Harm Reduction Approach

Topics: Addiction | Practice Tools and Tips | Psychopharmacology Tips

Eliza Wheeler gives her insight into harm reduction as a model for practicing public health that seeks to provide services in a nonjudgmental way. Harm reduction seeks behavior change while acknowledging the need to meet a person where they are—especially in their particular journey through substance use. Abstinence is not a prerequisite for treatment or a condition that someone must meet to receive services.

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