DEA Addiction Medicine Essentials-263576

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Steve Wyatt, an addiction psychiatrist, discusses opioid use disorder and its treatment as part of the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine's course. He starts by explaining the historical context of opioids and their long-standing issues, noting increased opioid prescribing from the 1990s led to opioid addiction and overdoses. Opioids function through receptors in the brain, mainly the Mu receptor which is linked with analgesia, euphoria, and addiction. Other receptors, Kappa and Delta, also play roles. <br /><br />Dr. Wyatt stresses the importance of recognizing genetic predispositions and other factors like early trauma and mental health disorders that could contribute to opioid addiction. The chronic pain’s role in changing brain physiology and behavior is also discussed.<br /><br />For treatment, a combination of medical interventions and psychosocial support is recommended. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone help manage addiction, and their proper use depends on the patient's history and current condition. Methadone and buprenorphine are agonists that reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while naltrexone blocks opioids' effects and is suitable for those aiming for complete cessation of opioid use.<br /><br />Additionally, Dr. Wyatt emphasizes the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies, like naloxone, to prevent overdose deaths. Addressing opioid use disorder in adolescents and within the criminal justice system is crucial, as both groups are at high risk for significant complications without proper treatment continuity. Effective opioid management, therefore, requires a balance between medication, behavioral therapy, and community support to improve treatment retention and outcomes.

Keywords

opioid use disorder

addiction psychiatrist

American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine

opioid prescribing

Mu receptor

genetic predispositions

chronic pain

methadone

buprenorphine

naltrexone

harm reduction strategies

naloxone

treatment retention