Methamphetamine and Opioid Overdose: A Rural Crisis Unpacked
I think the only kind of, I would say, bad apples I've seen in addiction medicine is, and certainly I've seen a rise in some of the fee-for-service doctors that clearly are just trying to make a profit off of people's recovery.
What’s driving the surge in methamphetamine and opioid overdoses in rural communities? Dr. Sonya Del Tredici and Dr. John Keenan dive into this pressing issue in this episode of 'Addiction Medicine Journal Club'. They dissect a study titled 'Association of Methamphetamine and Opioid Use with Nonfatal Overdose in Rural Communities', published in JAMA Network Open.
The discussion covers the unique challenges faced by rural areas, including the characteristics of methamphetamine users and the critical need for naloxone and fentanyl test strips. The episode doesn’t stop there. Drs. Del Tredici and Keenan also emphasize the importance of building a supportive community in addiction medicine. They share resources like the ASAM Connect Addiction Medicine Doctors Facebook group and the ASAM annual meeting, offering listeners practical ways to engage and support each other.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone grappling with addiction issues, particularly in underserved rural areas.