American Society of Addiction Medicine

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM

American Society of Addiction Medicine

  • Lead: Pregnancy and Postpartum Drug Overdose Deaths in the US Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Lead: Pregnancy and Postpartum Drug Overdose Deaths in the US Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Tuesday 5th December 2023

Uncover the alarming rise in overdose deaths among pregnant and postpartum women and explore cutting-edge research in addiction medicine.
6 minutes
Informative
Eye-opening
Thought-provoking
Empowering
Transformative

About this podcast

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM
Author:
American Society of Addiction Medicine
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Links:
Visit site
Rounded Button Dark
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Overdose: Unpacking the Hidden Crisis

Episode Overview

  • Highlights the concerning increase in overdose deaths among pregnant and postpartum women
  • Discusses the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on craving and state anxiety in tobacco use disorder
  • Explores the relationship of alcohol consumption with cardiovascular disease
  • Covers the use of nail clipping samples to assess substance exposures
  • Addresses the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists as a treatment for alcohol and substance use disorders
Our lead story this week in JAMA psychiatry is titled Pregnancy and Postpartum Drug Overdose Deaths in the U.S. Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. The study found that overdose deaths among pregnant and postpartum women consistently increased among those aged 10 to 44 years and more than tripled among those aged 35 to 44 years.
Have you ever wondered about the hidden dangers pregnant and postpartum women face in the realm of addiction? This episode of 'Addiction Medicine Unpacked' dives into a revealing study on the alarming rise in drug overdose deaths among pregnant and postpartum women in the U.S. from 2018 to 2021. The numbers are shocking: overdose deaths more than tripled among women aged 35 to 44 during this period.
What makes these deaths even more concerning is that nearly 75% occurred outside of healthcare settings, highlighting a critical gap in support and treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) in this vulnerable population. Host Claire Rasmussen doesn't stop there. She also brings to light various studies, including how transcranial magnetic stimulation might help reduce cravings and anxiety in tobacco users.
There's also an intriguing look at the relationship between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease, plus a novel method of assessing substance exposure through nail clipping samples. If you're interested in policy, there's a compelling editorial on drug decriminalization and an in-depth discussion on the molecular workings of opioid receptors.
The episode wraps up with a promising study on GLP-1 receptor agonists as potential treatments for alcohol and substance use disorders, though it emphasizes the need for more randomized control trials to confirm their safety and effectiveness. Whether you're a healthcare professional, someone touched by addiction, or just curious about the latest in addiction medicine, this episode offers a wealth of eye-opening information.