Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD
Dr. Paula Cook and Dr. Darlene Petersen
Primary Care for People with Substance Use Disorders
Primary Care for People with Substance Use Disorders
Primary Care for People with Substance Use Disorders
Tuesday 21st September 2021
Drs. Petersen and Cook explore primary care for substance use disorders, focusing on treatment, risk reduction, and creating a compassionate space.
Explicit
40 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Compassionate
Supportive
Transformative
About this podcast
Author:
Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Family Recovery from Addiction
Links:
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Episodes:
98 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Navigating Primary Care for Patients with Substance Use Disorders: Insights from The Addiction Files
As a primary care physician you have an opportunity to prevent them from contracting some of these terrible infections resulting from their use.
When dealing with substance use disorders, primary care can be a minefield of unique medical challenges. Dr. Darlene Petersen and Dr. Paula Cook dive into this complex topic in 'The Addiction Files'. They discuss how to recognize and treat co-occurring medical conditions, reduce the risks associated with substance use, and prevent related harms. The episode sheds light on the psychological and emotional barriers that often prevent patients from seeking primary care, such as stigma and medical discrimination.
The doctors emphasize the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space for patients, ensuring they feel comfortable accessing the treatments they need. Dr. Petersen and Dr. Cook also offer practical advice on preventing substance-induced harms, like infections from drug use. They stress the need for educating patients on safe injection practices and providing access to clean syringes. The episode also covers monitoring and treating hepatitis C among affected patients.
Beyond physical health, the doctors address psychiatric comorbidities that often accompany substance use disorders, urging primary care physicians to be vigilant and compassionate. For those in the medical field, this episode is a treasure trove of evidence-based practices and practical tips. It's about more than just treating addiction; it's about transforming the way we approach these patients, offering them dignity and understanding. Tune in to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of those battling addiction.