Johns Hopkins Medicine
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Readily available treatment is important for opioid addiction, Elizabeth Tracey reports
Readily available treatment is important for opioid addiction, Elizabeth Tracey reports
Readily available treatment is important for opioid addiction, Elizabeth Tracey reports
Monday 30th September 2024
Eric Strain discusses improvements in opioid addiction treatment access and the challenges of patient retention in this episode.
1 minute
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Johns Hopkins Medicine
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Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Get the buttons here!Opioid Addiction: Treatment Access and Challenges
Episode Overview
- Opioid addiction continues to be a significant public health problem.
- Access to treatment is improving, particularly in emergency departments.
- High dropout rates from buprenorphine treatment are a major challenge.
- Methadone may be a better alternative for some patients due to its pharmacologic profile.
- Ongoing efforts are needed to support patients and improve retention in treatment programs.
The big problem is a lot of people drop out of treatment, especially with buprenorphine.
Opioid addiction remains a massive public health issue, with new synthetic opioids adding fuel to the fire. But there's a glimmer of hope - treatment access is improving. In this episode, Elizabeth Tracey talks with Eric Strain, a substance use disorder expert at Johns Hopkins, about the strides being made and the challenges that persist. Strain shares that emergency departments (EDs) are getting better at guiding patients with opioid abuse or dependence toward treatment options like buprenorphine.
However, he points out a significant hurdle: a high dropout rate from treatment programs, particularly with buprenorphine, where around 50% of patients drop out within six months. Strain suggests that methadone might be a more suitable alternative for those with high levels of physical dependence or tolerance due to its different pharmacologic profile. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the current landscape of opioid addiction treatment and the ongoing efforts to improve patient outcomes.
Don't miss out on these crucial insights and reflections on how we can better support those struggling with opioid addiction.