American Society of Addiction Medicine

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM

American Society of Addiction Medicine

  • Special Episode: ASAM Clinical Considerations: Buprenorphine Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder

Special Episode: ASAM Clinical Considerations: Buprenorphine Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder

Thursday 31st August 2023

Join Dr. Melissa Weimer and Bob Davis as they discuss buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder, focusing on clinical strategies and patient safety.
17 minutes
Hopeful
Informative
Empowering
Supportive
Inspiring

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
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Dr. Melissa Weimer on Buprenorphine: A Lifeline for Opioid Use Disorder

Episode Overview

  • Dr. Melissa Weimer provides insights into individualized buprenorphine initiation strategies based on clinical settings and patient preferences.
  • Strategies for addressing patient discomfort during buprenorphine initiation and the importance of stabilization for long-term treatment success are discussed.
  • The potential benefits of injectable extended-release buprenorphine and considerations for individuals struggling with sublingual formulations are explored.
  • The impact of novel drug adulterants on buprenorphine treatment and potential OUD treatment alternatives after unsuccessful attempts are highlighted.
  • The episode concludes with Dr. Weimer's powerful message on the significance of increasing access to evidence-based treatments for OUD.
We need to do whatever we can to arm ourselves, our patients, families, communities with education, information, knowledge, and hope that there are safe, effective, life-saving treatments for opioid use disorder that can prevent overdose.
Ever wondered how doctors tackle the complexities of opioid addiction? This episode dives deep with Dr. Melissa Weimer, a leading expert in substance use disorder treatment. She sits down with Bob Davis to share her wealth of knowledge on buprenorphine, a medication that's been a game-changer in treating opioid use disorder (OUD). Dr. Weimer breaks down the nitty-gritty of starting patients on buprenorphine, managing their comfort, and fine-tuning doses for stabilization.
She also explores the benefits of injectable extended-release buprenorphine and how it fits into the broader treatment landscape. With the rise of high-potency synthetic opioids and stimulants complicating the drug supply, Dr. Weimer offers practical solutions and alternative treatments to keep patients safe. Her conversation is not just about the science; it's a call to action for increasing access to evidence-based treatments to save lives.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, someone affected by addiction, or just curious about modern addiction medicine, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights.