Addiction Psychiatry and the Opioid Crisis
Addiction psychiatry plays a pivotal role in addressing the opioid crisis, as it focuses on both the treatment of opioid use disorders and the development of harm-reduction strategies. By integrating clinical expertise and research, addiction psychiatrists contribute to the multidisciplinary efforts needed to combat this public health emergency. Recent research in addiction psychiatry underscores the effectiveness of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in reducing opioid cravings and overdose risk, highlighting its significance in combating the opioid crisis. Furthermore, studies emphasize the role of telehealth interventions for opioid use disorder, offering accessible treatment options and support to individuals in underserved areas. Additionally, investigations into the impact of fentanyl and its analogs reveal the urgency of novel prevention and harm-reduction strategies to address this rapidly evolving facet of the crisis. This session will discuss addiction psychiatry and its connection to the opioid crisis.