Yale University

Reducing the health consequences of opioid addiction in primary care.

TitleReducing the health consequences of opioid addiction in primary care.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsBowman, Sarah, Julie Eiserman, Leo Beletsky, Sharon Stancliff, and Douglas R. Bruce
JournalThe American journal of medicine
Volume126
Issue7
Pagination565-71
Date Published2013 Jul
ISSN1555-7162
AbstractAddiction to prescription opioids is prevalent in primary care settings. Increasing prescription opioid use is largely responsible for a parallel increase in overdose nationally. Many patients most at risk for addiction and overdose come into regular contact with primary care providers. Lack of routine addiction screening results in missed treatment opportunities in this setting. We reviewed the literature on screening and brief interventions for addictive disorders in primary care settings, focusing on opioid addiction. Screening and brief interventions can improve health outcomes for chronic illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. Similarly, through the use of screening and brief interventions, patients with addiction can achieve improved health outcome. A spectrum of low-threshold care options can reduce the negative health consequences among individuals with opioid addiction. Screening in primary care coupled with short interventions, including motivational interviewing, syringe distribution, naloxone prescription for overdose prevention, and buprenorphine treatment are effective ways to manage addiction and its associated risks and improve health outcomes for individuals with opioid addiction.
DOI10.1016/j.amjmed.2012.11.031
Alternate JournalAm. J. Med.

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