Release Date
Geography
Language of Resource
Full Text Available
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
Peer Reviewed
Objective
The number of overdose deaths since 1999 has steadily increased in large part due to the presence of synthetic opioids in the US drug supply. Most individuals meeting DSM-5 criteria for an illegal drug or alcohol use disorder do not receive specialized/formal treatment, yet emergency department visits and hospitalization rates have doubled due to opioid-related complications. The current landscape will require coordinated treatment options that are attentive to the specialized needs of opioid use disorders and substance use disorders at large.
Findings/Key points
This article reviews treatment options and the state of specialized education and training in addiction medicine. We share perspectives from an ongoing Chicago-based addiction medicine training program. Future steps for training, focusing on community-based opportunities to enhance the learning experience and improve patient health outcomes, are also presented.
