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Meet Dr. Kathryn A. Cunningham, Director of the UTMB Health Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics at The University of Texas Medical Branch. Substance use disorders (SUDs) pose a significant challenge, as they often damage brain function related to motivation and decision-making. While psychedelics like psilocybin have shown promise in helping with recovery, their risks—such as hallucinations and safety concerns—make them challenging to use widely. Dr. Cunningham is working on a solution that focuses on developing new compounds that similarly boost brain function but without harmful side effects. This approach could open up new, safer treatment options for those struggling with cocaine and stimulant addiction, areas where no approved medications currently exist. Welcome to #I4SUD2024, Dr. Cunningham! #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthInnovation #SubstanceUseDisorder #HealthcareSolutions #SUDTreatment

"I Didn't Truly Understand Opioid Addiction Until It Killed My Son." — Despite being a doctor, Dr. Lewis Nelson learned too late that substance use disorder is a treatable disease. Dr. Lewis Nelson, an emergency physician, reflects on his years of treating overdose patients and the stigma surrounding addiction. Despite his extensive medical training, he never learned that substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable disease until his own son, Macky, died from an opioid overdose. Dr. Nelson urges healthcare providers to treat addiction with empathy, understanding, and evidence-based care, emphasizing the need for compassion and support over judgment and punishment. He calls for better access to treatment and a shift in attitudes towards those struggling with addiction. Learn more by clicking the link below to read the entire article: https://lnkd.in/gNip-mGK

Questions about the management of stimulant use disorder? Check out this new practice guideline. Developed by AAAP and ASAM, this guideline focuses on the identification, diagnosis, treatment, and promotion of recovery for patients with stimulant use disorder, stimulant intoxication, and stimulant withdrawal. Available here: https://bit.ly/3JJ2nUb? For questions about treating stimulant use disorder, or any SUD, call MACS to speak with an addiction medicine consultant 1-855-337-MACS (6227) #AccessToCare

As we know neurodivergent people may be at a higher risk of drug and alcohol dependency than the general population despite this we are under-represented within drug and alcohol support services. How can substance use services be more accessible to neurodivergent clients? 1. It can be difficult for some of us to keep track of appointments despite our best efforts, a simple solution would be for services to send a series of automated messages leading up to an appointment. It may be beneficial to offer an array of reminders through different mediums so the client can chose what is going to work best for them. 2. In order to eleviate any anxiety we may have, many of us like to be given the opportunity to prepare for our appts, It may be helpful to tell your neurodivergent clients what you plan on discussing in their next appointment. Many of us need routine and consistency in order to stay regulated and we can struggle when plans are changed, it’s important to stick to plans as and where possible. It’s also important to ensure that any psychosocial interventions provided are clear, consise and given in a step by step format, use of metaphors/sayings etc can be difficult for us to understand as we tend to take what people say literally - this can lead to a breakdown of communication. 3. Waiting rooms can be daunting for neurodivergent people. Waiting rooms are often overstimulating and overwhelming which can lead to avoidance and a lack of engagement. Sensory friendly waiting rooms are a must. It’s also important to bare in mind that not all 1-1 rooms will be accessible for us. For example, different 1-1 rooms each appt may lead to distress, lights may be too bright, it may be too cold or too warm etc. 4. Finally, staff need to recieve regular neurodiversity training, from neurodivergent trainers. You get bonus points if they are also in recovery from addiction. I hope this helps!

🗓️ Day 19 of 30: The Role of Medication-Assisted Treatment 🗓️ Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a valuable tool in the recovery process for many individuals battling substance use disorders. It combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a comprehensive approach to treatment. 💊 How MAT Can Aid Recovery: Reduction of Cravings: MAT helps manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for individuals to focus on their recovery journey. Stabilization: Medications can stabilize brain chemistry, allowing individuals to regain a sense of normalcy and improve their overall well-being. Support for Long-term Recovery: MAT, when combined with counseling and support, enhances the chances of long-term recovery and reduces the risk of relapse. 🌟 Benefits of MAT: Enhanced Recovery Outcomes: Studies show that individuals using MAT have higher success rates in maintaining sobriety compared to those who do not use medication. Holistic Approach: MAT addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, providing a well-rounded treatment plan. Improved Quality of Life: By managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings, individuals can focus on rebuilding their lives and achieving personal goals. 🔍 Common Medications Used in MAT: Methadone: Used for opioid addiction, methadone helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Buprenorphine: Another medication for opioid dependence, buprenorphine offers similar benefits with a lower risk of misuse. Naltrexone: Used for both opioid and alcohol dependence, naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of substances. Remember, MAT is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's important to work with healthcare professionals to determine the best treatment plan for each individual. #MedicationAssistedTreatment #AddictionRecovery #MAT #SubstanceUseDisorder #RecoverySupport #MentalHealthAwareness #HolisticRecovery

A new program being implemented at seven ThedaCare Hospital Emergency Departments provides help and hope for those experiencing an opioid use disorder. The Overdose Response Protocol aims to help people safely recover from any level of inappropriate use of opioids such as fentanyl, heroin or oxycodone. “When a person comes to the Emergency Department, our teams take extra time to ask an additional question about that person’s opioid use during the intake screening,” Dr. Ezra Lyon, MD, Associate Medical Director for Integrative Addiction Treatment and Family Medicine Practitioner at ThedaCare Physicians-Waupaca explained. “We hope that by asking the question, we can connect with people who may be experiencing an opioid use disorder and make it easier for them to seek help.” If a person does respond to the question and it is determined they are experiencing an opioid use disorder, teams can encourage them to engage with the ThedaCare Overdose Response Protocol and get them started on a path to recovery. The Overdose Response Protocol works with people to get them into counseling immediately and prescribe medication if necessary. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gBSyyciu

Some people use kratom as self-medication for pain, opioid disorders, depression, and anxiety treatment. However, due to minimal scientific evidence, the FDA has not approved these uses. Moreover, DEA now warns that Kratom is addictive, and it is possible to develop tolerance and addiction to this substance. If you suspect substance abuse, please Call 844.445.2565. to explore your treatment options. You can also take our free addiction self-evaluation test for a quick analysis: https://lnkd.in/dU-y-zPh

Some people use kratom as self-medication for pain, opioid disorders, depression, and anxiety treatment. However, due to minimal scientific evidence, the FDA has not approved these uses. Moreover, DEA now warns that Kratom is addictive, and it is possible to develop tolerance and addiction to this substance. If you suspect substance abuse, please Call 844.445.2565. to explore your treatment options. You can also take our free addiction self-evaluation test for a quick analysis: https://lnkd.in/dU-y-zPh

I have gained extensive knowledge about the brain, particularly regarding addiction, medication, and the ongoing discourse about whether it's a disease or a choice through my addiction courses and training as a therapist. It's intriguing to delve into the intricacies of how the dorsolateral region, vital for decision-making, is influenced by the striatum, the area that drives attraction or compels someone to act. The midbrain, sends dopamine to the striatum, often gets what I refer to as "artificial dopamine" from drug dependency, leading to a decline in decision-making (prefrontal cortex/dorsolateral) and reinforcing the cycle of substance dependence. Once dopamine is sent to the striatum, the striatum eventually wants more dopamine (continuing the cycle). I'm still in the learning process, but it's fascinating! https://lnkd.in/gEHdAETM https://lnkd.in/gEHdAETM

Addiction is a debilitating disease that impacts millions of US adults each year. Recovering from addiction can be a journey filled with many ups and downs; however, there are several highly effective approaches, like mind-body medicine, that have helped many individuals safely and effectively achieve sobriety. Keep reading to learn more about what is mind body medicine, and how this approach can support you on your road to recovery. https://lnkd.in/gcwCYHn6