This article analyzes what the U.S. can learn from other countries’ approach to treating Substance Use Disorder. These lessons learned can help us as we move forward to solve the U.S. crisis.
Category: non-communicable diseases
Substance Use Disorder Treatment in Russia: a humanitarian crisis
8.5 million SUD patients, or 6% of Russian population, in 2013 were not getting the treatment they deserved. No doubt that by now that number has increased. This is a humanitarian crisis.
Substance Use Disorder Global Trends
Analyzing the U.S, Russia, France, and Portugal’s approach to Substance Use Disorder treatment Programs.
Why All the Stigma Around Opioid Use Disorder?
Stigma is a barrier for Opioid Use Treatment programs. We will not solve the Opioid Crisis until we educate our healthcare workforce in empathetic-compassionate communication, population-specific deescalation, and self-awareness of perceptions and biases.
Colorado and Opioids–a holistic approach
When it comes to solving the Opioid Crisis Colorado is progressive and innovative. Its approach is multidisciplinary, takes into account the social determinants of health, provides a structured and dynamic approach to family support, improves access to care, educates medical professionals on Opioid use reduction, and campaigns to reduce stigma in healthcare and the community.
Visualize the U.S. Opioid Crisis
Graphics to visualize the U.S. Opioid Crisis
Video–Your Brain on Opioids
This short video explains the biological mechanism of Opioid addiction Source National Geographics. (2017, November 23). This Is What Happens … More
Muito Bom–Portugal’s Approach to Treating Substance Use Disorders
Portugal’s approach to treating substance use disorders champions a multidisciplinary medical and judicial approach, stigma-free care, and support that addresses the social determinants of health.
France–Managing the Opioid Crisis
In contrast to the U.S., France places no restrictions on medical doctors prescribing Buprenorphine, no matter their specialty. No additional education is required because it is treated just like any other medicine. This means that primary care doctors can be a resource for patients with substance use disorders, even those in remote locations.
How is the U.S. Dealing with the Opioid Crisis?
Opioid Use Disorder falls under the classification of NonCommunicable Diseases. This epidemic started from the misuse of prescription Opioids. The numbers are staggering. Where are we at in the U.S. and what can be done?