73. Long-Term Opioid Use After a First Prescription

73. Long-Term Opioid Use After a First Prescription

What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this episode of the Addiction Medicine Journal Club, Dr. Sonya Del Tredici and Dr. John Keenan tackle the pressing issue of long-term opioid use following an initial prescription. They dissect a study from the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence, highlighting the risks associated with first-time opioid prescriptions and how these can lead to extended use.

The episode takes a critical look at the influence of prescription characteristics and the broader implications for medical practice. Alongside the main topic, the hosts explore the newly released dietary guidelines and their controversial stance on alcohol consumption. The guidelines have stirred quite a debate, with notable mentions of Dr. Oz's comments that have left many questioning the data—or lack thereof—supporting alcohol reduction.

The discussion doesn't stop there; listeners are also introduced to Canada's drug decriminalisation project, which is drawing to a close. This segment provides a fascinating insight into public policy and its impact on addiction treatment. With a mix of humour and expertise, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in addiction medicine or simply curious about how current policies shape our health decisions. Are we doing enough to curb opioid addiction?

And what role does alcohol really play in our health guidelines? Dive into this thought-provoking conversation and find out.