American Society of Addiction Medicine

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM

American Society of Addiction Medicine

  • Lead: Practice-Based Guidelines: Buprenorphine in the Age of Fentanyl

Lead: Practice-Based Guidelines: Buprenorphine in the Age of Fentanyl

Tuesday 30th May 2023

Learn about semaglutide's potential in treating alcohol use disorder and other key updates in addiction medicine in this episode of 'Addiction Medicine Unpacked'.
7 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Hopeful
Supportive
Transformative

About this podcast

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM
Author:
American Society of Addiction Medicine
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Breaking Down Barriers: Semaglutide's Potential in Treating Alcohol Use Disorder

Episode Overview

  • Semaglutide shows promise in reducing alcohol use through GABA modulation.
  • Opioid prescriptions decreased by 32%, while buprenorphine increased by 36% from 2016 to 2021.
  • Neuropsychological performance improves during opioid abstinence, with executive function showing significant improvement after eight weeks.
  • Obesity and tobacco use disorder may influence the development of substance use disorders and psychiatric conditions.
  • Alcohol anonymous involvement is related to better outcomes in patients with alcohol use disorder.
The proposed mechanism for the effect of semaglutide on reducing alcohol use is modulation of central GABA neurotransmission, suggesting its potential as a key pharmacotherapeutic target for alcohol use disorder.
Imagine a medication that could reduce alcohol consumption and support recovery from addiction. In this episode of 'Addiction Medicine Unpacked', the spotlight is on semaglutide, a GLP-1 analogue that shows promise in cutting down binge drinking and aiding those with alcohol dependence. Listeners will dive into the fascinating findings from recent studies involving mice and rat models, revealing how semaglutide impacts central GABA neurotransmission to curb alcohol intake. But that's just the beginning.
The episode also takes a deep look at changes in opioid and buprenorphine prescriptions, the neurophysiological effects of opioid abstinence, and the complex relationships between obesity, tobacco use disorder, and substance use disorders. Additionally, you'll hear about the vital role of concerned others in patient substance use, fentanyl's pharmacokinetics, and a comparison between buprenorphine and methadone for treating opioid dependence.
Wrapping up with evolving strategies for managing opioid withdrawal in the U.S., this episode is packed with evidence-based insights and practical takeaways for anyone interested in addiction medicine. Whether you're a healthcare professional, someone affected by addiction, or simply curious about the latest in addiction treatment, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and thought-provoking discussions.
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