Lead Story: Association of Co-Prescribing of Opioid and Benzodiazepine Substitutes With Incident Falls and Fracture

Lead Story: Association of Co-Prescribing of Opioid and Benzodiazepine Substitutes With Incident Falls and Fracture

Imagine juggling chronic pain and anxiety, only to find out that the medications meant to help might be increasing your risk of falls and fractures. This episode of 'Addiction Medicine Unpacked' takes a deep dive into a revealing cohort study that examines the effects of co-prescribing opioid and benzodiazepine substitutes among older adults.

The study, which analyzed data from nearly 48,000 Medicare enrollees, found that opioids combined with gabapentinoids posed a greater risk of falls and fractures than the more commonly discussed opioids and benzodiazepines. And if three or more of these medications are used together? The risk skyrockets. Clinicians may need to rethink the sedative effects of gabapentinoids to better protect their patients. But that's not all this episode covers.

You'll also hear about rising rates of stimulant use and related emergency incidents in Massachusetts, trends in cigarette smoking among adults with substance use disorders, and the latest on psychological interventions for gambling problems. Plus, get insights into emerging substances, dopamine supersensitivity, and the risks tied to psychedelic and MDMA-assisted therapies. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a caregiver, or someone navigating the complexities of addiction medicine, this episode offers crucial information and thought-provoking discussions to keep you informed.