Lead Story: Concurrent use of opioids and stimulants and risk of fatal overdose: A cohort study

Lead Story: Concurrent use of opioids and stimulants and risk of fatal overdose: A cohort study

Ever wondered what happens when opioids and stimulants are used together? This episode of 'Addiction Medicine Unpacked' dives deep into a study that shows people using both have double the risk of fatal overdose compared to those using just opioids. It's a sobering look at how dangerous this combination can be. But that's not all you'll hear about. The episode also touches on various pressing issues in addiction medicine.

You'll learn about the challenges adolescents face in accessing medication for opioid use disorder and why prescribers are all for it while others hesitate. The conversation also covers take-home naloxone programs, which could be a game-changer for people leaving federal correctional facilities with an opioid use disorder. Wastewater analysis might sound odd, but it's proving to be a valuable tool for tracking drug use trends and identifying new psychoactive substances.

And if you've ever been puzzled by the complexities of gambling addiction, there's a segment on that too, exploring motivations beyond simple operant conditioning. Lastly, the episode looks at how opioid systems could be key in future antidepressant treatments. Packed with research and real-world implications, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the latest developments in addiction medicine.