Redefining Recovery: NIAAA's New Approach to Alcohol Use Disorder
This definition views recovery as a process of behavioral change and an outcome, incorporating two key components of recovery: remission from DSM-5 AUD and cessation from heavy drinking, a non-abstinent recovery outcome.
What does it mean to truly recover from alcohol use disorder (AUD)? In this episode of 'This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM', the spotlight is on a groundbreaking definition developed by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Moving beyond the traditional view, this new definition sees recovery as both a journey and a destination. It highlights two main components: remission from DSM-5 AUD and reducing heavy drinking without necessarily achieving total abstinence.
The episode also stresses the role of overall well-being and life quality in the recovery process, offering a more holistic approach to understanding and measuring recovery. But that's not all. This episode is packed with other crucial updates in addiction medicine. Dive into an eye-opening study on benzodiazepine-involved overdose deaths, revealing startling statistics about the substances often mixed with benzodiazepines.
Explore the clinical features of acute cannabis intoxication and get insights into how psilocybin might change the game for treating depression. There's also an intriguing look at the use of diverted buprenorphine in opioid treatment networks. Listeners will find this episode invaluable for keeping up with the latest research and trends in addiction medicine. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a student, or someone personally affected by addiction, you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of these complex issues.
Plus, you'll learn about the positive impact of exercise on substance use disorder treatment and why addressing broader factors is essential for effective recovery. Tune in to gain a comprehensive view of these pressing topics and stay informed about the ever-evolving field of addiction medicine.