Lead Story: Receipt of Telehealth Services for OUD

Lead Story: Receipt of Telehealth Services for OUD

Ever wondered how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped addiction treatment? This episode of 'Addiction Medicine Unpacked' dives into a groundbreaking study from JAMA Psychiatry that explores the rise of telehealth services for opioid use disorder (OUD) during the pandemic. The findings are eye-opening: telehealth services for OUD jumped from 0.6% pre-pandemic to a whopping 20% during the crisis. Not only did this increase accessibility, but it also boosted medication retention rates and reduced medically treated overdoses.

The episode discusses why these emergency measures might need to become permanent fixtures in addiction treatment. But that's not all. The podcast also covers a range of other crucial topics. From transitioning patients with sickle cell disease from chronic opioid therapy to buprenorphine, to the importance of urine drug screening during labor, and even the implications of cannabis use among youth at high risk for psychosis.

It's a treasure trove of information for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in the latest trends in addiction medicine. What makes this episode stand out is its blend of technical studies and real-world applications. Hosted by experts from the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the discussions are both informative and accessible.

So, if you're looking to stay updated on how the pandemic has influenced addiction treatment or want to learn about innovative harm reduction strategies, this episode is a must-listen.