I think this was an important episode and I appreciate hearing Katie's experience with Naltrexone. And pointing out how this is not something that is common amongst primary care providers to know much about or suggest.
The episode was not touted as a high-level, broad or comprehensive view on best ways to treat alcohol addiction. It was t…
I think this was an important episode and I appreciate hearing Katie's experience with Naltrexone. And pointing out how this is not something that is common amongst primary care providers to know much about or suggest.
The episode was not touted as a high-level, broad or comprehensive view on best ways to treat alcohol addiction. It was touted as a personal experience (and success!) with a tool that does not seem to be broadly used. In that regard, it was something to raise awareness and to help more people (both clinicians and people/patients) that this option exists and can be extremely useful for the right person.
This is just like other "addictions" or disordered relationship with a substance. obesity and weight loss a great example. Programs that help change habits are helpful and all that some people need. (and there are all kinds of programs and advice for weight loss). Others don't get the results needed with just advice or support. There are multiple medications to help with weight loss - again, each is a TOOL. The tool works for some people but not others. Semaglutide (GLP1 meds) being a newer tool that does happen to have even higher success rates. But - doesn't work for everyone. No tool does.
The thing I have noticed - opioid use disorder is the more high-profile addiction right now. Much focus, money, resources goes to this. I've wondered why we are not putting near as much effort and money into alcohol (on a state or federal level). All primary care doctors are encouraged to become prescribers of Suboxone - despite not having other supports available in their office to supplement the medication. The medication alone is helpful but seems a broader support network would be even more so. There has never been the same encouragement to take on MAT prescribing for alcoholism. There are cities where some in the medical community advocate for "safe centers" - places where opioid addicts can get clean needles and be allowed to use drugs with people just waiting to reverse the effects with Naloxone. This makes no sense to me, but there are many advocates that focus on this. Again, nobody suggesting these things for alcohol dependence. So, there is some different way that people who tend to focus on disenfranchised people and circumstances feel much more sympathy for "those experiencing opioid addiction" and not so much for alcoholics. That, to me, is an interesting thing overall.
I think this was an important episode and I appreciate hearing Katie's experience with Naltrexone. And pointing out how this is not something that is common amongst primary care providers to know much about or suggest.
The episode was not touted as a high-level, broad or comprehensive view on best ways to treat alcohol addiction. It was touted as a personal experience (and success!) with a tool that does not seem to be broadly used. In that regard, it was something to raise awareness and to help more people (both clinicians and people/patients) that this option exists and can be extremely useful for the right person.
This is just like other "addictions" or disordered relationship with a substance. obesity and weight loss a great example. Programs that help change habits are helpful and all that some people need. (and there are all kinds of programs and advice for weight loss). Others don't get the results needed with just advice or support. There are multiple medications to help with weight loss - again, each is a TOOL. The tool works for some people but not others. Semaglutide (GLP1 meds) being a newer tool that does happen to have even higher success rates. But - doesn't work for everyone. No tool does.
The thing I have noticed - opioid use disorder is the more high-profile addiction right now. Much focus, money, resources goes to this. I've wondered why we are not putting near as much effort and money into alcohol (on a state or federal level). All primary care doctors are encouraged to become prescribers of Suboxone - despite not having other supports available in their office to supplement the medication. The medication alone is helpful but seems a broader support network would be even more so. There has never been the same encouragement to take on MAT prescribing for alcoholism. There are cities where some in the medical community advocate for "safe centers" - places where opioid addicts can get clean needles and be allowed to use drugs with people just waiting to reverse the effects with Naloxone. This makes no sense to me, but there are many advocates that focus on this. Again, nobody suggesting these things for alcohol dependence. So, there is some different way that people who tend to focus on disenfranchised people and circumstances feel much more sympathy for "those experiencing opioid addiction" and not so much for alcoholics. That, to me, is an interesting thing overall.