Topic in Focus: Substance Use Disorders

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AMA Update

Rising cervical cancer rates and a new at-home screening test for cervical cancer

Jul 24, 2025 | 10 Min Read
Illustration of three physicians

6 reasons to join the AMA

1 Min Read
Clear Search
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7 Min Read

Helping patients by using prescription drug monitoring programs

Prescription drug monitoring programs can be an effective tool for helping patients. One physician uses his PDMP to inform treatment options and discuss safety issues with patients.

Behavioral Health
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6 Min Read

Pain expert: Judge the opioid treatment, not the patient

One pain expert urges re-conceptualizing chronic pain as a chronic disease. He uses a process to make the appropriate clinical judgment on whether or not opioids are the right course of treatment for each patient.

Behavioral Health
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7 Min Read

3 things physicians should do when treating pain

Physicians treating patients with acute or chronic pain can benefit from 3 suggestions: use state PDMPs to improve care; focus on the patient’s goals not just the pain; and talk about overdose risk.

Behavioral Health
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4 Min Read

Criminal justice reform can improve public health

Mass incarceration poses a threat to public health, fueling chronic disease and mental illness that physicians must address. Working for criminal justice reform can save money and lives.

Population Health
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5 Min Read

Physicians take steps to address opioid overdose epidemic

New policies adopted by the AMA address steps physicians can take to fight opioid overdose epidemic. Efforts cover the use of prescription drug monitoring programs; access to naloxone and adding addiction medicine as a sub-specialty.

Behavioral Health
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6 Min Read

The antidote: 3 things to consider when co-prescribing naloxone

How do you explain the safety benefits of co-prescribing naloxone to patients without the stigma that overdose carries? One physician shares three talking points that help open the discussion with patients.

Behavioral Health
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4 Min Read

3 steps for talking with patients about substance use disorder

Physicians who want to start a conversation about substance use face the issue of how to avoid stigmatizing the patient. Three suggestions offer a way to promote an effective patient-physician dialogue.

Behavioral Health
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6 Min Read

Physicians team up to treat addiction in rural areas

A distance learning model helps address substance abuse in rural and traditionally underserved areas. The program allows primary care physicians to get the input from colleagues and specialists on the call.

Behavioral Health
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6 Min Read

How to talk about substance use disorders with your patients

Physicians often struggle with how to open the conversation about substance abuse with patients. But it’s critical for patient safety that physicians discuss how to prevent misuse and overdose, and get treatment.

Behavioral Health