Presentation Synopsis
This educational presentation by the Opioid Remediation Collaborative (ORCNM) explores the historical context, key policy shifts, and current epidemiological landscape of opioid use disorder (OUD) in the United States, with a focus on New Mexico. It aims to help providers understand the evolution of the opioid crisis, recognize systemic challenges, and consider evidence-based strategies for treatment and prevention.
Learning Objectives
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Describe the historical evolution of opioid use and addiction in the United States, including key pharmaceutical developments, policy responses, and waves of opioid-related deaths.
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Understand the impact of policy decisions such as the Harrison Act, Controlled Substances Act, and CDC guidelines on opioid prescribing practices and patient outcomes.
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Identify the key drivers and characteristics of the current opioid epidemic, including the rise of synthetic opioids and their associated risks.
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Analyze epidemiological trends in opioid-related overdose deaths nationally and within New Mexico, including recent data showing changes in mortality rates.
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Recognize existing barriers to treatment for opioid use disorder, such as inequitable access, provider hesitancy, and structural limitations in MOUD availability.
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Discuss potential factors contributing to the recent decline in overdose deaths, and consider the implications for future treatment strategies and harm reduction efforts.