ORN Fall 2023 - Update on the U.S. Overdose Crisis: Which drugs, who is dying, and how do we save lives?-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this webinar, Dr. Chelsea Shover discusses the current overdose crisis in the US. She highlights the different waves of the crisis, such as the increase in deaths involving prescription opioids, the rise in heroin overdoses, and the emergence of fentanyl-related deaths. She also discusses the more recent trend of fentanyl combined with stimulants or benzodiazepines. Dr. Shover emphasizes the need for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies to address the overdose crisis. Primary prevention includes investing in communities, treating comorbidities, and providing education on harm reduction. Secondary prevention involves evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders, decriminalization, and addressing stigma. Tertiary prevention focuses on preventing overdose deaths through the use of naloxone, medical care, and harm reduction strategies. Dr. Shover also discusses the racial and ethnic disparities in overdose deaths, with rates among black and African-American individuals surpassing those of white non-Hispanics in recent years. She emphasizes the need for targeted prevention and treatment efforts for different demographic groups. Additionally, Dr. Shover highlights the importance of drug checking and safe injection sites in preventing overdose deaths. She concludes by discussing the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the overdose crisis and saving lives.

Keywords

overdose crisis

prescription opioids

heroin overdoses

fentanyl-related deaths

primary prevention

secondary prevention

tertiary prevention

racial disparities

targeted prevention

safe injection sites