Treating Substance Use Disorders Along the Continuum of Care

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimates 49 million Americans, aged 12 years or older, have a substance use disorder. As fewer than 6% of these people receive any treatment at all, it is essential that PAs from all disciplines engage in identification and treatment of substance use disorders. In this session, the faculty will address specific substances such as alcohol, stimulants, opioids, benzodiazepines, and marijuana; discuss the morbidity and mortality associated with substance use disorders; and describe how to educate and engage people in treatment. Different substances create unique withdrawal syndromes, and each has a specific treatment. We will describe the most up to date treatments, rooted in evidence-based practices and address ways to incorporate this into everyday practice across different practice settings.