Around the country, substance abuse is rising in prevalence, leading to the need for primary care physicians to provide greater support—and treatments—for their patients. Between May 2020 and May 2021, there were almost 98,000 overdose deaths, signaling a crisis. As primary care physicians, several initiatives should be pursued to treat patients with substance abuse challenges.
Identify and assess patients accurately
Physicians can take steps to ensure that they identify and assess patients accurately. This entails being prepared and knowing which tools to use to support patients. Several validated screening tools allow for the rapid identification of problematic drug abuse. When using these screening tools, primary care physicians are urged to take a judgment-free approach that ensures patients feel comfortable coming to you regarding this significant concern.
Cultivate the right environment
As primary care physicians, you must create the right environment to support your patients. This entails prioritizing trust in the patient-physician relationship, so your patient feels comfortable speaking to you about their concerns. Patients who struggle with substance abuse may experience barriers to proper treatment because of stigmas. As physicians, removing these stigmas is paramount to assess and treat patients who struggle with substance abuse properly.
Embrace interdisciplinary treatment approaches
One of the most critical steps to treating patients with substance abuse is to acknowledge and use the most effective treatments. Primary care physicians should embrace pharmacological interventions and consider approaches that combine counseling with pharmacotherapy, as these have been proven to be among the most effective. Creating and utilizing interdisciplinary referrals and communication channels will ensure you treat your patients using best practices and provide them with trustworthy options to treat their condition.
Focus on patient education and awareness
Aside from patient referrals and validated assessments, primary care physicians should also focus on patient education and awareness, sharing the statistics and facts behind the impact of their substance abuse challenges. Several resources exist and can provide significant value to your patients as you guide them through their recovery and even empower them to be active in their recovery efforts. With patient education and awareness, you should also focus on any existing barriers, ensuring that you overcome them and find ways to provide the support and treatment your patients deserve.
Continuing physician education
In the field of medicine, several opportunities and advancements continue to revolutionize the way that doctors support patients, even with substance abuse. By remaining apprised of the best treatment modalities and ensuring you are up to date within the industry, you can continue to provide the best resources for your patients. When treating patients with substance abuse or any other condition, you must remain aware of the best practices, which require constant education to ensure you provide the resources and treatment options that will support them best.
The role of the primary care physician in substance abuse treatment
When it comes to your patients, their health is your top priority, so following the best practices and utilizing the best assessments will ensure that you support them best. By remaining proactive, eliminating stigmas, and being compassionate, you can guide your patients to better health while ensuring that they receive the best treatment possible—even if it requires your referral to alternative modes of treatment.
