Primary Care Reports – February 1, 2022
February 1, 2022
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Recognizing and Treating Substance Use Disorders
Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reveal 20.3 million people living in the United States have an addiction or substance use disorder (SUD). Geographic and financial barriers, as well as bias and stigma, work together to present formidable roadblocks for patients with SUD looking for direction. The primary care provider (PCP) may be the only healthcare contact for many of these patients. With expertise in understanding management of other complex, chronic disorders and experience in implementing an integrated, individualized treatment plan, the PCP has the background to take the lead in managing patients with SUD.