Family practice
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There is limited published literature on the impact of alcohol use among alcohol dependents and their family members. ⋯ Prevalence of alcohol use in a low alcohol taxed region in India was high. The family members of alcohol users mainly suffer mental, emotional and physical abuse.
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The ways in which prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) have been integrated into primary care practice remain understudied, and research into physician utilization of PDMPs in states where PDMP use is mandated remains scant. ⋯ Findings suggest a need for increased clinical and public health education about the use of PDMPs as clinical tools to identify and treat patients with potential substance use disorders in primary care.
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Good primary care for people with substance use disorders (SUDs) is crucial given the high prevalence of SUDs and overdose deaths. ⋯ People with histories of SUDs do not uniformly experience welcomeness in general practice, perpetuating poor engagement in healthcare and poor outcomes related to SUDs. Programmes targeting prescription drug misuse through general practice should also promote welcomeness for people with SUDs.
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Dealing with the opioid crisis, medical doctors are keen to learn how to best treat opioid dependency in patients with chronic non-cancer pain. Opioid replacement therapy is commonly used, but success rates vary widely. Since many patients still experience severe withdrawal symptoms, additional interventions are necessary. ⋯ Evidence from clinical trials on interventions reducing withdrawal symptoms is scarce. Based on one trial with a small sample size, no firm conclusion can be drawn. Meanwhile, doctors are in dire need for therapeutic options to tackle withdrawal symptoms while tapering patients with prescription opioid dependence. We hope this review draws attention to this unfortunate research gap so that future research can provide doctors with answers.