One AAAP trainee’s takeaways
All AAAP trainees, fellows, presenters leave the meeting with their own conclusions, but my biggest takeaways were:
- Regarding barriers to buprenorphine, emerging research supports similar efficacy for long-acting injectable naltrexone.
- Various protocols for rapid implementation of naltrexone are being used, and these allow for smoother transition and shorter “washout” periods.
- We should not overlook the effects of tobacco use in our patient population – and should address it aggressively, regardless of psychiatric comorbidities.
- The cannabinoid CBD receptors that exist on the dopamine pathway strengthen and complicate their relationship with psychosis.
- , especially in rural and remote settings. The body of evidence supporting its efficacy is expanding.
- Synthetic cannabinoids are prevalent, and toxidromes exist – yet, trainees are not current on these.
The challenges facing those of us dedicated to fighting addiction have never been greater. I would urge more trainees and psychiatrists to join the AAAP in light of the opioid crisis and the potential fallout tied to marijuana legalization. I am grateful to have the opportunity to join my colleagues in this fight. Becoming part of the AAAP has led to a highly rewarding, career-enriching experience.
This article was updated 1/17/17.
Dr. Ahmed is a third-year resident in the department of psychiatry at Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, New York. Besides addiction psychiatry, his interests include public social psychiatry, health care policy, health disparities, and mental health stigma. Dr. Ahmed is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology, and the American Association for Social Psychiatry.