Beyond Opioids - Shining Light on Less Visible Prescription Drug Epidemics

Explore the hidden prescription drug epidemics beyond opioids in this 48-minute talk by Nora Volkow at The Aspen Institute. Delve into the alarming rise of benzodiazepine overdose deaths and the surge in amphetamine prescriptions for ADHD. Examine the root causes of these crises and potential solutions, including prevention strategies, Medication Assisted Treatment, and harm reduction techniques. Learn about the challenges of nonprescribed drug use, drug mixing, and improper training in mental health care. Discuss the impact of stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, and investigate new approaches to expanding access to treatment in prisons. Gain insights into vulnerability factors and emerging grant programs aimed at addressing these less visible but equally concerning prescription drug epidemics.