Senior Director, Center for Research and Innovation Newport Healthcare West Chester, Pennsylvania
Session Description: The origins of the opioid epidemic are often attributed to an unscrupulous pharmaceutical company. But a more useful approach to viewing opioid use disorders and their treatment is through two discrete yet interconnected lenses: the larger ecological system, including sociohistorical changes in the United States; and attachment theory, which sees connection-seeking behaviors as primary to survival. This presentation will explore aspects of both lenses, posit a causal link to the increase in opioid misuse, and present considerations for the field, including: • Research on social isolation/rejection and lower basal opioid levels; and the common neural pathway of physical and social pain • Stigma as a hindrance to care; heightened sensitivity to stimuli and exaggerated pain responses; downregulation of mu opioid receptors; • The question of stabilization; loss of relationship to the substance as a grief response; and using a Brain Opioid Theory of Social Attachment framework for treatment • Future directions and limitations
Learning Objectives:
After this activity participants should be able to
Upon completion, participant will be able to describe the multi-dimensionality of opioid misuse and opioid use disorders and their treatment.
Upon completion, participant will be able to apply attachment theory in the treatment of individuals misusing opioids or those with a history of opioid misuse.
Upon completion, participate will be able to describe the need for advocacy of resources on social, economic and organizational levels and for research/treatment model building.
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