Addiction Medicine: Beyond the Abstract

Hosted by the Journal Web Content Editor, Shawn McNeil, MD. These podcasts are an ideal opportunity for readers and others interested in addiction medicine to get a closer look at the perspectives behind formal research articles. Podcasts offer insights into the experiences of the authors and researchers behind the great work and development in the field. Listening to their stories and thought processes help listeners to connect with the experts behind the journal in a brand-new way.

In episode two of Addiction Medicine: Beyond the Abstract, we are joined by Dr. Stefan Kertesz of the University of Alabama Birmingham and the Birmingham VA Medical Center. In his recent piece from the Journal, Dr. Kertesz discusses the challenge of treating patients who obtain benzodiazepines from another provider in addition to known prescribed opiates. He addresses this issue in the context of the results from a recent study by McClure, et al. in the same issue of the Journal which analyzes patterns of urine drug test results from a national laboratory. Read more here. ASAM developed the Appropriate Use of Drug Testing in Clinical Addiction Medicine document to provide guidance about the effective use of drug testing in the identification, diagnosis, treatment and promotion of recovery for patients with, or at risk for, addiction. Click here.

In this episode of Addiction Medicine: Beyond the Abstract, we are joined by Dr. Daniel Alford of Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine. His new study takes a closer look at the continuation of opiate agonist treatment in the perioperative setting among women undergoing cesarean section. Dr. Alford talks about the study, its limitations and applicability, and how the findings compare to current trends in practice. He also discusses his career in studying and treating patients with these issues.