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AMERSA Talks
Two new Series Coming Soon in 2026!
Frontiers in Substance Use Care: Emerging Topics and Evidence
Eight episode podcast series sponsored by Provider’s Clinical Support System – Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (PCSS-MOUD), exploring the evolving landscape of substance use and addiction care.
Substance Use Across the Lifespan: Supporting Every Stage
Five episodes, each paired with a downloadable toolkit and live companion workshop, sponsored by the Opioid Response Network (ORN). This series explores how substance use care changes across the lifespan—from childhood through older adulthood.
Previous Series
Stigma and Substance Use: Rewriting the Narrative.
Eight episodes sponsored by Provider’s Clinical Support System – Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (PCSS-MOUD), exploring the pervasive impact of stigma on individuals and communities affected by substance use disorders (SUD).
Innovation in Action: Building Stronger Communities
Seven episodes sponsored by the Opioid Response Network (ORN), highlighting cutting-edge programs and collaborative efforts supporting individuals and communities affected by substance use disorders.
AMERSA Talks
Best Practices for Responding to In-Hospital Substance Use
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CTA
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Substance use during hospitalization is common, yet many healthcare systems lack clear, evidence-based approaches to respond effectively. Punitive responses can worsen outcomes, increase stigma, and lead to early discharge. This episode explores emerging best practices for addressing in-hospital substance use in ways that improve patient safety, strengthen trust, and support recovery. Listeners will learn practical strategies for proactive communication and collaborative approaches that center patient care while supporting healthcare teams navigating these complex situations.
Timestamps:
- [00:00:48] Why hospitals often struggle to respond to in-hospital substance use
- [00:04:07] Case study: A harmful security-led response inside the hospital
- [00:06:38] How stigma and poor communication damaged patient trust
- [00:09:02] A patient-centred response that led to successful treatment completion
- [00:11:43] Research into hospital policies around in-hospital substance use
- [00:18:14] Delphi consensus study and best practice recommendations
- [00:24:41] Where hospitals are falling short in substance use disorder education
- [00:30:11] Practical bedside communication strategies for clinicians
- [00:41:07] Managing staff concerns around methadone, opioids, and overdose risk
- [00:48:32] Future directions for hospital policy, implementation, and addiction care research
Links
- AMERSA
- ASAM Practice Pearls
- In-hospital Substance Use Policies: An Opportunity to Advance Equity, Reduce Stigma, and Offer Evidence-based Addiction Care - PMC
- Recommendations for Addressing In-Hospital Substance Use From a National Delphi Consensus Process | Health Policy | JAMA Network Open
- Hospital policy as a harm reduction intervention for people who use drugs | IJDP
- Ethical Considerations in the Care of Hospitalized Patients with Opioid Use and Injection Drug Use Disorders | JHM
- Illicit drug use while admitted to hospital: Patient and health care provider perspectives | PLoS ONE
Find us online at amersa.org/amersa-podcast
Frontiers in Substance Use & Stigma & Substance Use are sponsored by Provider’s Clinical Support System – Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (PCSS-MOUD). Learn more about PCSS-MOUD at pcssnow.org.
Funding for this initiative was made possible by cooperative agreement no. 1H79TI086770 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Substance Use Across the Lifespan and Innovation in Action are sponsored by the Opioid Response Network (ORN). Learn more about ORN at opioidresponsenetwork.org.
Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI088037 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.