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Catalog
35th AM (2025) - Poster Session
Attitudes toward overdose prevention centers
Attitudes toward overdose prevention centers
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Pdf Summary
A survey conducted at the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry 2024 Annual Meeting assessed healthcare providers' and professional students’ knowledge and attitudes toward overdose prevention centers (OPCs). OPCs offer supervised spaces for drug consumption to prevent overdoses and reduce related harms, yet remain controversial in the U.S. Of 175 individuals approached, 118 responded (67%), mostly psychiatrists (80%), with 60% having completed an addiction fellowship. Participants were largely involved in providing pharmacotherapy for substance use disorders.<br /><br />Key findings reveal strong support for OPCs: 86% favored establishing more centers, 84% were willing to provide care inside OPCs, and 81% would publicly advocate for them. Most respondents (76%) felt confident in their understanding of OPCs, and their views aligned with current research highlighting OPC benefits and dispelling myths. For instance, many rejected the misconception that OPCs lead to increased overall drug use and agreed on OPCs’ role in increasing treatment engagement.<br /><br />The study found that addiction fellowship training and harm reduction experience were linked to better understanding, greater support, and a willingness to work in OPCs. Respondents largely recognized OPCs as effective harm reduction interventions that can address behavioral health needs among people with substance use disorders.<br /><br />In conclusion, healthcare providers and students with an addiction psychiatry focus overwhelmingly support OPC implementation. Their informed perspectives, grounded in evidence rather than myths, position them as valuable advocates and potential care providers within OPCs. These findings suggest that increasing harm reduction education could further enhance OPC acceptance and integration into clinical practice.<br /><br />Funding was provided through the American Psychiatric Association and other institutions, with data analysis supported by Harvard Catalyst. This research underscores the critical role of knowledgeable healthcare professionals in advancing OPC-related public health efforts.
Keywords
Overdose Prevention Centers
OPCs
Addiction Psychiatry
Harm Reduction
Substance Use Disorders
Pharmacotherapy
Addiction Fellowship
Healthcare Providers
Attitudes and Knowledge
Public Health Advocacy
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