Perspectives and Practice in the Identification and Treatment of Opioid Use, Alcohol Use, and Depressive Disorders

Objective:

Little research has focused on the treatment of adults with substance use disorders in primary care despite the high occurrence, morbidity, and mortality associated with these disorders.

Methods:

An electronic survey was administered to primary care providers in a large health system to assess screening and treatment practices and comfort managing opioid use, alcohol use, and depressive disorders. A total of 146 providers completed the survey (32%).

Results:

Providers were significantly less likely to screen for or treat opioid use disorders and alcohol use disorders, compared with depression. Providers reported feeling significantly less confident, less prepared, less expected to treat, less sure of the appropriateness of treating, and less able to navigate community resources in the treatment of opioid and alcohol use disorders, compared with depression.

Conclusions:

Given the preponderance of substance use disorders in primary care, increased attention to equipping primary care providers to treat these conditions is warranted.