USA. OVERDOSE EPIDEMIC REPORT 2023 - Physicians’ actions to help end the nation’s drug-related overdose and death epidemic—and what still needs to be done. 

This is an executive summary of highlights from the 2023 report on physicians’ actions to help end the nation’s drug-related overdose and death epidemic—and what still needs to be done.

The American Medical Association Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force continues to advance evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and physicians to help end the nation’s drug-related overdose and death epidemic. In recent years we have witnessed positive actions from physicians, growth in harm reduction services, and policy advancements.

Tragically, these positive strides are hindered by a lack of meaningful implementation and enforcement of policies that support affordable, accessible and evidence-backed care for patients with substance use disorders, pain or those needing harm reduction services like naloxone, syringes and fentanyl test strips. Specifically, Black and Brown communities, pregnant individuals, and youth are disproportionately dying at increasing rates compared to other population groups.

We urge all stakeholders to come together to help reverse this national epidemic. (AMA – American Medical Asociation, USA, 09.11.2023)

https://end-overdose-epidemic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/23-894446-Advocacy-2023-overdose-report_FINAL.pdf