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A recent study has highlighted the crucial role physicians can play in encouraging patients to seek treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). The research, conducted by Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City, found that individuals were significantly more likely to seek treatment when a doctor provided information on alcohol treatment or advised them to cut down on drinking.
The study, published in the journal Cureus, was led by third-year medical student Abigail Smurzynski along with faculty members Jeffrey Gardere, Ph.D., and Olalekan Ogunsakin, M.D. Their findings suggest that while only about 10% of adults with a drug or alcohol use disorder enter treatment programs, physician involvement can dramatically increase those numbers.
The Impact of Physician Intervention
Using data from a large database, the researchers found that when a physician provided information on alcohol treatment, patients were nearly five times as likely to receive treatment within a year. Similarly, when a doctor directly advised a patient to reduce alcohol consumption, the likelihood of seeking treatment increased nearly fourfold. Even simply asking a patient if they had drinking problems made them two and a half times more likely to seek treatment.
“It appears that when a doctor has an open discussion about a potential drinking problem, it has a big impact on motivating a patient to seek help,” said Smurzynski.
However, the study found that routine questions about alcohol consumption—such as those used in standard medical screenings—did not have a meaningful impact on whether patients pursued treatment. Despite doctors asking about drinking habits 83% of the time, they only provided additional treatment information or advice in about 10% of cases.
A Gap in Physician Training
The study suggests that a lack of physician training on substance use disorders may be a contributing factor to this gap in intervention. The researchers advocate for improved medical education on alcohol and drug treatment programs, emphasizing the importance of motivational interviewing, harm reduction strategies, and both inpatient and outpatient treatment options.
“Through improved education efforts, we can make physicians more comfortable in addressing SUD during the doctor-patient interaction and collectively make a positive difference for patients with SUD,” the authors wrote.
Moving Forward
The findings underscore the need for doctors to be more proactive in discussing substance use disorders with their patients. By simply initiating conversations about alcohol or drug use and offering treatment information, physicians could significantly increase the number of people seeking help.
As the study suggests, empowering healthcare providers with better training and resources could be a vital step in addressing substance use disorders more effectively.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance.
