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The Opioid Crisis: Impact, Challenges, and Paths to Recovery
- By John A. Fromson, M.D.
Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone, illegal drugs like heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. These substances bind to opioid receptors in the brain, producing pain relief and euphoria. Prolonged use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction, characteristic of opioid use disorder (OUD). Fentanyl, due to its potency, has played a particularly lethal role in the opioid crisis.
Elevating Bebe Moore Campbell's Legacy in 2023: APA's Dynamic Approach to National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
In July American Psychiatric Association (APA) embarked on its annual effort to honor of the late renowned author and mental health advocate, Bebe Moore Campbell. Established by Congress in 2008, Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is a call to action and reminder of the mental health inequities affecting communities, and in particular, young people of color. This month-long recognition is especially important considering the prevalent mental health inequities facing youth of color, particularly Black youth.
Maui Wildfire Response: Resources for Mental Health Clinicians Who Are Helping
In the aftermath of the dreadful wildfires in Maui, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Committee on Psychiatric Dimensions of Disaster has prepared the following list of resources for mental health clinicians. These resources are fully vetted by physicians and are free to all who may need them.
New Poll Finds the Public Perceives Psychiatry as Innovative, But Show Caution on Using New Treatments
In recent years, the field of psychiatry has seen many new developments and innovations in diagnosis and treatment, and that is reflected in public perception. The latest APA Healthy Minds Poll, a national public opinion poll, finds that almost three-fourths of Americans agree with the statement: “Psychiatry is an innovative field, and new diagnostic tools and treatments are being developed that will help people’s mental health.”
Fostering College Student Mental Health and Resilience
College student mental health has been the focus of much attention in recent years. Mental health is integral to student success and mental health concerns among college students are an ongoing and systemic problem; not just a consequence of the pandemic.