Patients unaware their doctor can prescribe addiction treatment

Many Americans are unaware that primary care physicians can prescribe addiction treatment, highlighting a gap in public knowledge. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), most people don't know that primary care doctors can provide medications to treat opioid use disorder. This misunderstanding may prevent people from seeking necessary treatment for addiction, contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis.

The NIH study surveyed over 3,000 adults and found that only 20% were aware that primary care physicians could prescribe medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone for addiction treatment. This lack of awareness is concerning because it limits access to effective medical care for those struggling with opioid addiction. The study emphasizes the need for better education and outreach to inform the public about the treatment options available through their primary care providers.

Improving public knowledge about addiction treatment could significantly impact the opioid crisis by encouraging more people to seek help from their primary care physicians. The NIH suggests that increasing awareness through public health campaigns and better communication from healthcare providers can bridge this knowledge gap. By understanding that primary care doctors can prescribe addiction treatments, more individuals may receive the help they need, ultimately reducing the burden of opioid addiction in communities across the country.

Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH)