Moderator: Michael Barnes, JD, Chairman, Center for Lawful Access and Abuse Deterrence, and Member, National Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit Advisory Board

CE Certified By: AMA,AAFP,ACPE,ANCC,APA,NAADAC,NASW,NBCC

Women face unique issues when it comes to Rx drug abuse and other substance use. For example, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, women are less likely to misuse or abuse Rx pain medicines but are more likely to misuse sleep medications than men. Women may develop a substance use disorder (SUD) more quickly than men, and women with SUD may experience more physical effects on their heart and blood vessels. Women may also be more likely to relapse after completing addiction treatment. Yet, women are also uniquely positioned to influence policies and practices to reduce substance abuse. For example, women utilize healthcare services more frequently than men and make up 57% of all expenses incurred at doctors' offices. Women also make 80% of their families’ healthcare decisions.

This session will address genetic distinctions of women, only recently accounted for in healthcare, and unique challenges of providing treatment to women with pain, addiction and other conditions for which controlled medications may be medically necessary. The presenters will provide evidence-based practice recommendations and examine policy proposals in the areas of substance-related education and prevention; screening, diagnosis, and intervention; treatment; and chronic care management. They will emphasize the importance of eliminating laws that punish women for having the disease of addiction and other institutionalized forms of discrimination against women with SUDs. Finally, the presenters will discuss ways women can bring about meaningful change to reduce substance abuse.

UPON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
- Describe how gender differences play an important role in addiction and other disease progression, effects of medications, and barriers to treatment.
- Identify laws and other institutionalized sanctions that are levied against people with SUDs — especially against women with addiction.
- Recommend practical solutions that can help improve treatment and reduce discrimination and societal costs.