Key Question: Considering the powerfully addictive nature of fentanyl, how can physicians and other providers communicate with the individual addicted to this drug?
Description: Fentanyl use during pregnancy places the prenatally exposed child not only at high risk for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in infancy but increasing neurodevelopmental challenges as the child grows and develops. However, given the highly addictive nature of fentanyl and its impact on the physiologic functioning of the brain of the adult with fentanyl use disorder, communicating this risk is frequently very difficult. This session will present the effects of fentanyl use on the adult brain, discuss the impact of prenatal fentanyl exposure on the exposed child, and provide a conceptual framework for communicating with an adult with a substance use disorder.
Learning objectives: At the completion of this session the participant will be able to:
Analyze the impact of prenatal exposure to fentanyl on pregnancy.
Discuss the immediate and long-term development of the child with prenatal exposure to fentanyl.
Describe three strategies for communicating with the adult who has a substance use disorder.