VIDEO: Recovery capital can give PCPs an idea of where to begin for OUD treatment

Screening for recovery capital can help primary care physicians identify psychosocial interventions for patients with opioid use disorder, according to Michelle R. Lent, PhD.

Lent, an associate professor in the department of clinical psychology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, defined recovery capital as the perception of an individuals’ internal and external resources that they use to achieve and maintain their recovery from substance use disorder. These can include personal responsibility, community support and volunteering.

“Screening for something like recovery capital can give primary care practices a place to start in regard to psychosocial treatment, or at least a place to know where to refer for individuals who are using medications for opioid use disorder,” she said.

Lent presented her research on recovery capital at the American Psychological Association (APA) annual conference. For the study, she measured 10 domains of recovery capital among patients with opioid use disorder who were receiving buprenorphine. She found that personal responsibility was the highest-rated domain, while community support was the lowest-rated domain. Therefore, helping patients engage in community activities that promote recovery “could be really good psychosocial targets,” Lent said.

In addition, Lent reported that higher recovery capital was associated with a lower risk for self-reported symptoms of anxiety or depression and using illicit drugs.

Lent presented another study at the APA conference that examined the association between positive and negative expectations of medical cannabis use and its effect on clinical outcomes. To watch the video, click here.

Reference:

• Lent MR, et al. Recovery capital among individuals initiating buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder. Presented at: American Psychological Association annual meeting; Aug. 3-5, 2023; Washington DC.