Efficacy of Varenicline Combined with Nicotine Replacement Therapy vs. Varenicline Alone for Smoking Cessation Journal of the American Medical Association Behavioral approaches and pharmacotherapy are of proven benefit in assisting smokers to quit, but it is unclear whether combining nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) with varenicline to improve abstinence is effective and safe.
Trends in State Prescription Drug Laws: A Changing Health Care Environment PCSS-O This webinar will outline the latest legislative trends in state prescription drug monitoring programs (PMPs), regulation of pain clinics and pain management, and prescribing practices for chronic pain. It will also highlight some of the current challenges in affecting balanced improvements in these legislative trends.
DEA Finalizes Rule to Schedule Tramadol DEA Chronicles The DEA published its Final Rule in the Federal Register on July 2nd, placing tramadol into Schedule IV effective August 18, 2014 (Tramadol is a centrally-acting opioid analgesic first approved for use in the U.S. in 1995 under the name “Ultram.” Since then, the FDA has approved for marketing generic, combination and extended-release versions.) The DEA follows in the path of a number of states that have already taken this step, such as Arkansas, Mississippi, and New York.
Medication Assisted Treatment for Substance Use Disorders Medicaid.gov The Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) has issued a series of informational bulletins on effective practices to identify and treat mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs) covered under Medicaid. Nearly 12 percent of Medicaid beneficiaries over 18 have an SUD, and CMCS is committed to helping states effectively serve these individuals. The purpose of this bulletin is to highlight the use of FDA-approved medications in combination with evidence-based behavioral therapies...
Neuropsychosocial Profiles of Current and Future Adolescent Alcohol Misusers Nature This study applied machine learning to a wide range of data from a large sample of adolescents (n = 692) to generate models of current and future adolescent alcohol misuse that incorporate brain structure and function, individual personality and cognitive differences, environmental factors (including gestational cigarette and alcohol exposure), life experiences, and candidate genes...
Adverse Reactions to Psychiatric Meds Result in Some 90,000 ED Visits Annually JAMA Psychiatry Adverse reactions to psychiatric medications result in some 90,000 emergency department visits each year by US adults, with anti-anxiety medicines and sedatives among the most common culprits. After analyzing 2009-2011 medical records from 63 hospitals that participate in a nationally representative government surveillance project, researchers found that the majority of ED visits were for troublesome side effects or accidental overdoses and almost 1 in 5 resulted in hospitalization.
Does This Patient Have Generalized Anxiety or Panic Disorder? Journal of the American Medical Association Two screening instruments, the GAD-7 for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and the Patient Health Questionnaire for panic disorder, have good performance characteristics and are feasible for use in primary care. However, further validation of these instruments is needed because neither instrument was replicated in more than 1 primary care population.
HIV Infection and Risk, Prevention, and Testing Behaviors Among Injecting Drug Users Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System (NHBS) collects human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence and risk behavior data from three populations at high risk for HIV infection: men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, and heterosexual adults at increased risk for HIV infection. This report summarizes data from the second collection cycle of NHBS in 2009.
Senator Carl Levin Op-ed: Treating Heroin and Opioid Addiction Observer & Eccentric "Across Michigan and our country, parents are struggling with how to help addicted sons and daughters. Husbands and wives worry about spouses caught in the grip of addiction. Rates of opioid abuse, heroin addiction, overdose and death are a concern in schools and hospitals, treatment centers and neighborhoods in every state..."
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Substance Abuse Pediatrics Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorders are inextricably intertwined. Children with ADHD are more likely than peers to develop substance use disorders. Treatment with stimulants may reduce the risk of substance use disorders, but stimulants are a class of medication with significant abuse and diversion potential...
Inmate Deaths Raise Questions About Jail Detox Procedures National Sheriffs’ Association Institute for Jail Operations Standard medical protocols, including federal prison guidelines, recommend that opiate-dependent inmates with chronic health conditions undergo medically supervised detoxification, a process typically offered in hospitals and drug rehab facilities. The process uses drugs designed to ease withdrawal symptoms and an opiate substitute that is gradually tapered. Studies suggest that inadequately treated drug and alcohol withdrawal appears widespread in U.S. jails...
Coverage for Opioid Treatment Medications in the U.S.: State Summary Update ASAM and TRI As part of ASAM’s efforts in Advancing Access to Addiction Medications, the Treatment Research Institute (TRI) has been contracted to create “Medicaid Coverage of Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder” state fact sheets. They will serve as an update to the June 2013 Patient Advocacy Task Force (PATF) survey and research report on insurance coverage of addiction medications. In order to update the coverage information and capture any changes from the last year, each state and the District of Columbia was surveyed to see if Medicaid covers methadone, Suboxone, buprenorphine/naloxone tablets (Zubsolv and generic), buprenorphine tablets, and injectable naltrexone (Vivitrol) under fee-for-service (FFS) or managed care (MC) plans. Once the fact sheets are finalized, the findings will be uploaded to
the ASAM website, along with an interactive map of the United States.
Richard G. Soper, MD, JD, MS, FASAM, Editor-in-Chief, ASAM Weekly
Brendan McEntee, Managing Editor & ASAM Publications Manager, 301.656.3920 ext. 110
Emily McMartin, New Media and Content Coordinator
Jennifer Strauser, Account and Customer Service Manager, Highwater Partners, 407.221.4292 AdvertiseView media kit
The views and positions of any content published in ASAM Weekly are not necessarily endorsed by ASAM nor a reflection of ASAM's beliefs and policies. The features are presented as a summary of the contemporary issues being represented and expressed in scientific, governmental, commercial, and media sources across the specialty field of addiction medicine. Contact ASAM Weekly with any comments or feedback.