Nonmedical Prescription Opioid Use and Use Disorders Among Adults Aged 18 Through 64 Years in the United States, 2003-2013 Journal of the American Medical Association During the 2003-2013 years, among adults aged 18 through 64 years, the percentage of nonmedical use of prescription opioids decreased. As the opioid epidemic has evolved the prevalence of prescription opioid use disorders, frequency of use, and related mortality increased. Associated risk factors are described.
ASAM National Practice Guideline for the Use of Medications in the Treatment of Addiction Involving Opioid Use Journal of Addiction Medicine (free ASAM member resource) This well-researched “Practice Guideline,” was developed to assist clinicians in the evaluation and treatment of opioid use disorders. Unique among guidelines, it includes all of the medications used for the treatment of opioid addiction and information on caring for special populations such as pregnant women, adolescents, individuals with co-occurring psychiatric disorders, with pain, and individuals involved in the criminal justice system. This article is in the Oct/Nov issue of Journal of Addiction Medicine, and the full guideline is included as a supplement with the print issue of the journal. Others can access it for free online.
FREE Online CME/CE Tools for Motivational Interviewing
NIDA is offering 2 FREE CME opportunities for Motivational Interviewing. These online simulations guide providers of adult and adolescent patients through MI skills-building with real time testing in a clinical setting.
New Edition of Juvenile Standards Now Available National Commission on Correctional Health Care The juvenile standards were reviewed and updated by a team of experts covering all aspects of health care in juvenile correctional facilities. Compliance with these nationally recognized standards helps ensure that facilities provide constitutionally acceptable care and provides a pathway for continuous improvement.
Treating your patients just got a whole lot easier with Stratus EMR. From consolidated patient histories and robust treatment notes to e‑prescriptions with seamless authorizations, we don’t JUST save you time and money, we ensure the security and quality of care your patients deserve.
Draft CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Stay tuned; the CDC will be releasing a guideline to improve the way opioids are prescribed for safer chronic pain treatment. Patient education materials will be included.
Comparing Characteristics of Prescription Painkiller Misusers and Heroin Users in the United States Addictive Behaviors As opioid prescribing practices have tightened and prescription opioid analgesics have become less accessible, many users have turned to heroin. Data on the changing face of opioid users is presented.
Mortality Risk of Opioid Substitution Therapy with Methadone Versus Buprenorphine: A Retrospective Cohort Study The Lancet Psychiatry Opioid dependence increases risk of premature death. The Australian clinical guidelines recommend methadone as first line therapy. This study tested whether buprenorphine has a lower mortality risk than methadone at induction, after in-treatment medication switches, and following medication cessation.
New York: LAC Applauds Governor Cuomo and NYS Legislature for Requiring Drug Courts to Permit Opioid Addiction Medication Legal Action Center The Legal Action Center (LAC) applauds Governor Cuomo’s decision to sign a bill into law that prohibits a common practice requiring defendants to stop taking prescribed life-saving medication such as methadone, buprenorphine (Suboxone) or naltrexone (Vivitrol).
Reversing Opioid Overdoses Saves Lives But Isn't A Cure-All NPR Shots Ambulance sirens blaring, speeding to a home after getting a call that someone is unconscious. Edmund Hassan, deputy superintendent of Boston Emergency Medical Services, suspects an opioid overdose. These days, he says, his workers reverse opioid overdose with Narcan, roughly three times in every eight-hour shift. He argues long term treatment is needed.
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