ONDCP National Drug Control Strategy Office of National Drug Control Policy The 2015 National Drug Control Strategy continues ONDCP’s dynamic, reform-oriented approach to drug policy, and reflects the desire to continuously seek out individuals who will help improve and refine their efforts.
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.
Editor’s Comments William Haning, MD, FASAM, DFAPA The Editorial Board anticipates a number of changes in the ASAMW, over the ensuing weeks, and representing increasing involvement by those in practice and in training. Editorial comments and a discussion of changes will follow in the next editions. – W. Haning, MD
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A Simplified Protocol for the Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Journal of Addiction Medicine (free ASAM member resource) This retrospective cohort study involved inpatients in a county hospital and evaluated a novel simplified tool for symptom-triggered treatment of alcohol withdrawal.
New Report Urges National, State Action on Drugged Driving Governors Highway Safety Association Drug use by drivers is a mounting concern, particularly in light of more permissive marijuana laws and an increase in prescription drug abuse. The most recent national data show drugged driving is increasing while drunk driving is declining. This report provides recommendations on both the State and National levels to decrease drugged driving.
Join ASAM in the National Day of Giving ASAM ASAM has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide.
International Conference on Physician Health American Medical Association Authors are invited to submit abstracts for consideration as part of the 2016 AMA-CMA-BMA ICPH on the theme, “Increasing Joy in Medicine.” The conference showcases research and perspectives into physicians’ health and offers practical, evidence-based skills and strategies to promote a healthier medical culture for physicians.
Neonatal and Maternal Hospital Stays Related to Substance Use, 2006-2012 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project This Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Statistical Brief used data from 38 States—those for which inpatient data were available each year between 2006 and 2012—to examine the prevalence and costs of newborn and maternal inpatient hospital stays associated with substance use, including abuse of prescription drugs or use of illicit drugs or alcohol.
Pharmacokinetics of Oral Methadone in the Treatment of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: A Pilot Study The Journal of Pediatrics This study characterized the pharmacokinetics of oral methadone in newborns requiring treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome. The proposed dosing regimen may reduce the cumulative dose of opioid and shorten the length of hospitalization.
Case Management in Primary Care for Frequent Users of Health Care Services with Chronic Diseases Annals of Family Medicine Case management (CM) is increasingly being implemented to address the complex needs of vulnerable clienteles. This unique study examined the experience of patients and their family members with care integration as part of a primary care CM intervention. The experience was overall positive regarding care integration and sheds some light on how to improve outcomes and decrease overuse of healthcare services.
Christie Signs Powdered Alcohol Ban into Law Politico New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie recently signed into law a ban on the sale of powdered alcohol products, or Palcohol. The measure (A3580), which received bipartisan sponsorship in the Assembly, arose out of concern that the product, which can be mixed with water to make a drinkable beverage, could be easily abused, particularly by underage drinkers. A pressing concern is that powdered alcohol could be added to people’s food unbeknownst to them, as well as brought into venues illegally.
How Doctors Helped Drive the Addiction Crisis The New York Times Dr. Richard Friedman recommends that all medical professional organizations back mandated education about safe opioid treatment as a perquisite for licensure and prescribing. He argues that opposing such measures because it could limit patient access to pain medications is misguided.
Alterations in Serum MicroRNA in Humans with Alcohol Use Disorders Impact Cell Proliferation and Cell Death Pathways and Predict Structural and Functional Changes in Brain BMC Neuroscience There is currently a lack of reliable, minimally invasive biomarkers that could predict the extent of alcoholism-induced CNS damage. Developing such biomarkers may prove useful in reducing the prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDs).
Co-Editors – Kimberly M. Brown, MD; Paul S. Chung, MD; Sarah Martin Domb, MD; Matthew Goldenberg, DO; Angela Gough, DO; Sameer Hassamal, MD; Christian Schrader, MD
Articles included are reviewed on their merit at the discretion of ASAM Weekly’s Editor-in-Chief. Any relationship that exists with products or services advertised with content is coincidental and not an endorsement, guarantee or condemnation of said products or services. Similarly, 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.