Opioid Resource Center
From the Journals
New ‘atlas’ maps links between mental disorders, physical illnesses
“We found that women with anxiety disorders have a 50% increased risk of developing a heart condition or stroke,” said Dr. John McGrath.
Feature
Elderly Americans carry heavier opioid burden
Those over age 65 years fill prescriptions for twice the amount, compared with younger adults.
Feature
New ASAM guideline released amid COVID-19 concerns
During the COVID-19 pandemic, “it is especially important” for clinicians to ensure that individuals with OUD continue to receive evidence-based...
Feature
COVID-19 prompts ‘lifesaving’ policy change for opioid addiction
Patients in some opioid treatment programs will be allowed to take home their medication.
From the Journals
Adding cannabinoids to opioids doesn’t improve cancer pain control
A systematic review and meta-analysis found no advantage of adjuvant cannabinoids for control of advanced cancer pain.
Feature
Survey: Cancer-related pain, opioid use up since 2018
Almost half of patients with cancer did not use anything to manage related symptoms, according to an ASCO poll.
From the Journals
Cancer pain management inadequate in opioid-saturated areas
Less than one-fourth of cancer patients in rural southwest Virginia received prescription opioids, suggesting suboptimal pain management.
Opinion
Our EHRs have a drug problem
Setting up electronic prescribing of controlled substances in an electronic record can be costly and incredibly time consuming.
Feature
Opioid prescriptions declined 33% over 5 years
The number of opioid prescriptions decreased 33% nationally from 2013 to 2018, according to the new report from the American Medical Association...
News from the FDA/CDC
CDC warns against misuse of opioid-prescribing guideline
Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are advising against misapplication of the agency’s guideline on opioid prescribing....
News
CDC clarifies opioid prescribing guidelines in cancer, sickle cell disease
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clarified its guidelines on opioid prescribing after concerns surfaced that insurers were...