Addiction Medicine
Cases That Test Your Skills
When a patient with chronic alcohol use abruptly stops drinking
Three days after he stops drinking alcohol, Mr. G, age 49, presents to a detoxification center with his wife, who drove him there because she was...
From the Journals
Telehealth services tied to a major reduction in opioid overdose deaths
“The expansion of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have had positive effects on patients receiving MOUD [medication for opioid...
Latest News
Tranq-contaminated fentanyl now in 48 states, DEA warns
Xylazine was first approved by the FDA in 1972 as a sedative and analgesic for use only in animals, but is increasingly being detected in illicit...
News from the FDA/CDC
FDA approves OTC naloxone, but will cost be a barrier?
“The major question is what is it going to cost. In order for people to access it they have to be able to afford it,”
From the Journals
Watch for buprenorphine ‘spiking’ in urine drug tests
Some patients undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder alter their urine drug test results by adding buprenorphine directly to their urine.
From the Journals
Substance abuse disorders may share a common genetic signature
New findings could eventually lead to universal therapies to treat multiple and comorbid addictions, according to the study’s authors.
News from the FDA/CDC
FDA moves to stop the spread of illicit ‘tranq’ in the U.S.
The agency “remains concerned about the increasing prevalence of xylazine mixed with illicit drugs,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, MD....
Latest News
DEA proposals on telehealth for controlled substances draw fire
Both proposals would allow providers to prescribe a 30-day supply of a controlled substance or buprenorphine, but then require a face-to-face...
From the Journals
Buprenorphine proves effective for fentanyl users in the ED
A new study provides additional information about emergency department buprenorphine as fentanyl becomes increasingly prevalent.
Savvy Psychopharmacology
Psychoactive supplements: What to tell patients
Mr. D, age 41, presents to the emergency department (ED) with altered mental status and suspected intoxication.
Commentary
Lack of motivation to change can be deadly
Addictions continue to torment many patients even after treatment for severe illnesses caused by substance abuse.