Addiction Medicine Updates

For the first time in 3 decades, the Surgeon General has released a report that reviews and updates evidence on the importance of quitting smoking. The report finds that more than two-thirds of U.S. adult cigarette smokers report interest in quitting smoking and the...

Although buprenorphine treatment reduces risk of overdose and death in opioid use disorder, most patients stop using the treatment within a few weeks or months. A recent study compared adverse health outcomes following buprenorphine discontinuation among patients who...

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has created a webpage that contains news, guidance and resources from around the country regarding addiction treatment in the wake of COVID 19. It can be found here -...

As the U.S. and the rest of the world contend with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19), experts predict that it could hit some populations with substance use disorders (SUDs) particularly hard. Because it attacks the lungs, the coronavirus that causes COVID19 could be...

According to research recently published in JAMA, the numbers of American seniors over age 65 who now smoke marijuana or use edibles increased two-fold between 2015 and 2018. "What I'm seeing in my clinic are a lot of older adults who are very curious about cannabis...

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently issued a proposed rule that would improve access to medication-assisted treatment, especially in rural areas where those suffering with opioid use disorder (OUD) may have limited treatment options. The proposal would...

A new study shows Americans are drinking themselves to death at ever-increasing rates and women are being hit particularly hard. Research shows the rate of alcohol-induced deaths among women increased between 3.1% and 3.6% a year from 2000 to 2016, while deaths among...

The Food and Drug Administration is banning most flavored e-cigarettes but that isn’t stopping high school students from getting their hands on banana ice and sour gummy. When the Trump administration decided to ban fruit, mint and dessert flavors in refillable...

Current evidence indicates that prescription opioid use disorder (POUD) is not just a growing problem in the United States but many other countries as well. While many specialists play a role, none can fully address a patients’ needs alone. Research in the Journal of...

A new report from the Office of Inspector General finds many areas of the country in greatest need of the opioid treatment medication buprenorphine have trouble getting it. Buprenorphine eases symptoms of withdrawal from opioids and most patients take it every day for...

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) recently released its Advocacy Roadmap urging quick and comprehensive action for addressing the human and societal costs of addition in the U.S. The document, which outlines specific policy recommendations and...

According to recent projections, substance use disorders among adults over age 50 will increase to 5.7 million this year, up from 2.8 million in 2006. Experts think it remains a hidden problem because of lack of screening in primary care and few guidelines for...