Addiction Resources
Methadone Prescribing and Safety
Dosing
AATOD Methadone Induction Advisory
Released April 2008.
The advisory can be accessed at: http://www.aatod.org/dosage_induction.html
Methadone Dosing & Safety in the Treatment of Opioid Addiction
Stewart B. Leavitt, MA, PhD; Editor. Released September 2003.
PDF available here for download <click here…> (312KB, 8pp)
When "Enough" is Not Enough: New Perspectives on Optimal Methadone Dose
Stewart B. Leavitt, MA, PhD, Marc Shinderman, Sarz Maxwell, Chin B. Eap, Phil Paris; Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine, Released in 2000.
PDF available here for download <click here… > (91KB, 8pp)
Clinical Diagnostic Tool for Guiding Methadone Treatment of Opioid Addiction
ODAS - Opiate Dosage Adequacy Scale... from Heroin Addiction & Related Clinical Problems. 2004;6(3)39-49. Distributed with permission of the journal.
PDF available here for download <click here…> (452KB, 12pp)
Cardiac Concerns
QTc Interval Screening - AATOD Policy and Guidance Statement
Released April 2009.
The statement can be accessed at: http://www.aatod.org/qtc.html
Cardiac Considerations During MMT
Stewart B. Leavitt, MA, PhD; Editor & and Mori J. Krantz, MD, FACC. Released October 2003.
PDF file available here for download <click here…> (200KB,6 pp)
Does Methadone Maintenance Treatment Affect Heart Health?
Stewart B. Leavitt, MA, PhD; Editor, Released June 2001.
PDF file available here for download <click here…> (PDF file 88KB, 6pp)
Drugs That Prolong the QT Interval and/or Induce Torsades de Pointes
Raymond L. Woosley, MD. Updated August 9, 2010.
HTML file available online <click here…>
Methadone's Role in Torsade de Pointes Questioned
Stewart B. Leavitt, MA, PhD; Editor. Released September 2002.
PDF file available here for download <click here...> (250KB, 5pp)
Drug Interactions
Drugs That Prolong the QT Interval and/or Induce Torsades de Pointes
Arizona Center for Education and Research Therapeutics - Raymond L. Woosley, MD.
Updated June 6, 2011.
HTML file available online <click here…>
Cytochrome P450 Drug Interaction Table - Version 5.0 Updated January 12, 2009
Flockhart DA. Drug Interactions: Cytochrome P450 Drug Interaction Table. Indiana University School of Medicine (2007). http://medicine.iupui.edu/clinpharm/ddis/table.asp. Accessed 6/23/11.
PDF available here for download <click here…> (278KB, 2pp)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Avoiding Drug Interactions (Video) for Patients
http://www.drugs.com/fda-consumer/avoiding-drug-interactions-video-83.html
American Journal on Addictions - Special Issue on Methadone Interactions With Other Medication and Abused Substances
March/April 2010
Articles available for purchase at:
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/123215724/issue.
Methadone-Drug* Interactions – 3rd Edition
(*Medications, illicit drugs, & other substances)
Stewart B. Leavitt, MA, PhD; Editor. Released November 2005.
PDF available here for download <click here…> (660KB, 31pp)
HIV Drug Interactions
http://www.hiv-druginteractions.org/ - This informative and educational HIV resource is valuable for healthcare professionals, scientific researchers or anyone with an interest in HIV therapy. You can find reports on recent news and hot topics in HIV pharmacology, discover comprehensive information, and advice on drug interactions. Access checked December 2, 2010.
Safety
Using Methadone Safely and Effectively - A Patient's Guide
Sponsored by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
The 26 minute video focuses on four areas: 1) How methadone works in the body and what it is so effective in treating opioid addiction, 2) Risks associated with methadone treatment and appropriate safety guidelines, 3) Staff and patients discuss safety practices and procedures, and 4) Review of key safety measures. The video is available online at: http://www.atforum.com/addiction-resources/videos.php
Keeping Patients Safe: A Case Study on Using Prescription Monitoring Program Data in an Outpatient Addictions Treatment Setting
March 2011.
PDF available here for download <click here... > (313KB,8pp)
Welcome to the Psychotherapeutic Medications 2011: What Every Counselor Should Know
Maed available the Addiction Technology Transfer Center.
The Rx Database is designed as a "desk-top reference" of medications commonly prescribed in the treatment of persons with alcohol, drug and mental health conditions.
Available online at: www.findrxinformation.org
Research Article - Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Patients in a Methadone Program
Chen et al.: Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Patients in a Methadone Program. BMC Psychiatry 2011 11:90.
PDF available here for download <click here... > (170KB,7pp)
Risk Management & Patient Safety in Outpatient Methadone Treatment 2009 Conference Now Available for Viewing on the Web
Available online in 2010.
http://ireta.org/workshopOnDemand.html
Clinical Guidelines and Liability Prevention Webinar for OTPs is Now Available for Viewing on Demand
Available online from SAMHSA/CSAT in October 2009
http://ireta.org/webinarOnDemand.html
International Harm Reduction Association (IHRA) "50 Best" Collection on Overdose
Available online August 2009.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Patient Safety Videos
Available online from Institute for Research, Education, and Training in Addictions (IRETA).
http://www.ireta.org/ireta_main/patient-safety-videos.html
SAMHSA Emerging Issues in the Use of Methadone Advisory
Spring 2009.
PDF available here for download <click here…> (514KB, 8pp)
Methadone Safety Education Program - Follow Directions: How to Use Methadone 
Safely
From the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA).
Released April 2009.
These public education materials (brochure, fact sheet, and poster) were designed specifically for this campaign to inform patients and healthcare professionals that methadone is a safe and effective treatment when used exactly as prescribed. The materials are available in English and Spanish.
To download or order printed copies <click here…>
"Drug Overdose Reduction Act" 2009
Released June 12, 2009
PDF file available here for download <click here…> (51 KB, 12pp)
GAO Report - Methadone-Associated Overdose Deaths
From U.S. Government Accountability Office
Released March 2009.
PDF file available here for download <click here…> (1.73 MB, 55pp)
OTP Mortality Reporting Form
From Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA)
Released November 2008.
PDF file available here for download <click here…> (2pp)
AT Forum Summer 2007 Newsletter Methadone Overdose in MMT - What to know. How to prevent it. What to do if it happens.
PDF file available here for download <click here…> (8 pp)
Methadone Diversion, Abuse, and Misuse: Deaths Increasing at Alarming Rate
From US Department of Justice National Drug Intelligence Center.
Released November 2007.
PDF file available here for download <click here…> (20 pp)
State Issue Brief on Methadone Overdose Deaths
From National Association of State Alcohol Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD).
Released November 2007.
PDF file available online <click here…> (23 pp)
Methadone Mortality - A Reassessment July 2007
From CSAT/DPT. Released July 2007.
PDF file available here for download <click here…> (426 KB, 48 pp)
A National Assessment of Methadone-Associated Mortality: Background Briefing Report
PDF available for download: CSAT_Methadone_Briefing.pdf (658 KB; 77 pp)
Methadone-Associated Mortality: Report of a National Assessment. From CSAT/DPT, 2004.
PDF file available here for download <click here…> (428KB, 60 pp)
The Safety of Methadone, LAAM, Buprenorphine
Stewart B. Leavitt, MA, PhD; Editor. Released 2001.
(MS Word Document available here for download <click here…> (48KB, 22pp)
Note: Also see, AT Forum, Spring 2001; 10(2)
Guide to Treating Drug Emergencies
Drug and Alcohol Abuse: A Clinical Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment; 6th ed., Marc A. Schuckit, MD provides an overview of drug classifications and mechanisms, and covers the pharmacology and mental/physical effects of alcohol, depressants, stimulants, opioids, hallucinogens, cannabis, and more. Most critical, there is an emphasis throughout the book on how to deal with emergency medical problems related to drug abuse, addiction, and overdose.
Schuckit recommends skimming all of the chapters covering the many drug classes. From there, the book can serve as a handbook, kept nearby for easily-accessed advice on dealing with drug-related crises or confirming suspected drug-induced symptomatology appearing in clinical settings.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse: A Clinical Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment; 6th ed. is from Springer. Available online from www.amazon.com ($76.69 + shipping) and at other booksellers.
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