Relaxed take-home rules for methadone patients were announced in March 2020 as a result of COVID-19, to limit the requirements for on-site dosing for many patients and the unavoidable exposure to virus transmission this entailed (see https://atforum.com/2020/03/otp-regulations-loosened-due-to-pandemic/). The relaxed rules allowed opioid treatment programs (OTPs) to give two … [Read more...] about SAMHSA Continues Relaxed Take-Homes
Harm Reduction Proponent, Medical Doctor Nominated to Head OASAS
For the first time in recent history, New York is slated to have a medical doctor instead of a bureaucrat running the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Not only is Chinazo Cunningham, M.D., an expert in methadone and buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder, but she is a strong proponent of harm reduction and is passionate about advocating for … [Read more...] about Harm Reduction Proponent, Medical Doctor Nominated to Head OASAS
Methadone Induction for Inpatients: Working with OTPs, but Stabilizing Quickly
Many hospital-based physicians are not comfortable with methadone, although they are very comfortable with morphine and a lot of other opioids used for pain. When these physicians find their patients who are admitted to the hospital for an injury, acute illness or other problem also have untreated opioid use disorder (OUD), they may panic. “Methadone? I don’t know anything … [Read more...] about Methadone Induction for Inpatients: Working with OTPs, but Stabilizing Quickly
ONDCP on CDC’s Latest OD Data
On October 13 the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released provisional death data showing a record number of 99,106 overdose deaths in the 12-month period ending March. This is a 31% increase from the prior 12-month period ending in March 2020. Regina LaBelle, acting assistant director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) said … [Read more...] about ONDCP on CDC’s Latest OD Data
AATOD Calls for OTP Reforms, Including Relaxing Rules
The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) is recommending that federal regulators relax rules regarding methadone treatment by opioid treatment programs (OTPs). Only OTPs, certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), are allowed to dispense methadone for the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUDs). The rules … [Read more...] about AATOD Calls for OTP Reforms, Including Relaxing Rules
