Newsletter

Women with opioid use disorder (OUD) face many challenges, among them the risk of poor outcomes in conditions involving reproductive and sexual health (RSH). Factors contributing to risk include less use of contraceptives, a higher incidence of unintended pregnancies, and an increased chance of contracting sexually transmitted infections and passing them on.  What can … [Read more...] about Women with OUD Are at Risk for Poor Reproductive and Sexual Health Outcomes; OTP Staff and Providers Suggest Effective Interventions

AATOD’s Las Vegas conference will be virtual, but still fun. Attendees at the April conference of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) will have plenty of fun, and lots to learn, as usual. Onsite will not happen due to the pandemic. It will be virtual.  What does “virtual” mean? According to Talley Management, the company which has … [Read more...] about How to Attend AATOD

Writing in the “Points of View” section of the New England Journal of Medicine in January, Joshua A. Barocas, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at the Boston University School of Medicine and Infectious Disorders says that people with substance use disorders (SUDs) have not only be disproportionately affected by COVID-19, but are not prioritized for early vaccination, … [Read more...] about Vaccines and PPE for OTP Patients And Staff: A Work In Progress, Still

Extended Take-homes: More Good News in New York The expansion of methadone take-homes was highlighted as a positive move in New York by Governor Andrew Cuomo in his State of the State message January 11. This is a huge accomplishment, and one that other states should pick up on. In addition, he focused in general on increasing the availability of medication assisted … [Read more...] about Extended Take-homes: More Good News in New York

Let’s say you’re a counselor in an opioid treatment program (OTP), and your methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program suddenly launches an open-access initiative. Within days eligible patients are enrolled—whether they can pay or not—and allowed access, whenever they want, to their choice of counseling and medical and vocational services.  Good idea? Bad idea? What … [Read more...] about Study Report: Implementing Open Access in OTPs; A Good Idea? Counselors Share Their Thoughts and Experiences