Methadone treatment of the pregnant, opioid-addicted mother is routinely cited in research studies as causing a neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). But this is an oversimplification of the effects on the fetus of the mother’s drug use before, and sometimes during, methadone treatment. There are limits to what we really know about the effects of opioid abuse on the developing … [Read more...] about Methadone Dosing During Pregnancy: Does Anyone Have a Clue? John J. McCarthy, MD, Guest Author
2012
Hearing Bad Things about Methadone Treatment? Thank “Dr. Drew”
Why is it that most opioid-dependent patients aren’t enrolled in medication-assisted treatment (MAT), despite its proven effectiveness? One reason is the link between so-called reality television and negative perceptions about methadone and buprenorphine. That’s the thinking of the authors of “Messages About Methadone and Buprenorphine in Reality Television: A Content Analysis … [Read more...] about Hearing Bad Things about Methadone Treatment? Thank “Dr. Drew”
Habit OPCO Helps Educate the Criminal Justice System about Medication-Assisted Treatment
Although it’s well known that many people wind up in the criminal justice system because they are addicted to opioids, there is still work to be done in educating the system about the value of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Jonathon Wasp, MS, director of Pennsylvania operations for Habit OPCO opioid treatment programs (OTPs), has a background in management of addiction … [Read more...] about Habit OPCO Helps Educate the Criminal Justice System about Medication-Assisted Treatment
OTP Victory in Berwyn Hoped to Discourage Other Localities From Discriminating
The city of Berwyn, Illinois will never pick a fight with an opioid treatment program (OTP) again. In July, it settled with Elizabeth Buonauro and Sal Sottile, current owners of an OTP in Evanston, Illinois that will now be allowed to open a second clinic in Berwyn, for $650,000. The saga is one of discrimination against methadone patients, of the illegality of that … [Read more...] about OTP Victory in Berwyn Hoped to Discourage Other Localities From Discriminating
AATOD Issues Prescription Monitoring Program Guidelines for OTPs
The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD), issued guidance this June to opioid treatment programs (OTPs) encouraging them to “utilize prescription monitoring programs (PMPs) as an additional resource to maximize safety in patient care pursuant to applicable state guidelines.” When OTPs do access state PMP data bases, they should do so for … [Read more...] about AATOD Issues Prescription Monitoring Program Guidelines for OTPs
