“A study published Monday in the journal Health Affairs found significant disparities in Medicaid coverage for addiction treatment among the states. “Researchers sought to determine the number of substance treatment services available in each state in 2014. They analyzed coverage for the four tiers of services recognized by the American Society for Addiction Medicine, which … [Read more...] about Medicaid Coverage for Addiction Treatment Varies Dramatically
2016
Use of Needle Exchange Programs Up Dramatically In 10 Years: CDC
“Although there was a significant increase in the use of syringe services programs (SSPs)—more commonly known as needle exchange programs—across the United States over the past decade, many injection drug users don't always use sterile needles, a federal government report says. Researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked at data from injection … [Read more...] about Use of Needle Exchange Programs Up Dramatically In 10 Years: CDC
Election: OTPs Should Be Vigilant, But Optimistic
How will the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States, with far-ranging changes in administration officials and policy, affect opioid treatment programs (OTPs)? There are many questions about the future, with Mr. Trump having said little in terms of concrete plans. Drug policy reform may take a turn away from the “we can’t arrest our way out of the problem,” … [Read more...] about Election: OTPs Should Be Vigilant, But Optimistic
AATOD Conference Recap
Double the number of opioid treatment programs—from 1,400 to 2,800—in the United States over the next three years: that was the main message from Mark Parrino, MPA, President of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD), and from the organization’s conference in Baltimore this fall. There were almost 1,800 attendees at the meeting, which held its … [Read more...] about AATOD Conference Recap
AATOD Plenaries: Standing-Room-Only Interest in OTPs, MAT
Mark Parrino, MPA, made no secret of his plan to double the number of opioid treatment programs (OTPs) within three years, from 1,400 to 2,800. He mentioned it at every opportunity during the recent conference of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD). Vickie L. Walters, LCSW-C, opened the standing-room-only plenary session in Baltimore on … [Read more...] about AATOD Plenaries: Standing-Room-Only Interest in OTPs, MAT