Addiction Treatment Forum

Addiction Treatment Forum reports on substance use news of interest to opioid treatment programs and patients in medication-assisted treatment.

2023

CODAC leadership team grows as RI OTP provider expands roles

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CODAC Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. (CODAC) has announced that it has added two executive-level staff to its experienced group of professionals.  Dustin Alvanas has rejoined CODAC as Chief Operating Officer. Alvanas will be responsible for the strategic operation of CODAC programming, and will supervise the clinical and operational aspects of the organization. He was also … [Read more...] about CODAC leadership team grows as RI OTP provider expands roles

Everything you need to know about the M-OTAA

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Below is an eloquent comment on the most recent proposal to “modernize” methadonetreatment, obtained by AT FORUM. Dated May 26, it is by Arlin Silberman, D.O., F.A.O.A.A.M. (afellow of the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine) and reviews “TheModernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act (M-OTAA), H.R.1359/S. 644.” In summary, the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access … [Read more...] about Everything you need to know about the M-OTAA

What Really Matters is Retention in Treatment (JAMA Letters)

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When evaluating a medication, researchers sometimes overlook a key factor: retention.  But how meaningful are other data, if patients drop out of treatment? A study recently published in JAMA Letters used U.S. prescription data to evaluate recent trends in buprenorphine initiation and retention. A team of … [Read more...] about What Really Matters is Retention in Treatment (JAMA Letters)

SAMHSA and FDA reduce counseling recommendations for buprenorphine

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Receiving buprenorphine should not be contingent upon receivingcounseling as well, according to a “Dear Colleague” letter issued May 9 bythe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Substance Abuse andMental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In the letter, states that“an often-cited barrier to prescribing buprenorphine for the treatment of OUD[opioid use disorder] is … [Read more...] about SAMHSA and FDA reduce counseling recommendations for buprenorphine

The First 24 Hours

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Part I: When OTP Patients Leave Lockup They’ve served their sentences, and now it’s time to leave.   Many look forward to a new start in life, but they may be woefully unprepared for the challenges they’ll face. When the lucky ones step outside, family will greet them, hug them, take them home for a good meal and a comfy bed. The less fortunate will find … [Read more...] about The First 24 Hours