How different are women from men, when it comes to using—and misusing—opioids? More different than you might think, it turns out, according to CDC Vital Signs, a publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Women are more likely than men to have chronic pain, and to use prescription opioids for longer periods, in higher doses. They also tend to become … [Read more...] about Why Women Use—and Misuse—Opioids
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Tennessee Bill Would Place Full Liability on OTPs for Car Accidents
A bill winding its way through the Tennessee legislature would make opioid treatment programs (OTPs) liable for any injury or death caused by a patient who had just received methadone. This is similar to laws that hold restaurants and bars liable for injuries or deaths caused by people driving drunk after consuming alcohol at their establishments. Under the bill, the defense … [Read more...] about Tennessee Bill Would Place Full Liability on OTPs for Car Accidents
Mobile Vans: Not Ready for Prime Time
Yes, there are regulations in preparation to address the use of mobile vans to dispense medication-assisted treatment. When connected to brick-and-mortar opioid treatment programs (OTPs), these vans can help patients who don’t have transportation, as we reported in our recap of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) conference last year. At that … [Read more...] about Mobile Vans: Not Ready for Prime Time
AATOD Issues Benzodiazepine Guidelines
On April 6, the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) released its long-awaited report, Guidelines for Addressing Benzodiazepine Use in Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs). The guidelines can be downloaded at: http://www.aatod.org/guidelines-for-addressing-benzodiazepine-use-in-opioid-treatment-programs-otps/. The purpose of the AATOD report is to … [Read more...] about AATOD Issues Benzodiazepine Guidelines