336

Medicaid expansion was associated with reductions in total opioid overdose deaths, particularly deaths involving heroin and synthetic opioids other than methadone, but increases in methadone-related mortality. As states invest more resources in addressing the opioid overdose epidemic, attention should be paid to the role that Medicaid expansion may play in reducing opioid … [Read more...] about Association of Medicaid Expansion With Opioid Overdose Mortality in the United States

The opioid epidemic in the U.S. is driving a simultaneous epidemic of infectious diseases — including HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and bacterial infections, and sexually transmitted infections — but workforce shortages, stigma, and financial and policy barriers are preventing the integration of opioid use disorder (OUD) and infectious disease services, says a new report from … [Read more...] about Policy, Financing, Stigma, and Workforce Barriers Stand in the Way of Addressing Co-Occurring Opioid and Infectious Disease Epidemics

In this carefully conducted systematic review, the authors found that correctional facilities should scale up opioid agonist treatment (methadone and buprenorphine) among incarcerated persons with opioid use disorder. The strategy is likely to decrease opioid-related overdose and mortality, reduce opioid use and other risky behaviors during and after incarceration, and improve … [Read more...] about Opioid-Related Treatment, Interventions, and Outcomes Among Incarcerated Persons: A Systematic Review

To optimize HIV prevention and treatment goals in Ukraine, opioid agonist treatment (OAT) must be substantially scaled up in all regions, the authors found. Increased medication procurement is needed, combined with optimization of OAT dosing. Source: The Lancethttps://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhiv/article/PIIS2352-3018(19)30373-X/fulltext … [Read more...] about Effect of Expanding Opioid Agonist Therapies on the HIV Epidemic and Mortality in Ukraine: A Modeling Study

Salt Lake County has a new strategy to combat the opioid crisis from inside the county’s jail. The new approach seeks to address the opioid epidemic by administering medication designed to treat addiction and providing patients with substance abuse counseling while they are in jail custody. “Not only is this intervention the compassionate thing to do, it’s the cost-effective … [Read more...] about Salt Lake County Program Aims to Combat the Opioid Crisis from Inside Jail