8-20

The nation’s focus is understandably set on the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, yet nearly 72,000 Americans died from an unintentional drug overdose last year. A new report from the AMA Opioid Task Force details actions physicians have taken, recognizes the evolving nature of the overdose epidemic, and identifies barriers that continue to stymie progress. “Health … [Read more...] about Nation’s Drug Overdose Epidemic Requires New Policy Focus

"The coronavirus pandemic is, unfortunately, expected to worsen the opioid overdose crisis," says Barbara Andraka-Christou, an assistant professor of health management and informatics at the University of Central Florida. "Many individuals are experiencing triggers, such as family- or job-related stress, that may lead them to relapse," she says. "Many people are losing … [Read more...] about To Stop Deadly Overdoses, ‘The Opioid Fix’ Urges Better Use Of Tools We Already Have

Nearly 71,000 Americans died of drug overdoses last year, a new record that predates the COVID-19 crisis, which the White House and many experts believe will drive such deaths even higher. Preliminary numbers released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the trend is driven by fentanyl and similar synthetic opioids, which accounted for 36,500 … [Read more...] about New Peak Of 71k Us Overdose Deaths In 2019 Dashes Hopes

The long-awaited final rule revising 42 CFR Part 2—the confidentiality regulation applying to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment records—is out.  The 54-page rule was published in the Federal Register on July 15, and takes effect on August 14. It follows along with the proposal, on which Filter reported last summer when the … [Read more...] about SAMHSA Rule-Change Strips SUD Patients’ Privacy, Invites Police Intrusion

Although telemedicine has improved treatment access for some patients with substance use disorders during the pandemic, it doesn't meet all of the needs of an already vulnerable population, specialists told MedPage Today. Regulatory agencies have loosened restrictions on treatments like buprenorphine, allowing prescriptions to be written through telehealth appointments … [Read more...] about Telehealth Can Be a Lifeline for Patients With Addictions. Is It Enough?