• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to footer
Addiction Treatment Forum

Addiction Treatment Forum

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

  • Newsletter
  • Addiction Resources
  • Methadone
  • Buprenorphine
  • Patient Brochures
  • Events

Newsletter

2023

2022

AATOD to sponsors of methadone reform bills: Keep OTPs involved in dispensing

March 7, 2022

The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) on March 2 sent letters…

Read More

New York OTPs Call for Help from Flush State Budget

February 24, 2022

With opioid overdoses at the highest level ever and still going up – more than…

Read More

Some support from AATOD in Markey-Paul bill, but NAMA-R supports it all

February 23, 2022

Like the Norcross bill introduced in the House of Representatives last year (see https://atforum.com/2021/12/norcross-bill-modernize-methadone-treatment/) the…

Read More

Mount Sinai Beth Israel Streamlines Procedures in COVID-19, Speeds Medication Delivery to OTP Patients

February 17, 2022

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, experts at Mount Sinai Beth Israel (MSBI)—one of the largest…

Read More

Bill to Allow Pharmacy Dispensing of Methadone Introduced in the Senate

February 16, 2022

A bill to allow pharmacies to dispense methadone for opioid treatment was introduced in the…

Read More

Yngvild Olsen to be Director of CSAT

February 9, 2022

Both a medical doctor, an OBOT provider, and an OTP director, Yngvild Olsen, M.D. is well-known to…

Read More

Ideas for Research on Methadone Treatment, from NIDA task force

January 25, 2022

Last year a commentary on the Methadone Access Research Task Force, created by the National…

Read More

Buprenorphine Availability in Jails and Prisons up: More than 433% with COVID rules: Study

January 25, 2022

Buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder in prisons and jails started increasing with…

Read More

Dropouts due to Inadequate Dosing: Greater than 50% of Patients

January 19, 2022

More than 50% of patients treated with methadone or buprenorphine drop out of treatment, mostly…

Read More

FDA: Tell your Dentist if you take Buprenorphine

January 19, 2022

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 12 said it will require a warning…

Read More

Obituary: Richard Saitz, M.D., M.P.H.

January 17, 2022

Richard Saitz, M.D., M.P.H., internationally and locally respected in alcohol and drug addiction research, died…

Read More

Two Studies Look at Effects of Relaxed COVID-19 Restrictions on OTPs—and Come Up With Different Answers

January 13, 2022

“No Home to Take Methadone to,” a story recently published on this website, investigated the…

Read More

Federal Government Announces First-Ever Harm Reduction Grants

January 4, 2022

The end of last year marked the first-ever announcement of federal grants for harm reduction…

Read More

Harm Reduction Initiatives Take Hold in White House

January 4, 2022

The end of 2021 saw several aggressive new harm reduction initiatives coming out of the…

Read More

Obituary: Bowman, Recovery Advocate

January 4, 2022

Paul Edward Bowman, an advocate of recovery who worked closely with the methadone and buprenorphine…

Read More
« Previous 1 2

2021

Longtime NY SOTA Retiring, Puryear Moving to Position

December 21, 2021

The post occupied by Belinda Greenfield, Ph.D., as New York’s Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA) for…

Read More

Norcross to Introduce Bill to ‘Modernize’ Methadone Treatment

December 21, 2021

With much support from many – but not the American Association for the Treatment of…

Read More

“No Home to Take Methadone to”: Study Reveals Inequities in Addiction Care

December 17, 2021

Key inequities in addiction care could be managed by correcting shortcomings uncovered in a recent…

Read More

SAMHSA Continues Relaxed Take-Homes

November 23, 2021

Relaxed take-home rules for methadone patients were announced in March 2020 as a result of…

Read More

Harm Reduction Proponent, Medical Doctor Nominated to Head OASAS

November 15, 2021

For the first time in recent history, New York is slated to have a medical…

Read More

Methadone Induction for Inpatients: Working with OTPs, but Stabilizing Quickly

November 4, 2021

Many hospital-based physicians are not comfortable with methadone, although they are very comfortable with morphine…

Read More

STUDY: OUD Disclosure Can Be Helpful, or Devastating; Study Participants Offer Advice

October 21, 2021

Stigma—negative beliefs and misperceptions, based on misinformation or lack of information—has long plagued people with…

Read More

ONDCP on CDC’s Latest OD Data

October 18, 2021

On October 13 the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released provisional death…

Read More

AATOD Calls for OTP Reforms, Including Relaxing Rules

October 5, 2021

The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) is recommending that federal regulators…

Read More

REVIEW ARTICLE: How Long Should OAT Last? A Month? A Year? Or…Forever?

October 4, 2021

The review article summarized here delves into a timely question: How long should treatment for…

Read More

How an Online Interview Can Help Programs Monitor Patient Progress, Identify Problems

September 24, 2021

Patients in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) may have other conditions that need treatment,…

Read More

Helping SUD Providers Help Diverse Patients: Race, Incarceration, Pain, PTSD

September 24, 2021

Race: In “Can You See Us? Providing Culturally Competent Treatment for Persons of Color,” presenters…

Read More

STUDY: Do Health Care Costs and Service Usage Increase When Prisoners Are Treated for OUD, Then Released?

September 16, 2021

With the risk of fatal overdose at least ten times higher in released prisoners than…

Read More

The Need for Medications and Psychotherapy in Treatment

September 15, 2021

“I said I will never work for anyone who just makes you throw pills at…

Read More
methadone

Details on How to Use Methadone Vehicles: Two OTPs’ Experience

September 3, 2021

Two treatment providers with many years’ experience using mobile methadone outlined their lessons learned and…

Read More

SAMHSA Okays Use of SAPT Block Grant to Procure Methadone Vans from For-Profits

August 18, 2021
SAMHSA-letter-to-post-on-mobile-vans
Read More

Kloxxado: Nasal Spray Naloxone Launched

August 16, 2021

Kloxxado, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in April for treatment of opioid overdose…

Read More

STUDY: “Is MAT Cost Effective?” Answer: A Resounding “Yes!”

August 16, 2021

We’ve long known that opioid use disorder (OUD) is a significant cause of morbidity and…

Read More

SAMHSA Issues New and Revised TIP 63 on Medications to Treat OUD

August 12, 2021

Last week, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued a new Treatment…

Read More

AATOD Sponsors August 11 Webinar: “How-to” on Mobile Methadone

August 10, 2021

The new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations allowing brick-and-mortar opioid treatment programs (OTPs) to dispense…

Read More

Legal Action Center Report Warns Hospitals of Legal Liability for Failing to Care for OUDs

July 23, 2021

Hospital emergency departments (EDs) risk legal liability by not referring patients to treatment with methadone…

Read More

ONDCP director nominated: It’s Gupta

July 15, 2021

West Virginia doesn’t have a stellar history when it comes to treating opioid use disorder….

Read More

Scoping Review: Interim Methadone Services Can Offer a Lifesaving Hand When Someone Desperately Needs Help

July 13, 2021

When someone with an opioid use disorder (OUD) seeks help at a busy opioid treatment…

Read More

DEA Okays Methadone Vans if Operated by OTPs

July 8, 2021

As of July 28, licensed opioid treatment programs (OTPs) can operate vans which dispense methadone….

Read More
emergency department

When emergency departments make referrals, are they sending them to treatment?

June 29, 2021

Emergency departments have long been able to give patients methadone to treat opioid use disorder…

Read More
telehealth

Methadone treatment reform: A middle ground?

June 29, 2021

There are many bills and proposals which would loosen up treatment with methadone or buprenorphine….

Read More

NSM to AATOD Board: Be Proactive to Avoid Big Professional Liability Claims

June 16, 2021

Krista Mayes, director of the addiction treatment provider program of NSM insurance, group, talked recently…

Read More

Two Studies Describe Differences in OTP Responses to COVID-19: What Can We Learn?

June 9, 2021

In these pages of Addiction Treatment Forum we feature two studies describing experiences at opioid…

Read More

FDA Approves Higher Dosage of Naloxone Nasal Spray

June 2, 2021

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a higher dose naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray…

Read More

OTP Clinicians’ Responses to Telemedicine and Changes in Methadone Service Delivery During COVID-19: A Qualitative Study

May 26, 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, opioid treatment programs (OTPs) have been given some flexibility in dispensing…

Read More

Reimagining Patient Care: Bronx OTPs Share Lessons Learned During COVID-19

April 27, 2021

When COVID-19 forced Bronx opioid treatment programs (OTPs) to change the way they operated, the…

Read More

Community Medical Services Reaches Out To Harm Reduction

April 22, 2021

Community Medical Services (CMS), which opened two new opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in Wisconsin and…

Read More

Flaws In Idea Of Expanding Access To Methadone Via FQHCs And Chain Pharmacy

April 21, 2021

A recent study hypothesized that distribution of methadone in Ohio via Federally Qualified Health Centers…

Read More

New OTP in Tennessee Opens

April 19, 2021

The Talbott Legacy Centers (TLC) announced the opening of a new opioid treatment program (OTP)…

Read More

X-waiver Changes Progressing Through Congress Amid Some Concerns From OTPs And Patients

April 19, 2021

Three bills going through Congress would change the way buprenorphine treatment is delivered, mainly eliminating…

Read More

Mass. Sheriff And R.I. OTP Work Together To Provide Treatment During Pandemic

April 19, 2021

The Hampden County (Massachusetts) Sheriff is helping men and women with opioid use disorder (OUD)…

Read More

Women with OUD Are at Risk for Poor Reproductive and Sexual Health Outcomes; OTP Staff and Providers Suggest Effective Interventions

March 3, 2021

Women with opioid use disorder (OUD) face many challenges, among them the risk of poor…

Read More

How to Attend AATOD

March 1, 2021

AATOD’s Las Vegas conference will be virtual, but still fun. Attendees at the April conference…

Read More

Vaccines and PPE for OTP Patients And Staff: A Work In Progress, Still

February 12, 2021

Writing in the “Points of View” section of the New England Journal of Medicine in…

Read More

Extended Take-homes: More Good News in New York

February 12, 2021

Extended Take-homes: More Good News in New York The expansion of methadone take-homes was highlighted…

Read More

Study Report: Implementing Open Access in OTPs; A Good Idea? Counselors Share Their Thoughts and Experiences

January 25, 2021

Let’s say you’re a counselor in an opioid treatment program (OTP), and your methadone maintenance…

Read More

2020

Update on Washington and OTPs for end of 2020

December 21, 2020

End of year activities in Washington, D.C. are full of important messages for opioid treatment…

Read More

Generic Buprenex

December 21, 2020

One of the public health concerns about prescription opioids, including for pain, is diversion, but…

Read More

Proposed bills would infuse opioid use disorder treatment with new funds

November 24, 2020

Two bills passed by Congress and heading to the Senate would be very helpful to…

Read More

To Mallinckrodt: Thank you from AT Forum

October 20, 2020

We all want to thank Mallinckrodt for almost 30 years of support. This wonderful company…

Read More

CODAC Works With BH Link For Behavioral Health 24/7 Urgent Care

October 9, 2020

Rhode Island supported the development of Behavioral Health Link, BH Link, a 24-7 urgent care…

Read More

Study: COVID-19 Threatens the Incarcerated With Loss of Life-Saving OAT Treatment

September 29, 2020

For people with opioid use disorder (OUD), getting into or staying in an opioid agonist…

Read More

Why OTPs Need To Stay In The Mix: The Shatterproof Yelp-like Pilot

September 28, 2020

When Shatterproof launched its new ATLAS (Addiction Treatment Locator, Assessment, and Standards Platform) project, funded…

Read More

New OTPs In Tennessee, Where Medicaid Now Covers Methadone/OTP

September 3, 2020

This summer, the Tennessee Health Services and Development Agency (HSDA) granted a Certificate of Need…

Read More

Pinnacle Ceo On Aegis Acquisition 2 Months Before Covid Hit

August 19, 2020

When Pinnacle Treatment Centers acquired California-based Aegis Treatment Centers this year, it gained 10,000 patients…

Read More

Can Jail-Based MMT Lower Costs and Help Prevent Recidivism?

August 17, 2020

Jail-based methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) sounds great in theory, but it’s rarely implemented. Yet opioid…

Read More

Extended Methadone Take-homes During COVID: Nothing But Success

July 8, 2020

Since March, when the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) relaxed rules for…

Read More

STUDY: Saving Lives by Launching Buprenorphine Treatment in the ED: What Clinicians Need to Know

July 8, 2020

It’s a scene that’s repeated countless times every day across the U.S. Siren blaring, an…

Read More

STUDY: Is ACA Medicaid Expansion Fueling the Opioid Epidemic, or Is It Saving Lives?

June 12, 2020

This is such an important question to resolve! Especially now, with more than a dozen…

Read More

How Stavros 24-7 Clinics Handle the Pandemic

May 27, 2020

When the pandemic hit the epicenter of New York City in mid-March, Nicholas Stavros’ 24-7…

Read More

How the North Carolina SOTA Responded to the Pandemic

May 27, 2020

When the pandemic hit full force in mid-March, the State Opioid Treatment Authorities (SOTAs) had…

Read More

STUDY: Risk Factors EDs Can Use to Identify Patients With Substance-Related Encounters Who Are at High Risk of Fatal Opioid ODs

May 14, 2020

Lacking alternative resources, many people with substance use disorders (SUDs) visit emergency departments (EDs), especially…

Read More

New Georgia OTP Takes Patients and Deals With the Pandemic

April 30, 2020

Gateway Treatment Centers in Ellijay, Georgia, opened January 7—just a few weeks before the pandemic…

Read More

AATOD Concerns about Harm Reduction Initiative During Pandemic

April 15, 2020

During the week of April 6, a sign-on letter circulating in the harm reduction and…

Read More

Provisions in CARES Act Affecting OTPs

April 2, 2020

The CARES Act revises 42 CFR Part 2 (confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records)…

Read More

Study Report: Pharmacy-Based Methadone Distribution

April 2, 2020

Eight investigators from medical centers in the U.S. and Canada recently looked into methadone access…

Read More

OTP Regulations Loosened Due to Pandemic

March 26, 2020

Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) that dispense methadone got a fast and clear release from regulations…

Read More

AATOD Releases Guidance for OTPs on coronavirus/COVID-19

March 25, 2020

Make sure you have enough medication. Follow infectious disease protocols. Protect your workforce and patients….

Read More

COVID-19 Resources

March 17, 2020

https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/programs_campaigns/medication_assisted/telemedicine-dea-guidance.pdf https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/statutes-regulations-guidelines/covid-19-guidance-otp https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/otp-guidance-20200316.pdf https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sample-otp-covid-19-faqs.pdf https://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/noras-blog/2020/03/covid-19-potential-implications-individuals-substance-use-disorders https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/tips-social-distancing-quarantine-isolation-031620.pdf https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/032520%20Title-By-Title%20Summary%20FINAL.pdf

Read More

DEA Proposes Mobile Methadone at Last

March 2, 2020

The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has published its long-awaited proposal for opioid treatment programs…

Read More

Buprenorphine Effectively Treats OUD, But Most Patients Quit Treatment Too Early—Risking Relapse, Overdose, and Other Potentially Fatal Events

February 25, 2020

Here’s something most people in the field know: buprenorphine treatment lowers the risk of overdose…

Read More

Explaining Quality of Care in New Jersey, as State Looks at More Regulations for OBOTs

February 25, 2020

“We’re penalized because we’re so highly regulated and there is little or no oversight over…

Read More
methadone

Study Favors Better Insurance Reimbursement for Methadone Maintenance

February 25, 2020

The problem of methadone underuse isn’t new—but the authors of a recently published paper offer…

Read More

Surprise Speaker at NYSAM Focuses on Advantages of Comprehensive Care

February 25, 2020

The surprise speaker was Mark W. Parrino, MPA, president of the American Association for the…

Read More

Incarcerated People Are Entitled to Medications for Their OUD; So Why Aren’t They Getting Them?

February 25, 2020

There’s no question that opioid use disorder (OUD) is extremely common in incarcerated people. And…

Read More

Introducing Steve Woolworth, New Evergreen CEO

February 25, 2020

Steve Woolworth, PhD, the new CEO of Evergreen Treatment Services, has big shoes to fill….

Read More

Three Separate Programs Under One OTP Umbrella at Behavioral Health Group

February 25, 2020

In Colorado, some opioid treatment programs (OTPs) governed by federal methadone regulations are combining the…

Read More

Lawmakers Urge DEA to Move on Mobile Vans, Telemedicine

February 25, 2020

Congress is getting annoyed with the stalling by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on mobile…

Read More

2019

AATOD Conference Recap: ‘Out of the Shadows’

December 9, 2019

There were more than 1,800 attendees at the 2019 conference of the American Association for…

Read More

Top Honors at AATOD Award Ceremony Go to Gilbert Gerra, MD; Zachary Talbott

December 9, 2019

The crowning glory for many attendees of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid…

Read More

Mobile Vans a Hot Topic at AATOD–And Now

December 9, 2019

The open board meeting is the traditional opening work-sleeves session at the conference of the…

Read More

Telehealth Offers Best Opportunity for Treatment Expansion

December 9, 2019

There is great interest in telehealth in all of health care, including treatment for opioid…

Read More

New Face of Criminal Justice: Welcoming MAT

December 9, 2019

There is a growing partnership between corrections/criminal justice and treatment for substance use disorder (SUD)—especially,…

Read More

Cannabis for OUD: Not so Fast, Politicians

December 9, 2019

Politicians like the idea of cannabis as a way to cure society’s opioid ills. It’s…

Read More

Report: Why OUD Statistics Continue to Worsen, and What OTPs Can Do to Help 

December 9, 2019

The statistics tell the story: Rates of opioid use disorder (OUD) and its consequences continue…

Read More

Review Article: Methadone Legend Dr. Kreek on Opioid Addiction Treatment

December 9, 2019

Mary Jeanne Kreek, MD Almost exactly a half-year ago we highlighted…

Read More

When Early Dropout From Opioid Agonist Therapy Seems Likely, Identifying Problems and Taking Action May Help Keep Patients in Treatment

October 11, 2019

Too often, patients drop out early from opioid agonist therapy and lose the many benefits…

Read More
Vermont's Hub and Spoke System

Vermonters Speak Out About MOUD in the State’s Hub-and-Spoke System

October 11, 2019

Vermonters didn’t hesitate when recently asked to share their opinions about the state’s hub-and-spoke (H…

Read More

Relative Costs and Benefits of Methadone vs. Buprenorphine in OUD

October 11, 2019

It’s generally accepted that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone or buprenorphine is more effective than…

Read More

COMPA Members Use Telemedicine in Clinical Trial to Assess Hepatitis C Management in Methadone-Maintained Patients

October 11, 2019

Twelve opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in New York State are participating in a $7 million…

Read More

AATOD Concerned About SAMHSA Proposal to Drop PDMP Restriction

October 11, 2019

The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) is concerned about recent initiatives…

Read More

Providers Oppose Allowing Law Enforcement Access to Patient Records

October 11, 2019

Now that all the comments are in and counted, the votes are clearly against allowing…

Read More
AATOD Conference 2019

AATOD Conference: Out of the Shadows and the Continuum of Care

October 11, 2019

AATOD Conference: Out of the Shadows and the Continuum of Care Every 18 months the…

Read More

CMS Proposes Rates for Medicare Reimbursement for OTPs

October 11, 2019

The federal government’s approval of Medicare reimbursement for opioid treatment programs (OTPs) was a huge…

Read More
addiction treatment

NIMBY Doesn’t Affect Only OTPs

October 11, 2019

Even buprenorphine treatment programs are being chased out of town—at least, if the towns have…

Read More
prison cell

CODAC To Provide Induction for MAT in Massachusetts Prisons

October 11, 2019

In another move toward expansion of opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in correctional settings, CODAC Behavioral…

Read More

Rural Areas Have the Longest Drive Times for OTPs

October 11, 2019

It should come as no surprise that rural areas have longer drive times to opioid…

Read More
security, privacy

AATOD, NAMA Concerned About Law Enforcement Threats to Patient Confidentiality

September 12, 2019

The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) is concerned about recent initiatives…

Read More
methadone

SAMHSA Proposes Putting Methadone Information Into PDMPs

August 23, 2019

In the long-awaited rulemaking amending 42 CFR Part 2, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health…

Read More

Why Patients With OUDs and Co-Occurring Mental Illness May Have a Better Chance in an OTP Than in Other Treatments

August 7, 2019

When a patient with an opioid use disorder (OUD) fails to respond to treatment—despite the…

Read More
methadone

He Wanted to Live, But He Chose to Die—To Access Methadone

August 7, 2019

In a report published in the July issue of Health Affairs, addiction specialist Jessica L….

Read More

Add ASAM to “X the x-waiver” Movement

August 7, 2019

For months, the position of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) on the move…

Read More

Buprenorphine a Focus of AMA Opioid Task Force

August 7, 2019

A report out from the American Medical Association (AMA) this summer recommends closing the treatment…

Read More

Methadone Now Allowed in Upstate NY Prison, If Inmates Come From Rikers OTP First

August 7, 2019

A new program in New York has finally made it possible for methadone patients in…

Read More

Role of Counseling in OTPs

August 7, 2019

Many people have questions about the role of counseling in methadone maintenance treatment, sometimes suggesting…

Read More

OTP Responds to Shooting at Baltimore Clinic Across the Street

August 7, 2019

Two people died after a shooting at the highly respected Man Alive opioid treatment program…

Read More
Susan Caille Emerson

Susan Caille Emerson, 1951–2019

June 4, 2019

We have lost our publisher, Sue Emerson. It happened on April 18, following a short…

Read More

Review Article: NIDA Experts Dr. Blanco and Dr. Volkow on Opioid Use Disorder

June 4, 2019

A new review paper by Carlos Blanco, MD, PhD, and Nora Volkow, MD, nicely summarizes…

Read More
medicaid

Study: Medicaid Expansion Under ACA Can Increase Access to OAT—But Better Access May Be Within Reach

June 4, 2019

When Medicaid expansion was enacted under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), expectations were that patients…

Read More

42 CFR Part 2 Still Under Threat

June 4, 2019

Despite years of attempting to do away with the regulation that protects the confidentiality of…

Read More

Keeping All Three OUD Medications in Congress’ Eye

June 4, 2019

The key to keeping methadone and opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in the sights of appropriators…

Read More

OTPs, Profit, and Not-for-Profit: What’s the Fuss About?

June 4, 2019

Does for-profit status connote anything at all about the quality of treatment, about how well…

Read More

Medicare Part D Insurers Are Making the Opioid Crisis Even Worse: It’s Much Tougher Now to Prescribe Buprenorphine, Easier to Prescribe Opioids

April 7, 2019

Almost 90% of Medicare Part D insurance companies covered at least one buprenorphine product without…

Read More

Prior Authorizations of OUD Medications Are at Times Dangerous, and May Violate Federal Parity Laws; the SUPPORT Act Fails to Help

April 7, 2019

The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act—the massive piece of legislation signed into law on…

Read More

Increasing Access to MAT: What Is the Role of Harm Reduction?

April 7, 2019

There are moves—important and funded ones—to support the expansion of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), but those…

Read More

Expanding OTPs Into Corrections in Maryland

April 7, 2019

One of the most important initiatives occurring in methadone treatment for opioid use disorders (OUDs)…

Read More

Corrections: Big Focus for OTPs

April 7, 2019

As authorities start recognizing the need to treat opioid-dependent detainees in jails and prisons, rather…

Read More

CMS and SAMHSA Visit OTPs in Preparation for Bundled Rate for OTPs

April 7, 2019

The federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental…

Read More
methadone

Trouble Ahead: Shifts in Funding Limit Access to Methadone, Threaten Treatment Expansion

February 21, 2019

With opioid overdoses now killing more people than traffic accidents or HIV infection—more than 45,000…

Read More

When There Are Corporate Changes, Patient Treatment Should Continue Without a Hitch

February 21, 2019

There have been significant changes at Acadia Healthcare Company, which operates many opioid treatment programs…

Read More

Cannabis and OTPs: What Next?

February 21, 2019

Not only is cannabis—marijuana—legalized for recreational use in many states; it’s also legal for medical…

Read More

Alcohol: The Elephant In the OTP Room

February 21, 2019

The world of addiction has a deeply embedded image of the oft-cited elephant in the…

Read More

Integrated Care Model in Canada Includes Pharmacy

February 21, 2019

Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres (CATC), based in Toronto, has over 14,000 patients, 80% of whom…

Read More

Field Loses Pioneer and ‘Honorary Patient’ Tom Payte

February 21, 2019

Tom Payte James Thomas Payte, MD, died January 22 at the…

Read More
children

The Shocking Facts About Opioid Deaths in the Very Young

January 18, 2019

Yale researchers have uncovered startling data about the number of children and adolescents (younger than…

Read More

The “Three-Day Rule” Needs To Be Extended to Allow Longer Treatment With Methadone or Buprenorphine

January 18, 2019

In 2017, Gail Groves Scott, MPH, manager of the Substance Use Disorders Institute at the…

Read More

How OTPs Can Help Pain Patients With OUDS: SAMHSA

January 18, 2019

Can opioid treatment programs (OTPs) help pain patients who no longer need opioids for pain?…

Read More
confidential

42 CFR Part 2 Still a Target for 2019

January 18, 2019

Perhaps the best example of what can happen to loss of confidentiality is the story…

Read More

In-House, On-Site Pharmacy Provides Convenience and Minimizes Stigma, Enhancing Retention

January 18, 2019

In opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in the United States, all pharmacy is “in-house,” meaning that…

Read More

2018

Loretta Finnegan

MATER Center Director, on the Importance of Dr. Finnegan’s Work—Which Continues—and the Need to Treat Mothers for Trauma

December 17, 2018

Loretta Finnegan Loretta Finnegan, MD, a champion of medication-assisted treatment with…

Read More

Opportunities for Partnership Between OTPs and Prisons, Jails

December 17, 2018

Although the general attitude toward methadone and buprenorphine is not favorable on the part of…

Read More

Caught in Chaos—When Pregnant Women With OUD Are Incarcerated; How OTPs Can Help

December 17, 2018

Case Report This is the story of a young woman with a 15-year history of…

Read More

DEA’s Foot-Dragging on Mobile Vans Gets Worse

December 17, 2018

More than two years ago, just before Donald Trump was elected president, Demetra Ashley, associate…

Read More

AATOD Policy Paper Looks at Methadone and Buprenorphine, OTPs and DATA 2000 Practices

December 17, 2018

In a far-reaching policy paper to be published next year, a draft copy of which…

Read More

Most Important Aspect of Congress’ Opioid Bill: Medicare for OTPs

November 5, 2018

The 660-page opioid bill that passed Congress and was signed October 24 by President Trump…

Read More
confidential

42 CFR Part 2: It’s Still Under Threat, Misunderstood; But OTP Patients Need It!

November 5, 2018

42 CFR Part 2 protects the privacy of patient substance use disorder (SUD) treatment records….

Read More

When OTP Patients Face Surgical Pain, OTP and Surgical Staff Work Together to Help

November 5, 2018

Health care teams are brought up short when they see the words opioid use disorder…

Read More

Toolkit Helps Women State Legislators With Opioid Bills

November 5, 2018

Healthy Women, a group that has been active for 30 years, is expanding its work…

Read More

In Memoriam: Bob Newman

November 5, 2018

I spent hours visiting with Robert Newman, MD, beloved methadone advocate, over the past 30…

Read More

Challenges to Hiring and Retaining Good Workers in OTPs

October 3, 2018

As the opioid crisis continues, opioid treatment programs (OTPs) are going to face big challenges…

Read More

BAART Sues California City Over NIMBY Blocking Of Clinic

October 3, 2018

This summer, Bay Area Addiction Research and Treatment (BAART) sued the city of Concord, California…

Read More

Study: Lack of Nearby OTPs Puts Methadone Patients at  Risk of Early Death

October 3, 2018

Under federal law, newly enrolled methadone patients must attend a methadone program six days a…

Read More

Expanding OTP Access In California, Where Waiting Lists Are Not Used

October 3, 2018

California technically doesn’t have waiting lists for opioid treatment programs (OTPs). When a program is…

Read More

HHS Supportive of MAT Prescribing by Nurse Anesthetists, Midwives

September 27, 2018

“Nurse anesthetists can give any drug in the [operating room]; they put you under; and…

Read More

Opioid Bills in Congress: Focus on Medicare and OTPs – Updated August 25, 2018

September 4, 2018

As the Senate gets ready to vote on opioid legislation, advocates urge people to contact…

Read More
confidential

42 CFR Part 2 Faces Tough Going in Congress

September 4, 2018

When the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6082 last June methadone patients worried that…

Read More

How New York Uses Its STR Funds to Enhance Treatment

September 4, 2018

To use its more than $50 million in funding from the State Targeted Response (STR)…

Read More

As the NAS Crisis Worsens, a New Study Offers Treatment Guidelines

September 4, 2018

The incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) has been climbing steadily, according to a 2016…

Read More

Research Report: In Appalachia, Pregnant Women With OUD Encounter Barriers to Treatment

September 4, 2018

Appalachia is an area long known for beautiful scenery, coal mining, and devastating poverty. And…

Read More

West Virginia Leads the Nation With Its Opioid Problems; But Could Change Be Coming?

September 4, 2018

It’s a lovely state, nestled in the tree-covered Appalachian mountains—but West Virginia, the state hardest…

Read More

Opioid Bills in the Senate: Focus on Medicare and OTPs

August 6, 2018

By Alison Knopf “I don’t think there’s a single legislator who isn’t interested” in passing…

Read More
law books, gavel, scales

Drug Use During Pregnancy Is Not Child Abuse: Experts Weigh in On Pennsylvania Court Decision

July 20, 2018

“The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is considering whether a pregnant woman’s use of illegal drugs qualifies…

Read More
medicaid

Has the Medicaid Expansion Issue Finally Been Settled? If so, What’s the Best Way to Make Expansion Work?

June 18, 2018

Much has been written about the impact of Medicaid expansion on the opioid crisis and…

Read More
buprenorphine

SAMHSA Gives No Information on How Many Patients Are on Buprenorphine or How Well They Are Doing

June 18, 2018

Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) must submit a plethora of information on their services to the…

Read More

Profiles of Today’s OTP Leaders

June 18, 2018

Plenty of opioid treatment program executives are leaders in the field, but their names don’t…

Read More
Ann Jamieson

Ann Jamieson

June 18, 2018

Ann Jamieson, MS, aged 46, is the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Professional Development…

Read More
Jason Kletter

Jason Kletter

June 18, 2018

Jason Kletter, PhD, aged 47, is the President of BayMark Health Services, where he has…

Read More
Robert C. Lambert

Robert C. Lambert

June 18, 2018

Robert C. Lambert, MA, aged 54, president and executive director of Connecticut Counseling Centers, Inc.,…

Read More
Christine Martin

Christine Martin

June 18, 2018

Christine Martin, LMFT, CACII, aged 35, is director of clinical services for Center for Behavioral…

Read More
Stacey Pearce

Stacey Pearce

June 18, 2018

Stacey Pearce, aged 43, Chief Compliance Officer at Alliance Recovery Centers, in Georgia, started working…

Read More
Allegra Schorr

Allegra Schorr

June 18, 2018

Allegra Schorr, aged 56, is president of the Coalition of Medication-Assisted Treatment Providers and Advocates…

Read More
Nick Stavros

Nick Stavros

June 18, 2018

Nick Stavros, age 39, CEO of Community Medical Services, presided over the recent sale of…

Read More
Zac Talbott

Zac Talbott

June 18, 2018

Zachary C. Talbott (“Zac”), aged 35, a native of Tennessee, is administrator and program director…

Read More

States Are Legalizing Nonprescription Syringe Sales in Pharmacies; How Well Is That Working?

June 18, 2018

Nonprescription sales of syringes in pharmacies are being met with some enthusiasm, some resistance, and…

Read More

Methadone Patients Don’t Feel “Disabled,” But They Do Have a Protected “Disability” Under the ADA

June 18, 2018

Patients in opioid treatment programs (OTPs) are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)….

Read More

OTPs in Florida: Needs-Assessment Changes Underway

June 18, 2018

Florida Governor Rick Scott signed HB 21 in March, providing more than $65 million to…

Read More
New York map

AATOD Conference Recap: Field Has Funding, Now Needs Infrastructure

April 17, 2018

There were more than 2,000 attendees at the 2018 conference of the American Association for…

Read More
Dr. McCance-Katz

An Interview With Dr. McCance-Katz On Importance of Medications and Psychosocial Treatment

April 17, 2018

Elinore F. McCance-Katz, MD, PhD Elinore F. McCance-Katz, MD, PhD, assistant…

Read More

Department of Justice Tells State Attorney General: ADA Protects People On MAT

April 17, 2018

For the first time ever, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has sent a letter to…

Read More
security, privacy

With “Open-Access,” Methadone Treatment Can Increase Patient Census and Eliminate Waiting Lists: Research

April 17, 2018

In a study of “open access” treatment with methadone maintenance, reducing barriers to treatment led…

Read More

MAT During Incarceration Reduces Overdose Deaths

April 17, 2018

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder provided to incarcerated individuals sharply reduced overdose deaths…

Read More

MOTHER Study Babies Thrive at Three Years; AT Forum Talks With Lead Authors

April 17, 2018

It’s long been known that medication-assisted treatment (MAT), with adequate doses of methadone or buprenorphine,…

Read More

When Mom Is Better Than Morphine: Shorten Stay and Decrease Costs For Babies With Methadone-Related NAS

April 17, 2018

When Loretta Finnegan, MD, a champion of medication-assisted treatment with methadone, developed her famous scoring…

Read More

White House Wants Americans To Share Addiction Stories On New Website

April 6, 2018

“Could a new website serve as a way to bring attention to the opioid crisis? The White…

Read More

Dr. Jana Burson Blog: Guest Dosing at Opioid Treatment Programs

March 26, 2018

“Guest dose unto others as you would have others guest dose unto you.” I think…

Read More

Attorney General Sessions Announces DEA Surge to Combat Prescription Drug Diversion

February 11, 2018

  “Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced yesterday that, over the next 45 days, the Drug…

Read More

AATOD Board Meeting Features Visits With Lawmakers, ONDCP, DEA, and SAMHSA

February 11, 2018

The annual board meeting last December of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid…

Read More

California Moving Forward on Hub and Spoke, Care Teams

February 11, 2018

California has embraced the hub-and-spoke concept in implementing its State Targeted Response (STR) to the…

Read More

Vermont Hub-and-Spoke Evaluation: No Opioid Overdoses, and a Sharp Drop—96%—in Opioid Use

February 11, 2018

The hubs—OTPs—treat patients who have been assessed as needing the OTP level of care. These…

Read More

How OTPs Can Help Reduce Stigma: The Boston Experience

February 11, 2018

Boston is not the only city with a powerful push by academics and providers for…

Read More

Research Report: Getting More Methadone Patients Into HCV Treatment

February 11, 2018

Here’s an eye-catching statistic: only about 3% of the world’s population is infected with hepatitis…

Read More

Moving Ahead on Methadone in Corrections

February 11, 2018

People who get incarcerated—in prisons or jails—tend to be people with more advanced addiction. If…

Read More

Poll: Americans Consider the Opioid Crisis a Major Problem—but Not a National Emergency

February 11, 2018

Results of Seven Merged National Polls, 2016 and 2017, New England Journal of Medicine –…

Read More

2017

AT Forum Turns 25: Reporting on Opioid Use Disorders and Medication-Assisted Treatment

December 13, 2017

For a quarter-century AT Forum has served as a source of support and encouragement for…

Read More

Health Care Uncertainty Leaves Questions for OTPs; Self-Pay May Continue

December 13, 2017

In one respect, opioid treatment programs (OTPs) have an advantage over most areas of health…

Read More

Opioid STR Grant Funding Formula Stays in Effect for Year 2

December 13, 2017

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced that the funding formula for…

Read More

24/7 Access to OTPs Opened in Arizona With Federal STR Funds

December 13, 2017

Arizona is using some of its Opioid STR (State Targeted Response) money, granted under the…

Read More

Older Adults with Opioid Use Disorders—The Forgotten Generation

December 13, 2017

They’ve been called a “growing and understudied population”—people who need treatment, yet find it hard…

Read More

Need for Medicare Reimbursement for OTPs Cited in DC Briefing

December 13, 2017

Senior citizens are not immune from opioid use disorders (OUDs), but Medicare does not cover…

Read More

FDA: Keep Patients on Methadone or Buprenorphine, Even if They Test Positive for Benzodiazepines

December 13, 2017

The practice of ending treatment if patients test positive for benzodiazepines was discouraged in no…

Read More

How President Trump’s Opioid Commission Supports OTPs and Comprehensive Treatment

December 13, 2017

On November 1, the White House released the long-awaited final report on the President’s Commission…

Read More

“Adolescent Opioid-Related Deaths are Soaring…”— An Update

December 13, 2017

An article in our August-September newsletter on the rise in adolescent opioid-related deaths included recommendations…

Read More

NIDA Launches Tools for Assessing Adolescents’ Risk of Opioid Use Disorder, Opening the Door to Medication-Assisted Treatment

December 13, 2017

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has launched two online screening tools—BSTAD and S2BI—to…

Read More

Still Under a Moratorium, OTPs in West Virginia Finally Get Medicaid Payments

December 13, 2017

Last fall, West Virginia got its Medicaid 1115 waiver approved, allowing, among other things, Medicaid…

Read More

AATOD Releases Recommendations on Siting OTPs in Era of Growth

October 24, 2017

The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) has released recommendations on siting…

Read More

FDA Says Benzodiazepine Use Not a Bar to Treatment With Methadone or Buprenorphine for Opioid Addiction 

October 24, 2017

Citing the harms of untreated opioid use disorders, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA)…

Read More

It’s Official: Heroin Is Once Again More Popular Than Rx Opioids

October 24, 2017

Many health professionals have suspected it for a while, and now it’s official: a study…

Read More

Study Reveals Surprising Results: White Patients in OUD Treatment Are Significantly Less Likely to Receive Methadone or Buprenorphine

October 24, 2017

This was a study of specialty treatment for opioid use disorders (OUDs) in publicly funded…

Read More

Adolescent Opioid-Related Deaths Are Soaring; We Can’t Wait “Until Things Get Worse”!

October 24, 2017

In September of last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a policy statement…

Read More

SAMHSA Issues Brief Update on Use of Medication-Assisted Treatment

October 24, 2017

This update from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports trends in…

Read More

OTP Leader Ed Higgins Leaves Legacy for the Field

October 24, 2017

Longtime methadone and opioid treatment program (OTP) advocate and professional Edward J. Higgins died peacefully…

Read More

Expect Opioid STR Grant Money to Be Scrutinized After One Year

August 11, 2017

Of the $1 billion in federal grants going out to states in 2017 and 2018…

Read More

Community Medical Services in Arizona: Working with Corrections, Drug Courts

August 11, 2017

It has become clear that many people with opioid use disorders (OUDs) end up in…

Read More

Policies Limiting Rx Opioids Aren’t Working; It’s Time to Expand MAT and Evaluate Other Options

August 11, 2017

Prescription opioids are still getting much of the blame for the current opioid overdose crisis,…

Read More

Aegis Telehealth Makes Buprenorphine Treatment More Convenient for Patients

August 11, 2017

Imagine opioid treatment program (OTP) patients being able to get counseling and prescriptions from their…

Read More

Buprenorphine Reimbursement in OTPs Advances in California

August 11, 2017

Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) still use methadone as their main medication, especially in states where…

Read More

Mobile Vans for OTPs: Getting Closer to Reality

August 11, 2017

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is not yet ready to talk about mobile vans. The…

Read More

Faces & Voices of Recovery Honors Two OTP Leaders

August 11, 2017

Mary Jeanne Kreek, MD At its July 17 “America Honors Recovery”…

Read More

Fentanyl Analogues Not Resistant to Narcan® (Naloxone)

August 2, 2017

“Contrary to recent news reporting, there are no fentanyl analogues resistant to Naloxone. News reports…

Read More

Rapid Growth in Medicaid Spending on Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose

August 2, 2017

“This brief gives policymakers and the public perspective on the scope of potential Medicaid spending…

Read More

Number of OTPs Tops 1,500 For First Time Ever

June 2, 2017

For the first time in the history of opioid treatment programs (OTPs)–federally regulated clinics that…

Read More

Amid Beltway Disarray, Field Sees Bright Spot in McCance-Katz Nomination

June 2, 2017

President Trump, along with Republican members of Congress, is calling for a repeal of the…

Read More

AATOD, Acadia, and 433 Others Protest Health Care Bill as Destructive to Opioid Treatment

June 2, 2017

President Trump promised to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and although it took some…

Read More

SAMHSA Issues Opioid STR Grants

June 2, 2017

On April 19, the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the first…

Read More

Research Results: Lowering the Risks of Death for Patients Receiving Methadone or Buprenorphine

June 2, 2017

Evidence is growing that two key factors help determine the risks of death in patients…

Read More

Poll: The Public Speaks Out About Opioid Misuse 

June 2, 2017

Results of a Poll Released by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) -May 1, 2017 To…

Read More

Report from NASADAD – ONDCP to State Directors: Increase Access to Treatment 

June 2, 2017

Single state authorities (SSAs) are on the front lines of the opioid epidemic. They’re in…

Read More

When Facing NIMBY, Be Transparent: The Lesson From Buffalo, NY

June 2, 2017

Not in my back yard (NIMBY)—that’s how to best describe the feeling in local neighborhoods…

Read More

AATOD Issues Five-Year Plan: Bottom Line Focus Is Still on Stigma

April 13, 2017

The five-year plan of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) has…

Read More

Study: Benzodiazepines + Prescription Opioids = Caution Needed!

April 13, 2017

Benzodiazepines help patients cope with severe anxiety, panic disorder, or sleep problems; prescription opioids can…

Read More

California Will Use Cures Act $80 Million To Expand Treatment With Hub-And-Spoke System

April 13, 2017

The Cures Act, signed in December 2016 by President Obama, gave $920 million over a…

Read More

SAMHSA Develops MAPS Project to Determine Where OTPs Are Needed

April 13, 2017

The Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ) has been hard at work determining…

Read More

Buprenorphine Dispensing Problems in Virginia: Coal Country Rules

April 13, 2017

The Virginia Board of Medicine, backed by the state, has banned the use of buprenorphine…

Read More

Why Women Use—and Misuse—Opioids

April 13, 2017

How different are women from men, when it comes to using—and misusing—opioids? More different than…

Read More

Tennessee Bill Would Place Full Liability on OTPs for Car Accidents

April 13, 2017

A bill winding its way through the Tennessee legislature would make opioid treatment programs (OTPs)…

Read More

Mobile Vans: Not Ready for Prime Time

April 13, 2017

Yes, there are regulations in preparation to address the use of mobile vans to dispense…

Read More

AATOD Issues Benzodiazepine Guidelines

April 13, 2017

On April 6, the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) released its…

Read More

Final Rule For 42 CFR Part 2 Retains Core Confidentiality Protections

February 13, 2017

The final rule on 42 CFR Part 2, issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental…

Read More

AATOD’s Goal of Doubling Number of OTPs Has Strong SAMHSA Support

February 13, 2017

Over the next three years, the number of opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in the country…

Read More

$1 Billion for Opioids from Cures Act, but ACA Repeal Could Undercut the Benefits

February 13, 2017

 In December, the 21st Century Cures Act was signed by President Obama, providing $1 billion…

Read More

Legal Action Center: Free Toolkit Will Help Challenge Criminal Justice and Child Welfare Agencies Who Require Patients to Stop Taking Methadone and Other Medication-Assisted Treatment

February 13, 2017

A new toolkit from the Legal Action Center can help patients, especially those taking methadone,…

Read More

Research Results: Opioid Agonist Treatment Versus Detoxification in Lowering the Costs of Crime

February 13, 2017

A recent study compared opioid agonist treatment (OAT) and detoxification in patients with opioid use…

Read More

Virginians Vote: Support Treatment—Not Jail—For Drug Users*

February 13, 2017

Treatment, not jail time—that’s what most people who misuse opioids should be offered, say Virginia…

Read More

Fighting Stigma: Down With “Drug Users”; Up With . . ?

February 13, 2017

There’s a movement afoot to banish short, snappy, offensive terms like “addict,” “drug users” and…

Read More

2016

Medicaid Coverage for Addiction Treatment Varies Dramatically

December 13, 2016

“A study published Monday in the journal Health Affairs found significant disparities in Medicaid coverage…

Read More

Use of Needle Exchange Programs Up Dramatically In 10 Years: CDC

December 13, 2016

“Although there was a significant increase in the use of syringe services programs (SSPs)—more commonly…

Read More

Election: OTPs Should Be Vigilant, But Optimistic

December 6, 2016

How will the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States, with far-ranging…

Read More

AATOD Conference Recap

December 6, 2016

Double the number of opioid treatment programs—from 1,400 to 2,800—in the United States over the…

Read More

AATOD Plenaries: Standing-Room-Only Interest in OTPs, MAT

December 6, 2016

Mark Parrino Mark Parrino, MPA, made no secret of his plan…

Read More

Top Honors at AATOD Award Ceremony Go to Michael Botticelli, Others in Field

December 6, 2016

A centerpiece of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) is the…

Read More

Introduction: The AATOD White Papers

December 6, 2016

Produced by the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) under a contract…

Read More

Health Homes in Vermont: Start Some Patients on Buprenorphine in OTPs, Transfer to OBOT (Part I in a Series of AATOD White Papers)

December 6, 2016

The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorders (AATOD) this year issued three…

Read More

How OTPs Can Integrate Care With Other Health Care Providers (Part II in a Series of AATOD White Papers)

December 6, 2016

The second white paper issued this year by the American Association for the Treatment of…

Read More

Criminal Justice System: The Need to Educate the Courts, Corrections, and the Child Welfare System (Part III in a Series of AATOD White Papers)

December 6, 2016

The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) issued three white papers this…

Read More

Surgeon General’s Report Focuses on Science, Medications

December 6, 2016

The U.S. Surgeon General’s report on alcohol and drugs—the first ever devoted to this topic—should…

Read More

Innovative OTP Integrates Buprenorphine Maintenance Treatment; Patients and Caregivers Benefit 

December 6, 2016

An innovative hospital, one of the largest in New York City, has successfully integrated buprenorphine…

Read More

Vermont’s Hub-and-Spoke System Could Be Model for OTPs

October 11, 2016

In Vermont’s opioid treatment system, devised ingeniously by Gov. Peter Shumlin with Affordable Care Act…

Read More

NIMBY: Even in an Opioid Epidemic, OTPs and Patients Fight an Uphill Battle

October 11, 2016

Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) across the country have been engaged in battles to locate, in…

Read More

Patient Advocate Calls On Federal Government to Fight NIMBY

October 11, 2016

Jocelyn Woods, MA, executive director of the National Alliance for Medication Assisted Recovery (NAMA-R), has…

Read More

Health Policy Takes Aim at Two Epidemics—OUD in Pregnancy and NAS in Newborns

October 11, 2016

A comprehensive review article in Obstetrics and Gynecology summarizes troubling data on the epidemic of…

Read More

RI Health Homes Initiative: Improving Wellness for The Patient, And The Bottom Line for Medicaid

October 11, 2016

People with opioid use disorders are a small percentage of Medicaid enrollees, but they represent…

Read More

Marijuana Testing: Advice From SAMHSA and the Joint Commission

October 11, 2016

In this day of medical marijuana in some states, and recreational marijuana as well, what…

Read More

Tennessee Patients’ Lack of Access at Root of Georgia’s OTP Moratorium

August 11, 2016

Georgia’s 67 opioid treatment programs (OTPs) aren’t enough to treat everyone in the state who…

Read More

Tips From Top OTP Executives on Recruiting and Retaining Counselors

August 11, 2016

Finding and keeping good counselors in an opioid treatment program (OTP) isn’t easy, no matter…

Read More

Early Intervention for OTPs: Education and Awareness Needed

August 11, 2016

Why don’t more patients go to opioid treatment programs (OTPs) earlier in their disease? For…

Read More

OTPs Should Not Report Patient Information to PDMPs, But Should Use PDMPs For Patient Care

August 11, 2016

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) regulates opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and…

Read More

Research Results: Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs Help Reduce Opioid-Related Deaths

August 11, 2016

On July 14 Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), along with Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Angus…

Read More

Recently Released Resources

August 11, 2016

Whitepaper: “Models of Integrated Patient Care through OTPs and DATA 2000 Practices” available for download…

Read More

AATOD Releases Second Whitepaper, Focusing on “Integrated Service Delivery Models for Opioid Treatment Programs in an Era of Increasing Opioid Addiction, Health Reform and Parity”

July 27, 2016

“The first section is written by Dr. Kenneth Stoller and Dr. Mary Ann Stephens in…

Read More

Longtime Confidentiality Rule: SUD Consent Provisions Up for Change

June 7, 2016

In a process that began six years ago and is likely to continue for months,…

Read More

AATOD Responds to HHS Buprenorphine-Cap Proposal

June 7, 2016

 Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) have been concerned about a proposal to raise the number of…

Read More

Counseling in OTPs: A Necessary Part of Treatment with Medication

June 7, 2016

Counseling is a required component of an opioid treatment program (OTP) under the Substance Abuse…

Read More

Psychosocial Intervention and Medications in Treating Opioid Use Disorders: A Review

June 7, 2016

Opioid overdose rates have risen to epidemic levels, underscoring the need for comprehensive treatment of…

Read More

When OTP Patients Are in the Criminal Justice System: Collaborate and Communicate

June 7, 2016

Drug courts, corrections, and in fact the entire criminal justice system is undergoing a sea…

Read More

A Significant Decline in Criminal Charges Seen With Methadone Treatment—not With Buprenorphine Treatment  

June 7, 2016

 A key goal in addiction treatment is to reduce the criminal activity associated with substance…

Read More

Methadone or Buprenorphine? Letting Patients Choose May Improve Outcomes

April 18, 2016

Although either methadone or buprenorphine can treat opioid use disorders effectively, patients may have good…

Read More

Joint Commission Makes Key Changes in Accreditation Standards for OTPs

April 18, 2016

A host of changes in accreditation standards are coming for opioid treatment programs (OTPs) from…

Read More

How Treatment in an OTP Is Paid for: It Costs a Lot More Than the Price of the Medication

April 18, 2016

A December 30 article in Modern Healthcare blithely described the cost of methadone—the medication—as $4,000…

Read More

Employment Rights for People on MMT: SUDS, HIV, Hepatitis

April 18, 2016

Five years ago, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ordered Hussey Copper to pay…

Read More

Success Story: Advocate Opens First OTP, Second to Open This Spring

April 18, 2016

Counseling Solutions opened its first opioid treatment program (OTP) in Chatsworth, Georgia, in February, with…

Read More

Death of an Important Voice in the Addiction Field: Stewart Leavitt Leaves a Legacy

April 18, 2016

When Stewart B. Leavitt, PhD, died in February at age 70, the methadone maintenance field…

Read More

Medicaid Coverage of Methadone Essential in Treatment Access for Opioid Use Disorders: Study

February 11, 2016

States that have Medicaid funding for methadone treatment are far more likely than states without…

Read More

AATOD Board Meeting With Federal Officials: Buprenorphine Cap Main Issue

February 11, 2016

The two-day meeting of the board of directors of the American Association for the Treatment…

Read More

Administrative Withdrawal: Discharging OTP Patients for Nonpayment

February 11, 2016

Opioid treatment programs (OTPs), like other health care providers, are not required to provide patient…

Read More

Stigma Article Series: Part I – Patients With Opioid Addiction Continue to Face Stigma  

February 11, 2016

Publisher’s Note: Despite the current buzz about the expansion of opioid-agonist treatment, stigma continues to…

Read More

Stigma Article Series: Part II – Watch Your Language! Stigmatizing Patients Who Have Addiction Disorders Can Worsen Clinical Care

February 11, 2016

In two editorials published soon after he was appointed senior editor of the Journal of…

Read More

Stigma Article Series: Part III – News Media Contribute to Stigma Directed at People Who Misuse Opioids

February 11, 2016

On December 1, Psychiatric Services in Advance, an online service of the American Psychiatric Association,…

Read More

Stigma Article Series: Part IV – Fighting Stigma Against Opioid Treatment Programs: People and Education Are Needed

February 11, 2016

The best way to fight stigma against opioid treatment programs (OTPs) is to bring the…

Read More

Patient Advocates: Leading Peer Specialists in OTPs

February 11, 2016

The growth of the patient advocate movement in opioid treatment programs (OTPs) is a benefit…

Read More

2015

The Intersection of Pain and Addiction: OTPs Brace For More Patients

December 4, 2015

The ongoing efforts to reduce prescribing of opioids should have an effect on opioid treatment…

Read More

Mark Parrino: Policy Responses to Opioid Epidemic Should Include Comprehensive Treatment

December 4, 2015

During the past year, key government agencies, medical associations, policy makers, the media, and families…

Read More

Barriers to OTP Expansion

December 4, 2015

There’s a question on the minds of everyone who is involved with opioid treatment programs…

Read More

Providing Naloxone to OTP Patients and Family Members: A Good Idea

December 4, 2015

Five patients at the opioid treatment program (OTP) where Jana Burson, MD, serves as medical…

Read More

Profiling and Comparing Opioid Users: A Possible Tool for Intervention

December 4, 2015

In the August/September issue of the Addiction Treatment Forum newsletter we discussed a review article,…

Read More

Beny Primm Leaves Legacy of Wisdom and Compassion in Methadone Treatment and HIV/AIDS

December 4, 2015

Beny Primm, MD, a leader in the treatment of opioid addiction and AIDS, died October…

Read More

Dr. Jana Burson Blog – Injecting Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex)

November 16, 2015

“I know why addicts inject buprenorphine (Subutex): they think it saves them money. Over the…

Read More

ASAM, Federal Officials Join to Promote MAT for Opioid Use Disorders

October 9, 2015

On September 24 the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), with the support of top…

Read More

In The Age of Parity, Payers Still Put Up Barriers to OTP Reimbursement

October 9, 2015

Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance—all three programs are putting up barriers to reimbursement for treatment…

Read More

Counties to Get the Purse Strings for SUD Services Under California Waiver: OTPs, Already In a Good Spot, Worry About Changes

October 9, 2015

A massive change in the way California Medicaid pays opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and other…

Read More

Methadone Split-Dosing: Less NAS, Better Maternal Recovery

October 9, 2015

Cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)—a group of withdrawal symptoms that sometimes afflict newborns—increased about…

Read More

John McCarthy, MD, ABPN, Answers Questions About the Methadone Split-Dosing Protocol  

October 9, 2015

AT Forum:  Your protocol for pregnant patients at the Bi-Valley clinic calls for giving split…

Read More

Opioid Addiction: A Review of Long-Term Patterns and Consequences

October 9, 2015

Despite widespread news coverage, extensive research, and effective treatments, opioid addiction is reaching new heights—not…

Read More

OTPs Can Help Support Primary Care Buprenorphine Prescribers

October 9, 2015

Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) can do “all the heavy lifting” when it comes to counseling…

Read More

Retrospective: Vincent Dole Would Be Disappointed In the Stigma MMT Patients Face Today

August 14, 2015

Vincent Dole, MD Twenty years ago, AT Forum published an interview…

Read More

SAMHSA Awards $11 Million in Grants to Treat Opioid Use Disorders

August 14, 2015

In late July the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced which 11…

Read More

To Reduce Opioid Treatment Program Legal Liability, Practice Good Medicine— And Document It

August 14, 2015

If your patient tests positive for illicit drugs while in treatment at your opioid treatment…

Read More

ASAM Guideline Shows What It Takes To Treat Opioid Use Disorders: Medications and Support

August 14, 2015

In May, the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) issued a practice guideline on medications…

Read More

Don’t Ignore Benzodiazepines in the Opioid Epidemic: Massachusetts  

August 14, 2015

In April of 2014, Richard D. Lewis posted    “Opiates and benzos: A deadly cocktail of…

Read More

New Medications for Hepatitis C Gradually Making Interferon a Drug of the Past

August 14, 2015

Interferon, a traditional medication sometimes used in combination with ribavirin or other medications to treat…

Read More

Methadone Dose-capping Still Continues in Practice, If Not in Policy

June 3, 2015

Dose-capping—limiting the amount of methadone a patient can take on a daily basis—was ruled “contrary…

Read More

Success! New York Medicaid to Reimburse OTPs for Buprenorphine

June 3, 2015

Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) are finally able to bill Medicaid for buprenorphine treatment in New…

Read More

Access to HCV Screening, Testing, and Medications for Patients in Opioid Treatment Programs (Part III in a series)

June 3, 2015

What can patients in opioid treatment programs (OTPs) expect when seeking screening, v testing, and…

Read More

CMS Proposes Extending Parity to Medicaid Managed Care

June 3, 2015

On April 6, just after the national meeting of the American Association for the Treatment…

Read More

Opportunities for Medication-Assisted Treatment Access and Expansion: The Time Is Right

June 3, 2015

The heroin and prescription-opioid epidemic are intersecting with the Affordable Care Act and parity, creating…

Read More

AATOD Conference Recap, Progress Report, and Future Challenges

May 8, 2015

Read More…

Read More
cocaine spoon and needle

Heroin Use Levels Off in U.S., But Still High: Report

April 23, 2015

Read More…

Read More

New OTP Accreditation Guidelines Will Not Allow Mid-Levels

April 21, 2015

Special Feature ATForum article. Read More…

Read More

Opioid Treatment Program Accreditation Guidelines Will Not Allow Mid-Levels; SAMHSA Will Work with States on Exemptions

April 21, 2015

The final revised guidelines for opioid treatment programs (OTPs) were released March 31 by the…

Read More

HHS Actions to Address Opioid-Drug Related Overdoses and Deaths in U.S.

April 6, 2015

Read More…

Read More

SAMHSA Proposed Budget Encourages MAT for Treating Opioid Use Disorders

April 3, 2015

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released its budget request for…

Read More

To Be Part of Integrated Health Care, You May Need an Electronic Health Record and an In-House Clinic

April 3, 2015

Electronic health records (EHRs) are needed when opioid treatment programs (OTPs) work in coordination with…

Read More

Good News for Patients in Opioid Treatment Programs: Treatments for Hepatitis C Infection Are Becoming Affordable (Part II in a series)

April 3, 2015

The outlook for patients in opioid treatment programs (OTPs) who need affordable treatment for hepatitis…

Read More

Lawyers in Kentucky Drug Court Case Wants Physicians, Not Judges, to Decide on MAT

April 3, 2015

A landmark lawsuit aimed at getting Kentucky drug courts to accept medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for…

Read More

Legal Action Center Report: Medication-Assisted Treatment a Key Solution to the Opioid Epidemic

April 3, 2015

The Legal Action Center released a report in March focusing on medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The…

Read More

Jerry Rhodes, from CRC to Acadia, Muses on Future of the Field

April 3, 2015

When Acadia Healthcare announced that it planned to acquire CRC Health Group last year, CRC…

Read More

MAT Federal Lawsuit Against the State of Kentucky

March 11, 2015

“Two law firms have teamed up to file a federal lawsuit against the state of…

Read More

Health Care Reform One Year Later: Medicaid Much Better Than Commercial Insurance for Opioid Treatment Programs

January 13, 2015

A year ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), with the expansion of Medicaid and the…

Read More

Overcoming Obstacles to Opioid Treatment Expansion: The North Dakota Example

January 13, 2015

We’re well into one of the worst opioid addiction epidemics in recent memory, and one…

Read More

For-Profit Opioid Treatment Programs Leading the Growth Curve

January 13, 2015

If it weren’t for proprietary financing interests, there would be little growth in opioid treatment…

Read More

A Tough Challenge for Opioid Treatment Programs: Linking Hepatitis C Patients With Affordable Testing and Treatment Services

January 13, 2015

Finally, there’s good news for the many patients in opioid treatment programs (OTPs) who are…

Read More

Thanks To ADA Lawsuit, Johnson City, Tennessee May Open Doors to Opioid Treatment Programs

January 13, 2015

Tri-Cities Holdings has been trying to site an opioid treatment program (OTP) in Johnson City,…

Read More

California’s Reaction to Obamacare: Medi-Cal Better Than Commercial Plans

January 13, 2015

Alex Dodd, president and CEO of Aegis Treatment Centers, divides Obamacare─the Affordable Care Act (ACA)─into…

Read More

NJ Supreme Court Rules Pregnant Woman on Methadone Not Guilty of Child Abuse

January 13, 2015

A December 22 unanimous ruling by the New Jersey Supreme Court reversed a lower court…

Read More

How Opioid Treatment Programs Can Prepare For and Manage DEA Inspections

January 13, 2015

Mark W. Caverly, who was an investigator for 31 years, in charge of diversion policy…

Read More

2014

Drug-Overdose Deaths Have More Than Doubled in the U.S.

December 4, 2014

Opioids and heroin are two of the greatest offenders…  

Read More
Dr. Clark

The Legacy of Dr. H. Westley Clark

December 4, 2014

SAMHSA Blog by Pamela S. Hyde.

Read More

Kade Appointed Acting Director of CSAT in Wake of Clark’s Retiring

October 27, 2014

Daryl W. Kade, MA, has been appointed acting director of the Center for Substance Abuse…

Read More

Increasing the Buprenorphine Patient Cap: Threat to Patient Care

October 27, 2014

Over the summer, steps have been taken to increase the “cap”—the number of patients a…

Read More

“The Talk”—When Patients Want to Switch from Methadone to Buprenorphine

October 27, 2014

Most advocates in the field oppose the idea of a stable patient who is doing…

Read More

Research: Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid Addiction: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies

October 27, 2014

Buprenorphine/naloxone has been available in the U.S. for both opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and office-based…

Read More

Primary Care Clinic Next to Opioid Treatment Program Provides Stigma-free Care

October 27, 2014

In Texas, people in the uninsured and indigent population die on average 29 years sooner…

Read More

Attracting New Patients to Your Opioid Treatment Program: The Importance of Word of Mouth and Referrals

October 27, 2014

In many parts of the country, how to market to attract new patients to opioid…

Read More

AATOD Policy Paper: Raising Buprenorphine Patient Cap Could Hurt Patient Care

August 19, 2014

The opioid overdose epidemic has led to a call by some to raise the 100-patient…

Read More

Changes in Confidentiality Regulations Would Hurt Opioid Treatment Program Patients, Damage Privacy

August 19, 2014

The long process of reviewing 42 CFR Part 2, the regulation that governs confidentiality of…

Read More

ONDCP’s Michael Botticelli on the Importance of OTPs in Treating Opioid Use Disorders

August 19, 2014

Michael Botticelli, acting director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and a…

Read More

Medicaid Managed Care, New Insurance Rules Coming to New York Opioid Treatment Programs

August 19, 2014

There are big changes coming up for opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and other substance use…

Read More

Research Report: Dosage Trends in Methadone Maintenance Treatment Programs: Significant Improvement, But Still Below Evidence-Based Standards

August 19, 2014

The sharp rise in heroin use and prescription opioid abuse in recent years underscores the…

Read More

Research Report: Patients Treated With Methadone vs. Buprenorphine: Differences in Demographic Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes

August 19, 2014

A study published online May 12, 2014 in Substance Abuse compared demographic characteristics and treatment…

Read More

Life Concerns of Prescription Opioid and Heroin Users—What Are They, and How Do They Differ?

August 19, 2014

The daily worries and instabilities that plague opioid-dependent patients can make it difficult for providers…

Read More
crack cocaine

Research Abstract: Cocaine Use Among Opioid Users: Is All Cocaine the Same?

August 15, 2014

Results suggest that it may not be appropriate to consider powder and crack cocaine as…

Read More

ASAM State Medicaid Coverage of Addiction Treatment in the US

August 15, 2014

As part of ASAM’s “Advancing Access to Addiction Medications” project, the Treatment Research Institute was contracted to…

Read More
Dr. Jana Burson

Dr. Jana Burson Blog: Revoking Methadone Take home Doses

August 8, 2014

Diversion of take home doses to someone other than the patient for whom it was…

Read More
naloxone

FDA Designates Opioid Overdose Treatment for Fast Track

July 15, 2014

  “A Kentucky company headed by a recognized expert in nasal delivery of medication says…

Read More

SAMHSA Accreditation Guidelines for Opioid Treatment Programs: Final Version Out Within a Year

June 2, 2014

The draft accreditation guidelines for opioid treatment programs (OTPs) released last spring (see AT Forum…

Read More

The Joint Commission Issues Revised Standards for Opioid Treatment Programs

June 2, 2014

Working closely with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), The Joint Commission…

Read More

Providing Buprenorphine in an Opioid Treatment Program: Challenges and Opportunities

June 2, 2014

When the federal government said in December of 2012 that opioid treatment programs (OTPs) can…

Read More

New Methadone Safety Guidelines Published for Opioid Addiction and Chronic Pain Management

June 2, 2014

In recent years the safety of methadone has been questioned by data indicating a large…

Read More

Additional Resources for New Methadone Safety Guidelines Published for Opioid Addiction and Chronic Pain Management Spring 2014

June 2, 2014

Addiction Treatment Forum Newsletter, Spring 2009. Mandatory QTc screening for methadone patients—OTPs respond to published…

Read More

Tennessee Law Puts Pregnant Women on Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction in Danger of Arrest

June 2, 2014

As of July 1, a pregnant woman who gives birth in Tennessee to a baby…

Read More

Project Lazarus Brings Opioid Treatment Program to Wilkes County Along With Naloxone Kits

June 2, 2014

Project Lazarus, a nonprofit organization based in Moravian Falls, North Carolina, is best known nationally…

Read More

The M.A.R.S. Peers Model at Work in Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction

June 2, 2014

The M.A.R.S. Project is the only federally funded program that provides peer recovery support to…

Read More

Study Suggests Chronic Pain is Widespread and Undertreated in MMT Programs By Guest Author Stewart B. Leavitt

June 2, 2014

Pain is a worldwide epidemic and more than a third of all adults, or 100…

Read More

Heroin Use, and Deaths, Rise – The Death of Philip Seymour Hoffman from an Apparent Heroin Overdose Underscores the Drug’s Resurgence

February 20, 2014

“The death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman from an apparent heroin overdose underscores the drug’s…

Read More

From the Publisher—Special Issue on Recovery From Opioid Addiction

February 10, 2014

For six decades methadone maintenance has been an approved treatment for opioid addiction. People who…

Read More

MAT With Methadone or Buprenorphine: Assessing the Evidence for Effectiveness

February 10, 2014

It’s not surprising that a thorough review of the efficacy of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with…

Read More

Walter Ginter on the Importance of Peers in Recovery With Medication-Assisted Treatment

February 10, 2014

Stigma is a common theme among people seeking recovery from the disease of opioid addiction,…

Read More

Interview: Zac Talbott on Being a Patient and Certified Advocate for Medication-Assisted Treatment

February 10, 2014

Patients and other individuals who are advocates are a growing force in medication-assisted treatment (MAT)…

Read More

Recovery Transformation in Philadelphia OTPs: Person-centered, not Patient-centered

February 10, 2014

Over a decade ago, Philadelphia’s public health system moved toward recovery for mental health and…

Read More

Patients in Methadone Maintenance Treatment Face Obstacles and Stigma When Joining 12-Step Groups

February 10, 2014

It’s ironic—and disappointing—that patients in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) who join mainstream addiction recovery groups…

Read More

Is Maternal Methadone Treatment Child Abuse and Neglect? New Jersey Supreme Court to Weigh In

February 10, 2014

One year after the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that a pregnant woman did not…

Read More

Guidance Provided for Safe Methadone Induction and Stabilization in OTP Patients By Guest Author Stewart B. Leavitt

February 10, 2014

Expert opinion from ASAM stresses safety during MMT start-up    For roughly half a century,…

Read More

2013

AATOD Meeting Highlights: A Banner Meeting for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Recovery

December 4, 2013

This year’s meeting of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) reflected…

Read More

Methadone vs. Buprenorphine: How Do OTPs and Patients Make the Choice?

November 15, 2013

Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) have always been able to dispense buprenorphine on the same basis…

Read More

Treatment of Opioid Dependence: A Call for an Evidence-Based Approach

November 15, 2013

Despite decades of accumulated data on the effectiveness of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), gaps remain between…

Read More

OTPs as Health Homes: Extra Money for Care Management

November 15, 2013

Some states are making opioid treatment programs (OTPs) health homes under a federal strategy that…

Read More

NIMBY and Other Problems: Still an Uphill Battle For OTPs, But Hope Seen In Patient Advocacy

November 15, 2013

The NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) syndrome is one significant challenge for opioid treatment…

Read More

Keeping OTP Patients in Treatment Longer: Methadone vs. Buprenorphine

November 15, 2013

Data from the first large randomized U.S. trial comparing treatment retention of methadone and buprenorphine…

Read More

Meaning and Methadone: A Model for Promoting Adherence in MMT, Based on Patients’ Perceptions

November 15, 2013

The prevailing dosing model in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) supports adjusting methadone doses downward, based…

Read More

In California, a Focus on Getting OTP Patients Enrolled in Medicaid

November 15, 2013

Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) have many patients—childless adults, mainly men—who have not been eligible for…

Read More

Counselors Are Split On Medication-Assisted Treatment

October 30, 2013

“How do counselors feel about the role medication plays in the treatment setting? Are they…

Read More

From the Publisher: The Story for OTPs This Summer: Health Care Reform

July 19, 2013

In the summer 2013 issue of AT Forum, one theme keeps coming up—and driving—the story…

Read More

What’s New in the Draft Opioid Treatment Program Federal Guidelines: Midlevel Providers and the Importance of Recovery and Retention

July 19, 2013

Under the federal draft guidelines for opioid treatment programs (OTPs) issued by the Substance Abuse…

Read More

Increased Demand for Treatment Under the ACA: How OTPs Should Prepare

July 19, 2013

With the Medicaid expansion and insurance exchanges of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) due to…

Read More

Good News and Bad News for Opioid Treatment Programs in California

July 19, 2013

Heading into the first year of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Jason Kletter, PhD, president…

Read More

ASAM: States and Insurance Companies Limit MAT in Face of Opioid Abuse Epidemic and ODs

July 19, 2013

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is being thwarted by state governments and insurance companies, the American Society…

Read More

Philadelphia Releases Benzodiazepine Draft Guidelines for MAT

July 19, 2013

Important guidelines to help opioid treatment programs (OTPs) determine how to handle benzodiazepine use by…

Read More

No Evidence to Support QTc-Interval Screening in Methadone Maintenance Treatment: Cochrane Review

July 19, 2013

“Methadone represents today the gold standard of efficacy for the pharmacological treatment of opioid dependence,”…

Read More

SAMHSA’s New Medical Director Will Focus on Medical Treatment of Addiction

July 19, 2013

Elinore McCance-Katz, MD, PhD, the first medical director of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health…

Read More

From “Angels” to “Liquid Handcuffs”—MMT Patients Use Metaphors as Tools to Aid in Recovery

July 19, 2013

Investigators in this study explored the experiences of patients in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) for…

Read More

Bob Newman is Retiring, But You Haven’t Heard the Last From Him

April 21, 2013

Legendary methadone treatment advocate Robert G. Newman, MD, is retiring. But, he hastens to add,…

Read More

Two Kinds of Roles for OTP Peers under the Affordable Care Act

April 21, 2013

Peers—patients in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) who are in recovery—are gradually being enlisted into the workforce,…

Read More

NASADAD Issues Consensus Statement Endorsing Medication-Assisted Treatment

April 21, 2013

The top state officials in substance abuse treatment approved a consensus statement in December that…

Read More

NASADAD Prescription Drug Inquiry Reveals SSAs Very Concerned About Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse

April 21, 2013

Prescription drug abuse—something a whole industry of monitoring and law enforcement is growing up around—is…

Read More

Seeking and Getting Substance Abuse Treatment: Barriers Women Face

April 21, 2013

Our first article in this series, “Becoming Addicted: It’s Different—and Riskier—for Women,” delved into the…

Read More

Why MMT Patients Exchange Prescription Drugs

April 21, 2013

Patients in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) exchange a variety of prescription drugs—but little is known…

Read More

From the Editor – Maine Continuing to Push for Caps on Medication-Assisted Treatment

April 21, 2013

First, Maine imposed two-year caps on methadone and buprenorphine treatment, if paid for by MaineCare,…

Read More

OTPs Can Now Dispense Buprenorphine Take-Homes with No Waiting Periods

February 12, 2013

As of January 7, 2013, opioid treatment programs (OTPs) can now dispense buprenorphine take-homes, with…

Read More

Buprenorphine vs. Methadone

February 12, 2013

Buprenorphine and methadone, both being opioids, activate the opioid (mu) receptors on nerve cells. And…

Read More

History of Buprenorphine

February 12, 2013

 Buprenorphine has been in active use for 10 years as a treatment medication for opioid…

Read More

Promise of Health Care Reform for Opioid Treatment Programs Dimmed by State Discrimination

February 12, 2013

Health care reform will bring increased access to opioid treatment programs (OTPs), but not as…

Read More

Chronic Pain in Opioid Treatment Program Patients Typically Untreated

February 12, 2013

Many patients in opioid treatment programs (OTPs) are likely to have chronic pain, but in…

Read More

Drug Addiction: It’s Different—and Riskier—for Women

February 12, 2013

When it comes to drug addiction, gender does make a difference. Women start using substances…

Read More

Admissions for Combined Benzodiazepine and Narcotic Pain Reliever Abuse Rise Sharply

February 12, 2013

In ten short years, substance abuse treatment admissions for combined benzodiazepine and narcotic pain reliever…

Read More

MMT Patients Need Physical Activity; Brief Interventions Could Help

February 12, 2013

Physical activity is so important for patients in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). They’re already at…

Read More

2012

Methadone Dosing During Pregnancy: Does Anyone Have a Clue? John J. McCarthy, MD, Guest Author

October 11, 2012

Methadone treatment of the pregnant, opioid-addicted mother is routinely cited in research studies as causing…

Read More

Hearing Bad Things about Methadone Treatment? Thank “Dr. Drew”

October 11, 2012

Why is it that most opioid-dependent patients aren’t enrolled in medication-assisted treatment (MAT), despite its…

Read More

Habit OPCO Helps Educate the Criminal Justice System about Medication-Assisted Treatment

October 11, 2012

Although it’s well known that many people wind up in the criminal justice system because…

Read More

OTP Victory in Berwyn Hoped to Discourage Other Localities From Discriminating

October 11, 2012

The city of Berwyn, Illinois will never pick a fight with an opioid treatment program…

Read More

AATOD Issues Prescription Monitoring Program Guidelines for OTPs

October 11, 2012

The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD), issued guidance this June to…

Read More

PMPs Need to be More ‘User-Friendly’ for Physicians, Study Finds

October 11, 2012

There are barriers to prescribers’ use of prescription monitoring programs (PMPs), according to researchers from…

Read More

Federal Government Tests New PDMP Projects in Indiana and Ohio

October 11, 2012

A new pilot program launched by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)…

Read More

Study Finds Methadone Take-homes Reduce Acute Care Hospitalizations

October 11, 2012

It’s been known that among patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) for opioid dependence, take-home…

Read More

Injecting Someone Who ODs Called a Homicide in Maryland

August 3, 2012

There’s a difference between a drug overdose and a homicide, even if the drug was…

Read More

Maine Plans to Cut OTP Rate, Limit Treatment to Two Years

July 6, 2012

Included in the massive cuts being proposed for MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid program, are a…

Read More

Heroin Use Among Suburban Teens Skyrockets; Experts Say Prescription Pills are the New Gateway Drug

June 22, 2012

‘Twenty years ago, half of the heroin addicts in treatment lived in two states —…

Read More

The NAOMI Study: After a Year on Heroin Maintenance, Is it Ethical to Terminate?

June 18, 2012

A Canadian study that started in 2005 comparing heroin maintenance with methadone maintenance has given…

Read More

AATOD Conference a Resounding Success

May 29, 2012

More than 1,350 people attended the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD)…

Read More

Some OTPs Discharge, Others Taper for Illicit Benzodiazepine Use

May 29, 2012

Benzodiazepine use and abuse by patients on methadone is a pressing concern for opioid treatment…

Read More

Innovative Massachusetts Federally Qualified Health Center Expands OTP Services

May 29, 2012

For 3 years, Lifeline, an opioid treatment program (OTP) of Stanley Street Treatment and Resources…

Read More

CODA Credits Its Research Department for Winning SAMHSA Award

May 29, 2012

 Officials at CODA, one of the three opioid treatment programs (OTPS) to win the 2012…

Read More

A Call for OTPs to Step up Rapid HIV Testing

May 29, 2012

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and their Addiction Technology Transfer Center…

Read More

Prisoners Taking Effective Methadone Doses Report to Methadone Treatment Programs After Release

May 29, 2012

“To be effective, [opioid addiction] treatment must begin in prison and be sustained after release…

Read More

Stop Stigma Now: Small Organization Rises to Raise Funds for Methadone Treatment PR Campaign

May 29, 2012

 Stop Stigma Now, a small group of retired opioid treatment program (OTP) providers has a…

Read More

Obituary: PCSS-Methadone

April 21, 2012

The Physicians’ Clinical Support System for Methadone (PCSS-M) died a quiet and unnoticed death last…

Read More

A Fog of Drugs and War

April 20, 2012

The military environment makes regulating the use of prescription drugs a challenge compared with the…

Read More

Painkiller Sales Soar Around U.S., Fuel Addiction

April 13, 2012

Sales of the nation’s two most popular prescription painkillers (oxycodone and hydrocodone) have exploded in…

Read More

New Study: Methadone Clinics Don’t Bring Crime to Neighborhoods

April 6, 2012

The NIMBY (“not in my backyard”) people are at it again. But a new study…

Read More

Denying Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in the Criminal Justice System—Is It Legal?

March 8, 2012

Denying access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction has been a long-standing practice throughout…

Read More

SAMHSA Panel: No Mandatory ECG Testing for OTP Patients

March 8, 2012

A panel convened by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has stopped…

Read More

Prospective Employer $37,500 for Not Hiring Methadone Patient

March 8, 2012

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on January 23 announced that the United Insurance…

Read More

Vermont to Expand Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction Using a Managed Care Approach

March 8, 2012

 Vermont is embarking on an ambitious initiative to expand medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in response to…

Read More

Patient Advocacy Group Works to Improve Treatment in NY OTPs

March 8, 2012

 A new group, VOCAL-NY, modeling themselves after some of the aggressive organizations that brought attention…

Read More

RESEARCH REPORT: Study Finds No Evidence That Methadone Was Cause of Driving Accidents

March 8, 2012

A research report from Norway published in the December 11, 2011 issue of Addiction found…

Read More

PRACTICE POINTERS: How to Effectively Treat Veterans Using Medication-Assisted Treatment

March 8, 2012

At the end of 2011, veterans from Iraq returned home, many of whom will require…

Read More

Improving Public Health Worldwide Through Medication-Assisted Treatment

March 8, 2012

Finding ways to improve public health while controlling costs is a major concern in today’s…

Read More

2011

SAMHSA Releases N-SSATS Data from the Latest National Survey Substance Abuse Treatment Services

December 19, 2011

On Dec 1, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released findings from…

Read More

Pain Pill Addiction Torments Even the Most Innocent

November 28, 2011

As addiction to prescription painkillers spreads in Maine it touches even some of the most…

Read More

Too Many Babies Suffering Drug Withdrawal

November 28, 2011

Despite the growing numbers of babies born in Tampa Bay to mothers who are addicted…

Read More

Study Sheds Light on Young Suburban Heroin Users – Research Points to Ineffective and Incomplete Drug Education as Factor in Heroin Initiation

November 28, 2011

Researchers found Chicago area suburban heroin users have little knowledge about the drug and its…

Read More

CSAT: Accessing Prescription Drug Data to Maximize OTP Patient Safety

November 28, 2011

Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), electronic databases of prescriptions submitted by dispensers (pharmacies and practitioners…

Read More

Kentucky Heads up Interstate Prescription Drug Task Force

November 28, 2011

In the absence of a national PDMP system, people are able to cross state lines…

Read More

People on Methadone Can Succeed on Hepatitis C Treatment

November 28, 2011

Opiate users on methadone maintenance therapy can be successfully treated for chronic hepatitis C and…

Read More

U.S. Drug Strategy Focuses on Prescription Drug Abuse

November 28, 2011

The federal government has proposed a 19-percent increase in funding for domestic prevention, treatment, and…

Read More

Florida Pill-Mill Crackdown Increases the Need for OTPs

November 28, 2011

The 2011 national drug strategy singled out South Florida as the epicenter of the Nation’s…

Read More

Why Primary Care Doctors Are Walking Away From Buprenorphine

November 28, 2011

 Primary care physicians in Vermont are walking away from prescribing Suboxone, saying that they are…

Read More

ASAM Recognizes Addiction as a Brain Disease, Supporting the Need for Medication-Assisted Treatment

November 28, 2011

On August 15 the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) published its new definition of…

Read More

New Resource – Principles of Addiction Medicine: The Essentials

November 28, 2011

A new handbook from the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), Principles of Addiction Medicine:…

Read More

Methadone Treatment Expansion in Baltimore Reduces Waiting Lists

November 28, 2011

Baltimore, once called by the Drug Enforcement Administration the “heroin capital of the U.S.,” no…

Read More

Methadone Clinic Wins NIMBY Battle

November 28, 2011

A victory in Warren, Maine for CRC Health Group is a victory for methadone clinics…

Read More

EEOC Sues Employer for Discriminating Against Methadone Patient

November 28, 2011

The federal agency charged with keeping discrimination out of the workplace has good news for…

Read More

Length of Time from First Use to Adult Substance Abuse Treatment Admission – TEDS Admission Data 2009

October 17, 2011

To reduce the negative consequences of substance abuse, it is important for individuals who need…

Read More

Town of Warren Maine Settles Methadone Lawsuit – Insurer to Pick Up All but $1

September 29, 2011

Warren townspeople voted 97-45 Sept. 14 to settle the federal lawsuit filed by CRC Health…

Read More

Drug Deaths Now Outnumber Traffic Fatalities in U.S., Data Show

September 29, 2011

Propelled by an increase in prescription narcotic overdoses, drug deaths now outnumber traffic fatalities in…

Read More

2011 National Drug Threat Assessment Now Available Online

September 28, 2011

This report is a comprehensive assessment of the threat posed to the U.S. by the…

Read More

We’re Going Green and Interactive!

August 23, 2011

Back in the summer of 1992, we published the premier edition of the Addiction Treatment…

Read More

Implementing EHR Systems in OTPs: Potential Roadblocks and Lessons Learned – An Interview with Lawrence S. Brown, Jr, MD, MPH

August 22, 2011

Despite government incentive programs and a 2014 deadline for establishing a fully electronic health record…