May 10, 2022
by Patricia Tomasi
A new study published in the Journal of Substance Use and Misuse looked at opioid agonist treatment recipients within criminal justice-involved populations. “Treating individuals who use opioids with medication and counseling support is the gold standard for addressing opioid use disorders, yet the majority of those who need this treatment do not receive it,” study author Wendy P. Guastaferro told us. “For those individuals involved with the criminal legal system, the chances of receiving this life saving treatment is even less.”
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March 31, 2020
by Patricia Tomasi
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there can be devastating consequences for the unborn baby if a pregnant woman who is dependent on opioids is not properly treated. The function of the placenta can be comprised and the unborn baby can experience severe episodes of withdrawal. A new study published in the Annals of Family Medicine looked at maternity care and buprenorphine prescribing in new family physicians.
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March 10, 2020
by Patricia Tomasi
A new study published in the Annals of Family Medicine looked at whether peer-delivered cognitive behavioral training could improve functioning in patients with diabetes. “We wanted to test an intervention that did not rely on opioids to relieve pain, improve functioning, and increase exercise in people with diabetes and chronic joint pain,” study author Dr. Monika Safford told us. “This is a very common combination that affects up to 70 per cent of people with diabetes. We also hoped that diabetes parameters like blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol would also improve as a result of increased physical activity.”
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March 21, 2019
by Elizabeth Pratt
The United States lost more than 181 million healthy life years to mental health disorders, and more than 80 million healthy life years to substance use disorders in the period between 1990 and 2017. Researchers say the data suggests a new approach to these public health challenges is needed.
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March 20, 2018
by Patricia Tomasi
Researchers ponder how to adequately treat pregnant and postpartum women addicted to opioids as the news of the opioid crisis continues to grab headlines across North America.
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