The first step in recovery for a person with opioid use disorder is to stop taking opioids. The process is known as detoxification when the opioids leave the body. This may sound easy to an outsider, but the withdrawal symptoms … Read More
Neuromodulation works by actively stimulating nerves to produce a natural biological response. It is the alteration—or modulation—of nerve activity by delivering electrical stimulation directly to a targeted area of the central nervous system.1 Neuromodulation devices may be invasive or noninvasive. … Read More
In recent years, there has been an extreme rise in illicitly produced fentanyl being mixed into other drugs such as cocaine, counterfeit prescription pills, and methamphetamines. This, coupled with the increase in drug use and isolation from the pandemic, has … Read More
“Legacy” opioid patients are common in pain management practices. They are considered patients who have been on high-dose opioids for prolonged periods of time. New, painful conditions may develop over time due to the high levels of opioid consumption. These … Read More
There are nearly 5.6 million Native Americans living in the United States, comprising 1.7% of the total population. While Native Americans account for only a small portion of the U.S. population, this group experiences much higher rates of substance abuse … Read More
The American Medical Association (AMA) issued a report in 2021 showing a 44.4% decrease in opioid prescribing nationwide in the past decade. Despite this decrease, the country is facing a worsening drug-related overdose and death epidemic. Across the country, the … Read More
More than 30% of Americans have some form of acute or chronic pain.1 Among older adults, the prevalence of chronic pain approaches 40%.2 The extended prescription of opioids (>8 weeks) for the treatment of chronic pain presents substantial public health … Read More
Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) leaving treatment early against medical advice (AMA) are associated with negative treatment outcomes as well as re-admissions. For facilities, AMA discharges negatively impact the bottom line. Why Patients Leave The number one reason patients … Read More
During 2020, the nation experienced its worst year ever for deaths relating to substance use disorder. This public-health disaster has been overshadowed by the more than 330,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19, but ironically, it is the pandemic that is exacerbating … Read More
Opioid use disorder and drug addiction are complex illnesses. Treating them effectively requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. The National Institute of Drug Addiction, in its update of the Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition), describes the … Read More