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
The upcoming holiday season, for someone either in recovery or struggling with opioid use disorder, can be an especially trying time — particularly in this most unusual of years — and may lead to a relapse. A Dangerous Time of … Read More
As flu season begins to ramp up this year, it is being complicated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For healthcare providers and those involved in diagnosing and treating opioid use disorder (OUD), their jobs will become more difficult as certain … Read More
The history of neuromodulation dates back to ancient times when electric fish were used to treat pain, according to Mark Hallett, chief of the Human Motor Control Section at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Today, there … Read More
Held every September for the past 31 years, National Recovery Month increases awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders and encourages individuals in need of treatment and recovery to seek help. During its first 30 years, Recovery … Read More
Addiction to opioids is a very complex disease process, involving many different variables. Opioids have a high likelihood of abuse, primarily because they impact key areas of the brain responsible for positive reinforcement and reward. Why Opioid Drugs Are So … Read More
Opioids are incredibly addictive substances. All opioids (both legally prescribed drugs and illicit drugs) interact with and stimulate opioid receptors within the brain to block pain and produce feelings of euphoria. Additionally, they quickly rewire the brain, forcing the body … Read More