The history of OxyContin has become one of the most significant case studies in public health, pharmaceutical ethics, and addiction medicine. Introduced in 1996 as an extended-release formulation of oxycodone for the management of moderate to severe pain, OxyContin was widely promoted through an aggressive commercial marketing strategy that expanded its use beyond traditional pain … Read more
Politics plays an important role in how addiction science is funded, interpreted, and translated into real-world policies and healthcare services. Scientific research helps explain the biological, psychological, and social factors involved in substance use disorders, while policymakers make decisions about research funding, drug laws, treatment regulations, insurance coverage, prevention programs, harm reduction, and criminal justice … Read more
Addiction raises some challenging questions about responsibility, personal choice, and the ways in which we support people who are struggling. As I’ve learned more about addiction, the complexity of these issues becomes clearer. It’s tempting to view everything in black-and-white terms, but real-life stories and experiences clearly show that addiction is rarely that simple. In … Read more
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic but treatable medical condition that affects brain function, behavior, and overall health. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are among the most effective treatments for reducing opioid use, preventing relapse, and lowering the risk of overdose. Two commonly used FDA-approved medications are buprenorphine-naloxone and extended-release naltrexone. Although both … Read more
The decline in overdose fatalities in recent years represents a significant and encouraging shift in the ongoing substance use crisis. For decades, overdose deaths have posed a major public health challenge, driven by factors such as the rise of opioid misuse, the spread of synthetic drugs like fentanyl, and limited access to treatment. However, recent … Read more
The STREETS Initiative is a comprehensive, community-based program designed to support individuals affected by substance use disorders, homelessness, or the challenges of reentering society after incarceration. By combining vocational training, educational opportunities, mental health services, life skills development, and community reintegration, the initiative promotes a holistic approach to recovery and personal growth. Rather than focusing … Read more
The rehab industry plays a critical role in the recovery process for individuals battling addiction. With thousands of rehab centers worldwide, offering a range of services from detox to long-term care, the industry’s influence on addiction treatment cannot be overstated. However, alongside its immense potential for healing, the rehab industry faces significant ethical challenges. The … Read more
Mental health conditions and substance use disorders affect millions of people worldwide, yet many individuals struggle to obtain the medications that could significantly improve their health, stability, and quality of life. Effective treatments are available for conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcohol use disorder, and opioid use disorder, but access is often … Read more
Medicaid plays a vital role in the United States healthcare system by providing access to essential mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services for millions of individuals. Mental illness and addiction can significantly impact a person’s physical health, relationships, employment, and overall quality of life, making access to affordable treatment critically important. As one … Read more
Mental health conditions and substance use disorders are among the most common and treatable health conditions, yet millions of individuals do not receive the care they need because of numerous barriers to treatment. These obstacles may include stigma, financial hardship, limited access to qualified healthcare providers, transportation difficulties, childcare responsibilities, insurance restrictions, cultural differences, and … Read more