New treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) are adapting to fentanyl’s rise, emphasizing low-dose buprenorphine, wider methadone access, and digital or community care. These improve survival and retention but pose risks like withdrawal, sedation, misuse, and ethical dilemmas over autonomy, safety, resources, and balancing harm reduction with abstinence, highlighting a shift toward individualized, evidence-based care. … Read more
Women with addiction retain fundamental reproductive rights, including the right to become pregnant, receive prenatal care, and parent their children, provided they can ensure the child’s safety and well-being. State governments, through child protective services, assess factors such as substance use during pregnancy, home environment, parenting capacity, and the availability of a support network to … Read more
Opioid settlement funds are helping communities tackle the epidemic by supporting treatment programs, prevention campaigns, and harm reduction initiatives. But these funds aren’t without challenges. Delays in distribution, limited resources, and the risk of misallocation can reduce their impact. Ethical questions around fairness, transparency, and corporate accountability make it clear that careful planning and oversight … Read more
Employer involvement in addiction care supports employee recovery and workplace productivity by providing resources and reducing stigma. Benefits include better well-being and less absenteeism, while challenges involve privacy, expertise gaps, and potential discrimination. Ethical issues focus on balancing autonomy with safety. Success also depends on individual self-management, family support, and community resources that help employers … Read more
Allowing pharmacists to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder improves access to treatment, especially in underserved areas. Benefits include convenience and reduced stigma, while challenges involve care coordination and privacy concerns. Ethical issues focus on informed consent and quality of care. Pharmacists must have a valid DEA registration, complete required training, and follow state laws … Read more
Medicaid cuts reduce access to vital mental health and addiction services. However, state policies, self-management, family advocacy, and community resources can help bridge treatment gaps. How Medicaid Cuts Endanger Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Medicaid cuts can have serious and far-reaching effects on mental health and addiction treatment, especially for low-income and vulnerable populations who … Read more
Patient safety in addiction treatment relies on strong standards and support systems. Government policies enforce safe practices, while individuals contribute through self-management and informed care. Families offer supervision and advocacy, and communities provide certified programs, education, and peer support. Together, these efforts create a safer, more effective path to recovery. Patient Safety Standards in Addiction … Read more
A deflection program for addiction redirects people from the criminal justice system to treatment and support services. It offers benefits like reducing incarceration and promoting recovery but faces challenges such as limited access, possible coercion, and ethical concerns around autonomy and privacy. Success depends on combining medical treatment with self-management, family involvement, and strong community … Read more
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26 raises global awareness about drug abuse and trafficking. The U.S. supports this through legislation, awareness campaigns, and international cooperation. Social media helps spread the message widely, while WHO focuses on evidence-based treatment, harm reduction, and education to promote public health. Together, these efforts … Read more
Ensuring addiction treatment without racial and ethnic disparities is key to fair recovery for all. Federal and state policies help expand access to culturally competent care, while self-management, family support, and community resources provide essential personalized and culturally sensitive aid. Broader social changes—like education, stigma reduction, and addressing bias—are also vital to creating an inclusive, … Read more