Denying MAT access is seen as both negligent and a civil rights violation under laws like the ADA. Facilities may face consequences for restricting or withholding MAT. Families can advocate through legal action and support networks, with help from legal aid and peer advocates. The High Cost of Denying MAT: Why Withholding Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment … Read more
Access to opioid reversal medications like naloxone and nalmefene remains limited due to regulatory barriers, stigma, and uneven policy implementation. This restricted access leads to preventable overdose deaths and missed opportunities for treatment. While some government efforts have improved naloxone availability, newer medications remain underutilized. Stigma—both systemic and individual—continues to hinder access and acceptance. To … Read more
Repurposing existing drugs for addiction offers faster, low-cost treatment options but faces challenges like limited evidence, safety risks, low industry interest, and ethical concerns. Government agencies help guide regulation, research, and access. Repurposed Medications for Addiction Treatment Repurposing existing medications—originally developed for other health conditions—is a promising and efficient strategy in addiction treatment. Since many … Read more
As addiction treatment policy shifts under the Trump administration, there is a growing emphasis on state control, reduced federal funding, and a law enforcement-focused approach over public health. These changes may limit access to evidence-based care, especially for vulnerable groups relying on Medicaid or community services. In response, stakeholders must advocate for treatment access, equitable … Read more
Equity in addiction treatment ensures that all individuals, regardless of background or circumstances, have access to fair and effective care. However, systemic barriers like discrimination, financial limitations, and lack of culturally competent care often create inequities. To address this, self-management practices, family support, and community resource strategies are key. Self-management empowers individuals in their recovery, … Read more
Prior authorization (PA) is used by insurance companies to approve healthcare services, including medications and therapies. While it aims to control costs, PA can delay care and create administrative challenges, especially in addiction treatment. Self-management strategies help individuals navigate the process, while family support provides advocacy. Community resources, such as publicly funded programs and integrated … Read more
A deflection program redirects individuals with substance use disorders from the justice system to treatment, treating addiction as a health issue. While beneficial, challenges include limited access, funding issues, and ethical concerns. Success depends on commitment to recovery and family support, which enhance long-term outcomes. Breaking the Cycle: How Addiction Deflection Programs Offer a Path … Read more
Genetic-based therapy for addiction personalizes treatment by analyzing an individual’s genetic makeup, aiming to improve effectiveness through tailored interventions like pharmacogenomics. Driven by research on genetic influences in addiction, this approach offers potential benefits but also raises ethical concerns, privacy risks, and the challenge of overemphasizing genetics over psychological and social factors. While promising, its … Read more
Patient brokers are intermediaries who connect individuals seeking addiction treatment with facilities, often for a fee. While they may offer quick access to treatment, they can also exploit vulnerable individuals by directing them to substandard or unlicensed centers. The ethical dilemmas include fraud and conflicts of interest. To avoid exploitation, self-management strategies, family support, and … Read more
Addiction is linked to violence as substance use impairs judgment and triggers aggression. Prevention requires self-management, family support, and community resources. These strategies, along with policies and judicial interventions, promote rehabilitation and reduce violence. The Link Between Addiction and Violence: Understanding the Contributing Factors Addiction is often associated with violent behavior, as substance use can … Read more