Barely 25% of those Living with OUD Get Their Meds
Summary: Less than 4% of those prescribed opioids may need treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). However, a new study shows that barely 25% of them are getting buprenorphine or methadone for OUD treatment. Almost half are not getting any meds, and the rest are being treated with other medications. This may explain why a […]
Increased Psychotropics Use In Knee Replacement (TKA) Patients Increases Opioid Use
Summary: TKA is a major surgical intervention requiring prolonged use of painkillers post-surgery. Additionally, doctors also need to use anxiolytics and antidepressants to manage emotional distress in many patients. A new study shows that those requiring psychotropics are also more likely to require longer opioid use due to a greater pain score. Knee osteoarthritis, […]
A New Breakthrough Approach To Addiction Treatment Results In Higher Recovery Rates
Summary: Studies show that just about 40% of those who begin addiction treatment programs finish it. Moreover, treatment relapse rates are pretty high. It means that the majority of those who start substance abuse treatment fail to benefit. However, studies suggest that non-pharmacological means like regular telephonic follow-up, family support, 12 steps, and spirituality can […]
Studies Suggest That Opioid Prescriptions Are Not Responsible For The Opioid Abuse Epidemic
Summary: Opioid epidemic has been causing more deaths in the last few years than street drugs. Thus, everyone has quickly blamed doctors and pharmaceutical companies for this epidemic. Opioids are the most potent painkillers; without them, patients may suffer from severe pain. However, law enforcement agencies have been pressurizing doctors to reduce opioid prescriptions. Now, […]
People Taking Opioids For Chronic Pain May Find It Hard To Find A New Physician
Summary: Many people are living with chronic pain and need opioids to manage their condition. However, if, for some reason, they need to find a new physician, it becomes very difficult. People find it hard to find a physician who is ready to prescribe opioids for their chronic pain. A new survey of 452 primary […]
Poor People Are Six Times More Likely To Die From Drugs Than Rich People
Summary: It is no secret that socially deprived people are more likely to abuse drugs. However, the study shows a massive difference between drug overdose-related deaths among the rich and poor. Poor people are almost six times more likely to die of drug and alcohol abuse. These findings are worrisome, as drug use has risen […]
Alcohol-related deaths increasing – the study confirms
Summary: More than 85% of US adults report drinking alcohol, and data suggests that about 25% of the population engages in binge drinking. Additionally, it appears that about 6% of adults are addicted to alcohol. Prolonged alcohol abuse causes premature death due to many causes like a motor vehicle accident or liver disease. The new […]
Increased use of telehealth for opioid use disorder (OUD) during covid-19 is associated with lower overdose events
Summary: Those living with opioid use disorder are generally hesitant to seek medical help. However, covid-19 epidemic has only made things worse. Thus, policymakers legalized providing medical care to those living with OUD via telehealth. However, there have been some concerns regarding the decision. The new study shows that telehealth is beneficial for those living […]
The Justice Department Alleges That Walmart Contributed To The Opioid Crisis
Summary: Since Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, agreed to close their company by paying $8 billion in compensation, several other investigations and legal battles have begun. The Justice Department has filed a legal case against Walmart retail and wholesale for dispensing opioids without taking a good look at prescriptions, thus blaming it for having […]
Get Opioid Use Disorder (Oud) Treatment Without Leaving The Privacy Of Your Home
Summary: Opioid crisis and opiate abuse have only worsened in recent years, despite declining rates of opioid prescription. It is no secret that many people living with OUD are not seeking treatment. There are many causes for people not seeking treatment, like clinics not taking new patients, or many are just hesitant to seek treatment. […]