Study Evaluates Healthcare Quality for People With Opioid Use Disorder
A study published April 8th measured the quality of care that people with opioid use disorder (OUD) receive for healthcare unrelated to OUD.[1] It analyzed preventative care, chronic illness treatment, and care coordination in 79,372 insured people with OUD—and for comparison, 46,601 insured people without OUD. The study used data from OptumLabs Data Warehouse, which […]
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drug, found in the opioid poppy plant, that interact with opioid receptors in the brain and body. They can create calming effects or feelings of euphoria. They are often prescribed to treat pain. Opioids can be prescription pain relievers, such as OxyContin, or “street drugs” like heroin. People can become […]
Study Finds That Addiction Has a High Medical Cost
A study published March 5th found that in 2017, the direct cost of addiction in hospitals was over $13 billion.[1] According to the authors, “This study’s results suggest that the cost of effective prevention and treatment may be substantially offset by a reduction in the high direct medical cost of SUD hospital care.” Medical Cost […]
Study Finds Physician-Pharmacist Collaboration Effective in Treating Opioid Use Disorder
A study[1] published last month, supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), found an effective way to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). The approach prioritizes collaboration between physicians and pharmacists in administering and monitoring Buprenorphine, a medication used to treat OUD. Doctors and Pharmacists Worked Together Participants did an initial screening with a […]
Can Vivitrol Be Addictive?
Vivitrol is the brand name and injectable form of Naltrexone. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks the effects of opioids. It also binds to the endorphin receptors in the body, blocking the sedative and euphoric feelings people get from substances like alcohol and opioids. Because of these effects, Vivitrol is used to treat […]
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), it is 80-100 times more powerful than morphine. Like morphine, it is meant to treat severe pain, such as that from after surgery. However, it is often used illegally. Fentanyl is sometimes added to heroin to increase its potency, or passed off as […]
The Importance of Still Focusing on the Opioid Epidemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has created turmoil and taken the attention of the world. Yet, the opioid epidemic is still present, and in many ways, has become even more of a concern with the limited amount of treatment available. For those with an opioid addiction, it’s still important for you to reach out for help. Our […]
Jamie Lee Curtis’ Story of Addiction and Recovery
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis knew she needed to get sober when her sister Kelly was visiting, and she stole Kelly’s Vicodin. Kelly had been prescribed the pills after an injury but didn’t like the way they made her feel. Unaware of her sister’s Vicodin addiction—Curtis had been keeping it a secret for 10 years—Kelly threw […]
How To Achieve Opioid Addiction Recovery
People use opioids for different reasons, but the most common uses are to manage pain after an injury, help to heal after major surgery or to manage chronic pain. Regardless of the use, opioids are highly addictive substances. Overcoming opioid addiction can be challenging, but with appropriate addiction treatment and ongoing support, you can manage […]
What Are the Differences Between Opioids and Opiates?
The abuse of opioids and opiates is one of the most significant challenges facing healthcare systems. While these drugs have some differences, most people do not know this and tend to mix their names. These substances are addictive and can cause serious health issues if used for an extended period. However, seeking treatment for opioid […]