Topics: Buprenorphine | extended-release | Medication | Medication adherence | Opioid epidemic | Opioid Use Disorder | Pharmacology | safety | Side Effects

Buprenorphine can be administered via intravenous, transdermal, sublingual, buccal, and implanted formulations. We appraise the evidence for various formulations and suggest certain populations for which certain formulations may be a better choice.

Topics: Addiction | Addiction Treatment | pandemic | Special populations | Telehealth | Telemed | Telemedicine | Telepsychiatry

As many clinicians embark on new telemedicine efforts, we review the body of literature around virtual approaches to the care of patients with addiction. Dr. Swendeman reviews the evidence of efficacy for electronic self-monitoring, text-messaging, and other strategies may support your practice, and how to implement them.

Topics: Addiction Treatment | Buprenorphine | Medication | Methadone | Opioid epidemic | Opioid Use Disorder | Pain | Pharmacology

The American Society of Addiction Medicine released updated guidelines for the management of opioid use disorder (OUD) in March, 2020. They focus on expanding access to methadone and buprenorphine. Additionally, detailed guidance is given for perioperative management of OUD and pain management in patients with OUD.

Topics: Harm reduction | Heroin | Opioid epidemic | Opioid Use Disorder | Pharmacology

Medications are the mainstay of treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), but what if patients decline buprenorphine, injectable naltrexone, and methadone? In this randomized trial, authors compared hydromorphone (Dilaudid) with diacetylmorphine (the active ingredient in heroin) among patients who reported injecting heroin.

Topics: Alcohol | Alcohol use disorder | Pharmacology | Tobacco use disorder | Varenicline

Smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol have reciprocal influences on each other. In this meta-analysis of nine randomized studies, the authors appraise the evidence for varenicline use for alcohol use disorder specifically.

Topics: CME Post-Test

The post-test for this issue is available for one year after the publication date to subscribers only. By successfully completing the test you will be awarded a certificate for 1 CME credit.