Topics: Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT) | Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

We hear a lot about traumatic brain injury (TBI) nowadays: among NFL players (as in the movie ‘Concussion’), and as a signature diagnosis among recent combat veterans. What doesn’t get as much press coverage is the impact of TBI on those suffering from addiction.

Topics: Head Trauma | Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

We don’t have definitive general population rates, but several statewide surveys suggest that perhaps 20% of adults have had at least one TBI with loss of consciousness in their lifetime. In studies done in addiction treatment settings, that number is more like 50%. And the prevalence is greater among clients in higher levels of care.

Topics: eCigarettes | Free Articles | Smoking Cessation | Tobacco | Vaping

Electronic cigarette use, or vaping, is becoming increasingly common. Companies manufacturing e-cigarettes advertise them as alternatives to conventional cigarettes and even a pathway to smoking cessation. However, the popularity of vaping has sky-rocketed in high schools across the country with adolescents becoming addicted to nicotine daily.

Topics: Bupropion | Research Update | Smoking Cessation | Varenicline

We have a good array of smoking cessation treatments to choose from, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, and varenicline. Varenicline is the most effective monotherapy agent, somewhat better than bupropion and single-product NRT, and comparable to combination NRT.

Topics: Buprenorphine | Naltrexone | Opioids | Research Update | Substance Use

Extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol) has had some good data, yet getting patients on it remains a challenge, because an opioid-free period is required before starting it. Understandably, practitioners get nervous when patients stabilized on buprenorphine ask to be transitioned to extended-release (XR) naltrexone.

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.