Topics: Buprenorphine | Opioids | Pain | Withdrawal

With opioid-like properties, kratom’s recreational use is increasingly reported among those seeking pain relief or a high. This primer reviews what’s known about this unregulated substance, how to talk about it in the clinic, and early evidence on how to treat its withdrawal syndrome.

Topics: Buprenorphine | Clinical practice | Opioid Use Disorder | Opioids | Pain

Dr. Manhapra works with patients with disabling chronic pain, many of whom meet criteria for substance use disorders. He describes his approach to these intersecting phenomena, the biology of pain and its relationship to the reward system, and outlines an approach to improving function among patients with addiction and severe pain.

Topics: Clinical practice | Harm reduction | Marijuana | Pain

As more states legalize cannabis for medical or recreational use, it’s becoming more common for our patients to add medical marijuana to their medication regimen for various purported indications. In this primer, we will synthesize the debate surrounding the use of medical marijuana for a variety of syndromes, with a focus on pain.

Topics: Clinical practice | Marijuana | observational study | Pain | quality of life

Does marijuana use reduce pain and improve quality of life over time? This observational, uncontrolled trial suggests it might, but also identifies the need for more rigorous future studies.

Topics: Alcohol use disorder | Quality of care | Randomized controlled trial | Telemedicine

We are getting more comfortable with telemedicine-based platforms to provide care. But do they improve the quality of care for unhealthy alcohol use? This randomized, controlled trial compares in-person care with asynchronous, module-based care for people with alcohol use disorder.

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.