Opioids

In 2009, 7 million Americans reported current (past month) nonmedical use of prescription drugs—more than the number using cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and inhalants combined. Perhaps even more disturbing, approximately 2.2 million Americans used pain relievers non-medically for the first time in 2009 (initiates of marijuana use were 2.4 million). The recreational use of prescription opioids is sharply rising nationwide, a trend that shows no sign of stopping.

Opioids are analgesic medications prescribed to relieve pain. Their brand names include Oxycontin, Vicodin, Demerol, and Percoset. Synthetic opioids bind to the same receptors in the brain that heroin does and, similarly, can cause physical and psychological withdrawal effects.

The rise in prescription drug abuse has coincided with the rise in pharmacological treatments of opioid dependence. Traditionally, methadone maintenance has been the only option for opioid dependence; it is joined now by buprenorphine, naltrexone, and vivitrol.

IRETA and the Northeast ATTC are committed to research and training to address the prescription drug epidemic and improve the quality of medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependent patients. The resources listed here provide information about opioid addiction and treatment.

Buprenorphine Treatment Practice Guidelines

The TIP 40
The Vermont Practice Guidelines
The TAP 30
The VA/DoD Management of Substance Use Disorders (include pharmacological treatment)
Buprenorphine Treatment for Young Adults
Buprenorphine Treatment: Training for Multidisciplinary Addiction Professionals

Conference Materials: January 2011 - Improving the Quality and Outcomes of Opioid Treatment with Buprenorphine

This video records a recent six hour workshop designed to highlight best and current practice with buprenorphine and questions arising from its actual use. The program presents an overview of the use of buprenorphine today and its science followed by examples of existing and diverse clinical models in four states. Researchers and practitioners discussed both efficacy and challenges to effectiveness in current buprenorphine treatment.

The training is appropriate to all involved in treating opiate dependence including physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, D/A counselors, nurses, and opiate treatment program directors, policy leaders and primary care clinical staff.

The January 6, 2011 conference was sponsored by Community Care Behavioral Health Organization (Community Care), the Institute for Research, Education and Training in Addictions (IRETA), the Northeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center (Northeast ATTC), the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC).

Methadone Best Practices

PCPA Best Practices
Recovery-Oriented Methadone Maintenance by William White
Recovery-Focused Methadone Treatment: A Primer for Practice Today by IRETA