September is National Recovery Month, a time for communities to come together to celebrate the triumphs of those in recovery and increase awareness about mental health and addiction. Established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 1989, the month is dedicated to promoting the message that recovery in all its forms […]
IRETA Hosts Scaife Medical Student Fellowship for its 25th Year
IRETA has hosted the Scaife Medical Student Fellowship in Substance Use Disorders for 25 years. This year, two cohorts of medical and pharmacy students experienced one week of virtual learning and two weeks of in-person learning in Pittsburgh. Both virtual and in-person sessions included educational lectures and experiences about substance use, addiction, and addiction. […]
Understanding Adolescent Drug Use in Pennsylvania: A Closer Look
In the United States, drug use among adolescents is a high-profile public health concern. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) 1 in 8 teenagers have misused an illicit substance in the past year. In Pennsylvania, the landscape of teenage drug use presents a mix of encouraging trends and areas of concern. […]
A Very Small Step in the Right Direction: New Federal Regulations for Methadone Access
In the ongoing battle against opioid addiction, recent changes in federal regulations surrounding methadone treatment offer a glimmer of hope for individuals grappling with opioid use disorder (OUD). Implemented on April 2, these regulations mark the first significant update in over two decades, reflecting a pivotal shift towards a more patient-centered approach to treatment. Methadone, […]
IRETA’s 25th Anniversary: A Reflection on Progress
As we mark the 25th anniversary of IRETA, we find ourselves looking back at the journey that brought us here, honoring our roots while embracing the evolution that has propelled us forward. Just as St. Francis Hospital left an indelible mark on the landscape of addiction treatment in western Pennsylvania, IRETA has emerged as a […]
The Power of Gratitude: A Scientific Look at How Thankfulness Boosts Mental Health
Adopting an “attitude of gratitude” is encouraged for people in 12-step recovery programs. Creating a gratitude list is a daily practice used by many to pay attention to the positive things in their lives and recovery journey. Gratitude is also a practice promoted more and more in wellness and self-help communities. But how does gratitude […]
An Inside Look at IRETA’s Consultation Projects: Enhancing Addiction Treatment
The IRETA Clinical Quality Improvement (CQI) Team have been hard at work in the past year, making substantial contributions to the field of addiction treatment. The goal of the CQI Team is to focus on assessing and enhancing the quality of clinical services for addiction treatment programs at all levels of care.
Celebrate Pathways to Recovery at the 2023 Pittsburgh Recovery Walk
IRETA is proud to once again sponsor the 2023 Pittsburgh Recovery Walk. This year’s event promises to be an event like no other. The Walk will be held on Saturday, September 16th at 1201 Waterfront Place in Downtown Pittsburgh. People from across western Pennsylvania will come together as a community to celebrate recovery, spread hope, and […]
A Firsthand Look at The Scaife Medical Student Fellowship in Substance Use Disorders
Lauren Druml, a member of this year’s June cohort, wrote about her experience in the program and the impact participation will have on her medical career.
The Importance of Hepatitis C Testing and Other Harm Reduction Measures for People Who Inject Drugs
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness that hepatitis continues to be a public health threat in the United States. Hepatitis C, which is spread through contact with contaminated blood, is often contracted by people who inject drugs (PWID). Hepatitis C is treatable, but unfortunately, many people who are infected and […]
