Thanks to COVID-19 vaccines, this year’s holiday season is likely to feel more “normal” than last year, with family gatherings, holiday parties, and many other traditional festivities making a cautious return. For people in recovery from a substance use disorder, the holidays can be an especially difficult time for a number of reasons. Parties, gatherings, […]
Women Are Drinking More Than Ever. Many May Not Be Aware How It Is Affecting Their Health.
Women have increased their heavy drinking days by 41%. The pandemic is partly to blame, but the problem didn’t start there.
How Likely is Your LGBTQ Teen to Use Drugs and Alcohol? Your Support Could Be the Deciding Factor
Research shows that LGBTQ youth are two to four times more likely to use substances than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Find out why and learn what kinds of support help most.
Skyrocketing Methamphetamine Overdose Deaths Show Our “Crisis Response” Must Expand Beyond Just Opioids
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a study that shows a combination of two medications, injectable naltrexone and oral bupropion, is safe and effective in treating methamphetamine use disorder.
A New Service Delivery Model: How IRETA has Adapted Clinical Quality Improvement in the Era of COVID
IRETA faced the challenge of switching completely to telehealth with very little notice. IRETA’s Director of Clinical Quality Improvement Services, David Reazin, MHS, answered questions about what it was like to adapt to telehealth and the pros and cons of virtual groups.
Medical & Pharmacy Students Learn Skills About Addiction And Its Treatment Despite Challenges Amid Pandemic
IRETA has hosted medical students in Pittsburgh for the Scaife Medical Student Fellowship in Substance Use Disorders. The fellowship offers medical students, typically between their first and second years of medical school, an intensive learning experience about substance use, addiction, and addiction treatment.
Questioning Alcohol Use as “#SelfCare”: The Sober Curious Movement and Being Mindful About Alcohol Consumption
Questioning Alcohol Use as “#SelfCare.” When it comes to sleep, alcohol may help you fall asleep, but it actually disrupts sleep patterns and blocks REM sleep, causing anyone who drinks it before bed to have a less restful night’s sleep than if they hadn’t consumed alcohol.
Happy Holidays from IRETA
The year 2019 was a big one for IRETA. We celebrated our 20th anniversary, held our first public symposium, increased our staff, and continued to work hard to fulfill our mission. None of our work would be possible without the organizations and individuals we partner with.
