Much of the recent discourse in the addiction treatment and recovery community has touched upon the record-breaking rise in overdose deaths in the United States, as well as the sharp uptick in alcohol use that came about at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. But very rarely is alcohol discussed as being a part of […]
No, the Government Is Not Giving Out Crack Pipes & Other Harm Reduction Myths Busted
In President Biden’s March 1st State of the Union address, the opioid epidemic was discussed as one of four bi-partisan issues which the nation could unify. President Biden went on to explain strategies that can be done to combat the crisis of opioid use and overdose. “There is so much we can do. Increase funding […]
The Importance of Speaking the Same Language in Addiction Treatment
There is a recognizable need for improved treatment for substance use disorder in the United States. Drug overdose deaths are at an all-time high and standardization of the delivery and coverage for addiction treatment can be hard to find. Unfortunately, as it stands, addiction treatment and reimbursement practices can vary greatly from state to state, […]
Holiday Tips and Resources for People in Recovery
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.
