When we talk about addiction treatment, the conversation often centers on access: How do we get people into care? What barriers stand in the way? How can we remove them? These are important questions—but they’re only part of the story. Recovery doesn’t end when someone finishes a 28-day residential program or completes an outpatient cycle. […]
Blog
Motivational Interviewing in SUD Treatment: A Path to Lasting Change
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment often presents unique challenges, particularly in fostering client motivation and engagement. Many individuals entering treatment may feel ambivalent about change, resistant to intervention, or uncertain about their ability to succeed. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based, client-centered approach that has been widely recognized for its effectiveness in enhancing engagement and […]
Rethinking Methadone: A Tool for Care, Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution
Methadone has long been a cornerstone of treatment for opioid use disorder, demonstrating its effectiveness as a lifesaving medication. However, it has also been treated as a one-size-fits-all level of care—a role it was never meant to fulfill. When methadone maintenance treatment was first tested in 1964 by Drs. Vincent Dole and Marie Nyswander in […]
Book Recommendations for Behavioral Health Clinicians
At IRETA, we are committed to supporting clinicians with tools and resources that enhance their ability to provide compassionate, evidence-based care. Books can be powerful tools in this journey, offering insights, strategies, and moments of reflection. This curated list highlights impactful books that span trauma, addiction, therapy techniques, and clinician self-care, with a special focus […]
Driving Change with Data: An Inside Look at IRETA’s Research and Evaluation Efforts
Piper Lincoln is the Senior Research Associate at IRETA. Piper plays a crucial role, handling all aspects of research and evaluation. This includes designing data collection methods and analyzing and interpreting results. Her work involves the technical side of data and ensuring that our research and evaluation projects align with best practices. Whether it’s selecting […]
IRETA Celebrates Recovery Month
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 […]
