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 […]
Blog
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 […]
Podcast Recommendations for Mental Health and SUD Clinicians
As a clinical quality improvement consultant, I find myself spending a significant amount of time in the car traveling to provider sites. Sometimes it has been up to 9-10 hours per day. This leaves a lot of time to either be with my thoughts, or I can spend some of that time learning new ideas […]
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.
When it Comes to Addiction Treatment, We Must Do as the Romans Did
In the world of high school education, there are teachers who leave a lasting impact on their students. For me, one such teacher was Brother Patrick, a man who bore a striking resemblance to the late Irish actor Barry Fitzgerald (whose movie credits include How Green was My Valley, Bringing Up Baby, and The Quiet […]
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 […]
