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.
Blog
Compassion Fatigue: A Personal Account from an IRETA Clinical Quality Improvement Associate
I don’t believe that we can truly understand what those teachers lecturing about clinician burnout means until we’re “in the trenches” of this field. Let’s talk about compassion fatigue.
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.
The War on Drugs Has Damaged Black Communities and Deepened Racial Bias
At IRETA, we often begin with the premise that “the system produces the results it is designed to produce.” Therefore, if clients regularly drop out of your treatment program – it’s time to take a hard look at your system and how it’s “working.” Because it is working, the question is whether you like the results.
You Have Options For Dealing With Alcohol Withdrawal
It’s common to imagine ‘detox’ as a place you stay for a while, but most people in alcohol withdrawal can be managed as outpatients. In short, this is a dangerous time to be physically dependent on alcohol.
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.
Fear of Drug Users is How We Justify Harming Them
Fear of Drug Users is How We Justify Harming Them. Why is it that I felt afraid? It was more emotional than logical. My reaction was partly based on the way they use drugs. Although people sipping beer or wine typically feel safe and “normal,” drug users’ use of a hypodermic needle felt different, almost like a weapon.
Our Healthcare System Can (and Must) Work Better for People Who Use Drugs
As an early intervention strategy for people with risky or addictive substance use, there are ways that SBIRT just isn’t working. Most glaring of these is the “referral to treatment” portion, wherein providers are supposed to connect patients to addiction specialists for follow-up care
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.
Combatting the Abstinence Violation Effect
The abstinence violation effect (AVE) has been described as the “eff-it” phenomenon. In an era of super-potent opioids, addiction treatment providers need to address it head-on.
