On September 4, 2025, the Pennsylvania Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Trust held its first public listening session, allowing members of the public to share testimony to members of the Trust. IRETA’s Executive Director, Dr. Eric Hulsey, registered for the session and provided testimony. In his remarks he noted his prior work across the country […]
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Inside the 2025 Scaife Fellowship in Substance Use Disorders: How Future Physicians are Shaping Compassionate Care
For over 25 years, IRETA has hosted the Scaife Medical Student Fellowship in Substance Use Disorders, a three-week fellowship focusing on the many different facets of addiction and its treatment. This summer, IRETA welcomed two cohorts of medical students and one pharmacy student for the annual program. Over three intensive weeks in June and July […]
IRETA Welcomes Dr. Eric Hulsey as New Executive Director
IRETA is excited to announce the appointment of Eric Hulsey, DrPH as Executive Director effective July 1. Dr. Hulsey will be taking the reins from Peter Luongo, PhD, who is retiring from a long career in public health at the end of June. Dr. Hulsey comes to IRETA with over 20 years of experience in […]
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. […]
