The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges and opportunities for substance disorder treatment. IRETA and Vital Strategies are studying effects of OTP rule changes.
News
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.
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.
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.
The ‘Treatment Gap’ Is Not What You Think It Is
The treatment gap is the difference between people who are said to need addiction treatment and those who actually receive it. A common statistic says that “Only about 1 in 10 people who need treatment actually get it.”
IRETA After 20 Years
IRETA’s beginning has all of the right ingredients needed to combine in the right moment. Dr. Michael T. Flaherty, a clinical psychologist and Vice President of Behavioral Services at St. Francis Hospital, envisioned IRETA as an independent nonprofit seeking to align science, service, and policy in the area of addiction and its treatment.
