Many folks in the Pittsburgh region have recently learned about the closing of UPMC’s Narcotic Addiction Treatment Program at Western Behavioral Health. According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the program will end operations by the end of the month, affecting patients currently receiving methadone maintenance treatment and other opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment services. Even with […]
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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 […]
What Happens After Rehab? Gaps in Recovery Housing and Long-Term Support
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Pennsylvania has Legalized Fentanyl Test Strips, But Legality Does Not Equal Accessibility
In early November, Governor Tom Wolf signed legislation that legalized the use of fentanyl test strips in Pennsylvania. Before reaching Governor Wolf’s desk, the legislation passed the PA House and Senate unanimously. This change comes as fentanyl continues to escalate overdose rates in Pennsylvania and across the United States. Fentanyl, which is undetectable by sight, […]
