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IRETA

IRETA

Institute for Research, Education & Training in Addictions

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Harm Reduction

Rethinking Methadone: A Tool for Care, Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution

Written by Peter F. Luongo, Ph.D., IRETA Executive Director | January 10, 2025

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 […]

Filed Under: News Tagged With: addiction medicine, addiction treatment, Blog, Harm Reduction, substance use disorder

Book Recommendations for Behavioral Health Clinicians

Written by Marla Kauffman | December 6, 2024

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 […]

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Addiction, addiction treatment, Blog, Harm Reduction, substance use disorder

Xylazine: What Does the Emergence of this New Contaminant Mean for People Who Use Drugs and Health Care Providers?

Written by Marla Kauffman | February 17, 2023

Throughout the past year, a substance called xylazine has been saturating the drug supply in many parts of the United States. Xylazine is a powerful sedative used in veterinary medicine, typically for larger animals like horses and cattle. It is not considered to be safe for humans. However, the drug has been found to be […]

Filed Under: Addiction, Addiction in the News, Evidence-Based and Best Practices, News, Pittsburgh Tagged With: Addiction, addiction treatment, Harm Reduction, opioid addiction, substance use disorder, xylazine

Pennsylvania has Legalized Fentanyl Test Strips, But Legality Does Not Equal Accessibility

Written by Marla Kauffman | December 20, 2022

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, […]

Filed Under: Addiction, Addiction in the News, News Tagged With: addiction treatment, Blog, Harm Reduction, pennyslvania

Happy National Nurses Week from IRETA

Written by Marla Kauffman | May 10, 2022

This week is National Nurses Week. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the nurses who work specifically in the field of substance use disorder treatment.

Filed Under: Addiction, Addiction in the News, News Tagged With: Addiction Nursing, addiction treatment, Blog, Harm Reduction, National Nurses Week, Nursing

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IRETA

The Institute for Research, Education and Training in Addictions (IRETA) is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit located in Pittsburgh, PA. Our mission is to help people respond effectively to substance use and related problems.

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611 William Penn Place
Suite 301
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

P: 412-258-8565
F: 412-391-2528

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