When evaluating over 40k people over the course of 10 years, researchers found that a policy of using buprenorphine/naloxone as a first line treatment for #OpioidUseDisorder saved 1,602 fewer years of life compared to a methadone policy.

The April 2026 issue of The Lancet Regional Health - Americas is now available online!

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In this issue: #USDietaryGuidelines, #NosocomialInfections, #LongCOVID, #OropoucheVirus, #RenalCellCarcinoma, #ColorectalCancer, #LungCancer, #YellowFever, #OpioidUseDisorder, and much more.

Where do you keep your #Narcan at? #OpioidUseDisorder #SaveLives #MentalHealthAwareness #Overdose

Development of the Healthy Women Intervention to Increase Women’s Engagement in Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: Mixed Methods, User-Centered Design Approach Background: Rates of opioid use disorder (OUD) have increased among women over the past 2 decades. Medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is effective but underused. Gender-specific treatments for women have been associated with improved substance use outcomes. However, these treatments have not specifically targeted women’s engagement in MOUD, and the impact of existing gender-specific treatments is restricted by in-person delivery. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a digital intervention to feasibly deliver gender-specific care that addresses the individualized needs of women with OUD to increase engagement in MOUD. Methods: A mixed methods, user-centered design approach was used to inform the development of a digital intervention. In phase 1, qualitative interviews were conducted with women with lived experience of OUD (n=20) and providers who treat women with OUD (n=8). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded for themes. In addition, a larger sample of treatment providers (n=55) completed an online survey to further inform the content of the digital intervention. Phase 2 consisted of designing, beta-testing (n=5), and refining the intervention. Results: The age of women with lived experience ranged from 21 to 59 (mean 38.5, SD 9.4) years; 63% (5/8) of providers interviewed were female participants. The qualitative interview data from women with lived experience and providers were grouped into 6 thematic categories: 3 treatment-related (1) barriers to treatment, (2) facilitators to successful recovery, and (3) important issues to address in treatment, and 3 technology-related (4) positives of using technology as part of treatment, (5) suggested technology features, and (6) barriers to using technology. Across the treatment-related categories, several themes touched on women-specific factors including family responsibilities, abusive partners, stigma, and motivation for treatment (eg, pregnancy). The technology-related categories provided information for designing the features of the intervention, as well as revealing barriers to technology use, which could be helpful in developing implementation strategies. Provider survey participants were primarily female participants (40/55, 73%), with a mean age of 42.5 (SD 12.5) years. Survey data provided additional information on barriers to treatment and suggested technology features. Based on these data and preliminary work, the intervention was created. Minor edits to content and visual design were made in the beta-testing phase. The final version includes a web-based component with 6 topic modules and a mobile component. Topics in the web-based component are presented through infographics, text, videos, and interactive questions. The mobile component includes daily motivational messages, skills practice activities (2/wk), weekly check-ins, and resources (always available). Conclusions: Important themes and suggested features from women with lived experience and providers were incorporated into a digital intervention for women with OUD. Data on #feasibility, satisfaction, and engagement with the intervention are currently being collected in phase 3, a pilot randomized controlled trial.

JMIR Formative Res: Development of the Healthy Women Intervention to Increase Women’s Engagement in Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: Mixed Methods, User-Centered Design Approach #OpioidUseDisorder #WomenHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #DigitalIntervention #SubstanceAbuse

Know the signs of an opioid overdose, and be prepared to respond by carrying naloxone

#substanceuseprevention #substanceuseawareness #opioidawareness #opioidcrisis #opioidusedisorder

Two graphs display cumulative incidence percentages over time for Methadone and SROM treatments: A) Intention-to-treat analysis, B) Per-protocol analysis. Data points and 'No. at risk' tables are included.

Among adults with #OpioidUseDisorder, #SlowReleaseOralMorphine was associated with slightly higher treatment discontinuation and lower adherence vs #Methadone, but mortality risk was similar.

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If you're pregnant and managing opioid use disorder, there's encouraging new research. A major clinical trial just showed that a weekly buprenorphine injection worked better than daily tablets at helping moms stay opioid-free during pregnancy.

#OpioidUseDisorder #Pregnancy #MaternalHealth #Recovery

Infographic titled "JAMA Internal Medicine: RCT: Extended-Release vs Sublingual Buprenorphine in Pregnancy Through 12 Months Post Partum". Key points include a population of 140 women, an intervention with 140 participants randomized, and findings showing percentage negative weekly urine drug tests. Extended-release buprenorphine: 82.5%, Sublingual buprenorphine: 72.6%.

Weekly extended-release buprenorphine for #OpioidUseDisorder in #pregnancy resulted in higher abstinence rates than sublingual buprenorphine, with similar maternal and neonatal safety outcomes.

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Forest plot illustrating difference-in-differences analysis of prior authorization prohibitions and 180-day buprenorphine treatment retention. Variables include 'Never treated as controls' and 'Not yet treated as controls', with corresponding adjusted estimates and P values.

State laws prohibiting prior authorization for buprenorphine were not associated with significant changes in 180-day treatment retention among privately insured patients with #OpioidUseDisorder.

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Table 3 shows unadjusted mortality rates, adjusted HRs for mortality within 2 years of medication initiation for opioid use disorder, by enrollment and MOUD treatment status. Details include person-years, deaths (%), crude rate, and adjusted HR for all-cause and drug/alcohol overdose.

Health plan disenrollment after initiating medications for #OpioidUseDisorder was associated with increased all-cause and overdose mortality compared with remaining enrolled.

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JAMA Psychiatry infographic about a study on yoga for opioid withdrawal. Population: 59 men, aged 18-50, mean age 26. Intervention: 59 participants randomized, 30 yoga add-on therapy, 29 treatment as usual. Findings: YAT group achieved withdrawal text@number times faster. Hazard ratio text@number. Settings: 1 inpatient ward in Bengaluru, India.

Yoga as an adjunct to standard buprenorphine therapy for #OpioidUseDisorder accelerated withdrawal stabilization, improved heart rate variability, and reduced anxiety, sleep latency, and pain compared with standard care alone. ja.ma/4spiJ8O

Forest plot illustrating difference-in-differences analysis of prior authorization prohibitions and 180-day buprenorphine treatment retention. Variables include 'Never treated as controls' and 'Not yet treated as controls', with corresponding adjusted estimates and P values.

State laws prohibiting prior authorization for buprenorphine were not associated with significant changes in 180-day treatment retention among privately insured patients with #OpioidUseDisorder.

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Table 3: Mortality rates and adjusted HRs within 2 years of opioid use disorder medication, by enrollment and MOUD treatment status. Data includes person-years, deaths, crude rates per 1000, and adjusted HRs for all-cause & drug/alcohol overdose.

Health plan disenrollment after initiating medications for #OpioidUseDisorder was associated with increased all-cause and overdose mortality compared with remaining enrolled.

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It can be difficult to tell the difference between medicine and candy by sight alone—especially for kids. Make sure to store all meds in a safe place!

#substanceuseprevention #substanceuse #prescriptiondrugs #opioidawareness #opioidusedisorder

Committee backs funding for correctional electronic medical record to bill Medicaid under waiver The committee favorably recommended third-substitute HB 70 to fund an electronic medical record for Correctional Health Services, enabling the state to bill Medicaid under a Section 1115 justice-involved waiver and require opioid-use-disorder treatment windows for inmates.

Utah is taking a bold step to improve inmate health care by advancing a bill that would implement an electronic medical record system, paving the way for Medicaid billing and better treatment for opioid use disorders.

Learn more here!

#UT #RecidivismReduction #CitizenPortal #OpioidUseDisorder

Senate hears veterans’ push for state‑funded ibogaine clinical trials SB527 would create a grant program to support FDA‑regulated clinical research on ibogaine for treatment‑resistant conditions among veterans; veterans and advocacy groups testified about anecdotal benefits and early studies but stakeholders urged rigorous trials and guardrails.

Senate Bill 527 could pave the way for groundbreaking ibogaine research to help veterans battling opioid addiction and PTSD, but will it receive the support it needs?

Click to read more!

#MD #ClinicalTrials #CitizenPortal #MarylandVeterans #MentalHealthReform #OpioidUseDisorder

Patient Centered Care and Real World Solutions This is "Patient Centered Care and Real World Solutions" by NETRC on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

How should providers respond when patients continue using substances during treatment? Dr. Jessika Morin shares her perspective on patient safety, the realities of treating #OpioidUseDisorder, and more.

🎥 Watch to learn more: https://loom.ly/G5Jsek4
#PublicHealth #SubstanceUseDisorder

Opioids are powerful painkillers, but they can lead to addiction. Before taking opioids, talk to your doctor about safer alternatives

#SubstanceUsePrevention #opioidusedisorder #substanceusedisorder #opioids #substanceabuseawareness

Two graphs depict buprenorphine prescriptions vs. time since ACA expansion. Top: Recent Medicaid expansions show a slight increase post-expansion. Bottom: Early Medicaid expansions show a more noticeable increase after expansion.

Recent #Medicaid expansions (2019 or later) were associated with a significant increase in all-payer #Buprenorphine dispensing for #OpioidUseDisorder, particularly in high-need states, compared with earlier expansions.

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Article titled, "The Lifesaving Potential of Opioid Abatement Funds" by Julia S. Etkin, BA; Christopher Robertson, JD, PhD. Published online January 15, 2026, discusses opioid settlements and their use.

💬 Viewpoint: Nearly $57 billion in #opioid settlement funds is being spent variably across US jurisdictions, with many allocations not directed to evidence-based #OpioidUseDisorder interventions or harm reduction.

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Did you know: opioid overdose is responsible for 130 deaths per day in the United States? When more people carry NARCAN more of those overdoses can be treatable. Carrying NARCAN saves lives.
#substanceuseprevention #substanceusedisorder #opioidawareness #narcan #narcansaveslives #opioidusedisorder

Table: Episode Characteristics by Retention Period, 2023. Shows episodes by retention (30, 90, 180 days) for characteristics like total episodes, CCI mean, methadone/buprenorphine receipts, AUD, drug use, mental health disorder diagnoses, and SUD hospitalization.

Among Medicaid patients with #OpioidUseDisorder at US opioid treatment programs, 30-, 90-, and 180-day retention rates were low and variable, highlighting opportunities for quality improvement in program performance. ja.ma/3ZAkOSN

"Recovery is a process of change, growth, and resilience. At MCD, we are committed to being a Recovery Friendly Workplace where every person feels seen and supported." Drusilla Blakey, employee engagement officer Blue background and graphics with woman wearing glasses smiling at camera.

This #SUDTreatmentMonth, we're taking time to deepen our understanding, challenge stigma & reaffirm our commitment to creating a Recovery Friendly Workplace for all MCD staff. Learn more about MCD: https://loom.ly/UyKwc1w #SubstanceUseDisorder #OpioidUseDisorder #TreatmentMonth #RecoveryIsPossible

JAMA Psychiatry: RCT: Yoga for Opioid Withdrawal. Population: 59 men, adults 18-50 with opioid disorder. Intervention: 59 participants randomized. Findings: YAT group achieved withdrawal 4.4 times faster. Graph compares YAT vs TAU groups. Hazard ratio (HR), 4.40; P < .001

Yoga as an adjunct to standard buprenorphine therapy for #OpioidUseDisorder accelerated withdrawal stabilization, improved heart rate variability, and reduced anxiety, sleep latency, and pain compared with standard care alone.

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A JAMA article titled "The Lifesaving Potential of Opioid Abatement Funds" by Julia S. Etkin and Christopher Robertson. The article discusses opioid settlement funds, their allocation, and potential impact.

💬 Viewpoint: Nearly $57 billion in #opioid settlement funds is being spent variably across US jurisdictions, with many allocations not directed to evidence-based #OpioidUseDisorder interventions or harm reduction.

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Becaris Publishing

📢New article alert

New Meta-Analysis: "Effectiveness and safety of therapies for patients with opioid use disorder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis"

🔗Read here: becarispublishing.com/doi/10.57264...

#OpenAccess #JCER #OpioidUseDisorder #NetworkMetaAnalysis #PublicHealth

Infographic titled "JAMA Psychiatry RCT: Yoga for Opioid Withdrawal and Autonomic Regulation" detailing a study with 59 men aged 18-50. It compares Yoga Add-on Therapy (YAT) to Treatment as Usual (TAU). The YAT group achieved withdrawal stabilization 4.4 times faster. A graph illustrates participant withdrawal rates over time for both groups.

Yoga as an adjunct to standard buprenorphine therapy for #OpioidUseDisorder accelerated withdrawal stabilization, improved heart rate variability, and reduced anxiety, sleep latency, and pain compared with standard care alone.

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JAMA Network Open article: "Barriers to Buprenorphine Initiation in Patients Using Fentanyl" by Sarah S. Kawasaki, Jane M. Liebschutz, and Cristina Murray-Krezan. Published online January 5, 2026.

Among US clinicians treating #OpioidUseDisorder, 72% experienced difficulties starting buprenorphine in patients using fentanyl, leading 67% to alter standard induction practices. ja.ma/4jrhLFS

Clinic staff describe walk‑in opioid treatment, partnerships and transport challenges to Whatcom County committee Clinic presenters told the Whatcom County Behavioral Health committee that two locations now offer medications for opioid use disorder, counseling and case management; Division Street serves roughly 59 clients and Flora Street about 19, and staff urged community referrals while noting transit and outreach gaps.

Whatcom County is stepping up its fight against opioid addiction with new low-barrier treatment options and flexible transport services for those in need.

Learn more here

#WhatcomCounty #WA #WhatcomCountyBehavioralHealth #CitizenPortal #CommunityOutreach #MentalHealthAccess #OpioidUseDisorder

Initiating Buprenorphine This is Initiating Buprenorphine by NETRC on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

💡Learn more about starting buprenorphine in this video with Family Nurse Practitioner Karen Prazar, clinical director of the Nurse Practitioner Fellowship Program at Lamprey Health Care in New Hampshire 👉 https://loom.ly/RK2zYRo #PublicHealh #SubstanceUseDisorder #OpioidUseDisorder