Buprenorphine is a first-line treatment for opioid use disorder, however, given buprenorphine to a patient who still has opioids in their system can precipitate severe withdrawal. Careful assessment of withdrawal can minimize the risk, but despite our best efforts, precipitated withdrawal can still occur. In this article, we review what to do for our patients experiencing buprenorphine-precipitated opioid withdrawal.

All clinicians need to know how to use buprenorphine under the DEAs new regulations. Meanwhile, the fentanyl crisis is changing how we use it. Noah Capurso shows us how to navigate these waters.

It was once thought that moderate alcohol intake was protective against cardiovascular disease. However, new research has revealed flaws in the methodology of these old studies and instead finds that even in moderation, alcohol does not have health benefits and can increase mortality at lower doses than once thought, particularly for women.

Everyone knows that it is dangerous to drive while under the influence of alcohol—but what about cannabis? This study adds to a growing body of evidence that cannabis can be hazardous to safety on the road, a particularly important message to get out to patients as legalization becomes increasingly common.

Urine drug screens are frequently ordered for patients receiving addiction treatment. However, the results of these everyday tests can have outsized consequences for patients involved in the legal system. Here, we provide an overview of how drug testing is used in the legal system and how you can be an advocate for your patient.

Dr. Johnson tells us all about Child Protective Services and how they work with pregnant patients who use substances. In this interview, she reviews the role of medical and mental health providers in the care of pregnant patients with addictive disorders and their legal obligations. She also provides tips for discussing these sensitive matters with your patients.

Many of your patients with substance use disorders will become involved with the legal system over the course of their work with you, and one of the most common avenues is through the drug
court system. Here, we provide the basics of how drug courts function and review how best to work with these courts when they request information.