Long-acting injectable formulations of buprenorphine can be a good treatment option for patients with opioid use disorder, particularly for those with poor adherence. However, starting long-acting injectable medications typically requires the patient to be on a stable dose of sublingual buprenorphine. Here, researchers demonstrate the feasibility of starting buprenorphine with a microinduction approach followed shortly by administration of a long-acting injection.

Drug overdose mortality has increased nearly every year since the overdose epidemic began three decades ago. However, 2024 saw an unprecedented drop in overdose deaths across the country. Researchers are working to better understand this change, but it is almost certain that increasing availability of naloxone, widespread adoption of harm reduction practices, and improving rates of MOUD treatment played important roles in this encouraging shift.

By successfully completing the test you will be awarded a certificate for 2 CME credits.

After reading these articles, you should be able to…

Buprenorphine induction typically requires that a patient experience moderate opioid withdrawal before starting the medication in order to avoid precipitating severe withdrawal symptoms. This waiting period is uncomfortable and can be a treatment barrier. In this study, researchers develop and test an induction protocol using injectable buprenorphine that gets around this initial waiting period.

Psychotherapy and medication management are the two cornerstones of addiction treatment, but they are not equally effective across different substance use disorders. This article reviews evidence from both therapeutic approaches and introduces the concept of a treatment spectrum, with medication on one end and therapy on the other. This spectrum can be a useful framework when discussing treatment options with patients and in treatment planning.

Prevalence and frequency of cannabis use have increased as restrictions have been eased across the country. Here, researchers asked the question: Does frequency of cannabis use affect the likelihood of developing cannabis use disorder? The answer may surprise you.

Injectable naltrexone can be an effective treatment for opioid use disorder, but it requires complete abstinence before initiation—a process that can take more than a week and cause significant discomfort. Here, researchers evaluate a new protocol designed to accelerate this induction period and improve patient access.