Typically, the most frequent problem that I’m referred is the pregnant patient who’s dependent on opioids. And this could be either someone who’s using illicit drugs, such as heroin, or is prescribed prescription opioids.

Mindfulness is a growing trend in mental health treatment, but it often requires hours of practice to become proficient. What if you could provide your patients with an introductory mindfulness lesson in less than 15 minutes and see meaningful reductions in their risky drinking?

Research has shown that heavy cannabis use is associated with new-onset psychosis, so a study exploring the drug’s use as a treatment for schizophrenia is surprising, to say the least.

After reading these articles, you should be able to…

The post-test for this issue is available for one year after the publication date to subscribers only. By successfully completing the test you will be awarded a certificate for 1 CME Credit.

Detox (also known as “medically supervised withdrawal”) refers to treatment to help patients withdraw from substances that cause physical dependence, such as alcohol, sedative-hypnotics, and opioids. But detox is far more than a several-day process of ridding the body of an addictive substance. It should be considered an important component in the overall care and treatment of addiction.

Currently in the US, cannabis has evolved into an issue of individual freedom, leading to full legalization in some states on the presumption that the substance isn’t addictive. Unfortunately, cannabis use disorder is indeed a problem for many patients, Kevin Hill, MD, tells us. In fact, says Dr. Hill, one of the greatest challenges you’ll encounter while treating patients is convincing them that cannabis use disorder is a real thing. Here are some treatment strategies.

Kratom (Mitagyna speciose) is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family whose leaves have been used for centuries in South Asian countries as a stimulant and pain reliever. Recently, kratom has entered US and European markets and is now sold in various forms, both online and at local head shops.

Opioid withdrawal protocols often rely on a buprenorphine taper, but other medications are regularly used either in addition to or in the place of buprenorphine. In particular, tramadol ER, a mild opiate, may be effective and was recently studied at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

The post-test for this issue is available for one year after the publication date to subscribers only. By successfully completing the test you will be awarded a certificate for 2 CME credits.