In the context of a pandemic, how can and should our practices change to continue to meet the needs of patients with opioid use disorder? We summarize recent changes to the regulations surrounding medications for opioid use disorder: buprenorphine and methadone.

Muscle relaxants encompass medications with different mechanisms of action—many of which have been used for decades. Yet most are sedating, can have significant side effects, and can interact with opioids and other substances to worsen CNS and respiratory depression.

Benzodiazepine use is on the rise, and is implicated with a significant portion of opioid-related overdose deaths. Dr. Morford gives the latest on benzodiazepine prevalence and suggests strategies to employ in addiction treatment settings when working with patients who use benzodiazepines.

Quitting smoking remains extremely difficult. This multicenter randomized controlled trial evaluates the efficacy of using e-cigarettes compared to nicotine replacement among adults (average age 41) seeking help to quit smoking.

Small studies have shown promise for treating cocaine use disorder with combination amphetamine salts/topiramate. In this larger trial, the combination was tested against a placebo.

Previous trials of baclofen for alcohol use disorder have used fixed or rather low doses, and the results have been mixed. This was the first randomized trial to allow up-titration of the dose depending on the patient’s response.

Which patients with alcohol use disorder might benefit from gabapentin most? This randomized controlled trial focused on gabapentin’s impact on alcohol use among patients with alcohol use disorder and who had also had alcohol withdrawal symptoms in the past.

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 2 CME credits.

When it comes to addiction treatment, health professionals pose unique challenges as a patient population. In the March/April 2020 issue of The Carlat Addiction Treatment Report, Dr. Paul Earley frames the offerings of physician health programs and we appraise their efficacy. We also examine a trial of shaming for cigarette...