Addiction Treatment

Topiramate (Eprontia, Qudexy XR, Topamax, Trokendi XR) Fact Sheet

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:33:31 -0400

Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, is the first-line medication for alcohol use disorder (AUD)—though it is also approved for opioid use disorder (OUD).

Naltrexone (ReVia, Vivitrol) Fact Sheet

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:33:31 -0400

Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, is the first-line medication for alcohol use disorder (AUD)—though it is also approved for opioid use disorder (OUD).

Gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin) Fact Sheet

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:33:31 -0400

Gabapentin is effective as an off-label medication to ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms and to reduce cravings over the long term in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Disulfiram (Antabuse) Fact Sheet

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:33:31 -0400

Disulfiram is an aversive treatment, causing a buildup of ethanol’s metabolite acetaldehyde in the serum, which in turn causes symptoms such as flushing, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting if patient consumes alcohol.

Acamprosate (Campral) Fact Sheet [G]

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:33:31 -0400

Acamprosate is best for maintaining abstinence in patients who have already quit drinking, but it can be helpful even after patients relapse. Naltrexone is the better choice for patients who are still drinking, since it is better at helping patients quit. Acamprosate is preferred over naltrexone in patients with hepatic impairment.

Learning Objectives, Drug Trends CATR, April/May/June 2026

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0400

After reading these articles, you should be able to…

CME Post-Test, Drug Trends, CATR, April/May/June 2026

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0400

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

Prescription Drug Misuse and Diversion in Correctional Settings

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:08 -0400

Medication misuse in correctional settings reveals how prescribing practices intersect with diversion risk. Dr. Holoyda discusses high demand agents such as gabapentin and bupropion, system level strategies like crush and float, and how to balance safety with adequate treatment. The lessons extend beyond jails to hospitals and outpatient units.

What Psychiatrists Should Know About Inhalants

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Inhalant misuse is often missed in routine practice, especially when drug screens are negative. This update reviews common products, acute risks such as sudden sniffing death, long-term neurologic injury, and nitrous oxide related B12 deficiency. Learn practical screening questions, red flags, and management strategies relevant to both adolescents and adults.

Trends in Illicit Drug Use

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Illicit fentanyl now dominates the opioid supply and is often mixed with other dangerous drugs. Dr. Palamar reviews many of these drugs including xylazine, medetomidine, nitazenes, and even industrial chemicals. He explains how these additives alter risk, why geography matters, and how clinicians can stay current using regional alerts and drug checking data.

Family Support in Substance Use Disorders

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Addiction affects entire families, yet family members often receive little guidance. This article reviews evidence for behavioral couples therapy, community reinforcement, and peer led groups such as Al Anon and SMART Recovery Family and Friends. Learn how to present these options in ways that validate stress and strengthen engagement.

Oral vs Injectable Naltrexone for Hospitalized Patients With AUD

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In hospitalized patients with alcohol use disorder, both oral and extended-release injectable naltrexone significantly reduced heavy drinking days at three months, with no meaningful difference between groups. Initiating treatment before discharge may help reduce gaps in care.

Higher Buprenorphine Doses Lower Death Rates in the Fentanyl Era

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A large cohort study found a clear dose response relationship between higher early buprenorphine dosing and reduced mortality. Patients receiving more than 16 mg daily in the first month had substantially lower overdose and all cause death rates compared to lower dose groups.

Methadone vs Buprenorphine-Naloxone: Real-World Comparisons

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Two large cohort studies compared retention and ongoing opioid use among patients receiving methadone versus buprenorphine. Methadone showed slightly higher retention, while both medications reduced illicit opioid use effectively. Choosing between them remains a patient centered clinical decision.

Cannabis Use in OUD: Does Medication Type Make a Difference?

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A secondary analysis of the X:BOT trial found lower cannabis use among patients treated with buprenorphine compared to extended-release naltrexone. While opioid outcomes were similar once treatment was initiated, this research suggests that buprenorphine may have an edge for patients with comorbid cannabis use disorder.

Early and Injectable-Only Buprenorphine Induction: Can You Skip Withdrawal?

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Two recent studies examine starting long-acting injectable buprenorphine before significant withdrawal develops using a so-called "Direct-to-Inject" approach. Precipitated withdrawal rates were low, and early engagement in care was encouraging. This review outlines the protocols, tolerability, and practical implications for emergency and outpatient settings.

CME Post-Test, Outpatient Treatment of Substance Use Disorder, CATR, January/February/March 2026

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 23:00:00 -0500

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

Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS) Fact Sheet for Patients

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:35:47 -0500

The Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS) is a scale that can be used to define the severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms at home without the involvement of a health care provider.

Opioid Overdose Overview Fact Sheet for Patients

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:35:47 -0500

Opioids can cause a bad and potentially fatal reaction (overdose) that makes your breathing slow or even stop, which can be fatal.

Personal Recovery Plan Template Fact Sheet for Patients

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:35:47 -0500

Fill out this sheet with your provider in order to put together a personal recovery plan.

Varenicline (Chantix) Fact Sheet