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2 milligrams of Fentanyl, a lethal dose for most people.
China has announced it would declare all forms of fentanyl as controlled substances, thus strictly regulating their production and distribution within the country. American officials say that a large majority of the fentanyl in the United States comes from China, so this move could lower the supply of the drug here. However, the ban does not cover all precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl and other similar drugs. These chemicals are often shipped to Mexico from China in small quantities and used to produce fentanyl shipped to the United States.
The Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) has recently launched an opioid-focused podcast series featuring leading clinicians who put essential information about opioid prescribing and addiction at your fingertips. Physicians may choose from topics such as conversations with difficult patients, how the opioid crisis began and where it stands now, tapering patients off opioids and more. Physicians who listen to the podcasts can earn continuing medical education (CME) credits as part of the statewide requirement for physicians licensed to prescribe controlled substances.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common among people who have a substance use disorder. More than 20 percent of non-institutionalized adults in the United States have had at least one TBI with a loss of consciousness. This estimate more than doubles among people with substance use disorder, according to the INROADS Project ― or Intersecting Research on Opioid Misuse, Addiction, and Disability Services ― a joint research program between Brandeis University’s Institute for Behavioral Health and Lurie Institute for Disability Policy. Individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health problems are even more likely to have a history of TBI. This factsheet includes recommendations for substance use treatment providers, including strategies for determining the unique needs of clients and strategies to address specific executive functioning problems.
According to a recent study, an implantable form of naltrexone, a drug used in medication-assisted treatment, may be useful in treating opioid use disorder for people living with HIV. Opioid addiction can make it difficult for people with HIV to continue taking their anti-viral medications. The study found that patients with the naltrexone implant were more likely to be adherent to their medications, resulting in a decreased viral load compared to patients who were taking an oral form of naltrexone for opioid addiction. While further research is required, this is a promising option for patients who live in areas where treatment options are limited.
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