Newswise— Medical professionals will gain access to free clinical support in the use of opioid medications through a new grant announced by SAMHSA today. SAMHSA awarded $1.5 million to the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry to develop a Prescriber’s Clinical Support System.  » More

I was able to stop using codeine after returning home and to my job in the operating room.  I dodged a bullet– or so it seemed.  I continued to drink wine, beer, and the occasional margarita, but I had convinced myself that drinking was an isolated vice that was necessary given the stress of my job.  Yes, the AA and NA people said that alcohol would take me back to my ‘drug of choice’, but they didn’t understand my special situation, and didn’t know how smart I was.  The scary incident in the Bahamas faded from my memory.  Looking back, it wasn’t that big of a deal. » More

Drug Seeking Behavior in ER Doubles, Feeds Growing Addiction to Pain Pills -- Emergency rooms continue to become a major resource for pain medication addicts; By MIKAELA CONLEY, ABC News Medical Unit -- Oct. 28, 2010 » More

Patients treated for pain conditions often receive an opioid analgesic and also take other prescription or non-Rx drugs, which can lead to opioid-drug interactions that have potential for adverse effects or even fatal outcomes. To avoid problems, prescribers need to be aware of all medications and other substances their patients are taking and the likelihood of toxicity resulting from their interaction. » More

Catasys On Healthcare September 2010 Newsletter
This edition of the Catasys newsletter outlines 8 drivers impacting cost savings from your substance dependent population. Surprisingly, national averages show $160 million in claims are incurred by substance dependent members in a 1 million member health plan. The majority of these costs are medical, driven by the consequences of substance abuse (and are mitigated if the substance abuse is successfully addressed).  » More

Rethink Treatment Models for Substance Dependence - Managed Healthcare Executive; June 2010: 11: By Gary Ingenito » More