Co-Occurring Substance Use Archives

AMA Unveils Toolkit To Help States ‘End’ The Overdose Epidemic

Article March 28, 2022

The American Medical Association (AMA) released a group of strategies intended to help states reduce drug overdose rates and “end” the opioid overdose epidemic. The strategies include eliminating prior authorization… Read More

Lessons Learned From A Street Medicine Physician: The Use Of Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotic Medications

Interview February 18, 2022

Follow a family medicine physician, Dr. Susan Partovi, on the streets of Los Angeles, as she treats homeless clients who suffer from mental illness. She will share her extensive experience… Read More

Integrating Mental Health Care In 5 Steps: The Primary Care Practice’s Toolkit

Article February 8, 2022

Introduction Primary care clinicians are in a unique and ideal position to efficiently screen, diagnose, and treat a range of behavioral health issues. Primary care teams frequently address common mental health disorders,… Read More

The Use Of Digital Tools For Serious Mental Illness & Substance Use Disorder

On-Demand Webinar January 26, 2022

The use of digital tools for the treatment of patients with mental illness is a dynamic and rapidly growing area of interest. In this webinar, Dr. Michael E. Thase, MD… Read More

Epidemic Within A Pandemic: An Addictionologist’s Response To The Surge Of Substance Use Disorders In The Wake Of COVID-19

Interview January 10, 2022

In this interview and presentation, Dr. Taca describes the unparalleled challenges in addiction treatment that are being driven by the pandemic, and how clinicians and the healthcare system are responding… Read More

The Role Of The Pharmacist In Managing Patients With Opioid Use Disorders (OUD): Focus On Stigma

Interview December 10, 2021

In this interview, Bethany DiPaula, PharmD, BCPP, FASHP addresses the issue of stigmatization of patients with OUD, steps pharmacists can take to address stigma as well as the importance of… Read More

Illinois Medicaid Expands Access To Long-Acting Injectable Medications

Article December 9, 2021

Illinois Medicaid Expands Access To Long-Acting Injectable Medications Provisions included in the Illinois annual Medicaid omnibus legislation require the medical assistance program to separately reimburse for long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAIA)… Read More

ADHD Interview With Dr. Newcorn: Part 2

Interview November 9, 2021

It is estimated that ~6 million children have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the US with a large proportion having another mental or behavioral disorder1. Additionally,… Read More

ADHD Interview With Dr. Newcorn: Part 1

Interview November 9, 2021

Substance Use During The Covid-19 Pandemic

Downloadable Resource October 22, 2021

Managing The 5%

Article September 27, 2021

There is a lot of investment money going into the mental health field—in fact, $14.7 billion in the first half of this year. Much of that investment is focused on… Read More

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Antidepressant Use, & Hemorrhagic Stroke In Young Men & Women: A Discussion Of Article Findings With Pharmacy Corner Advisor, Megan Ehret

Interview September 1, 2021

The focus of the article review is on the findings and implications of this January 2021 article from Stroke©.  The central finding was that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) use was associated with a 45%… Read More

U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths Rose Nearly 30% In 2020

Article August 16, 2021

Drug overdose deaths in the United States rose nearly 30% in 2020, based on state data reported on July 4, 2021. Across the states, the change in overdose deaths ranged… Read More

Digital Technologies For Substance Use Disorder

Video July 6, 2021

Arturo C. Taca, MD, Psychiatrist & Medical Director, INSynergy Treatment Center, describes the unmet treatment needs in addiction and mental health, and reviews the role of digital technologies for the… Read More

Recovery-Oriented Perspective & Approach (ROPA) To Behavioral Health Care: A Discussion Among A Clinician & A Peer Specialist On Acknowledgment & Addressing Of Recovery Challenges

Interview June 2, 2021

Hear from Alison A. Carroll, LCSW-R and Dwayne Mayes, MS address questions from their webinar series on Recovery-Oriented Perspective and Approach (ROPA) to Behavioral Health Care on acknowledging and addressing… Read More

Recovery-Oriented Perspective & Approach (ROPA) To Behavioral Health Care: A Discussion Among A Clinician & A Peer Specialist On Conveying Hope During One’s Recovery Journey

Interview June 2, 2021

Join Alison A. Carroll, LCSW-R and Dwayne Mayes, MS, as they address questions from their webinar series on Recovery-Oriented Perspective and Approach (ROPA) to Behavioral Health Care on the importance… Read More

Recovery-Oriented Perspective & Approach (ROPA) To Behavioral Health Care: A Discussion Among A Clinician & A Peer Specialist On Inclusive Recovery

Interview June 2, 2021

Hear from Alison A. Carroll, LCSW-R and Dwayne Mayes, MS, address questions from their webinar series on Recovery-Oriented Perspective and Approach (ROPA) to Behavioral Health Care on aspects of inclusive… Read More

Webinar Summary – Mental Health Journey: Voices From Individuals With Lived Experience On Self-Disclosure, Recovery, & Hope

Article May 13, 2021

This summary was developed utilizing the full recorded presentation of this webinar. You can access the full sourcing, polling results, recording, or presentation slides here: https://psychu.org/mental-health-journey-voices-from-individuals-with-lived-experience-on-self-disclosure-recovery-hope/?collection_id=27536. Talking about mental illness… Read More

Stigma In Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder

On-Demand Webinar April 29, 2021

This webinar archive centers around discussion surrounding stigma as is relates to mental health and substance use disorder. During this roundtable conversation, Otsuka Senior MSL, Dr. Jason Carter sits down… Read More

Telemedicine & Medication Adherence

Article November 2, 2020

Nonadherence to psychotropic medication is one of the major obstacles when treating mental illnesses. Approximately 60% of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia discontinue their medication within 90 days of prescription. For… Read More

Mental Health Education Roundtable: A Collaborative Discussion Among A Parent, Advocate & Educator: Follow-Up Q&A

Interview September 7, 2020

During this question-and-answer session, Jessica Hull, MS, Amy Molloy, MSW, and Michael Townsend, MA, LMSW, respond to unanswered questions from the PsychU May 6, 2020 webinar, “Mental Health Education Roundtable:… Read More

How The U.S.’s Largest Safety-Net System Is Using Telehealth To Maintain Patient Care During COVID-19

Article August 24, 2020

The largest safety-net health care delivery system in the United States, NYC Health + Hospitals (NYC H+H) serves more than one million New Yorkers, offering medical and behavioral health care… Read More

SAMHSA Publishes Final Rule Amending Addiction Treatment Records Privacy

Article August 24, 2020

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced the adoption of the revised Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records regulation, 42 CFR Part 2. The adoption of… Read More

Shatterproof Releases National Addiction Stigma Strategy As The COVID-19 Pandemic Continues To Worsen The Addiction Public Health Crisis

Article August 24, 2020

Shatterproof, a national non-profit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States, released its national strategy the Movement to End Addiction Stigma. Shatterproof identified nine commonly cited… Read More

Mindfulness Meditation In Mental Health

Video August 17, 2020

Over the last few decades, mindfulness meditation has increased in popularity. In this presentation, Elizabeth DiNapoli, PhD, Medical Science Liaison, will provide a brief overview of mindfulness meditation, including the… Read More

The Pandemic Could Lead To 75,000 Additional Deaths From Substance Misuse & Suicide Over 10 Years

Article July 27, 2020

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic could lead to approximately 75,000 additional deaths over the next decade from both alcohol and drug misuse, and suicide. The number of excess… Read More

The Implications Of COVID-19 For Mental Health & Substance Use

Article July 20, 2020

The following is a summary of Panchal N., et al. The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use. Health Reform Issue Brief – 9440, Kaiser Family Foundation (April… Read More

2020 MHA Minority Mental Health: Facts & Stats

Downloadable Resource July 6, 2020

Provided with permission from Mental Health America, a PsychU Supporter. To learn more about MHA, please visit their website at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net. Read More

U.N. Warns Of Global Mental Health Crisis Due To COVID-19 Pandemic

Article July 6, 2020

On May 13, 2020, the United Nations (UN) issued a warning that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic could create a global mental health crisis. The UN released this warning,… Read More

Non-Fatal Overdose Emergency Visits Up 4.3% For All Drugs & 3.1% For All Opioids Between 2016 & 2017

Article June 29, 2020

Between 2016 and 2017, the estimated number of emergency department visits for non-fatal overdoses rose by 4.3%, from 921,337 visits in 2016 to 967,615 visits in 2017. The rate rose… Read More

Outpatient Prescription Opioid Expenses For Adults Totaled $7.7 Billion In 2017

Article June 22, 2020

During 2017, the total costs for outpatient prescription opioid expenses for adults were $7.7 billion for 110.4 million prescription fills. Of the $7.7 billion for prescription opioid expenses, Medicare paid… Read More

Google, Facebook & Twitter Partner To Expand Access To Online Addictions Treatment & Recovery Resources During COVID-19

Article June 22, 2020

On April 10, 2020, a new online addiction treatment platform, Tech Together, was launched. The platform is a partnership between Google, Facebook, and Twitter, along with the Center for Safe… Read More

Non-Fatal Overdose Emergency Visits Up 4.3% For All Drugs & 3.1% For All Opioids Between 2016 & 2017

Article June 22, 2020

New York behavioral health provider organizations are delivering 82% of programs via telehealth during the COVID-19 public health emergency, according to a member survey conducted by the Coalition for Behavioral… Read More

CMS Continues Efforts To Expand Access To Telehealth Services

Article June 8, 2020

On April 30, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued regulatory changes to further expand beneficiary access to telehealth services in their homes for the duration of… Read More

Up To Half Of Americans Say Pandemic Has A ‘Serious Impact’ On Their Mental Health

Article June 8, 2020

More than one-third to one-half of Americans are experiencing mental health declines due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, according to two recent polls. One poll was sponsored by… Read More

9% Of Long-Term Care Residents Receive Less Medication Than Needed Due To Inadequate Prescription Coverage

Article June 8, 2020

About 8.9% of Medicare beneficiaries residing in long-term care facilities during 2011 to 2013 paid for all medications out-of-pocket (OOP). Long-term care Medicare enrollees without drug coverage or with private… Read More

About 10% Of Medicaid Beneficiaries With Behavioral Health Disorders Made Telehealth Visits In 2017

Article June 8, 2020

About 10% of adult Medicaid beneficiaries ages 18 to 64 with mental health and/or addiction disorders made telehealth visits for behavioral health services in 2017. Telehealth visits were more prevalent… Read More

The Nurse’s Role In Integrating & Improving Behavioral Care

Article June 1, 2020

Nurses are the cornerstone of health care delivery and as such are poised to take a lead role in forwarding the integration of behavioral care into primary care. This is… Read More

U.S. Suicide Rate Rose 35% From 1999 Through 2018

Article May 25, 2020

Between 1999 and 2018, the suicide rate in the United States rose by 35%, from 10.5 per 100,000 population in 1999, to 14.2 per 100,000 population in 2018. The rate… Read More

14% Of U.S. Households Have Accessed Mental Health Care To Address Problems Related To COVID-19 Pandemic

Article May 25, 2020

About 14% of households in the United States have had an immediate family member access mental health care to address problems related to worries about the COVID-19 pandemic. About 57%… Read More

Managing Mental Health During & In The Aftermath Of A Pandemic

On-Demand Webinar May 21, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted significant effects on mental health. The prescription of anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications has increased, as have calls to the National Suicide Prevention hotline. In this… Read More

Medicaid Expansion Associated With 9.7% Drop In Opioid-Related Hospitalization

Article May 18, 2020

The 2014 Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansions were associated with a 9.74% reduction in the rate of opioid-related hospitalizations. States that expanded Medicaid after 2014 experienced smaller increases in… Read More

National Quality Forum Endorses Four Behavioral Health Measures

Article May 18, 2020

National Quality Forum recently endorsed four behavioral health quality measures. The measures address maximum hours of physical restraint use or seclusion, and separately address timeliness of follow-up after an emergency… Read More

COVID-19 & Your Mental Health

Downloadable Resource May 11, 2020

Provided with permission from Mental Health America, a PsychU Supporting Organization. To learn more about MHA, please visit their website at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net. Read More

12-Step Models Yield Higher Alcohol Abstinence Rates Than Evidence-Based Psychotherapies

Article May 11, 2020

Twelve-step facilitation counseling (TSF) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) interventions that are “manualized” to deliver standardized content in a modular fashion may be more effective at supporting abstinence than other established… Read More

Mental Health Education Roundtable: A Collaborative Discussion Among A Parent, Advocate & Educator

On-Demand Webinar May 6, 2020

In July 2018, the state of New York became the first to require mental health instruction for all students, grades K-12, as part of the health education curriculum.1 During this… Read More

Fighting Loneliness In Social Distancing: A Conversation With Dr. Gaurava Agarwal

Interview May 4, 2020

Dr. Gaurava Agarwal discusses the effect of social distancing, including loneliness, which he breaks down into three categories. He also shares his thoughts on creating a No-Corona Zone so as… Read More

7.4% Of Homeless Veterans Overdosed During The Past Three Years, Alcohol Is Most Common Substance

Article May 4, 2020

About 7.4% of homeless veterans experienced an overdose between 2015 and 2018.. Alcohol was the most commonly involved substance. About 3.7% reported overdose involving alcohol. About 4.6% reported overdose involving… Read More

People With Chronic Pain Using Medical Cannabis Reduced Opioid Use Despite No Changes In Pain Scores

Article May 4, 2020

About 76% of people with chronic pain who were taking opioids and were able to reduce the opioid dose three months after starting medical marijuana, according to a study conducted… Read More

DEA Proposes Allowing Federally Certified Opioid Treatment Programs To Operate Mobile Units Without A Separate Registration

Article May 4, 2020

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently proposed revising its regulations for federally certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs) to allow the programs to operate a mobile component without obtaining a separate… Read More

Substance Use Disorder Amid Pandemic

Article April 27, 2020

“Ninety meetings in 90 days”: This is one mantra repeated to and by many individuals early in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). Regular attendance at peer-run meetings offered by… Read More

A Picture Of Opioid Use & Dependence Worldwide

Article April 27, 2020

Millions of people around the world are dependent on opioids, with significant costs to society and deadly consequences for some individuals. According to the “Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and… Read More

Substance Use & The Novel Coronavirus Pandemic: A Conversation With The Experts

On-Demand Webinar April 23, 2020

The COVID-19 crisis may be having a profound impact on the mental health of individuals worldwide. For those living with a substance use disorder, this crisis presents unique challenges, among… Read More

Nurses’ Role In Behavioral Health During The Crisis Of COVID-19

Interview April 23, 2020

Anxiety, fear, and trauma can be rampant during times of natural disaster. Kimberly Lonergan, RN, MSN, interviews Tony Amberg to hear his perspectives on nurses’ role during a pandemic, including… Read More

Michigan To Create A Statewide 24/7 Mental Health Hotline

Article April 20, 2020

On January 28, 2020, Michigan enacted Public Act 12 of 2020 (formerly House Bill 4051), which calls for creation of a statewide mental health hotline – the Michigan Crisis and… Read More

Reentry Interventions Are More Successful When They Address Dynamic Risk Factors

Article April 20, 2020

Community reentry following incarceration is more likely to be successful if the reentry interventions address dynamic factors that affect the overall success of reentries, according to a study by The… Read More

New ADHD Clinical Guidelines Recommend Psychosocial Supports As Essential Treatment, In Addition To Medication

Article April 20, 2020

New clinical guidelines for treating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) recommend psychosocial supports, in addition to medication, as essential treatment for children and adolescents with ADHD. Treatment for children with complex… Read More

‘Built For Zero’ Has Rockford, Illinois On Track To End Homelessness By End Of 2020

Article April 20, 2020

The city of Rockford, Illinois is on track to end homelessness by the end of 2020 through its participation in the “Built for Zero” initiative, by Community Solutions. In 2010,… Read More

Opioid Use & Suicidal Behaviors

Article April 13, 2020

Connections between opioid misuse and suicidal behaviors have been explored, but a team of researchers, led by Hillary Samples of the Department of Epidemiology at Columbia University’s Mailman School of… Read More

San Francisco Reports 16% Rise In Overdose Deaths Between 2017 & 2018

Article April 13, 2020

Overdose deaths in San Francisco, California, rose by 16% between 2017 and 2018. In 2017, there were 222 overdose deaths, and there were 259 overdose deaths in 2018. During the… Read More

Resident’s Corner Challenge, Dr. Caitlin Wise

Podcast April 13, 2020

Dr. Caitlin Wise relays her pharmacy residency experience. As an avid dancer, Dr. Wise shares similar challenges between conducting research and performing on-stage. Caitlin Wise, PharmD, is a PGY1 Managed… Read More

Telemedicine In The Treatment Of Substance Use Disorder: Clinical & Payer Implications

Article April 7, 2020

Telemedicine in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorder: Clinical and Payer Implications PsychU interviewed Deborah Adler, senior associate at OPEN MINDS, for her take on the clinical and payer implications… Read More

Telemedicine In The Treatment Of Substance Use Disorder

Article April 6, 2020

Some 21 million people in the United States have a substance use disorder (SUD) related to their use of alcohol, opioids, or other drugs. From 1999 to 2016, the rate… Read More

Sarpy County, Nebraska Planning New Jail With Space For Mental Health Resources

Article March 30, 2020

Sarpy County, Nebraska is planning to open a new 400-bed jail in 2022 that will include space for mental health resources and programs for those about to leave jail. The… Read More

14.6% Of Adult Emergency Department Visitors In 2016-2017 Were Prescribed Opioids At Discharge

Article March 30, 2020

A recent biennial data analysis found that approximately 14.6% of adult emergency department visitors were prescribed opioids at discharge during the 2016 to 2017 time period. This is a 6.9%… Read More

Colorado Proposes Bill To Reimburse Behavioral Health Peer Support Professionals

Article March 30, 2020

The Colorado legislature is considering a proposal that would have the state’s Medicaid program reimburse for behavioral health peer support professional services. The legislation, House Bill (HB) 20-1139, was introduced… Read More

California Prisons Roll Out Integrated Addiction Treatment Programs

Article March 30, 2020

On January 21, 2020, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) began screening inmates at all 35 state institutions for an… Read More

Psychoneuroimmunology: Mood Disorders Part 2 In PNI Series

Video March 23, 2020

Drs. Rachel Self, Carolyn Tyler, and Heather Davidson provide an understanding of the immune system and neuroinflammation and their impact on mood disorders. Topics covered in part two of this… Read More

Integrating Behavioral Care At A Nurse-Led Clinic

Article March 23, 2020

What is the ideal way to provide behavioral health care in a locale where stigma against it runs deep? Integrate behavioral health care into primary care, collocate its delivery with… Read More

Ask The Peer Support Specialist: Self-Medication & Substance Abuse

Interview March 23, 2020

In this interview, Dwayne Mayes sits down with PsychU to explain why individuals may engage in self-medication and substance abuse, based on his personal experience as a peer support specialist.… Read More

Arizona Medicaid & Health Plans Launch Initiative To Build Long-Term Care Workforce

Article March 16, 2020

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and the three Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) for the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) are implementing initiatives to increase the… Read More

App-Supported Smartphone Interventions for Mental Health Problems

Article March 16, 2020

A significant number of people in the United States with mental health problems do not receive treatment. According to statistics compiled by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for… Read More

EHR Vendor, Epic & 60 Health Systems Urge HHS To Modify Proposed Interoperability Rule

Article March 16, 2020

On February 3, 2020, Epic, an electronic health record (EHR) vendor, asked its health system clients to sign on to a letter urging the federal Department of Health and Human… Read More

Sleep Disturbances & Depression: Understanding The Relationship To Improve Patient Outcomes

On-Demand Webinar March 11, 2020

Sleep is a vital, physiological state involving multiple regulatory processes. Sleep disturbances are often comorbid with various neuropsychiatric, neurodegenerative and pain disorders.1 During this presentation, Drs. Jordan Karp and Kristine… Read More

Research Links Psychotic Disorders With Increased Age-Related Cognitive Impairment

Article March 9, 2020

People with psychotic disorders had declines in their cognitive performance that were greater than would have been expected from normal aging. People with psychotic disorder performed worse on all cognitive… Read More

Substance Abuse, Mental Illness The Largest Predictors Of Frequent ED Use

Article March 9, 2020

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) OF 2010 was the largest expansion of health services in the United States in more than 50 years. Twenty million adults obtained health insurance under… Read More

Absence of Major Depression & Substance Use Disorder More Likely After Recovery from Eating Disorder

Article March 3, 2020

Those with an eating disorder (ED) frequently have psychiatric comorbidities; estimates range between 56% and 98%. Such comorbidities contribute to longer periods of illness and poorer outcomes. Major depression and… Read More

More Than A Third Of People Who Completed Abstinence-Based Addiction Treatment Remained Abstinent For Six Months

Article February 24, 2020

Six months after attending abstinence-based addiction treatment, 35.6% of more than 1,400 consumers reported that they had been abstinent for the past 30 days. The 35.6% includes consumers who reported… Read More

PursueCare Launches Telehealth Addiction Treatment Programs For Rural Populations In Kentucky & West Virginia

Article February 24, 2020

On December 11, 2019, PursueCare announced the launch of new telehealth addiction treatment programs for rural populations in Kentucky and in West Virginia. The programs provide telehealth counseling via a… Read More

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s Resolution 2020 Held On New Year’s Eve

Article February 17, 2020

Inspired by the growing sober-curious cultural trend, The Parkway Theater in Minneapolis and two non-profit partners threw a unique New Year’s Eve party for people who want to celebrate alcohol-free,… Read More

Interacting With First Responders

Podcast February 10, 2020

Approximately 15% of men and 30% of women jailed have a serious mental illness (SMI).1 Educated first responders can potentially safely de-escalate situations involving a behavioral health crisis. Crisis Intervention… Read More

Interacting With First Responders

On-Demand Webinar February 10, 2020

Q&A: When An Eating Disorder Resolves, What Happens With Its Behavioral Comorbidities?

Article February 10, 2020

PsychU spoke with Rachel Self, Ph.D., about a 2019 article in the journal Comprehensive Psychiatry entitled “Eating Disorder Recovery Is Associated with Absence of Major Depressive Disorder and Substance Use… Read More

Out-Of-Network Office Visits More Than 7.0 Times More Likely For Behavioral Health Than Primary Care

Article February 3, 2020

Out-of-network utilization rates under preferred provider organization (PPO) plans for behavioral health office visits were 7.0 to 11.5 times higher than primary care visits in 2017 in the 11 states… Read More

Total Health Care Costs Twice As High For Commercially Insured Consumers With Behavioral Health Conditions

Article January 27, 2020

Physical health care costs and total health care costs in 2017 were 2.6 to 3.3 times higher among commercially insured consumers with a behavioral health disorder compared to those with… Read More

Challenges & Opportunities For Comorbid Substance Use Disorder & Major Depressive Disorder

On-Demand Webinar January 15, 2020

There are approximately 8.5 million adults living in the United States with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD).1 During this PsychU presentation, the speakers describe the impact of… Read More

Challenges & Opportunities For Comorbid Substance Use Disorder & Major Depressive Disorder

Podcast January 15, 2020

Medicare Enrolling Opioid Treatment Programs For New Bundled Payment Program

Article December 23, 2019

On November 1, 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began enrolling opioid treatment programs (OTPs) as Medicare provider organizations to receive payment for a new Medicare addiction… Read More

Universal Health Services Takes $147 Million Write-Down On Value Of Addiction Treatment Unit

Article December 16, 2019

On October 25, 2019, officials with Universal Health Services (UHS) told investors that the company wrote off $147 million of the value of its addiction treatment unit, Foundations Recovery Network… Read More

Substance Use Disorder Raises Risk Of Death After Valve Surgery For Heart Infection

Article December 9, 2019

People with substance use disorder were 2.41 times more likely to die after undergoing valve surgery for endocarditis than people without substance use disorder. In a group of 228 people… Read More

Emergency Medicine Physician Sues Kaiser Permanente Over Opioid-Related Consumer Satisfaction Scores

Article November 25, 2019

On September 18, 2019, a physician formerly employed by the Washington Permanente Medical Group, P.C. sued the organization for wrongful termination, alleging that its consumer satisfaction scoring methodology encourages physicians… Read More

Federal Court Ruling Clears The Way For Philadelphia Supervised Injection Site

Article November 25, 2019

On October 2, 2019, a federal district judge ruled that the plans of Safehouse for operating a supervised injection site do not violate federal drug laws against encouraging illegal drug… Read More

States Use Seven Strategies To Reduce Synthetic Opioid Overdoses

Article November 18, 2019

The 11 states with the highest death rates from synthetic opioids (Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia) use seven strategies… Read More

Government Housing Voucher Program Effectively Reduces Homeless Veteran Population

Article November 4, 2019

The Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program effectively reduces the homeless veteran population. The HUD-VASH program was started in 1992 for homeless veterans with psychiatric and addiction… Read More

Veteran Suicide Rate At 1.5 Times That For Non-Veteran Adults

Article November 4, 2019

In 2017, the rate of veteran suicide was 1.5 times that for non-veteran adults, after adjusting for age and sex. During this year, the average rate of veteran suicide was… Read More

Health Care Alliance Announces Value-Based Pilots For Addiction Recovery

Article October 28, 2019

On September 17, 2019, The Alliance for Addiction Payment Reform (Alliance) announced value-based pilot projects underway in five states and Washington D.C. One of the first projects includes a statewide… Read More

UCHealth In Colorado To Invest $100 Million In Behavioral Health Services

Article October 28, 2019

On September 3, 2019, UCHealth in Colorado announced plans to invest at least $100 million over five years to enhance its behavioral health services. As part of this effort, within… Read More

Adults Treated For Chronic Pain Are 14% Of The Population & Account For Half Of Opioid Prescriptions

Article October 28, 2019

Adults treated for chronic pain comprised approximately 14% of all adults, and account for approximately 52.8% of all prescription fills. Among adults who were prescribed an opioid between 2013 and… Read More

Tackling Opioid Addiction: A Case Study With Shatterproof & Kolmac Clinic

On-Demand Webinar October 22, 2019

In 2017, there were approximately 48,000 individuals who died from an opioid-related overdose.1 Dr. George Kolodner discusses how the Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Centers, the nation’s first intensive outpatient treatment facility… Read More

What Is The Future Of The CCBHC?

Article October 21, 2019

Over the years, we’ve written about the federal Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) initiative (see CCBHCs Are Moving Forward – What This Means If Your State Isn’t Moving Forward,… Read More

Parental Incarceration Associated With Higher Incidence Of Young Adult Psychiatric Problems & Poor Functional Outcomes

Article October 7, 2019

Childhood exposure to a parental figure’s incarceration is associated with increased psychiatric diagnoses, increased legal issues, decreased financial stability, and negative social outcomes as young adults. Parental figures included biological,… Read More

CMS Guidance To States & Medicaid MCOs Recommends Tracking Opioid Use & Setting Prescription Limits

Article October 7, 2019

On August 5, 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance to state Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS) programs and Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) on using claims review… Read More

Opioid Misuse Down 11% From 2017 To 2018

Article October 7, 2019

Between 2017 and 2018, the number of people aged 12 and older who reported non-medical use of prescription pain relievers or heroin dropped by 11%, from 11.4 million in 2017… Read More

SAMHSA Proposes Changes To Addiction Treatment Privacy Rules

Article September 30, 2019

On August 22, 2019, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced a proposed rule to make changes to health record privacy for addiction treatment. The rule… Read More

CMS Approves Delaware Medicaid Waiver To Use IMDs For Addiction Treatment

Article September 30, 2019

On August 5, 2019, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the state’s Medicaid waiver amendment to… Read More

Kentucky Department Of Corrections Launches SOAR Recovery Aftercare Program

Article September 23, 2019

On August 14, 2019, the Kentucky Department of Corrections (DOC) announced the launch of the Supporting Others in Active Recovery (SOAR) aftercare program for inmates in recovery. SOAR offers a… Read More

Keeping On Top Of Innovations In Corrections Reentry Programs

Article September 23, 2019

With the U.S. emerging as the world’s leader in incarceration with approximately 2.2 million people residing in prisons and jails1 and an additional 4.5 million under community supervision2 there is… Read More

Addiction By The Numbers

Article September 23, 2019

How should addiction treatment programs be evaluated? That was the focus of the session, Quality Measurement In Addiction Treatment: Advancing Adoption Of Best Practices, at The 2019 OPEN MINDS Management… Read More

Medicare To Add Opioid Addiction Treatment As Telehealth Service

Article September 16, 2019

For calendar year 2020, Medicare will add new codes for telehealth services that include a bundled episode of care for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). Additionally, Medicare will add opioid… Read More

Connecticut Mental Health Parity Law Opens Access For Medications To Treat Addiction

Article September 9, 2019

On July 8, 2019, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed mental health parity legislation that prohibits mandatory step therapy and prior authorization for prescription drugs prescribed for the treatment of addiction… Read More

Over 40% Of Michigan Primary Care Clinics Will Not Provide Appointments For New Consumers Seeking Opioid Therapy For Chronic Pain

Article September 2, 2019

About 40.7% of the 194 primary care clinics screened in Michigan will provide appointments for new consumers who are currently receiving opioid therapy for chronic pain. About 41.8% of clinics… Read More

Minnesota Medicaid To Expand Addiction Treatment Via CCBHCs & Short-Term Residential Treatment Benefit

Article August 19, 2019

On June 28, 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Minnesota’s 1115 Medicaid demonstration waiver to expand addiction treatment via enhanced mental health services provided by both… Read More

Kentucky Expands Medicaid Addiction Treatment Benefits

Article August 12, 2019

On July 1, 2019, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department of Medicaid Services, launched expanded benefits for addiction treatment. The new benefits will provide coverage of… Read More

Behavioral Health Stays Comprise Approximately 28% Of Inpatient Stays

Article August 12, 2019

Of the 35.7 million total inpatient stays in 2016, nearly 10 million (28%) had a primary or secondary behavioral health diagnosis. Of these nearly 10 million inpatient stays, 2.2 million… Read More

South Carolina Medicaid Seeks To Enact Work & Community Engagement Requirements

Article August 12, 2019

On May 8, 2019, South Carolina submitted a Medicaid waiver to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requesting permission to impose work and community engagement requirements on Medicaid… Read More

Nebraska Medicaid Demonstration To Allow Addiction Treatment In IMDs For More Than 15 Days

Article August 5, 2019

On June 28, 2019, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Nebraska’s waiver application for a Medicaid addiction treatment demonstration program that will reimburse for residential or… Read More

Is ‘Harm Reduction’ On Your Radar?

Article August 5, 2019

In 2016, when Donald Trump chose Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate, it unexpectedly brought harm reduction to the forefront of the news. In 2014, the state of… Read More

Current Treatments & Challenges For Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder

Interview July 29, 2019

Recently, Marla Moses, FNP, PMHNP, PsychU Primary Care Provider Section Editor & Owner of Moses Mental Health, sat down with Nicole Neugebauer, Ph.D., Senior Medical Science Liaison with Otsuka Pharmaceutical… Read More

NAATP Releases Addiction Treatment Quality Assurance Resources

Article July 15, 2019

On April 29, 2019, the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) announced the release of a foundational set of resources to raise the standards for addiction treatment. The 3… Read More

Do You Have A SDH Screening Tool?

Article July 15, 2019

Depression, alcohol dependency, risk of suicide, childhood trauma — clinical professionals and provider organizations employ a variety of assessment tools and standardized questions to screen consumers for the drivers of… Read More

Hospitalization Following First Episode Of Psychosis More Likely With Treatment Delay, Medication Nonadherence & Substance Misuse

Article July 8, 2019

People who experience a first episode of psychosis are more likely to be hospitalized later if they: experience treatment delays, fail to take antipsychotics as directed, or have co-occurring substance… Read More

Another Rating System—This Time For Addictions—Adds To The Search For Value

Article June 24, 2019

A few weeks ago, we covered the announcement that the soon-to-launch Shatterproof Rating System for addiction treatment programs will go live in five states next year—Delaware, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York,… Read More

Only Four States Have Essential Health Benefits Benchmark Plans That Meet PPACA Standards For Addiction Treatment

Article June 24, 2019

Only four U.S. states (California, Minnesota, Oregon, and Rhode Island) have essential health benefits (EHB) benchmark plans that provide coverage for comprehensive addiction treatment that aligns with the parity standards… Read More

Overdose Deaths In California Prisons Up 160% In Four Years

Article June 24, 2019

Overdose deaths in California’s 36 correctional facilities increased by 160%, from 15 deaths in 2014 to 39 deaths in 2017. Emergency department visits and admissions for drug overdose increased 54%… Read More

Median Of Two Recovery Attempts Needed To Resolve Significant Drug Or Alcohol Problem

Article June 24, 2019

Of individuals who have resolved a significant drug or alcohol problem in the United States, a median of two serious recovery attempts were needed for over half to achieve recovery.… Read More

Opioid Use For Chronic Pain: Screening, Monitoring, & Interplay With Mental Health Conditions

Video June 17, 2019

Hear from Jason Carter, Pharm.D., a Medical Science Liaison with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., as he explores the interrelation between chronic pain, opioid prescribing practices, and mental health… Read More

The Neurobiology Of Endocannabinoids

Video June 17, 2019

Hear from Chloe Liu, Ph.D., a Medical Science Liaison with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., as she examines the historical research discoveries and underlying neurobiological mechanisms of the endocannabinoid… Read More

The Neurobiology Of Opioids

Video June 10, 2019

Hear from Chip Meyer, Ph.D., a Medical Science Liaison with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., as he examines the historic medical utilization and underlying neurobiological mechanisms of opioids. Explore… Read More

Corizon Health Expands Pilot Inmate Medication-Assisted Opioid Use Treatment Program

Article June 10, 2019

On April 8, 2019, Corizon Health announced plans to expand a pilot medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for inmates with opioid use disorder. The pilot, which started in 2018, took place… Read More

Medicaid Expansion Results In Fewer Addiction-Related Deaths

Article June 10, 2019

Medicaid expansion may have reduced the number of addiction-related deaths between 2014 and 2015. From 2002 through 2015, the national rate of addiction-related deaths was 21.15 per 100,000 population. During… Read More

Federal Court Rules Maine County Jail Must Provide MAT Maintenance Treatment

Article June 10, 2019

On April 30, 2019, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled that the Aroostook County Jail in Maine must provide inmates with medication for opioid use… Read More

North Carolina DHHS & DPS Create Correctional Opioid Treatment Pilot

Article June 3, 2019

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS) are partnering to create a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) pilot in three… Read More

Resources & Provider Strategies To Address The U.S. Opioid Crisis

Interview June 3, 2019

Where can clinicians find resources about opioid use disorder and evidence-based practices for opioid prescribing? What role can a primary care provider play to combat the national crisis? Hear from… Read More

Introduction To Opioid Use Disorder

Video June 3, 2019

Dr. Elizabeth DiNapoli provides a brief overview of opioid use disorder (OUD). Key points discussed include: what symptoms may be present if a person is struggling with OUD; how common… Read More

Pain Medication Questionnaire (PMQ)

Downloadable Resource May 28, 2019

The Pain Medication Questionnaire (PMQ) is a 26-item instrument designed to identify patients on a continuum from low to high risk for opioid misuse. The original study which validated the… Read More

NIH Launches $353 Million Effort To Cut Opioid Overdose Deaths

Article May 27, 2019

On April 18, 2019, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced the start of a $353 million effort focused on reducing opioid deaths. The effort will test the immediate impact… Read More

Opioid Clarity?

Article May 27, 2019

The number of deaths due to opioids has shown no signs of diminishing—drug overdose deaths involving prescription opioids rose from 3,442 in 1999 to 17,029 in 2017 (see National Rate… Read More

Five States To Pilot The Shatterproof Addiction Treatment Rating System

Article May 27, 2019

On May 2, 2019, Shatterproof announced that West Virginia would be joining Delaware, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and New York as the fifth and final state to participate in a pilot of… Read More

New Jersey Medicaid To Cover Office-Based Addiction Treatment

Article May 27, 2019

The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) will provide coverage for a new Medicaid office-based addiction treatment (OBAT) benefit starting July 1, 2019. OBAT is limited to primary care… Read More

CDC Clarifies Opioid Prescribing Guidelines For Chronic Pain

Article May 20, 2019

On February 28, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clarified its opioid prescribing guidelines issued in 2016 to emphasize that physicians should use their “clinical judgment” when… Read More

National Academies Identifies Barriers To Use Of Medications To Treat Opioid Use Disorder

Article May 13, 2019

Three major barriers prevent broader use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders (OUD), according to an expert committee formed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.… Read More

The Opioid Crisis: Perspectives From Addiction Specialists In Primary Care & Psychiatry

On-Demand Webinar April 23, 2019

The United States is currently experiencing an opioid epidemic, impacting health care providers across all specialties, including those working in primary care and psychiatry. In this presentation, Dr. Matthew Torrington… Read More

Follow Up Q&A With Dr. Torrington – The Opioid Crisis: Perspectives From Addiction Specialists In Primary Care & Psychiatry

Podcast April 23, 2019

During this question and answer session, Dr. Matthew Torrington responds to unanswered questions from the PsychU webinar, “The Opioid Crisis: Perspectives From Addiction Specialists In Primary Care & Psychiatry,” which… Read More

Webinar Summary – The Opioid Crisis: Perspectives From Addiction Specialists In Primary Care & Psychiatry

Article April 23, 2019

This summary was developed utilizing the full recorded presentation of this webinar. You can access the full sourcing, polling results, recording, or presentation slides here: https://psychu.org/the-opioid-crisis-perspectives-from-addiction-specialists-in-primary-care-psychiatry/. On April 23, 2019,… Read More

Brief Risk Interview© (BRI)

Downloadable Resource April 22, 2019

The Brief Risk Interview© (BRI) was developed as a protocol to determine potential patient risk of violating a treatment agreement related to prescription opioids and risk of future opioid misuse.… Read More

Addressing The U.S. Opioid Epidemic: The Role Of The Primary Care Provider

Interview April 15, 2019

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), every day more than 130 individuals within the United States die from opioid overdose. The economic burden of prescription opioid abuse… Read More

Cut Down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-Opener (CAGE)

Downloadable Resource April 15, 2019

The Cut Down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-Opener (CAGE) was designed to screen patient risk for alcohol abuse and dependence in the clinical setting. This version of the tool is a brief… Read More

CDC’s Opioid Guideline For Chronic Pain Often Misapplied

Article April 15, 2019

Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issuance of its opioid prescribing guidelines in early 2016, payers, provider organizations, and physicians misapplied the guidelines to the detriment of… Read More

Brief Risk Questionnaire© (BRQ)

Downloadable Resource April 8, 2019

The Brief Risk Questionnaire© (BRQ) is an opioid risk screening tool found to offer a good alternative to doing a clinical interview (see Brief Risk Interview© (BRI) https://psychu.org/brief-risk-interview-bri/). The tool… Read More

28% Of Opioid Deaths In Hennepin County, Minnesota Occurred With 12 Months Of Release From Jail

Article April 8, 2019

About 28% of opioid overdose deaths in Hennepin County, Minnesota occurred among people who had been released from jail within the past 12 months. In 2015 and 2016, there were… Read More

Philadelphia To Invest $36 Million In Resilience Project To Increase MAT Access

Article April 8, 2019

In the March 7, 2019 release of the city budget and five-year plan, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney announced the inclusion of $36 million in new investments to support the Philadelphia… Read More

Colorado Adult Marijuana Use ‘In Past 30 Days’ Rose From 13.6% In 2016 To 15.5% In 2017

Article April 8, 2019

Between 2016 and 2017, adult marijuana use in Colorado “in the past 30 days” significantly rose 1.9% from 13.6% to 15.5%. The rate of “daily” or “near daily” use also… Read More

D.C., Florida & Pennsylvania Had The Highest Rate Of Increase In Opioid-Related Deaths In 2016

Article April 1, 2019

In the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, and Florida the rate of opioid-related deaths at least doubled every two years between 1999 and 2016; the annual percent change (APC) was 41%… Read More

U.S. Attorney’s Office Sues To Prevent Philadelphia Supervised Injection Site

Article March 18, 2019

On February 5, 2019, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania filed a civil lawsuit against Safehouse, an organization seeking to open a supervised injection site in the… Read More

Women Have 374.8 Opioid-Related Hospital Stays Per 100,000 Population

Article March 18, 2019

In 2016, the rate of opioid-related stays among women was 374.8 per 100,000 population. During 2015, women had about 300 opioid-related hospital stays per 100,000 population. The 2016 rate increased… Read More

Verily Launches Non-Profit, OneFifteen, With A High-Tech Opioid Treatment Campus In Dayton

Article March 11, 2019

On February 6, 2019, OneFifteen, a new non-profit organization launched by Verily, announced plans to open a technology-enabled addiction treatment campus in Dayton, Ohio in the spring of 2019. To… Read More

Residential Addiction Treatment Centers Not Associated With Lower Residential Property Values For Neighbors

Article March 11, 2019

Addiction treatment centers are not associated with a loss of residential property value for neighboring property owners in Seattle, Washington. Although some models have estimated that the average property values… Read More

Alaska DHSS Issues RFP For Medication-Assisted Treatment Services In 6 Regions

Article March 4, 2019

On January 18, 2019, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) issued a request for proposals (RFP) to increase access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for adults and adolescents… Read More

HHS Draft Report Recommends Biosocial, Multi-Modal, Multidisciplinary Approach For Pain Management

Article March 4, 2019

On December 17, 2018, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force (Task Force) released a draft report on pain management that… Read More

Shatterproof Launching Addiction Treatment Rating System

Article February 25, 2019

On December 18, 2018, Shatterproof announced plans to launch a rating system for addiction treatment programs; the ratings will be available for use by the public, private payers, states, and… Read More

Most State Medicaid Programs Assign Preferred Status To All Opioid MAT Medications

Article February 18, 2019

Most state Medicaid programs assign preferred status to all medication-assisted treatment (MAT) medicines for opioid use, for reimbursement purposes. If a medication does not have preferred status, the prescriber usually… Read More

Medicare Advantage Members Less Likely To Fill Opioid Prescriptions Than Other Medicare Members

Article February 4, 2019

Members of Medicare Advantage plus prescription drug (MA-PD) plans were 37% less likely to fill opioid prescriptions than beneficiaries enrolled in a stand-alone Part D plan (PDP). Opioid prescription rates… Read More

Opioids & Non-Opioids For Chronic Non-Cancer Pain Provide Similar Improvements

Article February 4, 2019

Opioids for chronic non-cancer pain provide small improvements in pain and physical function. Non-opioid medications were found to also offer similar outcomes. These findings were reported in “Opioids for Chronic… Read More

Denver Approves Supervised Injection Site Plan; Feds Threaten Cities Over Plans

Article January 28, 2019

On November 26, 2018, the Denver City Council approved Bill 18-1292, an ordinance authorizing a pilot program to allow for a supervised injection site within city limits. The pilot would… Read More

The Art Of Clinical Assessment In Patients With Bipolar Disorder

On-Demand Webinar January 22, 2019

Definitions and classifications for mental disorders and symptomology from publications like the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) are helpful in assisting health care providers with diagnoses, treatment,… Read More

70,000+ Drug Overdose Deaths Reported In 2017, Up 9.6% From 2016

Article January 14, 2019

In 2017, there were 70,237 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. This is a 9.6% increase in the age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths from 2016 (21.7 per 100,000 in… Read More

The Strategic Impact Of Addiction Treatment Legislation

Article January 7, 2019

Yesterday, we highlighted a new wave of statistics-rising suicide rates and declining life expectancy numbers—that are both the likely result of the effects of the increase in addiction rates in… Read More

Suicide Stats, Addiction Stats – But Not A Lot Of Solutions

Article December 24, 2018

The past few days, the new Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study on suicide has grabbed headlines. There has been a dramatic increase in the suicide rate over the past… Read More

New CMS IMD Rules Expand Medicaid Coverage Of Psychiatric Treatment Facilities

Article December 17, 2018

On November 13, 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) informed state Medicaid directors about a new option that would allow states to receive reimbursement for short-term psychiatric… Read More

Indian Health Service Announces New Policy To Expand MAT For Opioid Treatment In Remote Locations

Article December 17, 2018

On November 1, 2018, the Indian Health Service (IHS) announced the release of a new Internet Eligible Controlled Substance Provider Designation policy that is designed to increase access to medication… Read More

43.5% Of Dual Eligibles & 30.9% Of Medicare FFS Beneficiaries Receive Prescription Opioids Each Year

Article December 17, 2018

Approximately 43.5% of dual eligibles and 30.9% of Medicare-only fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiaries received at least one opioid prescription in 2015. Of these individuals, about 10.4% of dual eligibles, and 4.9%… Read More

National Rate Of Opioid-Related Inpatient Stays Increased 79% Since 2008

Article December 17, 2018

Between 2008 and 2016, the national rate of opioid-related inpatient stays increased almost 79.2%. This is an increase from 165.7 stays per 100,000 people in 2008 to 296.9 stays per… Read More

35% Of College Freshmen Worldwide Have Symptoms Of Mental Disorders

Article December 17, 2018

Approximately 35.3% of college freshmen around the world have symptoms of common mental health disorders. These disorders include major depressive episode, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, broad mania, alcohol use… Read More

CMS To Allow State Medicaid Plans To Cover Residential Addiction Treatment

Article November 26, 2018

The Substance Use Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery & Treatment For Patients & Communities Act (SUPPORT Act) signed into law on October 24, 2018, includes a provision that directs… Read More

New Health Care Alliance Launches Addiction Medical Home Model

Article November 26, 2018

On September 7, 2018, the Alliance for Recovery-Centered Addiction Health Services (Alliance) announced the Addiction Recovery Medical Home (ARMH) model. The model is a long-term continuum of care that covers… Read More

Will County Illinois County Jail To Launch Pilot Inpatient Drug Treatment Programs

Article November 19, 2018

On October 12, 2018, Will County in Illinois announced a partnership with the Family Guidance Center (Family Guidance) of Joliet to launch pilot inpatient drug treatment programs to inmates in… Read More

12.2% Of People With Substance Use Disorder Received Specialty Treatment In 2017

Article November 19, 2018

In 2017 about 12.2% of people age 12 and older with a substance use disorder and who received treatment, were treated at a specialty facility, such as a hospital (inpatient only),… Read More

Pennsylvania Issues RFA For Housing & Support Services For Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder

Article November 19, 2018

On October 17, 2018, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a request for applications (RFA 15-18) to provide housing and support services for people with opioid use disorder… Read More

Webinar Summary – Psychiatric Illness Identification & Treatment For Mass Casualty Event Survivors & First Responders (Emergency Relief Series Part 2)

Article November 15, 2018

This summary was developed utilizing the full recorded presentation of this webinar. You can access the full sourcing, polling results, recording, or presentation slides here: https://psychu.org/psychiatric-illness-identification-treatment-mass-casualty-event-survivors-first-responders-emergency-relief-series-part-2/. This presentation was the… Read More

HHS Awards More Than $1 Billion In Grants To Combat Opioid Crisis

Article November 12, 2018

On September 19, 2018, the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it awarded more than $1 billion in grants targeting opioid use disorder prevention and treatment. The… Read More

Congress Sends SUPPORT Act Addiction Treatment Bill To President

Article November 5, 2018

On October 3, 2018, the Senate approved H.R. 6: Substance Use Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery & Treatment For Patients & Communities Act (SUPPORT Act) and sent it to… Read More

Opioid-Related Hospitalizations Among 65+ Population Increased 34% Over Five Years

Article November 5, 2018

Between 2010 and 2015 the rate of opioid-related hospitalizations among older adults aged 65 and older increased by 34.3%, from 199.3 per 100,000 in 2010, to 267.6 per 100,000 population… Read More

New California Addiction Treatment Laws Will Change Standard Of Care, Prohibit ‘Patient Brokering’ & Require Greater Transparency

Article November 5, 2018

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is in the process of implementing five new laws to impose stronger regulation on the state’s addiction treatment provider organizations. Key provisions… Read More

Fatal Accidental Overdoses Doubled Every Eight Years From 1979 Through 2016

Article October 29, 2018

The number of fatal accidental drug overdoses in the United States has doubled every eight years between 1979 and 2016. During this period, there were 599,255 deaths due to a… Read More

North Carolina Methamphetamine Overdose Deaths Are Increasing Faster Than Opioid-Related Deaths

Article October 22, 2018

Between 2016 and 2017, North Carolina overdose deaths due to methamphetamine increased at a higher rate than the opioid overdose death rate. However, the absolute number of methamphetamine deaths represented… Read More

3.4% Of Adults Have Co-Occurring Mental & Substance Use Disorders

Article October 22, 2018

About 3.4% of adults, or approximately 8.5 million, in the United States have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders (SUDs). This is about 45.5% of adults with SUD, and about… Read More

Impact Of Natural Disaster On Substance Abuse Disorders: New Orleans Before & After Katrina

Article October 15, 2018

Background & Purpose Is it possible to identify at-risk groups of people who might experience psychological distress following a disaster? If so, targeted and tailored interventions could be made available… Read More

Can Public Health Surveillance Systems Work For Behavioral Health?

Article September 24, 2018

Background & Purpose A group of researchers recently completed a study of public behavioral health surveillance systems and presented a framework that, when applied to a system, may help determine… Read More

Proportion Of Medicare Advantage & Commercial Populations Using Prescription Opioids Unchanged

Article September 24, 2018

After peaking in 2011 through 2012, the proportion of people filling any opioid prescription for populations covered by either commercial health insurance or Medicare Advantage plans, has remained nearly unchanged.… Read More

FDA Issues Recommendations To Encourage Development Of Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Medications

Article September 17, 2018

On August 6, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new scientific recommendations to drug sponsors to encourage medication assisted treatment (MAT) drug development for the treatment of… Read More

Mortality Rates Among Boston Unsheltered Homeless Three Times Higher Than Sheltered Homeless

Article September 17, 2018

Mortality rates among unsheltered homeless in Boston, Massachusetts are almost three times higher than Massachusetts homeless who live in shelters. The standard mortality ratio (SMR) for homeless who are unsheltered… Read More

Aetna & Betty Ford Partner With Kenton County, Kentucky On Jail Reentry Program

Article September 17, 2018

On August 1, 2018, the Kenton County, Kentucky Detention Center (KCDC), in partnership with Aetna and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, launched a new program that links jail addiction treatment… Read More

New York City Seeks To Create Safe Injection Sites

Article September 10, 2018

New York City seeks to create safe injection sites for illegal drug users. Under the plan announced in May 2018, the sites would operate as Overdose Prevention Centers and financed… Read More

Washington Medicaid Waiver Approved With Payment For IMDs For Addiction

Article September 4, 2018

On July 17, 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved a Washington State Medicaid 1115 waiver request to launch an addiction treatment demonstration project. The demonstration will… Read More

Over Half Of Adults With Opioid Use Disorder Report Criminal Justice Involvement

Article August 27, 2018

About 51.7% of adults with opioid use disorder report a history of criminal justice involvement. Among adults who report no opioid use, 15.9% reported any involvement in the criminal justice… Read More

CMS Clarifies Funding Streams For Opioid-Related HIT

Article August 27, 2018

On June 11, 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a state Medicaid director letter advising states on how they could leverage funding streams for health information… Read More

Is Involuntary Commitment The Right Solution For The Opioid Crisis?

Article August 15, 2018

The opioid use epidemic continues to challenge public officials, health plan managers, and provider organization executives alike. In 2016, opioids caused one in five deaths in young adults ages 25-34,… Read More

BCBS Reports Decrease In Member Opioid Prescriptions

Article August 15, 2018

BlueCross BlueShield Association (BCBSA) has reported a steady decrease in member opioid prescriptions since 2013, from 558 to 394 opioid prescriptions per 1,000 BCBS members. Some states have seen an… Read More

Massachusetts Court Rules Defendants On Probation Can Be Jailed For Drug Relapse

Article August 15, 2018

On July 16, 2018, a Massachusetts court ruled that a defendant with a known addiction disorder on probation can be jailed for testing positive for drugs following a relapse. The… Read More

Opioids Caused 1 In 5 Deaths Among Young Adults In 2016

Article July 13, 2018

In 2016, opioids caused one in five deaths among young adults aged 25 to 34 years. In that year, one in 65 deaths overall were opioid related. The percentage of… Read More

Ohio Medicaid Moving Community Mental Health & Addiction Treatment To Managed Care On July 1, 2018

Article July 13, 2018

On July 1, 2018, Ohio’s Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) will be responsible for community mental health and addiction treatment services for Medicaid members. For Medicaid beneficiaries not enrolled in… Read More

Blue Care Network Of Michigan Launches Opioid Addiction Treatment Pilot

Article June 21, 2018

On May 1, 2018, Blue Care Network (BCN) of Michigan launched a pilot treatment model for opioid use disorder with two provider organizations. The selected provider organizations are Pine Rest… Read More

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Finds Addiction-Focused Peer Support Program Reduces Readmissions

Article June 18, 2018

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (WFBMC) found that its addiction-focused peer support pilot program reduces readmissions among consumers with conditions complicated by addiction disorders. Additionally, WFBMC reported in April 2018… Read More

The Stigma Of Addiction Treatment Medication

Article June 13, 2018

When I read last Sunday’s edition of The Philadelphia Inquirer, I was surprised that perceptions of addiction treatment hadn’t progressed further. The article, “People Taking Medication To Treat Opioid Addiction… Read More

U.S. Prescription Opioid Volume Declined 12% In 2017

Article June 13, 2018

During 2017, prescription opioid dosage volume dropped by 12% in the United States. During 2017, 23.3 billion fewer Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MMEs) were dispensed. Actual dispensed opioid prescriptions decreased by… Read More

Google Unveils New Vetting Process For Addiction Treatment Ads

Article June 13, 2018

On April 16, 2018, LegitScript announced a partnership with Google to create a new certification program for provider organizations that treat addiction disorder and want to advertise on Google Adwords.… Read More

Number Of Addiction Recovery Homes Nationwide Unknown

Article May 23, 2018

The exact number of addiction recovery homes in the United States is unknown because states provide little oversight regarding certification and data collection for these facilities. While national organizations collect… Read More

New Hampshire Hospitals To Invest $50 Million To Support State-Funded Addiction Treatment Over 5 Years

Article May 23, 2018

On April 6, 2018, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu announced an agreement with the state’s 26 hospitals that will result in the hospitals investing $50 million into the state’s Alcohol… Read More

48 Attorneys General & DEA Agree To Share Prescription Drug Data

Article May 23, 2018

On April 17, 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reached an agreement on prescription drug information-sharing with attorneys general from 46 states,… Read More

For Addiction Treatment, Medication & Beyond

Article May 23, 2018

Use of medication for treating addiction on the increase. Over the past five years, we’ve seen the release of several new medications designed to address addiction. And there are currently… Read More

Probability Of Death In Under-55 Adults Increased Over 10% In Five States

Article May 14, 2018

Kentucky, Oklahoma, New Mexico, West Virginia, and Wyoming saw the probability of death between ages 20 and 55 years increase more than 10% between 1990 and 2016. This is in… Read More

San Diego County Launching Drug Medi-Cal Delivery System

Article May 14, 2018

San Diego County, California, is preparing to launch its Med-Cal Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) for addiction treatment by July 1, 2018. The DMC-ODS covers a continuum of services,… Read More

Federal Court System Combines Lawsuits Against Opioid Manufacturers & Distributors; Recommends Settlement

Article May 9, 2018

In December 2017, a federal district court judicial panel consolidated more than 400 lawsuits filed in federal courts by governmental entities nationwide against prescription opioid manufacturers and marketers; this action… Read More

Providence Rhode Island Opens Fire House ‘Safe Stations’ For Opioid Addiction Treatment

Article May 9, 2018

On January 2, 2018, the City of Providence, Rhode Island implemented the “Safe Stations” program for opioid addiction treatment. The Safe Station project turns Providence’s 12 fire stations into a… Read More

2018 Appropriations Bill Has $3.6 Billion In Opioid-Related Provisions

Article May 4, 2018

The 2018 federal consolidated appropriations bill signed into law on March 23, 2018, included $3.6 billion in provisions to fund the President’s Opioid Initiative to expand access to prevention, treatment,… Read More

Opioid Prescriptions Lower In States With Legal Cannabis

Article May 4, 2018

A pair of recently released studies found that in states that allow medical cannabis or recreational cannabis, opioid prescriptions for adults covered by Medicaid or Medicare Part D were lower… Read More

It’s A Small World: Similarities & Differences In Health Behaviors & Life Satisfaction Among Individuals With Mental Illness From Four Countries

Article May 2, 2018

Background & Purpose Mental illness is a common problem worldwide and is associated with reduced quality of life and higher rates of physical illness, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular… Read More

Cigna Cut Member Opioid Use By 25% In Two Years

Article April 25, 2018

On March 28, 2018, the health insurer Cigna announced that since implementing an initiative in 2016 to reduce member use of prescription opioid pain relievers, it has reduced the volume… Read More

Emergency Department Visits For Opioid Overdose Increased Nearly 30% Nationwide Between 2016 & 2017

Article April 23, 2018

Emergency department visits for opioid overdose increased 29.7% across the United States between 2016 and 2017. Deaths occurring from opioid overdose increased an average of 27.9% from 2015 to 2016.… Read More

Economic Cost Of U.S. Opioid Epidemic Exceeds $1 Trillion Over 16 Years

Article April 23, 2018

Since 2001, the economic cost of the U.S. opioid epidemic has exceeded $1 trillion, rising from an annual cost of $29.1 billion in 2001 to an annual cost of $95.8… Read More

Rate Of Uninsured Opioid-Related Hospitalizations Fell From 13.4% To 2.9% Following Medicaid Expansion

Article April 23, 2018

Between 2013 and 2015, the share of opioid-related hospitalizations in which the patient was uninsured fell from 13.4% to 2.9% in states that expanded Medicaid to low-income adults under the… Read More

The Privacy Rule For Addiction Treatment Is Final

Article April 23, 2018

In January, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) released its final changes to the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records regulations (42 CFR Part 2,… Read More

Opioid Addiction By The Numbers

Article April 23, 2018

Last week, we covered the recent $3.3 billion in Congressional appropriations to address opioid addiction in the United States (see How Far Does $3.3 Billion Go?). The figure $3.3 billion… Read More

The State ‘Crazy Quilt’ Of Opioid Treatment Policy

Article April 23, 2018

Last week, we looked at the federal government’s new funding and new policies in response to the wave of opioid addiction (see How Far Does $3.3 Billion Go?). The U.S.… Read More

How Far Does $3.3 Billion Go?

Article April 23, 2018

The omnibus spending bill, approved by Congress in March, included an allocation of $3.3 billion to address the opioid and mental health crisis in fiscal year 2018. This appropriation builds… Read More

Nonpharmacological Interventions For Offenders With Substance Dependence: Effective Or Not?

Article April 23, 2018

Background & Purpose The rate of drug dependence has been rising within the population of incarcerated people and is estimated between 10-48% for males and 30-60% for females, depending on… Read More

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs): A New Approach To Providing Mental Health & Addiction Treatment

On-Demand Webinar April 16, 2018

Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs) were established as a demonstration program under the federal Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 in order to provide a comprehensive range of… Read More

CDC Reports Overdose Death Rates Increased Nationally, Decline In 14 States

Article April 11, 2018

On March 4, 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released preliminary data on drug overdose deaths indicating that during the 12-month period that ended August 2017, the… Read More

New Hampshire Medicaid Health Plans In Compliance With Federal Behavioral Health Parity Requirements

Article March 30, 2018

The New Hampshire Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) New Hampshire Healthy Families and Well Sense Health Plan are in compliance with federal behavioral health parity requirements, according to a state… Read More

The State Of Mental Health In America In 2018: An Interview With Paul Gionfriddo

Interview March 22, 2018

Mental Health America (MHA), a leading nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the mental wellness of all Americans, has released its latest report “The 2018 State of Mental Health in… Read More

Residential Addiction Treatment—The Opportunity In Changing Medicaid Policy

Article March 22, 2018

There are now ten state Medicaid plans that are paying for residential addiction treatment—a big increase from the three states that adopted the waiver in February of last year. That… Read More

Between 2012 & 2017, Opioid Prescribing By Veterans Health Administration Facilities Dropped 41%

Article March 16, 2018

Between 2012 and 2017, opioid prescribing by Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities dropped 41%. During this period, 99% of VHA facilities decreased their prescribing rates. These findings were reported in… Read More

Alcohol-Related Emergency Room Visits Rose Nearly 62% From 2006 To 2014

Article March 16, 2018

Alcohol-related visits to the emergency room rose from 3,080,214 to 4,976,136 between 2006 and 2014. This is a 61.6% increase. During the same time, the U.S. population rose 6.8%. During… Read More

42 States Require Health Care Professionals To Notify Child Protective Services About Substance-Exposed Infants

Article March 8, 2018

A review of state compliance with the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) found that 42 states have policies and procedures that require health care professionals to notify… Read More

Life Expectancy As Our Key Performance Indicator

Article March 8, 2018

What became clear last week during the many discussions at a recent institute is that there is no agreement on “the” performance measurement set for more complex consumers. Value is… Read More

‘Virtual Psychiatrist’ Telemedicine Decision Support System Effective In Diagnosing Mental Disorders

Article February 8, 2018

A telemedicine clinical decision support system (CDSS) developed in India for use by non-psychiatrists in rural areas was able to diagnose mental health disorders with good validity and reliability. The… Read More

SAMHSA Freezes NREPP Database Of Addiction & Mental Health Programs, Launches New Policy Lab

Article February 8, 2018

On January 11, 2018, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced it was freezing submissions to the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) database;… Read More

North Dakota Launches Behavioral Health Treatment Program For Justice-Involved Individuals With Reimbursement Linked To Outcomes

Article February 8, 2018

On January 22, 2018, the North Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) Behavioral Health Division and the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) announced that Free Through Recovery,… Read More

Less Than A Third Of People With Serious Behavioral Disorder Receive Evidence-Based Treatment

Article February 8, 2018

In 2016, less than one-third of people with serious mental illness (SMI) or serious emotional disturbance (SED) received treatment considered to be evidence-based practices. About 32% received medication management. About… Read More

Google Suspends Addiction Treatment Referral Ads Worldwide

Article February 8, 2018

Google has suspended advertising in the entire addiction treatment center category worldwide. On January 23, 2018, a Google spokesperson confirmed the suspension and said the company is “consulting with experts… Read More

Webinar Summary – Implementing Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment Programs: A Case Study

Article January 30, 2018

This summary was developed utilizing the full recorded presentation of this webinar, which is available on PsychU for all members free of charge. For full sourcing and polling results, please… Read More

Implementing Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment Programs: A Case Study

On-Demand Webinar January 30, 2018

When substance use disorder and mental illness occur together, affected individuals may be more susceptible to poor physical health, relapse, social distress, and other detrimental outcomes. Research has shown that… Read More

UPMC Awarded $5.7 Million To Expand Access To Medication Assisted Treatment In Four Pennsylvania Counties

Article January 24, 2018

On December 20, 2017, the UPMC Center for High-Value Health Care announced it had been selected by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to oversee program and… Read More

Massachusetts Public Health Awards 3 Contracts For A Post-Overdose Community Follow-Up Program

Article January 24, 2018

On November 16, 2017, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced it had awarded $500,000 to three community-based health organizations to provide a post-overdose follow- up program. The awardees… Read More

New SAMSHA Rule Clarifies Data Sharing For Addiction Treatment

Article January 24, 2018

On January 3, 2018, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) released a final rule that clarifies how consumer records related to addiction treatment may be used and… Read More

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield To Launch New Addiction Treatment Programs In D.C. Area

Article January 18, 2018

During the first quarter of 2018, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, which serves Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, plans to launch new programs to address opioid addiction disorder. The insurer… Read More

Behavioral Health Care More Likely To Be Out-Of-Network Than Medical Or Surgical Care

Article January 11, 2018

In 2015, behavioral health care was four to six times more likely to be provided out-of- network than medical or surgical care. Additionally, in-network behavioral health professionals received lower reimbursements… Read More

WellCare Launching Nationwide Medicaid Pharmacy Management Program In 2018 To Cut Opioid Dispensing

Article January 10, 2018

On October 25, 2017, WellCare Health Plans, Inc. announced plans to expand a pharmacy management program designed to reduce opioid prescribing across its Medicaid markets. WellCare tested the program in… Read More

Portland & Multnomah County To Add 2,000 New Supportive Housing Units By 2027

Article January 10, 2018

The City of Portland and Multnomah County, Oregon will add 2,000 new supportive housing units for the chronically homeless by 2027. The units will serve people with addiction and mental… Read More

The Changing Face Of Opioid Addiction In 2017

Article January 10, 2018

With each passing year, the opioid situation in the U.S. gets more ink in both the popular press and trade publications—and 2017 was no different. But, acknowledging the crisis is… Read More

16 Health Insurers Endorse Standard Principles For Addiction Treatment

Article January 3, 2018

On November 8, 2017, 16 health care payers announced a commitment to adopt eight “National Principles of Care for Substance Use Disorder Treatment” intended to improve access to and the… Read More

U.S. Opioid Addiction Cost $504 Billion In 2015

Article December 19, 2017

In 2015, the costs of opioid addiction in the United States totaled $504 billion. This equals 2.8% of the country’s gross domestic product that year, and is more than six… Read More

Over 10% Of People Who Survive Cancer Surgery Become Dependent On Opioids

Article December 13, 2017

About 10.4% of people who survive cancer surgery become dependent on opioids. Patients who also underwent chemotherapy as part of their cancer treatment had a 15% to 21% prevalence rate… Read More

Pennsylvania Legislature Considering Bill To Close Remaining Developmental Disability Centers

Article December 5, 2017

The Pennsylvania legislature is considering a proposal, House Bill 1650, to close the state’s five remaining state-run facilities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The bill calls for… Read More

Opioid-Related Hospital Stays Increase 121.6% In Small Metro Areas

Article December 5, 2017

Opioid-related hospital stays have more than doubled over a ten-year period in small metropolitan areas, increasing by 121.6%. Between 2005 and 2014, the rate of inpatient stays in small metropolitan… Read More

Colorado Opioid Deaths Down 6% After Marijuana Legalization

Article December 5, 2017

After Colorado legalized the sale and use of recreational marijuana in 2014, the number of opioid-related deaths declined by more than 6% between 2014 and 2015. Before the state legalized… Read More

Behavioral Health Provider Organizations Report Illinois Health Plans Frequently Deny Coverage Of Mental Health, Addiction Care

Article November 30, 2017

Illinois health plans frequently deny coverage of mental health and addiction care according to a survey of behavioral health professionals and provider organizations in the state. Although all Medicaid managed… Read More

Humana Partners With CleanSlate Centers To Provide Outpatient Addiction Treatment Services In 8 States

Article November 30, 2017

On September 27, 2017, CleanSlate Centers and health insurer Humana, Inc., announced that CleanSlate contracted to provide in-network outpatient opioid addiction treatment services for Humana Medicare Advantage and employer plan… Read More

Over 50% Of Adults With Co-Occurring Mental Health & Addictive Disorders Receive No Treatment

Article November 21, 2017

Over half (52%) of an estimated 7.7 million adults with co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders each year from 2008 through 2014 received no treatment for either disorder. About 9.1%… Read More

The Zero Suicide Initiative: An Interview With Dr. Julie Goldstein Grumet

Interview November 14, 2017

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that over 40,000 people die from suicide each year in the U.S., and the rate has been increasing over the… Read More

JourneyPure To Open 13 New Addiction Treatment Outpatient Centers By End Of 2017

Article November 9, 2017

JourneyPure, a residential addiction treatment provider organization, is expanding its regional treatment continuum to include 13 outpatient treatment centers by the end of 2017. In September 2017, JourneyPure announced it… Read More

Opioid Misuse Among Adults 50 & Older Increased From 1.1% In 2002 To 2.0% In 2014

Article November 9, 2017

Opioid misuse among adults aged 50 and older increased from 1.1% in 2002 to 2.0% in 2014. About 890,620 of about 81 million adults in this age group misused opioids… Read More

Hazelden Betty Ford Institute Recommends Broader Policy Solutions To Opioid Addiction

Article October 16, 2017

Hazelden Betty Ford Institute recommends that opioid addiction disorder treatment and policy solutions address the broader context of substance use behaviors because a majority people who misuse prescription opioids or… Read More

Between 2000 & 2015 U.S. Life Expectancy Rose, But At A Slower Rate Than Expected Due To Opioid Overdose Deaths

Article October 16, 2017

Life expectancy rose in the United States from 76.8 years in 2000 to 78.8 years in 2015, but during the same period, drug-poisoning deaths, mostly related to opioids, contributed to… Read More

New Jersey To Launch $30 Million Performance-Based Enhanced Care Management Program For Opioid Use Disorder

Article October 16, 2017

The New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is preparing to launch a performance-based enhanced care management (ECM) program valued at $30 million… Read More

New Hampshire To Launch Integrated Medication-Assisted Treatment Services for Pregnant & Post-Partum Women

Article September 26, 2017

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services (BDAS) is preparing to launch a new two-year pilot program to integrate medication assisted… Read More

Incidence Of Opioid-Related Overdose Admissions To Intensive Care Up 34% Since 2009; Costs Up 58%

Article September 26, 2017

Since January 2009, the incidence of admissions to a hospital intensive care unit (ICU) due to opioid overdose rose by 34%, and the cost of these ICU admissions increased by… Read More

Alcohol Use Up & Alcohol Use Disorder Up Between 2002 & 2013

Article September 25, 2017

Between 2002 and 2013, the number of adults age 18 and older who drank alcohol at some point over the past 12 months increased by 11.2%. The prevalence of high-risk… Read More

Wisconsin Governor Signs HOPE Bills To Combat Opioid Abuse & Addiction

Article September 25, 2017

On July 17, 2017, Wisconsin’s Governor Scott Walker signed 11 bills into law related to the state’s Heroin, Opiate, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) agenda. The bills were signed during a… Read More

Be Ethical Or Be Regulated

Article September 25, 2017

While everyone complains about regulation, many times the purpose of regulation makes perfect sense. I think this is the case with new regulations in Florida focused on addiction treatment providers.… Read More

A Mosaic Solution To The Opioid Challenge

Article September 25, 2017

When Mario San Bartolomé, M.D., MBA the Corporate Medical Director, Substance Use Disorders for Molina Healthcare, Inc. wrapped up his opening keynote remarks earlier this month at a conference I… Read More

Prisons: The Nation’s Largest Mental Health Institutions?

Article September 18, 2017

Background & Purpose The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, one in every 110 adults in 2013. The incarceration rate for individuals with mental illnesses is… Read More

Mental Health America Ranks Connecticut / Oregon With The Lowest / Highest Mental Illness Prevalence

Article September 8, 2017

The prevalence of mental health and addiction disorder was lowest in Connecticut and highest in Oregon, according to a ranking of the states developed by Mental Health America. The ranking… Read More

ASAM Issues Consensus Document For Appropriate Use Of Drug Testing In Addiction Treatment

Article September 8, 2017

Drug testing should be done at least weekly at the beginning of addiction treatment, and at least monthly in consumers in stable recovery, according to a consensus document issued by… Read More

Empire Health Foundation Partners With Catholic Charities To Launch Family-Focused Addiction Treatment Program

Article September 8, 2017

Empire Health Foundation (EHF) in Washington State is partnering with Catholic Charities in Spokane (CCS) to launch “Rising Strong,” a family-focused addiction treatment program for families who are in danger… Read More

Health Plan Strategy Meets The Opioid Crisis

Article September 8, 2017

You can’t look at the news without seeing something about the opioid crisis. The data supports the headlines. Across the country, deaths are up 200%, opioid-related inpatient stays are up… Read More

Buffalo, New York Launches Nation’s First Opioid Crisis Intervention Court

Article September 6, 2017

The nation’s first opioid crisis intervention court has been launched in Buffalo, New York. The Opioid Crisis Intervention Court will ideally keep drug offenders from jail time, and instead offer… Read More

California’s San Diego County Releases RFP For Community-Based Addictions Recidivism Reduction Program

Article September 6, 2017

On August 2, 2017, California’s San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency released a request for proposal (RFP) for the operation of the Community-Based Services and Recidivism Reduction (CoSRR)… Read More

Pennsylvania’s Allegheny County Releases RFP For Family Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Article September 6, 2017

On August 7, 2017, Pennsylvania’s Allegheny County Department of Human Services released a request for proposal (RFP) for family residential substance use disorder treatment program services. The county seeks a… Read More

Opioid Addiction Diagnosis Increases Nearly 500% Among Commercially Insured Population

Article September 1, 2017

Between 2010 and 2016, opioid addiction diagnoses increased by 493% among commercially insured individuals. During the same period for the commercially insured population, the use of medication-assisted addiction treatment (MAT)… Read More

Over 400 Health Care Professionals Charged For Committing $1.3 Billion In Health Care Fraud, Including Opioid Distribution

Article August 24, 2017

On July 13, 2017, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that investigations by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force and 30 state… Read More

HEDIS® Behavioral Health Measures: An Update From NCQA©

On-Demand Webinar August 15, 2017

Quality measurement for behavioral health is gaining more importance as payers and providers of health care acknowledge the impact mental health has on individuals and populations. In this webinar, three… Read More

A Discussion Of Bipolar Disorder Progression & Self-Maintenance With Rudy Moni, BA, CRSP, Peer Support Associate

Interview August 9, 2017

In this video, Rudy Moni, BA, CRSP, a Peer Support Associate diagnosed with bipolar disorder, discusses his experience with his bipolar disorder diagnosis, substance use, and path to maintenance. Mr.… Read More

8.4% Of U.S. Adults Had Addiction Disorder In 2014

Article August 4, 2017

In 2014, approximately 20.2 million adults aged 18 or older in the United States had a past-year addiction disorder, representing about 8.4% of the total 240.7 million population of adults.… Read More

Amethyst Recovery Center Joins Addicted Minds – The Elite Treatment Providers

Article August 3, 2017

The inpatient drug addiction treatment center Amethyst Recovery Centers has joined the network of Addicted Minds – The Elite Treatment Providers (Addicted Minds). With this addition, Addicted Minds continues towards… Read More

Maryville Addiction Treatment Center Welcomes New Chief Development Officer

Article August 3, 2017

Maryville Addiction Treatment Center (Maryville) has hired Bill Crowe as its new Chief Development Officer. Mr. Crowe will oversee fundraising efforts and special events; coordinate volunteers; and work to strengthen… Read More

The Majority Of State Prisoners & Sentenced Jail Inmates Had Drug Abuse/Dependence Conditions

Article August 3, 2017

In a study that focused on drug use (excluding alcohol) of those incarcerated between 2007 and 2009, an estimated 58% of state prisoners and 63% of sentenced jail inmates had a… Read More

Indiana Adding Five Sites For Opioid Addiction Treatment

Article August 3, 2017

[pu_contributor] The state of Indiana will add five more opioid addiction treatment centers to its 14 existing medication-assisted treatment facilities. The new additions will be made in hopes of curbing… Read More

Illinois Approves 100-Bed Behavioral Health Hospital In New Lenox

Article July 21, 2017

The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board has approved the construction of a 100-bed psychiatric hospital in New Lenox. The new facility will be built by Silver Cross Hospital in… Read More

Wisconsin Seeks To Amend Waiver To Require Drug Screening & Testing For Medicaid Eligibility

Article June 30, 2017

Pending approval from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) intends to require childless adults seeking BadgerCare (Wisconsin Medicaid) benefits to be… Read More

Federal Court Strikes Down Wisconsin Law That Allowed For Detention Of Pregnant Women For Alleged Substance Use

Article June 16, 2017

On April 28, 2017, a federal court ruled that a Wisconsin law intended to protect unborn children from harm from alcohol or controlled substances was unconstitutional; the law allowed the state to… Read More

Pathways To Recovery Opens Philadelphia Partial Hospitalization Treatment Center

Article June 16, 2017

Pathways to Recovery, a Philadelphia area facility that treats people addicted to opioids who also have a co-occurring mental health condition serves as the city’s first partial hospitalization program for… Read More

IBM Watson Health & MAP Health Management Partner To Decrease U.S. Substance Abuse Relapse

Article June 16, 2017

IBM’s Watson Health will team with MAP Health Management (“MAP”) to address the problem of relapse in those battling substance abuse. The predictive methodology will come from a combination of… Read More

New Behavioral Health Care Startup BehaveCare Opens In Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Article June 12, 2017

A new behavioral health care startup, BehaveCare, focused on digital and in-home health care has opened in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. BehaveCare is the creation of previous RightCare Solutions co-founder, Eric Heil,… Read More

New Jersey Opens First Prison Facility Focused On Addiction Treatment

Article June 12, 2017

On March 9, 2017, the New Jersey Department of Corrections (DOC) awarded Gateway Foundation a contract valued at $29.2 million to provide addiction treatment services at Mid-State Correctional Facility, which… Read More

Next Step Resource & Recovery Center Opens On Staten Island

Article June 6, 2017

Next Step Resource and Recovery Center, a 24-hour facility to help those struggling with substance abuse, has opened on Staten Island. The facility offers such services as peer coaching, referrals… Read More

Massachusetts To Add Substance Abuse Options For Pregnant Women

Article May 30, 2017

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health will provide $1.75 million to fund new options for pregnant and post-partum women who are dealing with substance abuse disorders. The monies will fund… Read More

Mortality Rates 20% Among Consumers With Opioid Use Disorder

Article May 26, 2017

Adults ages 18 to 64 with opioid use disorder who received health care treatment in general health care settings had a 20% mortality rate. About 19.8% died due to drug… Read More

Minnesota Child Abuse Reports Involving Prenatal Opioid Exposure Up 25% Between 2015 & 2016

Article May 26, 2017

On April 11, 2017, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that child abuse reports involving prenatal opioid exposure increased by 25% between 2015 and 2016, rising from 1,056… Read More

CleanSlate Centers Opens Addiction Treatment Center In Arlington, Texas

Article May 26, 2017

CleanSlate Centers has opened the first of three new Texas outpatient addiction treatment centers in Arlington. The physician-led treatment center began seeing consumers on May 1. The center’s team members… Read More

Illinois To Expand Medicaid Managed Care To New Populations

Article May 15, 2017

On April 7, 2017, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) notified provider organizations that beginning January 1, 2018, the state’s latest Medicaid managed care contracts will expand… Read More

Behavioral Health Emergency Department Visits Increased 26% From 2005 To 2011

Article May 15, 2017

Between 2005 and 2011, the number of hospital emergency department visits for mental health and substance use disorders increased by 25.8%, from 27.9 visits per 1,000 in 2005 to 35.1… Read More

Summit BHC Opens Aviary Recovery Center For Addiction & Substance Abuse Treatment In Missouri

Article May 15, 2017

Summit BHC has opened the Aviary Recovery Center for addiction and substance abuse treatment in the St. Louis suburb of Eolia, Missouri. The center is the tenth treatment center owned… Read More

West Virginia To Add 600+ Addiction Treatment Beds

Article May 15, 2017

On April 25, 2017, a new West Virginia law went into effect to add addiction treatment beds. The law is the result of House Bill (HB) 2428, which directs the… Read More

Williamsville Wellness Launches Online Program, <em>smart</em> IOP For Substance Abuse Recovery

Article May 15, 2017

Williamsville Wellness in the Richmond suburb of Hanover, Virginia has launched an online intensive outpatient program for substance abuse recovery after treatment at the center. The smart IOP program is… Read More

Cigna Reports Member Use Of Prescribed Opioids Down Nearly 12% Since May 2016

Article May 8, 2017

In April 2017, Cigna reported that its members use of prescribed opioids had declined by nearly 12% since launching a three-year initiative in May 2016. By 2019, Cigna seeks to… Read More

Increased Medicaid Opioid Addiction Treatment Capacity In Southeastern States Needed

Article May 8, 2017

Opioid treatment program (OTP) capacity to accept Medicaid beneficiaries in the southeastern United States is lower than needed to meet estimated demand based on the prevalence of opioid use disorder… Read More

Montana Ends Limits On Addiction Treatment Capacity In July 2017

Article May 8, 2017

Montana is expanding access to addiction treatment by ending a policy as of July 2017 that had limited the number of addiction treatment provider organizations per region to just one.… Read More

Bangor, Maine, To Launch Jail Diversion Program Targeting Offenders With Opioid Use Disorder

Article May 8, 2017

In May 2017, the Health Equity Alliance in Maine is preparing to launch a pilot, evidence-based, pre-booking jail diversion program in Bangor, Maine. The program, which is focused on harm… Read More

Premature Death Rates Rise In 20% Of Rural Counties Over The Past Decade

Article May 8, 2017

Nearly one in five rural counties experienced worsening premature death rates over the past decade. Rural counties have had higher premature death rates than urban counties for many years. Over… Read More

Mental Health America Creates National Certified Peer Specialist Credential

Article May 8, 2017

Mental Health America (MHA) has announced the creation of the MHA National Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS) credential. The certification allows those who share the experience of living with a psychiatric… Read More

A Stubborn Diagnosis For A Stubborn Cowboy: PsychU Presents Jason DeShaw Live At Otsuka

Interview April 18, 2017

In this interview Jason DeShaw, country singer and songwriter, shares his lived personal experience of bipolar disorder and alcoholism and his thoughts on mental illness, education, and stigma. After listening… Read More

President’s Commission On Combating Drug Addiction & The Opioid Crisis Established

Article April 13, 2017

In an effort to study ways to combat and treat drug misuse, substance use disorders, and the opioid crisis, President Donald J. Trump has issued an executive order to establish… Read More

Ohio Launches Pilot Program For Children & Families Harmed By Parental Opioid Abuse

Article April 13, 2017

On March 22, 2017, the Ohio Attorney General launched 2.5-year pilot program focused on services for children harmed by parental opioid abuse. The program, Ohio START (Sobriety, Treatment, and Reducing… Read More

New Hampshire Review Finds Addiction Treatment Coverage Capacity Issues Among Insurers

Article April 13, 2017

In the year prior to New Hampshire’s shift to commercial coverage for its Medicaid expansion in 2016, two of the plans now serving the expansion population — Anthem and Harvard… Read More

Childhood Emotional Abuse A Risk Factor For Problem Opioid Use

Article April 11, 2017

Childhood emotional abuse leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a risk factor for problem opioid use in adulthood. PTSD in those with a childhood maltreatment history is a key… Read More

North Carolina’s Meridian Behavioral Health Services Launches Early Recovery Team For Addiction Treatment

Article April 11, 2017

Meridian Behavioral Health Services (Meridian) has launched an Early Recovery Team (ERT) as an intervention for those in the early stages of addiction recovery in Haywood and Jackson Counties in… Read More

Identifying Populations For Care Coordination Interventions: The Health Plan Perspective

On-Demand Webinar April 11, 2017

The goal of health care coordination is to meet individuals’ needs and preferences in the delivery of high-quality, high-value health care. For individuals with comorbid behavioral health disorders, effective care… Read More

New Veterans’ Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Facility Opens In Tucson, Arizona

Article April 6, 2017

The Southern Arizona Veterans Administration Health Care System has opened a new residential rehabilitation facility for crisis and substance abuse issues. The Center offers services to veterans returning from service,… Read More

Maple Leaf Behavioral Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Center Files For Bankruptcy

Article April 6, 2017

Vermont’s Maple Leaf Treatment Center has filed for bankruptcy giving no specific reason; however, staffing and financing were factors considered when the board discussed the future of the non-profit service… Read More

New Jersey Expands CON Availability For 864 New Psychiatric Beds

Article April 6, 2017

On February 3, 2017, the New Jersey Department of Health filed a Certificate of Need (CON) Call for 864 new adult acute care psychiatric beds. The state estimates it needs… Read More

Constellation Behavioral Health Acquires Hanbleceya Recovery Network

Article April 3, 2017

Hanbleceya Recovery Network, located in southern California, has joined the Constellation Behavioral Health (Constellation) family of health care programs. Following the acquisition, Constellation now offers 90 beds for consumers with… Read More

The National Council For Behavioral Health Names Vice President Of Addictions

Article April 3, 2017

The National Council for Behavioral Health has named Tom Hill as Vice President of Addictions and Recovery. Mr. Hill’s prior experience includes director of programs at Faces and Voices of… Read More

Tri-County Behavioral Health Opens Conroe, Texas Location

Article April 3, 2017

Tri-County Behavioral Health has opened a 90,000 square foot location in Conroe, Texas to serve those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), mental illnesses, and substance use disorders. The location… Read More

Mental Health & Addiction Treatment Parity Is Smart – & Bipartisan

Article March 29, 2017

There have been many pieces of health care legislation over the past two decades that have shaped the U.S. health care system including, but certainly not limited to, the creation… Read More

The Providence Center Appoints New President

Article March 29, 2017

Effective April 1, 2017, former Providence Center (Providence) Vice President Deb O’Brien, B.S., R.N., M.P.A. will assume the company’s position of President. Ms. O’Brien will replace Dale K. Klatzker, Ph.D.,… Read More

Mallory Behavioral Health Crisis Center Opens In Reno

Article March 29, 2017

Carson Tahoe Health has opened the Mallory Behavioral Health Crisis Center in Reno, filling a community need for increased access to mental health and substance abuse treatment. The facility will… Read More

New Jersey Enacts Insurance Mandate For Addiction Treatment

Article March 14, 2017

On February 15, 2016, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed legislation, Senate Bill 3, to require health insurers to cover addiction disorder treatment for up to 180 days without prior… Read More

DayMark Named Provider Organization For New Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Behavioral Health Crisis Center

Article March 14, 2017

Daymark Recovery Services (Daymark) has been selected as the service provider for the new Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, a 24-7 behavioral health urgent care center in Wintson-Salem. The Cardinal Innovations Healthcare… Read More

Maryland To Fund Medicaid Residential Treatment In IMDs

Article February 28, 2017

Maryland’s 2017 Heroin Treatment, Prevention, and Enforcement Initiative calls for the state to fund Medicaid residential addiction treatment in facilities larger than 16 beds, which are classified as Institutions of… Read More

How Much Residential Addiction Treatment Capacity Do We Need?

Article February 28, 2017

The opioid epidemic has gotten a lot of attention both within the behavioral health community, but also by the general public (see Business Insider’s “The Obamacare Repeal ‘Could Be A… Read More

Douglas County Oregon’s Community Health Alliance Addiction & Mental Health Services Join Under Adapt

Article February 28, 2017

Addiction treatment services and mental health services previously provided by the Douglas County Health Alliance have been merged under Adapt. The programs now serve the community as Compass Behavioral Health.… Read More

Boston Center For Addiction Opens In Danvers, MA

Article February 28, 2017

Recovery Centers of America has opened a new facility in Boston, Massachusetts. Boston Center for Addiction joins Recovery Centers of America at Westminster to serve the greater Boston area’s addiction… Read More

The Market Impact Of The New Medicaid Addiction Treatment Benefits

Article February 24, 2017

In the past couple weeks, we’ve written extensively about the growing opioid epidemic and its consequences on both the consumer population and the health care system (see Addiction & Hospital… Read More

Beacon House Joins Tricare West With UHC Military & Veteran Services

Article February 24, 2017

Effective February 1, 2017, Beacon House has become a participating provider organization in the TRICARE West Region network with UnitedHealthcare Military & Veteran Services. Beacon House aims to assist veterans,… Read More

Access2Care Screening Survey Tool Offered To Guilford County, North Carolina Residents

Article February 24, 2017

The Guilford County, North Carolina Department of Public Health now offers Sandhills Center’s Access2Care self-screening services to its residents. Access2Care offers free, confidential screening services for eight different behavioral health… Read More

Glial Abnormalities In Substance Use Disorders & Depression: Does Shared Glutamatergic Dysfunction Contribute To Comorbidity?

Article February 24, 2017

Key Messages Substance use disorders (SUDs) and depression frequently co-occur. In order to identify glial cell-associated pathophysiology shared by these disorders, studies of astrocyte, microglia, and oligodendrocyte dysfunction in SUDs… Read More

Rate Of Drug-Dependent Babies In Kentucky Is Double National Average

Article February 16, 2017

In 2013, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported Kentucky’s rate of drug-dependent babies was 15.1 cases per 1,000- more than double the national average of 7.3 cases… Read More

Mercy Behavioral Health Adds Providence Hospital Inpatient Addiction Step-Down Unit

Article February 16, 2017

Mercy Behavioral Health Care has added a 21-bed “step-down” unit at its Providence Behavioral Health Hospital to help those fighting substance abuse disorder transition from inpatient to outpatient services. The… Read More

Among People With SMI, Substance Use Linked To Violent Events

Article February 13, 2017

Adults diagnosed with a serious mental illness (SMI) who used recreational drugs or alcohol were more likely to perpetrate or be a victim of violence. Drug use was a leading… Read More

Opioid Addiction – The Crisis, The Impact & The Responses

Article February 13, 2017

The opioid situation in the U.S. gets lots of ink in the popular press because its impact is now extended beyond health policy and into the day-to-day lives of Americans.… Read More

Silver Cross & US HealthVest Partner For New Illinois Behavioral Health Hospital

Article February 13, 2017

Silver Cross Hospital and US HealthVest have partnered to build a new 100-bed behavioral health hospital in New Lenox, Illinois by 2019. The $22 million Silver Oaks Hospital is being… Read More

Beaver County Behavioral Health Plans New Pennsylvania Addiction Treatment Facility

Article February 13, 2017

Beaver County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services is evaluating three bids for a 39-bed addiction treatment facility in Beaver Falls, PA. The $2.8 million project is funded through county reinvestment… Read More

Opioid-Related Hospitalizations Up 64% Nationwide From 2005 To 2014

Article February 13, 2017

Between 2005 and 2014, there was a 64.1% cumulative increase in the rate of opioid-related inpatient stays, from 136.8 per 100,000 in 2005 to 224.6 per 100,000 in 2014. This… Read More

Foster Care Entries Due To Parental Substance Abuse Rise 19% Since 2009

Article January 26, 2017

The proportion of U.S. children entering foster care due to parental alcohol or drug use increased by about 19% between 2009 and 2015. In 2009, parental substance use was a… Read More

Neuroscience-Based ‘Addictions Neuroclinical Assessment’ Proposed For Studying Addiction Disorder

Article January 26, 2017

Researchers affiliated with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have proposed using a new neuroscience-based research framework called the Addictions Neuroclinical Assessment (ANA). The ANA is based on three domains relevant… Read More

CleanSlate Welcomes Two East Division Executives

Article January 26, 2017

CleanSlate Addiction Treatment Centers (CleanSlate) announced the addition of two leaders to their East Division executive team: Adam McPhee as president of East Division Operations, and Wendy Welch as East… Read More

Opioid-Related Hospital Stays Soar Throughout The U.S., Affecting Costs Inconsistently Among States

Article January 26, 2017

Between 2005 and 2014, opioid-related hospital stays increased by 64% across the country. However, rate trends varied widely among different states. In North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, and Washington, rates… Read More

The Gateway Foundation Appoints Chief Medical Officer

Article January 13, 2017

The Gateway Foundation, the largest non-profit provider of addiction treatment services in Illinois, has appointed Dr. Roueen Rafeyan as chief medical officer. The foundation is the first rehabilitation center in… Read More

Incidence Of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Increased 500% From 2004 To 2013

Article January 13, 2017

Between 2004 and 2013 the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in the United States increased by nearly 500%. The increase was greater in rural areas than in urban areas.… Read More

San Mateo First California County Approved To Deliver Medicaid Addiction Treatment As Part Of Organized Delivery System

Article January 13, 2017

On October 17, San Mateo County, California, became the first county to receive approval from the California Department of Health Care Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services… Read More

Follow Up Q&A – Co-Occurrence Of Substance Use Disorders With Mood Disorders & Psychosis

Interview January 12, 2017

During this question and answer session, Rebecca Roma, MD and Robert Nelson, MD, respond to unanswered questions from their webinar entitled “Co-Occurrence Of Substance Use Disorders With Mood Disorders &… Read More

Co-Occurrence Of Substance Use Disorders With Mood Disorders & Psychosis

On-Demand Webinar January 12, 2017

During this webinar Rebecca Roma, MD, Medical Director of the Community Treatment Team at Mercy Behavioral Health; and Robin Nelson, MD, a Psychiatrist at Caron Foundation, and DGR Behavioral Health,… Read More

Serenity Acres Treatment & Recovery Center Acquired By Meridian Behavioral Health

Article January 12, 2017

Meridian Behavioral Health has acquired Maryland-based Serenity Acres Treatment and Recovery Center, expanding their substance abuse and treatment program services to the Annapolis area. The facility is a 25-acre, campus-style residential setting… Read More

Rhode Island’s CODAC Behavioral Healthcare Earns Center Of Excellence Status For Opioid Treatment

Article January 12, 2017

The Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals has certified Community Organization for Drug Abuse Control (CODAC) Behavioral Health Care as the state’s first center of excellence status… Read More

Florida Corrections To Provide More In-Prison Addiction Treatment

Article January 12, 2017

The Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) is shifting its policies—and its contracts—to provide more addiction treatment services during incarceration. The DOC has two open procurements to put the plan into… Read More

Many U.S. Counties See Substance Abuse, Mental Health Death Rates Spike

Article January 11, 2017

A county-by-county study of deaths in the U.S. revealed an alarming increase in fatalities related to substance abuse and mental health in certain parts of the country. Deaths caused by… Read More

Researchers Recommend Treating Co-Morbid Substance Abuse & Psychological Distress Simultaneously

Article December 27, 2016

A new study sheds light on the relationship between the severity of dependence on a primary substance and the level of psychological distress. “Treating substance abuse and mental health issues… Read More

Summary Of The U.S. Surgeon General’s Report On Facing Addiction In America

Article December 27, 2016

The U.S. Surgeon General recently released an unprecedented and detailed report on the current state of alcohol and drug misuse in the country, disorders which affect more than 265 million… Read More

Kentucky’s Four Rivers Behavioral Health Launches Program To Treat Early Youth Psychosis

Article December 21, 2016

Four Rivers Behavioral Health in Paducah, Kentucky plans to launch the iHope Program for treatment of early-onset youth psychosis in early January 2017. The program aims to develop individualized programs… Read More

HealthPartners Addiction Treatment P4P Program With Hazelden Cut Readmission Rates

Article December 14, 2016

A HealthPartners pay-for-performance (P4P) program for addiction treatment at residential facilities operated by Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation (HBFF) resulted in the reduction of one-year readmission rates by 0.2% percentage points between 2013 and… Read More

Indiana’s New Telemedicine Law Prohibits Remote Prescriptions For Opioids

Article December 14, 2016

On July 1, 2016, new rules went into effect in the state of Indiana allowing telemedicine visits and physicians to prescribe medications remotely; however, the rules prohibit remote prescribing of… Read More

Two Addiction Treatment Programs In Virginia Acquired By Behavioral Health Group

Article December 14, 2016

Behavioral Health Group, LLC (BHG) announced the acquisition of two addiction treatment programs in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, Virginia, bringing assistance to the national opioid addiction epidemic to even more… Read More

Vendor Agreement Reached Between The American Addiction Treatment Association & Infinity Behavioral Health Services

Article December 14, 2016

The American Addiction Treatment Association (AATA) and Infinity Behavioral Health Services announced a landmark three-year vendor agreement to provide best-in-industry resources on the intersection of compliance and revenue cycle management… Read More

Kennedy Urges Support Of Surgeon General’s Report On Addiction

Article December 14, 2016

The heads of leading insurance companies have received an open letter from Patrick Kennedy, former United States Representative and founder of the Kennedy Forum, urging the full support of a… Read More

Half Of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facilities Provide Co-Located Mental Health Services

Article December 2, 2016

In 2014, 41% of people with a substance use disorder (SUD) also had a co-occurring mental illness in the previous year.¹ This population may require intensive therapies and additional services… Read More

Youth Hospitalizations For Opioid Poisoning Rose 165% From 1997-2012

Article December 1, 2016

Between 1997 and 2012, the number of children and adolescents in the United States who were hospitalized for opioid poisoning rose by 165%. In 1997, the annual incidence was 1.40… Read More

Michigan Medicaid Planning To Expand Treatment Continuum For Addiction

Article December 1, 2016

The Michigan Medicaid program is planning to expand the continuum of covered addiction treatment to include residential settings, recovery coaches, and care coordination. The new addiction treatment coverage was included… Read More

Peer Support Groups In Addiction Treatment Boost Odds Of Long-Term Recovery

Article December 1, 2016

Adults receiving addiction treatment who also participated in peer support groups reported that the peer support helped them develop behaviors that increased the likelihood of long-term recovery. These behaviors included… Read More

Connecticut Launches Addiction Treatment Pay-For-Success Project

Article November 23, 2016

In September 2016, the Connecticut Department Of Children & Families (DCF) launched a pay-for-success project intended to promote family stability and reduce parental addiction and substance use among DCF-involved families.… Read More

14% Of Americans With Addictions Received Treatment In 2015

Article November 9, 2016

During 2015, about 14% of the estimated 21.7 million people age 12 and older who needed addiction treatment actually received any treatment during the past year, representing about three million… Read More

Webinar Summary – Future Of Psychopharmacology: Is New Treatment Innovation Still Alive?

Article November 1, 2016

This summary was developed utilizing the full recorded presentation of this webinar, which is available on PsychU for all members free of charge. For full sourcing or polling results, please… Read More

Maine Launches Addiction Treatment & Parenting Education Pilot Program For At-Risk Families

Article October 13, 2016

On August 10, 2016, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched the Maine Enhanced Parenting Project (MEPP) pilot program, which will provide addiction treatment and parenting education… Read More

Opioid Overdose & Abuse Cost The United States $78 Billion In 2013

Article October 13, 2016

In 2013, the economic cost of dependence and fatal overdose due to prescription opioids is estimated to be $78.5 billion in the United States. The costs include addiction treatment, addiction-related… Read More

The Changing Medicaid Addiction Landscape – What The California Experience Can Teach Us

Article September 22, 2016

This week, the state of Illinois released a draft Medicaid 1115 waiver that included additional treatment benefits for addiction treatment such as short-term residential treatment in an institution for mental… Read More

Governor Tom Wolf Announces 25 Additional Centers Of Excellence Locations

Article September 22, 2016

Governor Tom Wolf announced that his administration will implement an additional 25 Centers of Excellence (COEs) locations throughout the state by January 1, 2017. The COEs will offer treatment to… Read More

U.S. Incidence Of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Quadrupled Between 1999 & 2013

Article September 16, 2016

Between 1999 and 2013, the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) quadrupled from 1.5 cases per 1,000 births in 1999 to 6.0 cases per 1,000 hospital births in 2013. Across… Read More

Pennsylvania Developing Formal Process To Certify Drug & Alcohol Recovery Houses

Article August 23, 2016

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) is preparing to implement a formal process to certify drug and alcohol recovery houses for people receiving publicly funded addiction treatment. There… Read More

Maryland Medicaid Proposes Adding Residential Addiction Treatment Benefit

Article August 23, 2016

Maryland Medicaid is seeking federal approval to launch new residential treatment benefits for adults with substance use disorders (SUD). The new benefit would be for adults between the ages of 21… Read More

Amy Winehouse Charity Sets Up Home For Female Recovering Addicts

Article August 18, 2016

The Amy Winehouse Foundation has partnered with a housing provider to open a home for women recovering from alcohol and drug addiction, on the fifth anniversary of the singer’s death.… Read More

Face It TOGETHER® Health Launches To Deliver Leading-Edge Solutions For Addiction Care

Article August 18, 2016

On July 25, 2016, Face It TOGETHER announced the commercial launch of a new division, Face It TOGETHER Health, dedicated to helping addiction providers dramatically strengthen their recovery support programs.… Read More

Compass Mark Appoints Eric Kennel As New Director

Article August 18, 2016

Manheim Township-based Compass Mark, a nonprofit focused on addiction prevention in Lancaster County announced that it is under new leadership. Eric Kennel was hired as its new executive director after… Read More

Pivot Announces $1.75 Million From Albany To Create Addiction Recovery Center In Watertown

Article August 8, 2016

With an increased number of overdose deaths in Jefferson county and Watertown (Including heroin and opiates), local groups have been fighting the heroin epidemic in the north country. Local officials… Read More

Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act – A Healthy Dose Of Skepticism Required

Article August 8, 2016

On July 14, 2016 the U.S. Senate passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (CARA) and the Act was sent to the President’s desk to be signed into… Read More

Keeping Up With The Changing Medicaid Addiction Treatment Landscape

Article July 21, 2016

Addiction treatment has been a hot topic in the news over the past few months, from the opioid crisis taking over states and communities, to the release of a new… Read More

National Association Of Addiction Treatment Providers Selects New Board Of Director Members

Article July 14, 2016

The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) announced the selection of the following treatment center executives to the NAATP National Board of Directors: Paul Bacharach as President and Chief… Read More

How Do We Include Addiction In Care Coordination?

Article June 22, 2016

The dramatic rise in heroin and opioid-related drug abuse issues has been getting a lot of attention from everyone – politicians and policymakers, news and media outlets, payers and provider… Read More

National Association Of Addiction Treatment Providers Pioneers National Outcomes Study

Article June 13, 2016

The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) announced the addiction industry’s new study to measure the efficacy of addiction treatment consisting of comprehensive national data. The study will track… Read More

American Board Of Preventive Medicine Sponsored The Application Allowing Physicians Certified By ABMS Member Boards To Apply For The New Certificate

Article June 13, 2016

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) officially recognized Addiction Medicine as a subspecialty at its October 2015 Board Meeting in Dallas, Texas. The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM),… Read More

Pennsylvania Department Of Health Names Meghna Patel To Lead Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

Article June 13, 2016

The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced that Meghna Patel, MHA, has been named director of the state Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) Office. Patel will be responsible for developing and… Read More

Mercy Hospital Closing Outpatient Addiction Services

Article June 13, 2016

Mercy Hospital is closing the door on its outpatient addiction services at the hospital to make way for a new drug treatment program. The Greater Portland Addiction Collaborative includes a… Read More

New Mental Health & Addiction Crisis Center Officially Opens In Asheville

Article June 13, 2016

A new mental health and addiction crisis center that has been more than a year in the making, will open Thursday in Asheville. Mental health advocates say the center will… Read More

Substance Abuse Privacy Rules Could Be Changing

Article June 2, 2016

When we talk about primary care and behavioral health integration, coordinated care management, and health information exchange, one persistent problem always comes up – 42 CFR. What is 42 CFR?… Read More

28% Of Uninsured Working Age Adults Have A Mental Health Or Addiction Disorder In States That Have Not Expanded Medicaid

Article June 1, 2016

In states that have not expanded Medicaid, about 24.9% of adults between the ages of 18 and 64 have a mental health problem or addiction disorder. The prevalence is higher,… Read More

New Mental-Health & Addictions Centre At Vancouver General Hospital Aims To Reduce Visits To The ER

Article June 1, 2016

Last year, Vancouver hospitals saw roughly 10,000 visits for mental-health emergencies and more than 6,000 people admitted for substance-misuse incidents such as a drug overdose. Vancouver Coastal health (VCH), the… Read More

Scripps Florida Team Awarded $3.4m To Develop Treatments For Addiction, Mood Disorders

Article June 1, 2016

A team from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) and the University of North Carolina (UNC) has been awarded $3.4 million from the National Institute on Drug… Read More

Individuals With Mental Illness Often Have Co-Occurring Disorders.

Article May 31, 2016

Individuals with mental illness may suffer from more than one mental disorder at a given time. Depressive illnesses tend to co-occur with substance abuse and anxiety disorders. Ref. 31: Johns… Read More

The Strategic Implications Of HIV & The Addiction Epidemic

Article May 25, 2016

The focus on “whole person” care coordination for consumers with complex support needs has pushed managers of traditional specialty organizations to add new expertise to their teams. The reason is… Read More

Nearly 40% of homeless individuals in the U.S. suffer from serious & persistent mental illnesses.

Article May 23, 2016

Unfortunately, their conditions are often exacerbated by co-occurring substance abuse disorders (U.S. Conference of Mayors). Ref. 23 Kadima Center. (2016, April 12). Resources: Facts About Mental Illnss. Retrieved from Kadimacenter.org:… Read More

Behavioral Health Group Acquires Two Programs

Article May 20, 2016

Behavioral Health Group, LLC (BHG) has announced the acquisition of two addiction treatment programs in Spartanburg and Aiken, S.C. Chief Development Officer Dwight Mussleman added that a fundamental component of… Read More

According to Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, 31.3 million adults (13.7% of the population) received mental health services during the past 12 months.

Article May 17, 2016

Between 70% and 90% of people with mental illnesses experience a significant reduction of symptoms and an improved quality of life with proper care and treatment. Ref. 17 A Substance… Read More

Cornerstone Recovery Center Announces New Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Program

Article April 6, 2016

Cornerstone Recovery Center recently announced the expansion of its mental health services. The South Florida drug treatment center now offers a Co-occurring Services Program for those struggling with a dual… Read More

Increase In Mortality Among Middle-Aged White Americans Due To Suicide & Substance Abuse

Article March 10, 2016

Between 1999 and 2014, death rates increased more than expected among middle-aged, white Americans, and addiction and suicide were among the top 10 causes of death. Most of the increase… Read More

Moving Toward Integrated Behavioral Intervention For Treating Multimorbidity Among Chronic Pain, Depression, & Substance-Use Disorders In Primary Care

Article March 2, 2016

Key Messages Although chronic pain, depression, and substance-use disorders (SUDs) frequently occur together in primary care patients, there is, currently, little known regarding effective integrated behavioral treatment for this multimorbidity.… Read More

Feds Approve California’s Medi-Cal Addiction Treatment Waiver

Article February 18, 2016

On August 14, 2015, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) announced the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) had approved the state’s Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery… Read More

New Medicaid Quality Measures Focus On Monitoring Opioids, Diabetes, & Antipsychotics

Article February 5, 2016

In December 2015, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) added new Medicaid quality measures focused on monitoring opioids prescribed to adults, diabetes screening for adults taking antipsychotics,… Read More

Michiana Health Information Network To Pilot Opioid Treatment Health Information Exchange

Article February 5, 2016

On May 1, 2015, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced that Michiana Health Information Network (MHIN) was selected to launch an opioid treatment program (OTP)… Read More

Caron Purchases Young Adult Intensive Outpatient Program

Article February 4, 2016

Caron Treatment Centers announced an agreement to acquire Solutions Atlanta, an intensive outpatient program for adolescents and young adults, based in Roswell, Ga. Expansion in Atlanta is a priority in… Read More

Critical Intervention Services Available From Addiction Treatment Group

Article January 25, 2016

Addiction Treatment Group offers critical intervention services for drug and alcohol addicts in Philadelphia and its neighboring regions. Critical intervention services are often seen as a last resort for family… Read More

Catasys Signs National Agreement With Humana

Article January 25, 2016

Catasys, Inc., a provider of proprietary big-data based analytics and predictive modeling driven health management services for health plans, announced that it has signed a national agreement with Humana Behavioral… Read More

Indiana Launches Voucher-Based Behavioral Health Program For Uninsured Offenders With Mental Illness Or Addiction Disorder

Article January 25, 2016

On November 1, 2015, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) launched Recovery Works, a statewide voucher-based specialty behavioral health program for… Read More

Computer-Based Psychotherapy Reduced Chronic Insomnia Among Veterans With Substance Use Disorders

Article January 25, 2016

A computer-based psychotherapy program for insomnia (CBPI), called RESTORE, reduced the severity of chronic insomnia by half for 32% of a group of veterans who were with chronic insomnia who… Read More

Enterhealth Expands Addiction Treatment Facility

Article January 25, 2016

Dallas-based drug and alcohol addiction treatment company Enterhealth is expanding its medical rehab operation at its residential treatment facility in Van Alstyne. The $1 million expansion and upgrades to the… Read More

Hawaii Launches Autism Insurance Mandate

Article January 25, 2016

On January 1, 2016, Hawaii launched a new autism insurance mandate. The law applies to individual and group insurance plans issued or renewed after January 1, 2016. Coverage for autism… Read More

NYS Commits To Funding Addiction Hotline

Article January 22, 2016

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services has agreed to provide funding for an emergency response team in Western New York. The team would respond to… Read More

Westcare Nevada’s New 22,000 Square-Foot Center Designed To Tackle Drug & Mental Health Issues

Article January 14, 2016

WestCare Nevada, a nonprofit started in Las Vegas more than 40 years ago that provides a variety of programs across the continuum of health and human services in more than… Read More

BioCare Recovery Teams Up With Magellan Behavioral Health To Deliver Innovative Addiction Recovery Services

Article December 18, 2015

BioCare Recovery an addiction treatment center located in suburban Philadelphia, announced today that it has contracted with Magellan Behavior Health, one of the country’s largest behavioral benefits managers, to deliver… Read More

BioCare Recovery Partners With Magellan Behavioral Health

Article December 18, 2015

BioCare Recovery, an addiction treatment center located in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, announced that it has contracted with Magellan Behavior Health, one of the country’s largest behavioral benefits managers, to deliver… Read More

Pennsylvania Medicaid To Expand Health Home Pilot Program For Pregnant Women With Substance Abuse Disorders

Article December 9, 2015

During the first half of calendar year 2016, the Pennsylvania Medicaid program is planning launch a new program designed to better coordinate care for pregnant women with substance abuse disorders.… Read More

10% Of Adults In United States Report Lifetime Drug Use Disorders

Article December 9, 2015

About 10% of adults in the United States in 2012 had a lifetime drug use disorder (DUD) as defined in the Fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of… Read More

SAMHSA Awards $312.2 Million For Mental & Substance Use Disorder Youth Programs

Article November 17, 2015

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded up to $312.2 million in funding for behavioral health services over the next five years for tribal and state youth… Read More

New Behavioral Health Hospital Opens In Olathe, Kansas

Article November 17, 2015

Cottonwood Springs Hospital, a 72-bed, private behavioral health hospital, recently opened its doors in Olathe, Kansas. It is the 12th behavioral health hospital built or under construction by Springstone Inc.,… Read More

HHS Awards $22.9 Million In Planning Grants For Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

Article November 17, 2015

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in conjunction with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Assistant Secretary of Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), awarded… Read More

What Can We Learn About Addiction Treatment From Medicaid’s Coverage of Mental Health Services?

Article November 2, 2015

Medicaid is currently the dominant purchaser of mental health services in the U.S., paying for nearly half of all public spending on mental health treatment. An article in the July… Read More

Father Martin’s Ashley & University Of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Open Outpatient Treatment Program

Article September 29, 2015

Father Martin’s Ashley and the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center announced the opening of the Ashley Outpatient Treatment Program, an intensive outpatient program that provides treatment for adults… Read More

Beacon Health Options Now Provides Quality Mental Health Care & Substance Use Disorder Services To West Virginia Family Health Plan Medicaid Members

Article September 29, 2015

Beacon Health Options, the nation’s premier behavioral health management company, announced that it began managing behavioral health care and substance use disorder services for West Virginia Family Health (WVFH) Medicaid… Read More

Washington State To Move Medicaid Addiction Treatment To Managed Care & Carve-In Mental Health Services

Article September 4, 2015

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is preparing to integrate Medicaid mental health and addiction treatment services into its physical health managed care plans by 2020. As a first… Read More

Bryant Brown Healthcare Selected By Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation To Promote Southern California Treatment Centers

Article August 28, 2015

The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, a leader in addiction recovery, has chosen Bryant Brown Healthcare as its advertising agency for its Southern California centers. Bryant Brown will promote the new… Read More

American Addiction Centers President Resigns

Article August 28, 2015

In response to a California Department of Justice investigation and resulting charges involving a 2010 incident in which a patient died at an American Addiction Centers (AAC) facility, Jerrod Menz… Read More

SalusCare Expands Mental Health Services For Adults & Children

Article July 21, 2015

Florida-based SalusCare hired two child psychiatrists, two pediatricians, and six doctors and nurses to fill out its adult substance abuse program. All of the new pediatric staffers are expected to… Read More

Hazelden & St. Elizabeth Healthcare Form Partnership To Fight Heroin Abuse In Kentucky

Article July 21, 2015

The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation has teamed with St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Northern Kentucky to address the heroin and prescription painkiller abuse that is happening across the state. The St.… Read More

Hazelden To Add Detox Services To Treatment Options

Article July 21, 2015

The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is adding detoxification services to their list of treatments. The addiction treatment center in Naples, Florida, specializes in residential and outpatient treatment but has directed… Read More

Centerstone Merges With WellSpring Resources

Article July 21, 2015

Centerstone and WellSpring Resources have finalized a merger that combines their operations to advance the delivery of mental health and substance abuse treatment in Illinois and nationwide. The organizations announced… Read More

West Virginia Medicaid To Develop Opiate Addiction Treatment Program For Justice-Involved Beneficiaries

Article July 15, 2015

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) is developing a pilot opiate addiction treatment program that may include medication assisted treatment for Medicaid beneficiaries involved with the… Read More

Recovery Centers Of America, Following $200 Million Launch, Plans Fall 2015 Facility Opening

Article July 15, 2015

Recovery Centers of America (RCA), a start-up addiction treatment provider organization funded by an investment of over $200 million, launched operations in October 2014 and anticipates opening its first facilities between November… Read More

Ontario, Canada Government Expands Use Of Integrated Mental Health & Addictions Care Models

Article July 2, 2015

On June 10, 2015, the Adopting Research to Improve Care (ARTIC) program in Ontario, Canada, announced it was continuing the expansion of integrated behavioral and physical health with the selection… Read More

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Sponsors “Recovery 2.0″ Global Online Event

Article July 2, 2015

The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, the nation’s largest nonprofit addiction treatment provider, sponsored the free “Recovery 2.0: Beyond Addiction” online conference June 12-18, 2015. The event presented one-on-one, in-depth conversations… Read More

Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George To Resign & Lead Valley Hope

Article July 2, 2015

The commerce secretary in the administration of Governor Sam Brownback of Kansas, Pat George, announced plans to resign in July 2015. George has been with Brownback since 2011. A replacement… Read More

The River Source Launches New Youth Addiction Treatment Program

Article June 29, 2015

The River Source announced the opening of the new Youth Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment Program at their Mesa, Arizona residential facility. The youth program is offered to male teens… Read More

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Launches Addiction Course For Medical Students

Article June 29, 2015

An education curriculum to train medical school students about addiction is now available from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). Medical schools can… Read More

Sky Toxicology Donates Twelve New Addiction Treatment Scholarships

Article June 29, 2015

Sky Toxicology chose 12 new winners for the Sky Toxicology “Pass The Torch” Scholarship Awards. Sky Toxicology donates $10,000 scholarships to addiction treatment facilities for patients who can’t afford treatment.… Read More

Drug Testing & Public Programs – What Are The Rules?

Article June 29, 2015

Over the past five years, we’ve seen a trend emerging when it comes to public assistance services – many states are proposing (or requiring) that applicants take drug tests in order… Read More

25% Of Low-Income Adults In Los Angeles Have Depression; High Incidence Of Co-Occurring Substance Abuse Noted

Article June 29, 2015

About 25% of low-income adults in under-resourced communities in Los Angeles County, California screened positive for depression. Among those who screened positive for depression, more than half (51%) had a substance… Read More

Of Mothers Enrolled In Early Childhood Home Visiting Programs, One-Third Had Symptoms Of Behavioral Disorders

Article June 29, 2015

About one-third of mothers of infants and pregnant women enrolled in early childhood home visiting programs in 12 states had symptoms of depression or substance use at intake as of… Read More

Newly Insured Populations Projected To Have Higher Rates Of Addiction & Lower Rates Of Mental Illness Than Traditional Medicaid Population

Article June 29, 2015

Among the approximately 25 million individuals that are projected to gain insurance as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the prevalence of addiction is higher… Read More

Massachusetts Analysis Finds Capacity Gaps In Addiction Treatment Services Limit Access To Residential Step-Down Services

Article June 18, 2015

In 2014, fewer than half of Massachusetts residents who received detoxification acute treatment services (ATS) and who were referred for residential step down services were able to obtain them, in… Read More

Hazelden Betty Ford Launches Advocacy Initiative

Article June 18, 2015

The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation has launched a new “Institute for Recovery Advocacy” to smash stigma, shape public policy and educate people about the problems of addiction. The Institute for… Read More

Greenville Substance Abuse & Mental Health Treatment Center Drops Medicaid & Medicare

Article June 18, 2015

Administrators with the Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities announced that the Walter B. Jones Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center in Greenville, North Carolina, withdrew from the Centers for… Read More

Jimmy Mooney Named Vice President Of Busiess Development At MAP Health Management

Article June 18, 2015

MAP Health Management, LLC, a provider of outcome data, aftercare programs, and revenue cycle management for addiction treatment facilities, announced that Jimmy Mooney has joined the company as Vice President… Read More

Centerstone To Merge With Two Illinois Health Centers

Article June 18, 2015

Nashville-based Centerstone has signed a letter of intent to merge with Prairie Center, a substance abuse treatment center, and WellSpring Resources, a total wellness resource. The merger will create one… Read More

Acadia Healthcare Acquires Quality Addiction Management

Article June 10, 2015

Acadia Healthcare acquired Quality Addiction Management (QAM), a Milwaukee-based operator of seven addiction treatment centers in Wisconsin, for $53 million. QAM has locations in Waukesha, Racine, Green Bay, Sheboygan, Beloit,… Read More

Do Childhood Adversity & Psychiatric Disorders Cause Us To Age?

Article May 22, 2015

Researchers at Butler Hospital and Brown University located in Providence, Rhode Island may have identified a possible link between psychiatric disorders, biological changes at the cellular level, and childhood diversity.… Read More

Enterhealth Announces Ling To Serve As Clinical Adviser

Article May 12, 2015

Walter Ling, MD, joined the advisory board of Dallas-based addiction treatment organization Enterhealth as a clinical adviser. Ling also serves as principal investigator for the National Institute on Drug Abuse… Read More

9.5% Of Full-Time Workers In The United States Had Substance Use Disorder In The Past Year

Article May 7, 2015

An average of 9.5% of full-time workers (ages 18 to 64) experienced a substance use disorder during the past year, according to an analysis of national survey data from 19… Read More

TCNJ & Rutgers Receive Grants For Drug Recovery Housing

Article May 7, 2015

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) and Rutgers University each received a $245,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services. TCNJ will use the grant to establish recovery… Read More

Addex & NIAAA Form Collaboration To Evaluate Alcohol Use Disorder Drug

Article May 7, 2015

Addex Therapeutics, a company pioneering allosteric modulation-based drug discovery and development formed a collaboration with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a component of the National Institutes… Read More

Cardinal Innovations & QuitlineNC Form Partnership For Smoking Cessation

Article May 7, 2015

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions launched a smoking cessation campaign called “Kick It” on January 5 to help people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders quit smoking. Cardinal Innovations partnered… Read More

Drug-Related Deaths – Prescription Meds Still Top The List

Article May 7, 2015

A quick scan of the headlines reveals a lot about the increase in deaths from heroin – between 2012 and 2013, heroin overdose deaths in the United States increased by… Read More

Global Burden Of Disease Attributable To Mental & Substance Use Disorders: Findings From The Global Burden Of Disease Study 2010

Article May 5, 2015

Key Messages Mental health and substance use disorders make up a substantial component of global disease burden, being the fifth leading category of global disability adjusted life years (DALYs) after… Read More

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