Articles

Providers grapple with how to protect vulnerable patients and maintain addiction treatment. For 46-year-old Jocelyn Tavarez, maintaining access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) during the pandemic meant going from “The Flintstones” to “The Jetsons” in a matter of days, she told MedPage Today. Tavarez has been receiving MAT and other services at CODAC Behavioral Healthcare — …

Early Data Show Promise in Telephone Counseling for Opioid-Use Disorder Read More »

(CNN) – The number of drug overdose deaths has risen to record levels during the pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since time is critical during an overdose, the American Red Cross is urging everyone to know the signs of an overdose, and how to help. In the 12 months ending …

Drug overdose deaths rise during pandemic Read More »

As a matter of course, geriatric psychiatrist Susan Lehmann asks her patients struggling with their mental health if they drink alcohol or use drugs. In recent years, she’s noted that more of these patients in their 60s, 70s — and even 80s — have answered yes to that question. “I thought to myself, ‘Something’s going …

Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults: A Growing Threat Read More »

The cause of death for John Gilbert Getty, the grandson of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, has been revealed two months after his death at the age of 52. Getty died of cardiomyopathy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, complicated by fentanyl toxicity, the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office in Texas confirms to PEOPLE. The office …

John Gilbert Getty Died from Complications of Accidental Fentanyl Overdose: Medical Examiner Read More »

Benzodiazepine, or benzo, withdrawal happens when a person suddenly stops taking benzodiazepine drugs, which doctors do not recommend. The withdrawal symptoms, which vary in severity, typically begin within 24 hours and may last from a few days to a few months. Benzodiazepines are a group of drugs called nervous system depressants. People may take them …

What happens when you stop taking benzodiazepines? Read More »

Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, has agreed to plead guilty to three federal criminal charges for its role in creating the nation’s opioid crisis and will pay more than $8 billion and close down the company. The money will go to opioid treatment and abatement programs. The privately held company has agreed to pay …

OxyContin maker to plead guilty to federal criminal charges, pay $8 billion, and will close the company Read More »

Everyone can expect to have the occasional bout of anxiety—maybe you get nervous before an interview or a first date—but sometimes, that anxiety doesn’t subside, which may indicate an anxiety disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), there are a few different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, …

12 Anxiety Symptoms That Might Point to a Disorder Read More »