Blog - Latest News

Blog # 4

Written by Mark W. Parrino, MPA – AATOD President
April 27, 2017

As many of our readers know, it has been impossible to pick up a paper or watch television news without hearing a story about the current opioid addiction crisis in America. President Trump recently appointed Governor Christie to be the head of the Commission, focusing on addiction and the opioid crisis. Additionally, HHS Secretary Price nominated Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use in HHS. Both of these appointments are excellent and will be extremely beneficial to our field.

 

Congress approved the CURES funding package and SAMHSA is currently working with the states and grantees to utilize the first $500 million dollars of funding in 2017.

 

Some states have extremely innovative models, such as the Vermont Hub and Spoke model. While other states have been challenged in providing access to treatment for their state residents. We have just learned that the state of Mississippi is expanding access to OTPs in order to get the patients the care they need. In the past several years, a large number of Mississippi residents have crossed the border to access care in Alabama and Louisiana. This is welcome news and we are grateful for such a progressive turn in the state’s approach to treatment.

 

We also know that a number of Tennessee residents cross the border to access care in northwestern Georgia. This border crossing caused the Georgia legislature to impose a moratorium on opening new OTPs. This moratorium is expected to be lifted at the end of the current calendar year as the legislature wraps up its findings.

 

The Commissioner of Health for West Virginia, Dr. Rahul Gupta, recently expressed his interest in developing a comprehensive plan to reduce the number of opioid related deaths in his state. I recently wrote Dr. Gupta, urging him to lift the longstanding moratorium, which has prevented the development of new OTPs in West Virginia since 2008.

 

While we are in an age of conflicting interests and a growing sense of urgency in order to protect our citizens from the ravages of opioid addiction, we also need to be clear in following evidence based practices and effective policies. Regardless of the state you live in, we need a balance of well-coordinated efforts with prevention, treatment and enforcement. These have always been the three essential policy cornerstones for any effective policy in this field.

 

We also need to be careful about advancing one addiction treatment medication at the expense of another. There are only three federally approved medications to treat opioid addiction. They all have value and they all should be used at different times in the experience of patient care depending on what the individual needs. Illustratively, Vivitrol (Naltrexone) represents an excellent medication for a former opioid addicted inmate, who has been in jail for some time and is about to be released. Many inmates generally have a fear of relapse upon release from long term incarceration even though they have not used opioids for some time. There are a number of correctional facilities that are using Vivitrol injections before the inmate is released. Once again, the key here is to ensure that the patient gets access to a referral so that they can continue their treatment with Vivitrol or other medications, which are deemed medically appropriate and effective. A number of correctional facilities are also working with treatment providers so that inmates with opioid use disorders get access to methadone and buprenorphine.

 

While methadone maintenance is still considered the “gold standard” of medications to treat this disorder, there are a number of people who have forgotten that it exists and do not factor it into their plan to treat this disorder. The state of Wyoming comes to mind as the recent recipient of a SAMHSA grant. A recent newspaper story indicated that such treatment providers do not believe that methadone is a safe medication to treat this disorder.

 

Buprenorphine is an excellent medication and access to such medication has increased through DATA 2000 practices. Once again, all of these medications should be used with effective and well-coordinated services.

 

Ultimately, there will be many discussions about what works best for patients and how the system should function in an integrated way. The only way we are going to get a handle in dealing with an epidemic that has taken 25 years to develop, is to be clear in setting realistic goals about what can be done.

 

Finally, financial and workforce resources also need to be available as treatment access increases.

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@aatod1984
  • Research shows methadone maintenance is more effective when it includes counseling—and even more so with medical or psychosocial services, like employment or family assistance. This is a key piece of #MAT for #OUD. More info: https://lnkd.in/ehYFCRvu 
#PNAP #ProgramNotaPill
  • Quick Reminder - Our committee deadline for #aatod2024 Conference related presentations is fast approaching on Monday, September 18th. We are encouraging you to submit your presentations since it will certainly contribute to an information-packed conference event.
  • #ICYMI, AATOD’s recent “How To” Webinar, Expanding the Use of Mobile Vans, is now available for viewing. Speakers included policy partners from the #DEA, #SAMHSA and #OTPs. 
Access to Full Video ➡️ youtu.be/f0KPRoYE7c8 🎥
  • August 21 is National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. GET THE FACTS ON #FENTANYL ➡️bit.ly/3OMPZo6.

According to the CDC, an estimated 110,511 people in the U.S. died of drug overdoses and poisonings in 2022, with almost 70 % of those deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Only 2 mg of fentanyl is considered a potentially lethal dose. #facingfentanylnow
  • We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. 

Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference
May 18-22, 2024

Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino

Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication

Important Deadlines:
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024

For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com

This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition.

#aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
  • We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. 

Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference
May 18-22, 2024

Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino

Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication

Important Deadlines:
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024

For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com

This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition.

#aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
  • We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. 

Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference
May 18-22, 2024

Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino

Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication

Important Deadlines:
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024

For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com

This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition.

#aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
  • We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. 

Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference
May 18-22, 2024

Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino

Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication

Important Deadlines:
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024

For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com

This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition.

#aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
  • We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. 

Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference
May 18-22, 2024

Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino

Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication

Important Deadlines:
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024

For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com

This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition.

#aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
  • We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. 

Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference
May 18-22, 2024

Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino

Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication

Important Deadlines:
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024

For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com

This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition.

#aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
Research shows methadone maintenance is more effective when it includes counseling—and even more so with medical or psychosocial services, like employment or family assistance. This is a key piece of #MAT for #OUD. More info: https://lnkd.in/ehYFCRvu 
#PNAP #ProgramNotaPill
Research shows methadone maintenance is more effective when it includes counseling—and even more so with medical or psychosocial services, like employment or family assistance. This is a key piece of #MAT for #OUD. More info: https://lnkd.in/ehYFCRvu #PNAP #ProgramNotaPill
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
1/10
Quick Reminder - Our committee deadline for #aatod2024 Conference related presentations is fast approaching on Monday, September 18th. We are encouraging you to submit your presentations since it will certainly contribute to an information-packed conference event.
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
2/10
#ICYMI, AATOD’s recent “How To” Webinar, Expanding the Use of Mobile Vans, is now available for viewing. Speakers included policy partners from the #DEA, #SAMHSA and #OTPs. Access to Full Video ➡️ youtu.be/f0KPRoYE7c8 🎥
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
3/10
August 21 is National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. GET THE FACTS ON #FENTANYL ➡️bit.ly/3OMPZo6. According to the CDC, an estimated 110,511 people in the U.S. died of drug overdoses and poisonings in 2022, with almost 70 % of those deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Only 2 mg of fentanyl is considered a potentially lethal dose. #facingfentanylnow
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
4/10
We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. 

Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference
May 18-22, 2024

Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino

Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication

Important Deadlines:
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024

For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com

This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition.

#aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference May 18-22, 2024 Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication Important Deadlines: CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024 For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition. #aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
5/10
We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. 

Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference
May 18-22, 2024

Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino

Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication

Important Deadlines:
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024

For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com

This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition.

#aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference May 18-22, 2024 Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication Important Deadlines: CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024 For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition. #aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
6/10
We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. 

Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference
May 18-22, 2024

Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino

Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication

Important Deadlines:
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024

For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com

This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition.

#aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference May 18-22, 2024 Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication Important Deadlines: CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024 For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition. #aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
7/10
We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. 

Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference
May 18-22, 2024

Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino

Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication

Important Deadlines:
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024

For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com

This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition.

#aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference May 18-22, 2024 Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication Important Deadlines: CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024 For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition. #aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
8/10
We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. 

Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference
May 18-22, 2024

Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino

Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication

Important Deadlines:
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024

For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com

This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition.

#aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference May 18-22, 2024 Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication Important Deadlines: CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024 For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition. #aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
9/10
We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. 

Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference
May 18-22, 2024

Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino

Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication

Important Deadlines:
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024

For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com

This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition.

#aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
We invite you to join us as we continue to address the #opioid epidemic. Save the Date: #aatod2024 Conference May 18-22, 2024 Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino Conference Theme: Treating Opioid Use Disorders, So Much More Than Medication Important Deadlines: CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2024 For more details ➡️ www.aatodconference.com This Conference will represent 40 years since our Association convened our first Conference in New York City in 1984 under the aegis of the Northeast Regional Methadone Treatment Coalition. #aatod2024 Conference will prove to be a landmark event, providing access to current research and policy considerations as our country continues to face challenges with opioid use disorder, especially in an era of dangerous #fentanyl use. #OUD
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
10/10

Join OKATOD, one of AATOD’s state chapters, in Oklahoma City on Oct 12 as they convene their ninth annual OKATOD Conference. This year’s theme is HARM REDUCTION: A TRANSFORMATIVE APPROACH.
Register ➡️ http://bit.ly/461CkkG

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