DACS Digest March 2025

image cutout quarter-circle featuring a table of healthcare providers talking; to the right is a blue background with medical supplies and text "DACS Digest" in black with a red star trailed by two parallel red lines underneath text

Bringing DC healthcare providers the latest news, events, and resources to improve care for patients with substance use disorders and chronic pain management.

March 2025

Dear DACS Provider,

Welcome to the March edition of the DACS Monthly Newsletter!

It is Social Work Month, a time to recognize the invaluable role of social workers in treating individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). These dedicated professionals provide a comprehensive range of services, including initial screening and assessment, ongoing case management, individual and family counseling, crisis intervention and advocacy. They work to empower individuals in their recovery journeys, support families affected by substance use and educate future generations of social workers specializing in addiction treatment.

According to two studies conducted by the National Association of Social Workers, 71 to 87% of social workers have reported working with clients who have substance use disorders. This statistic underscores the need for resources to support these professionals, and DACS is grateful for all of the social workers in DC providing essential care.

Explore this newsletter and the additional resources and tools available on the DACS website for additional information about provider education and treatment resources.

Sincerely,

The DACS Team

Education

Upcoming Trainings of Interest

NAADAC

Marijuana Legalization and the Prevention of Youth Cannabis Use

Wednesday, March 12 | 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Grayken Center for Addiction Training & Technical Assistance

Zeroing in on Xylazine

Wednesday, March 26 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Integrated Nicotine Replacement and Behavioral Support to Reduce Smoking in Opioid Agonist Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

A recent clinical trial found that integrating nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral support into opioid use disorder treatment significantly reduces smoking rates among patients. Given that a majority of individuals receiving opioid agonist therapy smoke tobacco, this approach could substantially improve health outcomes in this population.

Buprenorphine, Pain, and Opioid Use in Patients Taking High-Dose Long-Term Opioids: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This randomized clinical trial investigated the effects of buprenorphine on pain and opioid use in patients taking high-dose, long-term opioids. The study aimed to determine if offering the option of switching to buprenorphine from their existing high-dose opioid regimen could impact pain levels and overall opioid consumption in this patient population. Findings revealed outcomes did not differ significantly between groups; buprenorphine was not associated with better pain among patients in the option arm. Both groups experienced small improvements in pain and substantial reductions in opioid dosage, although relatively few participants ultimately transitioned to buprenorphine.

Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This randomized clinical trial explored the efficacy of once-weekly semaglutide, a medication typically used for diabetes and weight loss, in adults with alcohol use disorder. The study investigated whether semaglutide, relative to placebo, could reduce alcohol consumption and craving in adults with alcohol use disorder. Over the 9-week treatment period, semaglutide led to reductions in some, but not all, measures of weekly consumption, significantly reduced weekly alcohol craving and led to greater relative reductions in cigarettes per day in a subgroup of participants with current cigarette use.

Holidays and Observances

Holidays

DACS Phone Line Will Be Closed

May 26 – Memorial Day

March Observances

Social Work Month

Patient Safety Awareness Week

March 9 – March 15

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

March 17 – March 23

Relevant Resources

DACS Fact Sheet: Adolescents and Substance Use

Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Disorders in Pregnant and Postpartum Patients

A screening and resource guide for healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers in the District of Columbia, prepared by the MedStar Health National Center for Human Factors in Healthcare.

Opioid Use Disorder During and After Pregnancy

A patient resource guide on tips for a Healthy Pregnancy.

Care for the Caregiver

A guide for caregivers of pregnant and postpartum patients with opioid, stimulant, and other substance use disorders.

Pocket Guides for Safe Opioid Prescribing

Contains a number of resources to providers, including: CDC guidelines for safe opioid prescribing, a Morphine Milligram Equivalent (MME) conversion chart, a checklist for prescribing opioids for chronic pain, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and additional resources for providers and patients.

The DC Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (DC PDMP)

The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) aims to improve the District’s ability to identify and reduce diversion of prescription drugs in an efficient and cost effective manner that will not impede the appropriate medical utilization of controlled substances.

Live.Long.DC

A coordinated multi-stakeholder approach to comprehensively address the opioid epidemic by sharing data, discussing initiatives and best practices, and identifying common approaches. The initiative is led by the DC Department of Behavioral Health with a goal of reducing opioid use, misuse, and opioid-related deaths in DC. For more information about Live.Long.DC strategies and initiatives, visit: https://livelong.dc.gov/

1-866-337-DACS (3227) | www.districtdacs.org | dacs@som.umaryland.edu