MONTHLY | April 2020
MACS provides support to Maryland prescribers and their practices in addressing the needs of their patients with substance use disorders and chronic pain management.
1-855-337-MACS (6227) |  www.marylandMACS.org  |  tsommer@som.umaryland.edu
News.
COVID-19 Shifts More Methadone From Opioid Clinic to Home
"Not only is there a risk that drugs used in medication-assisted treatment may be diverted, but they could also cause potentially dangerous side effects in patients with COVID-19 related respiratory symptoms." MACS Consultant, Dr. Yngvild Olsen, discusses overdose deaths during the current pandemic.
COVID-19: Potential Implications for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders 
As people across the U.S. and the rest of the world contend with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the research community should be alert to the possibility that it could affect some populations with substance use disorders particularly hard. For additional support and questions about patients with SUDs, MACS can help.
Trends in Alcohol-Induced Deaths in the United States, 2000-2016
Large increases in alcohol-induced mortality in both men and women were observed during this period. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to share harm reduction and recovery resources with patients who use alcohol.
Pain management
With the opioid-prescribing debate remaining polarized, myths can contribute to overprescribing or underprescribing . Questions about prescribing opioids for pain? Call MACS.
HOLIDAYS | The MACS line will be closed:
Memorial Day - May 25, 2020
April Awareness Campaigns
Education.
Providing Telebehavioral Services in Maryland During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Thursday, April 9, 2020 | 12 pm - 1 pm
Live webinar

Presented by MACS Consultant, Dr. Christopher Welsh, and others from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Co-hosted by Behavioral Health Systems Baltimore.
Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Live webinar
Presented by MACS Consultant, Michael Fingerhood, MD
Virtual training and education opportunities
Addiction Technology Transfer Center
Telehealth Learning and Discussion Series for SUD Treatment and Recovery Support Providers 
March 31, 2020 - April 27, 2020 | Various times
PCSS Clinical Roundtable: How COVID-19 Impacts Clinical Practice
Thursday, April 9 | 3 pm - 4 pm
Resources.
The ASAM National Practice Guideline 2020 focused update 
Intended to inform and empower clinicians, health system administrators, criminal justice system administrators, and policymakers who are interested in implementing evidence-based practices to improve outcomes for individuals with OUD. This is especially critical in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 emergency, which threatens to curtail patient access to evidence-based treatment.   Learn more...
Guidance for People Who Use Substances on
COVID-19
People who use drugs face additional risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. This safety guide was created for people who use drugs and clinicians who have patients who use drugs.
A Physician's Guide to COVID-19
This quick-start COVID-19 physician guide, curated from comprehensive CDC, JAMA and WHO resources, will help prepare your practice, address patient concerns and answer your most pressing questions.