The latest in substance use disorders and pain management education for healthcare providers

January 2024

Happy New Year, Anna,

The US overdose crisis persists with an estimated 110,000 deaths in 2023. As highlighted by STAT News and CMS Advocacy, key addiction policy developments to watch in 2024 include:

Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act aims to broaden access to methadone.
Buprenorphine via telehealth faces DEA postponement to December 2024 amid criticism.
New Medicare Substance Use Disorder Coverage: New rules intend to close coverage gaps in SUD care, includes physician fee schedule.
Resistance to harm reduction persists. Although the US has warmed to evidence-based harm reduction approaches, some states and legislation are prioritizing police-based tactics.

Similarly, drug policy experts agree that the tools used in the past to address drug epidemics, such as investing in punative measures, are ineffective and perpetuate harmful health outcomes. Yet a provision in the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act seeks to criminalize xylazine for human use.

Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in driving positive change through the delivery of lifesaving and compassionate care. To enhance patient care related to xylazine, call MACS and refer to our xylazine resources.

Healthcare providers can also expand their capacity for SUD care with our robust training line up highlighted in the following section. Join our upcoming webinars on pain management and providing substance use care for perinatal and adolescent populations. Participate in our ongoing ECHO Clinics to collaboratively expand your knowledge and build professional networks.

The MACS Team

EDUCATION

Upcoming Opportunities

image of youth standing in front of grey wall

MACS & BHIPP Webinar

Trends in Adolescent Substance Use: Identification, Screening, and Treatment Planning

Thursday, January 18 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Presented by MACS Consultant, Marc Fishman, MD

two women sit while doctor provides education

MACS for MOMs Webinar

Considerations in Perinatal Substance Use Treatment: Patient Education and Ethical Issues

Friday, January 26 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Presented by MACS for MOMs Consultant, Katie Mark, MD, FACOG

image of woman in pain sitting and pressing her hands to her temples

MACS Webinar

Taking the Sting out of Pain Management: Strategies for Assessment and Treatment

Monday, February 18 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Presented by MACS Pain Management Consultant, Sarah Merritt, MD. Details and registration coming soon

photo of Dr. Springer wearing white coat smiling outside

Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity

It Ain’t for the Faint of Heart: LGBTQ+ Elders Share Our Stories

Wednesday, January 18 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

NIDA HIV Seminar Series with Dr. Sandra Springer

Integrating Addiction and HIV Prevention and Treatment for Everyone and Bringing it to Where They Live

Wednesday, January 24 | 1:00 pm

ASAM/AAAP Management of Stimulant Use Disorder Webinar Series

Stimulant Use Prevention and Harm Reduction

Wednesday, February 7 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Maryland's Office of Overdose Response

Community Overdose Action Town Hall Series

Visit the website to view the upcoming dates

Details

MACS ECHO Clinics

Join our learning communities for continuous case-based discussions and didactic presentations linking expert specialist teams with healthcare providers and their practices. MACS ECHO Clinics count toward the required 8-hours of SUD training for DEA license renewal or registration.

Maternal Health ECHO

SUD Treatment and Pregnancy

Tuesday, January 9

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Opioid Treatment Program ECHO

Extended Release MOUD

Wednesday, January 10

12:30 pm -1:30 pm

Substance Use Disorder ECHO

Psychiatric Effects of Cannabis

Wednesday, January 17

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

MACS Pain Management Webinars

2022 CDC Opioid Prescribing Guidelines Updates

Watch

Challenging Case Presentations and Discussion on the Use of Buprenorphine for Pain

Watch

NEWS

In 2023 fentanyl overdoses ravaged the U.S. and fueled a new culture war fight

Fatal overdoses in the U.S. surged to a record-breaking 112,000 deaths fom May 2022 - May 2023, disproportionately impacting young people and people of color. Experts argue that this unprecedented crisis surpasses all prior drug epidemics, including the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s and the prescription opioid crisis of the 2000s.

Pharmacies and Buprenorphine

Assessing suboxone access in community pharmacies: Secret shopper model

Access to buprenorphine in the pharmacy continues to be a major barrier to recovery in the US. MACS consultant, Bethany DiPaula, PharmD, co-authored a study to assess Suboxone access in Maryland community pharmacies using a secret shopper model.

Maryland pharmacies aren’t stocking enough of a drug that treats opioid addiction

MACS Consultant, Dr. Mike Fingerhood, is quoted in this article about the lack of buprenorphine availability in Maryland pharmacies. Reminder that MACS offers free support to Maryland pharmacy teams with questions about stocking and dispensing this lifesaving treatment for OUD.

Muppets from Sesame Workshop help explain opioid addiction to young children

Over 4% of U.S. kids live with parents struggling with opioid misuse. Sesame Workshop continues to educate families and young minds about addiction and boosting emotional resilience for a brighter future.

Cannabis-Related Disorders and Toxic Effects

In this NEJM review, University of Maryland School of Medicine professor, Dr. David Gorelick, writes about adverse effects of heavy cannabis use on physical and mental health.

Responses to a “Typical” Morning Dose of Kratom in People Who Use Kratom Regularly: A Direct-Observation Study

This study brings the real world to the lab by observing a subsample of adults who use kratom and regularly self-administer their self-selected kratom product.