How do PDMPs work? To search for a patient in a PDMP, all you need to do is enter the person’s name and birthdate and click the search button. The PDMP will generate a patient activity report that will tell you what controlled substances the patient has picked up and where. The report gives you lots of detail, including the address of the patient; the drug names, doses, quantities, and refill information on any controlled substances that have been dispensed; and the applicable prescriber names, DEA numbers, pharmacy names, dispensing dates, and prescription numbers.

Dr. Raskin discusses strategies when dealing with prescription-seeking patients, including common scenarios for helping clinicians decide whether a patient requesting opioids is endorsing more pain than they actually have.

Two recent federal initiatives have catapulted buprenorphine to the forefront of treatment for opioid use disorders.

Do electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) help people quit smoking tobacco cigarettes? Clinical trials have indicated that e-cigs are as effective as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in quit rates, but what about population-level evidence? Can it show that increasing e-cig popularity in a country leads to a greater likelihood of quitting smoking?

There are a few truths when it comes to cognitive functioning and acute alcohol use. We know that alcohol intoxication can lead to imbalance, disorientation, and loss of consciousness. We also know the ability to hang on to small amounts of information for a few seconds is impaired. However, what’s less clear is the long-term impact on cognitive abilities in heavy drinkers as they age. It may seem like a “no-brainer” that cognitive abilities would be worse in heavy drinkers as they get older, but research on the topic has been conflicting.

After reading these articles, you should be able to…

Ideally, an SUD in a health care provider can be recognized as early as possible, before irreparable harm comes to the provider’s career, patients, or family. Overdose and suicide are not uncommon outcomes, and efforts must be focused on preventing these as well as protecting patients.

Ever wish you could improve treatment compliance among your patients who receive buprenorphine? Ever wish you could offer them the benefit of sublingual buprenorphine while avoiding the risk of diversion and abuse? Well, now you can—maybe.

What changes when addressing addiction when the patient is a doctor? When you’re dealing with health care professionals, the defenses common among people struggling with substance abuse are much more sophisticated. Many times a doctor or other highly trained health professional can talk circles around substance abuse counselors. Dr. Ziegler shares her insight on treating health care professionals.