Recent preliminary research reveals that psilocybin helped participants with alcohol use disorder cut back on drinking. Dive in to discover how this psychedelic compound might offer hope for patients who have found other current treatments ineffective.

Xylazine is the latest contaminant being found in the American illicit drug supply. A non-opioid itself, xylazine is usually combined with fentanyl, with which it has synergistic sedative effects. Patients using xylazine can have profound levels of sedation and develop severe peripheral wounds. In this article, we discuss xylazine essentials and cover harm reduction strategies to help keep your patients safe.

Despite their risks, benzodiazepines remain a widely prescribed class of medication. In the prescriber right hands, benzodiazepines can help many patients cope with a variety of psychiatric issues. Here, Dr. Park reviews how to evaluate patients prior to starting benzodiazepines and reviews strategies to ensure that prescriptions are done safely.

Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed but carry significant risks. The best course of action for many patients is to have their benzodiazepine prescription discontinued, but physiologic dependence can make stopping benzodiazepines a big challenge. Dr. Abeillera teaches us how to identify those who might benefit from a taper and covers all the details on how to do it as safely and effectively as possible. 

After reading these articles, you should be able to…

Buprenorphine microinduction can be a useful method of starting BUP induction, however it is not always feasible, particularly in the hospital setting. Here, we discuss the development of an intravenous microinduction protocol that could provide an alternative to the usual sublingual and transdermal routes of administration. 

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening complication of intravenous drug use. This article explores the pathogenesis of IE, key symptoms to recognize, and the crucial steps to take if an infection is suspected. 

Dr. Hermes discusses the intricacies of medications for opioid use disorder by outlining the advantages, disadvantages, and side effect profile of each. She will help you choose the best treatment approach for your patients with opioid use disorder by providing a review of relevant literature and gives you language to use in the clinic.