In the News
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vox.com: A new study suggests it’s possible to get people off opioids and improve their pain
Posted 7/21/2017
The study found that when some patients are tapered off opioids, their pain levels improve.
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vox.com: There’s a highly successful treatment for opioid addiction. But stigma is holding it back.
Posted 7/21/2017
Medication-assisted treatment is often called the gold standard of addiction care. But much of the country has resisted it.
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nj.com: The ugly truth about substance abuse treatment in N.J.
Posted 7/18/2017
New Jersey is only meeting 59 percent of its demand for substance abuse treatment, according to a study quietly published by the Department of Human Services.
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scientificamerican.com: Major Science Report Lays Out a Plan to Tamp Down Opioid Crisis
Posted 7/18/2017
The National Academies report includes recommendations for federal agencies, states and medical personnel
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washingtonpost.com: As opioid overdoses exact a higher price, communities ponder who should be saved
Posted 7/18/2017
As their budgets strain, communities have begun questioning how much money and effort they should be spending to deal with overdoses, especially in cases involving people who have taken near-fatal overdoses multiple times. State and local officials say it might be time for “tough love”: pushing soaring medical costs onto drug abusers or even limiting how many times first responders can save an individual’s life.
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usnews.com: Missouri Becomes Last State to Create Drug-Monitoring Plan
Posted 7/18/2017
Gov. Eric Greitens has signed an executive order making Missouri the final state to establish a drug monitoring program.
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nj.com: Knock Out Opioid Abuse town hall series continues in September
Posted 7/17/2017
Residents of Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties are invited to join the conversation on the national opioid epidemic as the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey continues its Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall series.
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annfammed.org - Denial: The Greatest Barrier to the Opioid Epidemic
Posted 7/17/2017
“Why can’t you be like my old doctor?” This essay explores my experiences as a new family physician in a rural town endemic with liberal opioid prescribing practices and opioid addiction. I detail my inner turmoil while overcoming resistance to change, the influence of these experiences on my professional growth, and my decision to offer medication-assisted treatment.
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njspotlight.com: CHRISTIE’S SUMMER SURPRISE: MOVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO DIFFERENT DIVISION
Posted 7/17/2017
Shift from Human Services to Health department would involve 200 staff, nearly $1 billion
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physiciansnews.com: The Case for Scrupulous Documentation when Prescribing Opioids
Posted 7/17/2017
Opioid abuse is becoming epidemic in the U.S., with more than 90 people dying each day of overdoses. A significant factor is the over-prescription of such pain medications as Oxycontin, Oxycodone and Fentanyl. Physicians who prescribe opioids must carefully weigh the pain relief benefits but also meticulously document medical care in compliance with increased regulatory oversight. Failure to do either could lead to sanctions against a physician’s license.