Richmond, Va. – Urine specimen dilution is the most common method used to avoid detection of new drug and alcohol use. Dilution occurs when someone consumes an excessive amount of fluid (2-4 quarts) over a short period of time (90 minutes). Dilution significantly lowers the concentration of detectable drugs and alcohol in urine and also […]
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What makes a Safe Injection Site?
Richmond, Va. – A Safe injection site, also called supervised consumption services, safe consumption sites, overdose prevention centers, or supervised injection facilities, are legally sanctioned, medically supervised facilities in which drug users can, using their own drugs, consume drugs in a safe space. Staff at the facilities do not provide drugs or assist users in […]
Read MoreOpioid Intervention Court: Removing Shame from Addiction
Richmond, Va. – More than 33,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose in 2015.[1] In 2017, with the help of a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Buffalo, NY started the first Opioid Intervention Court (OIC), overseen by Judge Craig Hannah. The purpose of the court is to link participants to Medication Assisted Treatment […]
Read MoreEvidence-Based Drug Testing Saves Insurers Money
Richmond, Va. – As health care costs continue to rise and America remains tightly in the grip of the opioid crisis, the health care industry is searching for ways to improve treatment and outcomes for those with substance use disorder while also lowering treatment costs. On average, individuals with substance use disorder cost the health […]
Read MorePrinciples of Community-Based Behavioral Health Services
Richmond, Va. – In March 2019, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a guide for community-based behavioral health services for justice-involved individuals. This guideline is meant to promote a quality, evidence- and community-based behavioral health treatment system that is responsive to all individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. Individuals […]
Read MoreWays to Improve Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
Richmond, Va. – The devastating effects of substance use disorders (SUD) on our communities and our citizens is in the news every day. It has affected every corner of our society and is a top priority issue for health care providers and payers as well as first responders, schools, the criminal justice system, employers, and […]
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