Clinical Leadership & Infection Control

A new class of synthetic opioids known as orphines is emerging in the U.S., raising concerns for public health officials and clinicians, The New York Times reported May 5.  Orphines began appearing in the U.S. drug supply in the fall,…

Oxford Treatment Center in Etta, Miss., reported a 35% increase in patients identifying alcohol as their primary substance of concern over the past year.  The trend reflects a broader public health issue, as alcohol use disorder affects approximately 1 in…

The federal government launched a behavioral health research initiative, with $50 million allocated to match state investments in psychedelic research, including psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound being studied to treat serious mental illness. Research interest in psilocybin is growing, particularly for…

A plant-based psychoactive compound, ibogaine, is making headlines. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to accelerate research, regulatory review and access to psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine compounds. Texas is moving forward with its own research program, and Mississippi is…

The Mental Health Parity Index found 43 states have disparities in access to in-network mental health care and substance use disorder treatment. The tool — created by the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Foundation, The Kennedy Forum, Third Horizon…

The World Health Organization has updated several recommendations for the treatment of opioid dependency and community management of opioid overdose.  Opioid use remains a major global health burden. In 2023, an estimated 316 million people worldwide used the drug, including…