Journal of addiction medicine
Audio Summaries

A Case of 7-Hydroxymitragynine Use Disorder Treated With Buprenorphine

Mar 24, 2026

The authors investigate the management of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-HMG) use disorder, a condition that is becoming more prevalent due to the increasing availability of this potent opioid. They present a case of a man treated successfully with a combination of methadone and buprenorphine, highlighting the need for further research on 7-HMG's effects and treatment strategies. The study underscores the potential for medication-assisted treatment in addressing 7-HMG addiction.

The Association Between Receiving Medications for Opioid Use Disorder and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing: Findings From the Rural Opioid Initiative

Mar 24, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between receiving medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and the likelihood of undergoing HIV testing among people who use drugs (PWUD) in rural areas. Their findings indicate that individuals who received MOUD were significantly more likely to have been tested for HIV in the past year compared to those who did not receive MOUD, highlighting a potential opportunity for enhancing HIV screening in addiction treatment settings. The study calls for further research to identify strategies for increasing HIV testing in rural drug treatment environments.

Evaluating Clinicians' Perspectives on Initiation of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder During Psychiatric Admissions

Mar 24, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate clinicians' perspectives on the initiation of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) during psychiatric admissions, given the high prevalence of opioid use disorder among this population. Through semistructured interviews with clinical staff, they identified themes related to the acceptance of opioid withdrawal treatment, misconceptions about MOUD, and the impact of stigma, ultimately advocating for improved education and a multidisciplinary approach to enhance MOUD implementation in psychiatric settings.

Stimulant-induced Psychosis: A Comparative Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Psychotic Outcomes from Therapeutic and Nontherapeutic Use of Stimulants

Mar 24, 2026

The authors aimed to compare the incidence and prevalence of stimulant-induced psychosis between therapeutic (prescribed) and nontherapeutic (illicit or misused) stimulant use. Their systematic review and meta-analysis of 77 studies revealed a significantly lower incidence of psychosis in therapeutic users (0.6%) compared to a high prevalence in nontherapeutic users (32.8%), highlighting the need for careful monitoring and harm-reduction strategies in nonmedical contexts. The findings suggest that while prescribed stimulants carry a low risk, nontherapeutic use poses a substantial public health concern due to the severity and recurrence of psychotic symptoms.

Determinants of Illness Severity and Mortality Risk Among Hospitalized Patients With Opioid Use Disorder: A National Analysis, 2015-2022

Mar 20, 2026

The authors aimed to identify sociodemographic and hospital-related factors influencing illness severity and mortality risk among hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) from 2015 to 2022. Their analysis revealed that factors such as insurance type, hospital location, and various demographic characteristics significantly impacted the severity of illness and risk of mortality in these patients. The findings underscore the importance of addressing systemic inequities in healthcare to improve outcomes for individuals with OUD.

Fetal Fentanyl Syndrome: An Opportunity to Quantify the Risk in Prospective Cohorts of Patients With Substance Use Disorder

Mar 20, 2026

The authors investigate the emerging concern of "fetal fentanyl syndrome" (FFS) due to increased fentanyl exposure among pregnant women and its potential risks to fetal development. They highlight the limitations of recent studies that attempt to quantify the risk of FFS, noting issues such as selective case ascertainment and confounding factors, and emphasize the need for further research to clarify the relationship between prenatal fentanyl exposure and specific congenital anomalies.

Prenatal Fentanyl Exposure Association With Characteristic Neonatal Anomalies

Mar 20, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the association between prenatal fentanyl exposure and specific neonatal anomalies, proposing the existence of a novel syndrome termed Fetal Fentanyl Syndrome (FFS). In a cohort of 639 obstetric patients with substance use disorder, they identified that 7.8% of those with self-reported fentanyl use had neonates exhibiting signs consistent with FFS, including small head circumference and other characteristic anomalies. The findings suggest a potential link between fentanyl exposure during pregnancy and these neonatal outcomes, although further research is needed to confirm this association and assess long-term developmental effects.

Reducing Hospital Readmissions for Injection Drug Use-Related Infections: A Rapid Qualitative Analysis of Health Care Teams' Consultations to Inform Intervention Design

Mar 18, 2026

This study investigates the factors contributing to hospital readmissions among people who inject drugs (PWID) and evaluates the acceptability of two proposed interventions aimed at reducing these readmissions. Through interviews with healthcare providers, the authors identified key barriers to care and emphasized the importance of addressing training gaps, care continuity, and structural challenges. The findings suggest that both proposed interventions—integrated care for addiction and infectious diseases and patient navigation—are acceptable and highlight critical implementation considerations for effective intervention.

Detecting Suicidality in Opioid Use Disorder Requires an Understanding of Intentional Opioid Overdose

Mar 17, 2026

The authors aim to address the urgent need for effective screening tools to identify individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) at risk for intentional opioid overdose, as existing suicide risk assessments may not adequately capture this population's unique circumstances. They highlight the complexities surrounding the intent of opioid overdoses and emphasize the necessity of developing a validated assessment that considers the specific affective, cognitive, and behavioral factors contributing to this risk. Ultimately, the commentary calls for targeted research to create a screening tool tailored to detect intentional overdose risk in individuals with OUD.

Treatment Initiation and Retention Among Medicaid Enrollees Diagnosed With Opioid Use Disorder in South Carolina

Mar 17, 2026

This study investigates treatment initiation and retention rates among South Carolina Medicaid enrollees newly diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD) in 2021, aiming to understand how patient demographics and community context influence these outcomes. The findings reveal low initiation and retention rates, particularly among non-Hispanic black enrollees and specific age groups, indicating a need for targeted interventions to enhance access to and engagement in OUD treatment.