Addiction Medicine Journal Club

In episode 78 we discuss treating alcohol use disorder in patients with severe liver disease.    Sundaresh R, Singh J, Meza J, Saab S, Shetty A. Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder Among Patients With Severe Alcohol-Related Liver Disease. JAMA Netw Open. 2026;9(2):e2559016. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.59016       We also discuss the final dissolution of Perdue Pharma.  The Guardian: Purdue P...

We love a good poster session. This episode we are joined by Dr. Anthony Accurso to review some of our favorite posters from the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s 2026 Annual Meeting.  All the Posters from ASAM 57    Posters profiled here:  12: Real-World Analysis of Buprenorphine-Precipitated Opioid Withdrawal: A Multicenter Study  38: Co-Located Bridge Clinic/Withdrawal Management Unit Re...

Finally, an external validation of Epic’s controversial risk of opioid abuse and overdose model.    Hooker, S.A., Rossom, R.C., Haapala, J. et al. External Validation of Epic’s Risk of Opioid Abuse and Overdose Model Among Primary Care Patients in Three Health Systems. J GEN INTERN MED (2026).     We also discuss financial consequences of online sports betting, and Trump’s initiative to encourage ...

A new randomized controlled trial of injectable buprenorphine in pregnancy.    Winhusen TJ, Lofwall MR, Kropp F, et al. Extended-Release vs Sublingual Buprenorphine in Pregnancy Through 12 Months Post Partum: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. Published online March 16, 2026.     We also discuss the kindling effect  in opioid withdrawal, and how insurance changes can destabilize patient...

In episode 75 we discuss the mortality benefit of contingency management for stimulant use disorder.    Coughlin LN, Tomlinson DC, Zhang L, Kim HM, Frost MC, Khazanov G, McKay JR, DePhilippis D, Lin LA. Contingency Management for Stimulant Use Disorder and Association With Mortality: A Cohort Study. Am J Psychiatry. 2025 Nov 1;182(11):1016-1023.     We also discuss telemedicine regulations.  ASAM:...

In episode 74 we discuss an article about starting injectable buprenorphine after just one sublingual dose.    Shiwach R, Le Foll B, Alho H, et al. Rapid vs Standard Induction to Injectable Extended-Release Buprenorphine: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(10):e2537319.     We will be presenting high-yield articles that changed our practices at the Pennsylvania Society of Addictio...

In this episode we review 4 more practice changing articles with real-life case studies.    Söderpalm B, Et al. Efficacy and safety of varenicline and bupropion, in combination and alone, for alcohol use disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial. Lancet Reg Health Eur. 2025 May 13;54:101310.      Hendershot CS, Et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults With Alcohol...

In this episode we review 4 practice changing articles with real-life case studies.    Coughlin LN, Et al. Contingency Management for Stimulant Use Disorder and Association With Mortality: A Cohort Study. Am J Psychiatry. 2025 Nov 1;182(11):1016-1023.      Shiwach R, Et al. Rapid vs Standard Induction to Injectable Extended-Release Buprenorphine: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8...

In episode 73 we discuss the risk of long-term opioid use after an initial opioid prescription.    Smith AM, Shah A, Martin BC. An updated view on the influence of initial opioid prescription characteristics on long-term opioid use among opioid naïve patients. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2024 Dec 1;265:112463.     We also discuss alcohol’s place in the new dietary guidelines, and Canada’s drug decriminal...

In episode 72 we discuss a telemedicine protocol for outpatient symptom-triggered alcohol withdrawal management.    Sloan ME, Ngoy A, Xiao KB, Barker B, Buckley L, Fodor M, Hardy K, Hendershot CS, Kahan M, La Fleur S, Le Foll B, Manicone M, Sanches M, Simpkin E, Quilty LC, Wyman J, Tang VM, Bozinoff N. Symptom-Triggered Alcohol Withdrawal Management Delivered Over Telemedicine. J Addict Med. 2025...

In episode 71 we discuss dental problems caused by buprenorphine.    Tuan WJ, Clebak KT, Jawadi E, Snyder J, Zgierska AE. Risk of Oral Health Problems in Adults With Opioid Use Disorder Treated With Transmucosal Buprenorphine. J Addict Med. 2025 Sep-Oct 01;19(5):529-535.     We also discuss over-the-counter naltrexone and what RFK said at his senate confirmation hearing about substance use disorde...

Quick summaries of our last 10 articles, perfect for busy people!    61. Safety of Buprenorphine/Naloxone vs. Buprenorphine in Pregnancy  Straub L, et al. Comparative Safety of In Utero Exposure to Buprenorphine Combined With Naloxone vs Buprenorphine Alone. JAMA. 2024 Sep 10;332(10):805-816.     62. Naltrexone Pills vs Injections for Alcohol Use Disorder  Magane KM, et al. Oral vs Extended-Releas...

In episode 70 we discuss an article about prescription stimulant misuse. Han B, Jones CM, Volkow ND, et al. Prescription Stimulant Use, Misuse, and Use Disorder Among US Adults Aged 18 to 64 Years. JAMA Psychiatry. 2025;82(6):572–581. We also discuss the ASAM toolkit for addressing problems at the pharmacy with buprenorphine, and results of the 2024 NSDUH study. ASAM:Addressing Issues at the Pharm...

In episode 69 we discuss cytisinicline for smoking cessation. Rigotti NA, et al. Cytisinicline for Smoking Cessation: The ORCA Phase 3 Replication Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2025 Jun 1;185(6):648-655. We also discuss treating opioid use disorder in nursing homes and compulsive TikTok scrolling. Carolina Public Press: NC nursing home lawsuit settlement could expand access for peopl...

In episode 68 we discuss an article about adding behavioral treatments to buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. McHugh RK, et al. Behavioral Therapy as an Adjunct to Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: A Secondary Analysis of 4 Randomized Clinical Trials. JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Aug 1;8(8):e2528529. We also discuss online gambling addiction, and neuroanatomy that predisposes adolescents...

In episode 67 we discuss an article about starting buprenorphine injectables without stopping fentanyl or going into opioid withdrawal.    Waters RC, et al. Injectable-Only Overlapping Buprenorphine Starting Protocol in a Low-Threshold Setting. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(8):e2527016.      We also discuss over-the-counter magic mushrooms and banning cigarette filters.     JAMA Network Open: Active Cons...

In episode 66 we discuss an article about smoking during substance use disorder recovery.    Parks MJ, Blanco C, Creamer MR, et al. Cigarette Smoking During Recovery From Substance Use Disorders. JAMA Psychiatry. Published online August 13, 2025.     We also discuss how the White House is pressuring the FDA to fast-track nicotine products and shenanigans regarding alcohol in the upcoming FDA dieta...

In episode 65 we discuss varenicline and bupropion for alcohol use disorder.  Söderpalm B, Lidö H, Franck J, Håkansson A, Lindqvist D, Heilig M, Guterstam J, Samuelson M, Askerup B, Wallmark-Nilsson C, de Bejczy A. Efficacy and safety of varenicline and bupropion, in combination and alone, for alcohol use disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial. Lancet Reg Health...

In episode 64 we discuss an article about addictive screen use and suicide.  Xiao Y, Meng Y, Brown TT, Keyes KM, Mann JJ. Addictive Screen Use Trajectories and Suicidal Behaviors, Suicidal Ideation, and Mental Health in US Youths. JAMA. 2025;334(3):219–228.   We also discuss the impact of the first 100 days of the Trump administration on addiction treatment, and the DEA scheduling of 7-OH (hydroxy...

Quick summaries of articles 51-60. Enjoy! 51. Fun Activities and Recovery Acuff, S. F., et al. A brief measure of non-drug reinforcement: Association with treatment outcomes during initial substance use recovery. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 256, 111092. 52. Buprenorphine-precipitated Fentanyl Withdrawal Thakrar AP, et al. Buprenorphine-Precipitated Withdrawal Among Hospitalized Patients Using Fen...

Four addiction specialists talk about what it takes to keep your knowledge current. The Addiction Medicine Journal Club is joined by Dr. Casey Grover (Addiction Medicine Made Easy Podcast) and Thomas Bannard (VCU Health) to discuss how to further your knowledge as a busy professional. PSAM Review (Page 6): Staying Current: How to Keep up with the Addiction Medicine Literature --- Some of Our Favor...

In episode 63 we discuss the association between buprenorphine dose and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Marc B, Marion D, François B, Lakshmipriya L. Is buprenorphine maternal dose associated with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome severity? Am J Addict. 2025 Jan;34(1):15-20. We also discuss private equity in health care and nitrous oxide (Galaxy Gas). AMA Journal of Ethics: Is Pursuing Prof...

In episode 62 we discuss the article “Oral vs Extended-Release Injectable Naltrexone for Hospitalized Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder.”    Magane KM, et al. Oral vs Extended-Release Injectable Naltrexone for Hospitalized Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2025 Jun 1;185(6):635-645.     We also discuss reduced overdose deaths and changes in buprenor...

In episode 61 we discuss pregnancy outcomes with bup/nlx compared to bup alone. Straub L, et al. Comparative Safety of In Utero Exposure to Buprenorphine Combined With Naloxone vs Buprenorphine Alone. JAMA. 2024 Sep 10;332(10):805-816. doi: 10.1001/jama.2024.11501. We also discuss the elimination of SAMHSA and methamphetamine-related deaths. STAT News: Trump’s mental health and addiction problem N...

In episode 60 we discuss treating methamphetamine use disorder with lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Ezard N, et al; The LiMA Investigator Group. Lisdexamfetamine in the treatment of methamphetamine dependence: A randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Addiction. 2024 Dec 19. We also discuss why some people don’t get hangovers, and tianeptine, otherwise known as gas station heroin. New York Times:The Peo...