The Authors’ Own Words: We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.

Misprescribing Controlled Substances: An Evaluation of a Professional Development Program

Charlene M. Dewey, MD, MEd, FACP; Marine V. Ghulyan, MA; & William H. Swiggart, MS

Substance Abuse Vol. 37, Iss. 3, 2016

“This is the first study to assess knowledge and transfer of behaviors into clinical practice using a systematic evaluation model for providers who misprescribe controlled prescription drugs. Participants in this study demonstrated improved knowledge and use of SBIRT, proper prescribing practices, appropriate monitoring, and referrals for patients with substance misuse/abuse. Improving physicians’ prescribing behaviors has significant implications on patient care and safety. Using a systematic approach and evaluation model to assess the effectiveness of continuing professional development program proved useful and valuable in assessing changes on different levels. Overall, this study helps us understand that remediation using an intensive program can be successful and physicians can change behaviors as a result of re-training.”

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The Authors’ Own Words: We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.

Journalists and Substance Use: A systematic literature review

Jasmine B. MacDonald, BA/BSW(Hons1); Anthony J. Saliba, BSc(Hons), PhD; & Gene Hodgins, BA(Hons), DPsych(Clin)

Substance Abuse Vol. 37, Iss. 3, 2016

“In recent years there has been increased focus on the psychological risks of journalistic work, with research in trauma and related pathologies receiving funding from organisation such as the DART center. This systematic review is a valuable addition to the literature in that it synthesises the published empirical knowledge acquired to date concerning the experience of substance use amongst journalists. The authors are aware of no other review covering substance use in journalists. As such, future work assessing trauma or other pathologies in journalist samples will cite this review to develop hypotheses about the variables that are likely to be associated with psychological health and with distress, not only in substance use but also in other areas of psychology and organisational management.”

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The Authors’ Own Words: We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.

Characteristics of methadone maintenance treatment patients prescribed opioid analgesics

Matthew C. Glenn, MS; Nancy L. Sohler, PhD, MPH; Joanna L. Starrels, MD, MS; Jeronimo Maradiaga; John J. Jost, PhD; Julia H. Arnsten, MD, MPH;  &Chinazo O. Cunningham, MD, MS

Substance Abuse Vol. 37, Iss. 3, 2016

“Despite the potential iatrogenic hazards of concurrent methadone treatment and opioid analgesic prescription, the published literature has focused on illicit opioid use amongst MMT patients. Our novel findings suggest high prevalence of prescription opioid overuse amongst opioid analgesic-prescribed MMT patients, higher prevalence of HIV infection and chronic pain when compared to MMT patients not prescribed opioid analgesics, and similarly high rates of illicit substance use across all MMT patients, regardless of opioid analgesic prescription. Thus, the opioid analgesic-prescribed MMT population represents a very high risk group due to the potential for overdose. These findings highlight the complex challenges facing physicians treating patients with comorbid chronic pain and opioid dependence and adds to the body of literature calling for coordinated and integrated strategies to treating these patients.”

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As we begin looking at the future of the Substance Abuse journal, we recognize that there are not nearly enough papers that shed light on the extra important things in life. Due to this, we have put out a call for papers that address the topics below:

• Game of Thrones Literature
• Feline Behaviors During Times of Social Isolation
• Research Exploring Ways to Plant the Perfect Plant in Any Climate

We hope to see not only your papers, but your support for SAj as we transition to different research topics.

APRIL FOOLS!

Don’t worry, we aren’t changing anything!

The Authors’ Own Words: We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence in Twelve-Step-Oriented Residential Rehabilitation Settings

Marc Galanter, MD; Marvin Seppala, MD; & Audrey Klein, PhD

Substance Abuse Vol. 37, Iss. 3, 2016

“There are 3,450 residential programs in the USA that are colloquially referred to as “rehabs.” They treat a large portion of people with severe substance use disorders, often with little input regarding contemporary therapeutic techniques developed within the biomedical community. It is important for expert clinicians to be aware of this potential deficit, both in choice of facility, to which they may refer patients, and to the clinical issues they may confront when asked to follow up when a patient is discharged from residential treatment.”

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