Around the Agencies
- NIDA releases 2014 Monitoring the Future data on youth substance use trends
- NIDA requests public input on 2016-2020 strategic plan – NASADAD to consider a response
- SAMHSA announces prevention grant opportunity for States and tribes
- SAMHSA releases clinical guide on injectable naltrexone for opioid treatment
- SAMHSA releases report on Medicaid coverage and financing of medications to treat substance use disorders
- SAMHSA releases brief on co-occurring borderline personality disorders and substance use disorders
- CDC releases data on alcohol poisoning deaths from 2010-2012
In the News
- Studies estimate impact of ending subsidies in federal insurance marketplaces
Upcoming Events
- January: CMS announces series of webinars on the Affordable Care Act
Around the Agencies
NIDA releases 2014 Monitoring the Future data on youth substance use trends
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) released the data on December 16th. The 2014 data shows no major increases in drug use between 2013 and 2014 – namely use of alcohol, cigarettes, prescription drugs, and illicit drugs either held steady or declined among U.S. adolescents. Marijuana use has not increased during the past two years with 21.2% of high school seniors, 16.6% of sophomores, and 6.5% of 8th graders using marijuana during the past month. These rates are consistent with 2013. Cigarette and alcohol use continue to decline, as well as the use of prescription opioid pain relievers. Rates of e-cigarettes use, however, are higher than expected with 17.1% of seniors, 16.2% of sophomores, and 8.7% of 8th graders reporting past month use.
NIDA requests public input on 2016-2020 strategic plan – NASADAD to consider a response
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) released a request for information to seek public input for a revised strategic plan that to provide a research framework for the next 5 years. NIDA welcomes input from researchers, health care professionals, patient advocates, advocacy organizations, scientific or professional organizations, federal agencies, and any other interested members of the public. Responses are due by January 30, 2015 and should be emailed to NIDAOSPCPlanning@mail.nih.gov. NASADAD will work with staff to consider developing a response from the Association.
SAMHSA announces prevention grant opportunity for States and tribes
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for the Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) State and Tribal Initiative through Monday, March 16, 2015. The program is designed to address two of the nation’s top substance abuse prevention priorities: underage drinking among persons 12-20 and prescription drug misuse and abuse among persons 12-25. Grant recipients will receive an estimated $318,543 to $2,472,608 per grant year.
SAMHSA releases clinical guide on injectable naltrexone for opioid treatment
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the guide, “Clinical Use of Extended-Release Injectable Naltrexone in the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorders: A Brief Guide,” this week. The guide offers information on assessment, developing treatment plans, integrating medication and non-medication therapies, initiating medication-assisted treatment, monitoring patient progress, and much more. The guide also provides general information on methadone and buprenorphine and the various clinical indications that should be considered when discussing various treatment medications.
SAMHSA releases report on Medicaid coverage and financing of medications to treat substance use disorders
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the report, “Medicaid Coverage and Financing of Medications to Treat Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorders,” in November. The brief offers considerations for covering treatment medications, including the efficacy of the medications, cost offsets and cost effectiveness, and State and federal regulations that affect prescribing and dispensing practices. The report also reviews State Medicaid coverage for these medications, as well as examples of innovative coverage and financing models from Maryland, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
SAMHSA releases brief on co-occurring borderline personality disorders and substance use disorders
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the brief report, “An Introduction to Co-Occurring Borderline Personality Disorder and Substance Use Disorders,” in November. The brief offers information for various health and human services professionals including social workers, vocational counselors, case managers, providers, and probation officers. It provides an introduction to borderline personality disorder (BPD), a mental health condition with high rates of suicide and self-harm that often co-occurs with substance use disorders. The brief also details the signs and symptoms of BPD, available treatments, and tips for professionals working with clients with co-occurring BPD and substance use disorder.
CDC releases data on alcohol poisoning deaths from 2010-2012
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the data on January 6th. More than 2,200 Americans ages 15 and older died due to alcohol poisoning annually from 2010-2012. Of those, approximately 76% were among adults aged 35-64. Whites accounted for the majority of deaths, however, the highest age-adjusted death rate was found among American Indians/Alaska Natives at 49.1 deaths per 1 million. A recent study found that this population is seven times more likely to die from alcohol poisoning than Whites. This reflects both the higher intensity of binge drinkers in this population, geographic isolation, lack of access to medical care, and other factors. An average of 44 underage persons died annually between 2010 and 2012 from alcohol poisoning.
In the News
Studies estimate impact of ending subsidies in federal insurance marketplaces
Two studies, released from the Urban Institute and RAND Corporation, show how eliminating insurance subsidies for low- and moderate-income Americans who purchase insurance in federally-facilitated marketplaces would dramatically increase costs and reduce enrollment. The RAND study found that ending subsidies would reduce enrollment by 9.6 million and premiums would rise by 47%. The Urban study estimates that 8.2 million more Americans would be uninsured in 2016 and that premiums would increase by 35% in States with federally-facilitated exchanges. These studies were commissioned in light of the Supreme Court agreeing to hear a case that could eliminate subsidies in these States. (American Hospital Association, AHA News)
Upcoming Events
January: CMS announces series of webinars on the Affordable Care Act
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Partnership Center and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a series of updated webinars on the Affordable Care Act for community organizers. Two webinars will be held, one in English and one in Spanish, that provide a basic overview of the law, including how to enroll in coverage. Another will be held specifically on how to enroll in Marketplace coverage. Any technical difficulties can be reported to ACA101@hhs.gov.
Saturday, January 10, 2015l; 2 pm EST: “Affordable Care Act 101 in English”
Join by Phone Only at 1-415-655-0069, or toll-free at 1-877-309-2074; Access Code: 246-792-172 — The PIN is the # key. Register here.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015; 2 pm EST: “How to Enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace”
Join by Phone Only at 1-914-339-0033; Access Code: 432-745-342 — The PIN is the # key. Register here.
Saturday, January 17, 2015; 2 pm EST: “Affordable Care Act 101 in Spanish”
Join by Phone Only at 1-415-655-0069, or toll-free at 1-877-309-2074; Access Code: 703-463-817 — The PIN is the # key. Register here.