New research reveals significant gaps in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment coverage across state Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs), potentially leaving many patients without access to crucial care. MCOs cover the majority of Medicaid enrollees in the U.S., and SUD disproportionately impacts Medicaid populations. Over 20% of Medicaid enrollees have an SUD, compared with 16% […]

The U.S. has entered the “fourth wave” of the overdose epidemic, characterized by skyrocketing use of stimulants like methamphetamine.  A new study found that a duo of drugs is effective at curbing methamphetamine-positive drug tests by 27% compared to a placebo.  “These findings have important implications for pharmacological treatment for methamphetamine use disorder,” Michael Li, […]

Franklin, Tennessee-based diversified behavioral health provider Summit BHC recently launched the initial phase of a new, dedicated outpatient services line.  The company has branded it Everest Outpatient Services. The company’s 37 residential and inpatient addiction treatment and psychiatric facilities have always had corresponding outpatient services. However, the provider was largely focused on aftercare services for […]

A small portion of Americans who have alcohol use disorder (AUD) get potentially lifesaving and effective treatment. Patients and providers alike overlook medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for AUD due to rather potent market forces. Unlike most substances for which people seek treatment, huge sectors of American society and the economy encourage the consumption of alcohol. Spirits […]

Biotech company FOXO Technologies (NYSE American: FOXO) has acquired substance use disorder provider Myrtle Recovery Centers. FOXO is an unusual acquirer for an addiction provider. Typically, M&A deals in this space are conducted between private equity investors, larger providers, and even venture capital firms. Myrtle Recovery Centers is a subsidiary of Rennova Health, a health […]

BayMark Health Services, one of the country’s largest substance use disorder (SUD) providers, has named Marshal Salomon its next CEO.  Salomon joins the organization after serving as CEO of gastroenterology and urology practice management company Unio Health Partners. His resume also includes stints as CEO of The Oncology Institute and InterDent Service Corporation. “We’re confident […]

An ambitious federal trial to curb opioid-related deaths by using community interventions came up short.  Despite the implementation of public education campaigns, increased naloxone distribution and improved access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), as well as many other interventions, the trial failed to demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in overdose deaths. The large-scale […]

The emergency department (ED) can be the “first, and sometimes only” interaction that people with substance use disorders (SUDs) have with the health care system. Integrating SUD care into EDs can connect these patients to crucial long-term care. Still, co-occurring conditions, stigma and polysubstance use are among the main barriers preventing efficient integration. The ED […]

Payers often prefer ambulatory, outpatient substance use disorder (SUD) treatment for its lower cost. Yet, SUD patients frequently present with higher acuity cases and more co-occurring conditions. Gateway Foundation is preparing for both trends by making targeted investments in ambulatory and bedded programs while also battling increased pre-admission requirements from payers. In some instances, these […]

Virtual behavioral health provider Brightside Health has expanded into addiction treatment by acquiring Lionrock Recovery. The move expands San Francisco-based Brightside Health into virtual addiction treatment. Specifically, the acquisition adds a virtual intensive outpatient program (IOP) to Brightside’s fleet of services. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. It also addresses a significant overlap […]