Misuse of opioids is global epidemic 
The misuse of pharmaceutical opioids is fast becoming a “global epidemic”, with the largest quantities being seized in African countries for the second year in a row, according to a UN report.

While huge attention has been paid to the opioid crisis in the US – where the misuse of prescription drugs like fentanyl dominates – figures released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has revealed seizures in Africa of opioids now account for 87% of the global total. Unlike in the US, the seizures – concentrated in west, central and north Africa – have largely consisted of the drug tramadol, followed by codeine. Read more

Leaders call restricting methadone
treatment to clinic settings outdated
Leading voices in the addiction research and policy communities believe current limits on the delivery of methadone treatment are antiquated, and are suggesting that some clinicians be allowed to prescribe methadone in primary care office settings.

A trio of authors that includes former Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) director Michael Botticelli (who now directs the Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center) published a commentary today in the New England Journal of Medicine stating that the federal Controlled Substances Act could be amended to allow clinicians who are trained in prescribing buprenorphine to engage patients in methadone treatment as well. The authors wrote that improving access to opioid use disorder treatments is essential to curbing the epidemic of opioid overdose. Read more

WFTC 2018 conference in Bangkok
The World Federation of Therapeutic Communities (WFTC) announces the 27th World Conference in Bangkok, Thailand from 28 October to 1 November. WFTC recognizes the importance of adapting the Therapeutic Community model to the respective cultures of programs in different countries and our World Conference provides an opportunity to engage with colleagues from around the globe. Including plenary, major and afternoon topic sessions, a professional training session will be offered on the last day, as well as a tour of the largest therapeutic community in Thailand--Princess Mother National Institute on Drug Addiction Treatment. Registration is now open and abstract submissions are now welcomed from those wishing to present (abstracts DUE JULY 15). Discounted rooms are also available at the conference venue hotel--simply use the hotel booking codes included on website. Visit the website for details