Our blog
Here, you’ll find resources, tips, and stories that will help support patients and their loved ones.
Does Medicaid cover Suboxone®?
Find out if Medicaid covers Suboxone® for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, including state-specific eligibility, generic alternatives, and telehealth options.
What you need to know about the namalfene auto-injector for OD treatment
Learn about the FDA-approved nalmefene auto-injector for opioid overdose treatment, its long-lasting effects, and how it compares to naloxone in emergency use.
New Jersey opioid crisis + local efforts
Understand New Jersey's efforts to tackle the opioid crisis, addressing both urban and rural challenges across the state.
Is there a connection between vaping + OUD?
Explore the link between vaping and opioid use disorder (OUD) and how e-cigarette use may impact treatment outcomes and addiction risk.
National opioid deaths declined in 2023: Have we really turned the corner?
National opioid deaths dropped in 2023 for the first time in years, but challenges remain. Is this a turning point, or is the opioid crisis far from over?
Marijuana legalization in PA
Understand marijuana legalization in Pennsylvania and its potential benefits for opioid users. Explore new legislation, medical marijuana laws, and economic impacts.
What is medetomidine?
Medetomidine, a veterinary sedative, is appearing in street drugs posing severe health risks. Learn about its dangers, side effects, and overdose concerns.
In opioid crisis, race and stigma influence treatment
Using data from SAMHSA and academic studies, Ophelia examined disparities in opioid treatment and the ramifications for substance use recovery.
Narcan: Resources for harm reduction in Pennsylvania
Explore the importance of Narcan in Pennsylvania's fight against the opioid epidemic. Learn how to get Narcan and use it to save lives & promote harm reduction.
What you should know about drug use + heat tolerance
Understand how drug use impacts heat tolerance. Discover which substances affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature.
Suboxone® and oral health
Find out how Suboxone can affect your oral health and what you can do to protect your teeth. Get tips for reducing dental problems while using Suboxone.
Is it okay to combine marijuana + OUD treatment?
Explore the pros & cons of combining marijuana with opioid use disorder treatment. Learn how cannabis might aid recovery while understanding the risks.
Understanding the 3 stages of relapse + how to prevent a return to opioid use
Understand the stages of opioid relapse and how to prevent them. Learn the warning signs and proactive steps to support your journey to recovery.
Men + opioid addiction: Surprising stats and how to get help
Discover surprising statistics on men & opioid addiction. Learn about the causes, risks, and how to get help for opioid addiction.
What you need to know about summer triggers for OUD relapse
Find out how to manage summer triggers for opioid use disorder relapse with practical tips to stay safe and enjoy the season.
How access to opioid treatments is growing across the country
Ophelia used CDC data to map the growing distribution of common medications that prevent opioid overdoses and treat substance use disorders.
Fentanyl test strips save lives, so why are they illegal in some states?
Ophelia explored which states ban fentanyl and xylazine test strips, using Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association and CDC data.
Suboxone’s sexual side effects in men
Learn about Suboxone's potential sexual side effects in men. Explore how Suboxone can impact libido, erectile function, and fertility, and find solutions.
What to know about diazepam
Commonly sold under the brand name Valium®, diazepam belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines (or “benzos”). Learn more about diazepam here!
What are benzos?
Benzodiazepines, commonly known as benzos, are a class of prescription medications designed to slow down brain activity. Learn more about benzos here!
Are tobacco use + OUD connected?
Understanding the connection between OUD and tobacco use is crucial to developing effective treatment protocols for patients. Learn more about it here!
What is low-dose naltrexone?
Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is a small dose of naltrexone, a medication commonly used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Learn more about low-dose naltrexone.
Narcan: Resources for harm reduction in NY
Discover Narcan resources in NY for opioid harm reduction. Learn about naloxone, its usage, storage, and community training in New York state.
States that most often prescribe opioids to Medicaid patients
Ophelia explored how U.S. prescription opioid dispense rates in 2021 varied by state using Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data.
What to know about OUD + mental health comorbidities
Understand the complex relationship between OUD and mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and OCD.
Is therapy necessary during OUD treatment?
Discover the importance of therapy during opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment. Learn about types of therapy, benefits, and how it complements medication.