Our blog
Here, you’ll find resources, tips, and stories that will help support patients and their loved ones.
Using Highmark BCBS PA for MAT through Ophelia
Ophelia provides valuable opioid addiction resources to Pennsylvanians. Our telehealth care options are covered by the Highmark BCBS PA Medicaid plans.
Is ADHD medication addictive?
Understand the different types of medications used to treat ADHD, their risks, and the potential for addiction.
Can MAT patients safely take Adderall®?
Discover the relationship between MAT and Adderall use for ADHD. Understand the risks of addiction and potential interactions.
The surprising link between prescription opioids + anxiety
Find out how prescription opioids interact with anxiety and related disorders to better understand how to treat pain and manage stress.
Understanding the connections between substance use disorder + mental health co-occurrences
Understand the connection between substance use disorder & mental health. Learn about co-occurring conditions, risk factors, and available treatments.
Is kratom actually effective for mental health?
Kratom is becoming an increasingly popular alternative for mental health treatments. Find out how it can be addictive and may potentially make symptoms worse.
While Narcan can reverse opioid overdoses in the short term, these two treatments can help patients overcome addiction altogether
Ophelia researched the differences between methadone and buprenorphine for treating opioid use disorder using medical journals, studies, and government resources.
What are communities doing to make naloxone more accessible?
Discover how communities are increasing access to naloxone to combat the opioid crisis and how this increased availability can help save more lives.
The opioid epidemic and minors
Find out how the ongoing opioid epidemic affects children and teens. Learn how parents can mitigate risks of opioid misuse for their family.
PTSD and substance use
Understand the relationship between PTSD and substance use. Learn about the common causes of PTSD and the risks associated with self-medication.
Is it safe to use kratom for opiate withdrawal?
Kratom is one of the latest substances touted as a treatment for opioid withdrawal. Discover its potential benefits, risks, and medical expert opinions.
6 common myths about addiction treatment via telemedicine
Debunk common myths about opioid addiction treatment and find out how telemedicine is a flexible and accessible option for those who need treatment.
Opioids + eye health
Discover how opioid use can cause serious eye health problems. Learn about the potential short- and long-term effects that opioid use may have on your eyes.
Making the switch to telehealth opioid addiction treatment
Overcome the potential challenges & barriers of in-person treatment for opioid use disorder and get the help you need with telemedicine opioid addiction treatment.
After the X-Waiver
Learn about the new guidelines practitioners must meet to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder after the elimination of the X-Waiver program.
What do buprenorphine tablets + films look like?
What buprenorphine medications have you been taking? Find out what different Bupe tablets and films look like with this helpful guide.
What is carfentanil?
Discover the dangers of carfentanil - a synthetic opioid that is more potent than fentanyl. Learn about exposure symptoms and proper response.
How getting treated for opioid addiction has changed with telemedicine
Understand the challenges of how opioid use disorder was treated in the past and discover how telemedicine has helped change & improve the treatment process.
What you need to know about opioids + diabetes
Understand how opioids affect diabetes and why people with diabetes are at higher risk of opioid misuse.
Treating OUD during pregnancy
Discover safe treatment options for opioid use disorder (OUD) during & post pregnancy, including medication-assisted treatment and individualized care.
Why rehab is especially difficult for women
From logistical hurdles to financial barriers, societal judgment, and pregnancy-related concerns, learn about the challenges women face with substance use treatment.
What is ketamine?
Understand the signs and symptoms of ketamine addiction and the potential risks associated with its misuse.
Naloxone is about to be easier to get — what does this really mean for harm reduction?
Here’s what you need to know about the challenges of making naloxone widely available and where we’re headed in light of the FDA’s recent OTC approval.
How to take Suboxone® sublingual film
MAT with Suboxone is the best treatment for opioid addiction. Follow our step-by-step guide to ensure that you are getting the most out of your medication.
5 times we had the wrong discussion about fentanyl — and what we should be talking about instead
Discover 5 misconceptions about fentanyl that are hindering progress in the opioid crisis and learn what we should be talking about instead.
Xylazine and wound care: An unexpected complication in the fight against tranq
Discover the health concern of xylazine wounds in opioid users and how these side effects can affect & complicate opioid treatments.