Division of Addiction Research and Treatment
The heroin and opioid epidemic that is ravaging families and communities across the country has been felt acutely in the state of Maryland, where over 2,000 opioid-related deaths were reported in 2017. With a statewide leadership role responding to this crisis, The Division of Addiction Research and Treatment has developed and implemented a number of clinical initiatives, special programs, and community collaborations.
Working with multiple organizations and state agencies, the Division of Addiction Research and Treatment serves as a leader in addressing the current crisis, improving treatment and outcomes for individuals with Opioid Use Disorders.
The Division of Addiction Research and Treatment is nationally recognized for its pioneering work in driving evidence-based approaches to Opioid Use Disorders (OUD) treatment developed over several decades. This effort is evident on several fronts and includes both innovative clinical treatment approaches and education for medical students and advanced trainees.
The successful outcomes of our programs represent a level of excellence that is demonstrated by the awards of long-standing clinical service and basic research grants, as well as, an established presence on multiple committees and task forces commissioned to deal with Maryland’s opioid and heroin problem.
Our faculty continue to testify to legislators in Annapolis about a variety of addiction related issues including Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), drug overdose and naloxone availability, as well as needle/syringe exchange and safe consumption spaces.
Our collaborations with multiple city, state, national, and private organizations include the Baltimore Buprenorphine Initiative, the state’s buprenorphine expansion committee and the Maryland Addiction Consultation Service (MACS), the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Open Society Institute.
Our outreach continues to expand with innovative nationally recognized telemedicine models that increase access to Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) in remote rural areas. Our faculty are also noted for involvement with national groups addressing substance abuse education for medical professionals, the SAMHSA Opioid State Targeted Response Technical Assistance Program and the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.
News & Upcoming Events
The ESMCC MTU is cited in a recent NEJM article titled Transforming Management of Opioid Use Disorder with Universal Treatment which outlines recommendations for clinicians, health care systems, and policymakers to expand OUD care.
Past Events
Face to Face with the Evolving Opioid Crisis | November 18, 2021
University of Maryland, Baltimore, President Bruce Jarrell, MD, FACS, invited Eric Weintraub, MD, for the November 18 edition of Virtual Face to Face with President Bruce Jarrell to discuss the opioid crisis in light of the recent statistics reported by the National Center for Health Statistics.
NIDA Clinical Trials Network Telemedicine Special Interest Group | October 8, 2021
Dr. Eric Weintraub presented on innovative telemedicine strategies for expanding access to buprenorphine treatment for individuals with OUD in underserved rural areas.
Clinical Guidance for Treating Pregnant and Parenting Women with Opioid Use Disorders and Their Infants | September 13 - 14, 2021
MACS for MOMs Program Director, Kelly Coble, LCSW-C, MACS for MOMs Consultant, Katrina Mark, MD, and Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry staff and faculty spearheaded a virtual, two-day conference in partnership with state agencies and SAMHSA to help medical professionals improve the identification and treatment of pregnant and parenting women with opioid use disorder.
