ABSTRACTAims To investigate the association between early cannabis use and subclinical psychotic experiences, distinguishing between five levels of use: never used, discontinued use (life-time users who did not use in the preceding year), experimental use, regular use and heavy use.Design Cross-sectional observational study.Setting Dutch Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, 2005 wave.Participants A total of 4552 secondary school children aged 12–16 years.Measurements Cannabis use, Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE) positive scale, confounding…
Addiction
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Most Topular Stories
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Cannabis use and subclinical positive psychotic experiences in early adolescence: findings from a Dutch survey
Addiction31 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm -
Legal Stimulant Abuse
Stepping Stone Center For Recovery23 Dec 2011 | 2:12 pmRitalin is a common abused legal stimulant In the Washington Post there was an article about the disturbing increasing rates of Ritalin and Adderall use by college students. It is suggested that late night study habits have produced the need for stimulants to assist with students staying awake. There may be a possibility that these drugs aren’t just being used to increase focus while studying. Presently, there is some concern that this legal stimulant abuse may be more prevalent than alcohol abuse. Ritalin and Adderall can be crushed and snorted mimicking the effect of cocaine. -
Xanax Addiction & Withdrawal
addictiontreatmentchallenges.com6 Jan 2012 | 8:49 pmXanax is prescribed to those who need treatment for panic attacks and possibly agoraphobia, a fear of leaving home or being around other people in open places. Xanax is used as an anti-convulsant, sedative and muscle relaxant. It produces a calm and relaxed feeling, as if the brain has slowed down. Despite the ease of [...]Challenges Addiction Treatment -
Ask A Sex Addict in Recovery Your Questions
PoSARC - Partners of Sex Addicts Resource Center17 Dec 2011 | 12:03 pmQ- Why do addicts seem so cavalier about whether the relationship survives or not? He does not seem to care unless he’s being kicked out or I threaten to break up with him. Answer- Addicts who are not yet in recovery mode, or who are in the early phases of recovery, are often not yet able to be reflective and to consider the feelings and emotions of their partner. Addicts often feel more punished by being denied their ‘drug’ by the partner than feel empathy and guilt for their destructive behaviors. It is said that the active addict’s dream is to live a life without… -
Insurer WellPoint to revamp primary care pay
Yahoo! Health News27 Jan 2012 | 4:37 pmHealth insurer WellPoint Inc. plans to improve primary care reimbursement and start paying for care management it doesn't currently cover, changes that could give patients more quality time with their doctors.
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Yahoo! Health News
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Insurer WellPoint to revamp primary care pay
27 Jan 2012 | 4:37 pmHealth insurer WellPoint Inc. plans to improve primary care reimbursement and start paying for care management it doesn't currently cover, changes that could give patients more quality time with their doctors. -
NY juice jumps as fungicide found in Brazil juice
27 Jan 2012 | 4:17 pmNEW YORK (Reuters) - Orange juice futures rose almost 3 percent on Friday after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said juice shipments from Brazil and Canada had tested positive for a fungicide that is prohibited in the United States. Such a f... -
IV Acetaminophen Linked to More Child Overdoses
27 Jan 2012 | 4:04 pmFRIDAY, Jan. 27 (HealthDay News) -- Following the U.S. Food Drug Administration's approval last year of an intravenous formulation of acetaminophen for fever and pain in a hospital setting, researchers warn that use of the preparation could le... -
Test Might Predict Risk of Lung Cancer's Return
27 Jan 2012 | 4:04 pmTHURSDAY, Jan. 26 (HealthDay News) -- A new industry-funded study suggests that a molecular test can provide insight into whether patients are at high risk of a relapse after surgical treatment for a form of lung cancer. -
Statins May Stave Off Liver Cancer in People With Hepatitis B
27 Jan 2012 | 4:04 pmTHURSDAY, Jan. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Popular cholesterol-lowering statins may also lower risk for liver cancer among people with hepatitis B, a new study shows. Hepatitis B, an inflammation of the liver due to the hepatitis B virus, is one of the...
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Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs News From Medical News Today
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Potential Target Identified For Anti-Craving Medications
26 Jan 2012 | 4:00 amScientists at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) have identified a potential target for the development of anti-craving medications for people with addictions to stimulants such as methamphetamine. The discovery centres on a brain receptor related to the chemical dopamine, which has a complex role in addictive behaviours... -
What Is Nicotine?
26 Jan 2012 | 2:00 amNicotine is a nitrogen-containing chemical - an alkaloid, which is made by several types of plants, including the tobacco plant. Nicotine is also produced synthetically. Nicotiana tabacum, the type of nicotine found in tobacco plants, comes from the nightshade family. Red peppers, eggplant, tomatoes and potatoes are examples of the nightshade family... -
Endocannabinoid System Disturbed By GABA Deficits
26 Jan 2012 | 2:00 amChanges in the endocannabinoid system may have important implications for psychiatric and addiction disorders. This brain system is responsible for making substances that have effects on brain function which resemble those of cannabis products, e.g., marijuana... -
Off-Campus College Party Hosts Drink More Than Attendees
26 Jan 2012 | 2:00 amOn any given weekend, at least 10 percent of students at a single college could be hosting a party, and on average, party hosts who live off campus are drinking more and engaging in more alcohol-related problem behaviors than are the students attending their bashes, research suggests... -
Does Inability To Express Emotions Affect Treatment In Substance Abuse?
24 Jan 2012 | 12:00 pmAlexithymia describes a person's state of deficiency in understanding, processing, or describing emotions, and even though the rate for alexithymia in those with substance use disorders is reported to be almost 67%, there are few studies that have evaluated therapy in alexithymic SUD patients...
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ScienceDaily: Addiction News
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Poorest smokers face toughest odds for kicking the habit
20 Jan 2012 | 5:46 pmQuitting smoking is never easy. However, when you're poor and uneducated, kicking the habit for good is doubly hard, according to a new study. -
Homeless heavy drinkers imbibe less when housing allows alcohol, study finds
19 Jan 2012 | 3:32 pmA study of a controversial housing project that allows chronically homeless people with severe alcohol problems to drink in their apartments found that during their first two years in the building residents cut their heavy drinking by 35 percent. -
Clue as to why alcohol is addicting: Scientists show that drinking releases brain endorphins
11 Jan 2012 | 2:51 pmDrinking alcohol leads to the release of endorphins in areas of the brain that produce feelings of pleasure and reward, according to a new study. -
How the brain puts the brakes on negative impact of cocaine
11 Jan 2012 | 12:35 pmNew research provides fascinating insight into a newly discovered brain mechanism that limits the rewarding impact of cocaine. The study describes protective delayed mechanism that turns off the genes that support the development of addiction-related behaviors. The findings may lead to a better understanding of vulnerability to addiction and as well as new strategies for treatment. -
Marijuana smoke not as damaging to lungs as cigarette smoke, study suggests
10 Jan 2012 | 3:34 pmUsing marijuana carries legal risks, but the consequences of occasionally lighting up do not include long-term loss of lung function, according to a new study. In the study in which participants had repeated measurements of lung function over 20 years, occasional and low cumulative marijuana use was not associated with adverse effects on pulmonary function.
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NIDA News
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New NIDA resource helps families navigate addiction treatment options
16 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pmA new resource, Seeking Drug Abuse Treatment: Know What to Ask, will help individuals and families struggling with addiction ask the right questions before choosing a drug treatment program. It was developed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health, and is available to the public free online or in hard copy through NIDA’s DrugPubs service (see information below). -
Cigarette and alcohol use at historic low among teens
13 Dec 2011 | 11:00 pmCigarette and alcohol use by eighth, 10th and 12th-graders are at their lowest point since the Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey began polling teenagers in 1975, according to this year's survey results. However, this positive news is tempered by a slowing rate of decline in teen smoking as well as continued high rates of abuse of other tobacco products (e.g., hookahs, small cigars, smokeless tobacco), marijuana and prescription drugs. -
National Institute on Drug Abuse to Announce Results of 2011 Monitoring the Future Survey
8 Dec 2011 | 11:00 pmThe National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) will hold a press conference on Wednesday, December 14, to announce the results of its 2011 Monitoring the Future survey. The survey, funded by NIDA—part of the National Institutes of Health—tracks annual drug abuse trends of 8th, 10th, and 12th-grade students, including attitudes and perceived risk of specific illicit drugs. It is one of three major polling instruments the Department of Health and Human Services uses to monitor the nation's substance abuse patterns. -
Painkiller Abuse Treated by Sustained Buprenorphine/Naloxone
7 Nov 2011 | 11:00 pmPeople addicted to prescription painkillers reduce their opioid abuse when given sustained treatment with the medication buprenorphine plus naloxone (Suboxone), according to research published in yesterday's Archives of General Psychiatry and conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health. The study, which was the first randomized large scale clinical trial using a medication for the treatment of prescription opioid abuse, also showed that the addition of intensive opioid dependence counseling provided no added benefit. -
Teen musicians in drug treatment win 2012 GRAMMY® experience
6 Nov 2011 | 11:00 pmTwo teens with powerful stories about their experience in drug treatment have been awarded the top distinction in the MusiCares® and GRAMMY Foundation's® Teen Substance Abuse Awareness through Music Contest. The annual contest was created to celebrate National Drug Facts Week and is coordinated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health.
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Addiction Blog
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Can you get addicted to gambling?
27 Jan 2012 | 9:47 amYes, it is possible to become addicted to gambling. Called “compulsive” or “pathological” gambling in medical circles, gambling addiction can develop on its own over time, but can also be a symptom of a psychological condition like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or a side effect of certain medications. In fact, co-occuring disorders and gambling problems are common. How do you know if someone is a gambling addict? What can you do to help? If you’re addicted to gambling, what help is available? We’ll look at these questions and invite you to ask your own below. What is… -
Coping with anxiety: Self-help or get help?
26 Jan 2012 | 8:47 am“How do I know if my anxiety is normal?” Self control, addiction issues and emotional growth are all a part of recovery. Perhaps, at varying levels, we do all deal with anxiety daily. But when is self-help not enough? Here, we’ll offer a distinction in between normal anxiety we can usually manage on our own and abnormal anxiety that warrants professional help. And we invite your questions about anxiety self-help and treatment options below. The purpose of anxiety Sometimes, anxiety is helpful when it urges us to act quickly when we don’t have the time to ponder our options, also… -
Can you get addicted to K2?
25 Jan 2012 | 6:32 amYes. You can get addicted to K2. This unpredictable mixture of shredded plants and chemicals can be smoked or made into a tea, also called “Spice.” Although K2 is similar to marijuana, no one really knows for sure how it works or how dangerous it really is. K2 drug dangers include psychosis, hallucinations and cardiac problems. So what are the documented effects of K2? What should you do if you’re a K2 addict? We answer these questions and invite yours below. What’s in K2? The scary thing is that there’s really no way to know! K2 is made of mixes of different chopped up… -
Does Ritalin show up on a drug test?
25 Jan 2012 | 6:27 amYes. And no. Use or abuse of this Schedule II drug, classified as methylphenidate, cannot be detected in a standard 5 panel drug screen. However, Ritalin will often will show a positive drug screen for amphetamines. More on Ritalin detection and drug tests for Ritalin here. Ritalin abuse Ritalin, a mild central nervous system stimulant is used in the treatment of attention deficit disorders in children and adults. However, Ritalin can also be used without a prescription to achieve stimulant effects, for weight loss and even to get high. Can Ritalin, Concerta or Adderall get you high? Yes. As… -
How to be healthy and happy in recovery
23 Jan 2012 | 10:10 amHow to replace unhealthy addiction activities with healthy and rational choices Addiction to a state of mind We experience different states of consciousness every day. At work, we must stay “on,” stay focused, respond carefully, etc. At home, we like to “zone out,” to not be “on,” to relax. We also all enjoy a different state of consciousness: sleep. But at other times, many of us also like something very different from both our “on,” focused, responsible state. Some chemicals and activities help us achieve that state, e.g., alcohol, skiing, sex, internet gaming, dancing, etc.
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Addiction Recovery
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Interesting Video ‘Gary Interview’
22 Jan 2012 | 6:20 amPosted From Karen Halls’s Ipad Author’s Description: Gary Smith is a Professor of Human Development at Binghamton University College of Community and Public Affairs in Binghamton New His class on alternatives in addiction treatment focusses on the Habilitat His hand selected class travels to Hawaii each year for a life changing opportunity to live the Habilitat His partnership with Habilitat has exposed numerous young adults to the field of addiction Many of his students have gone on to become probation officers, social workers and police Habilitat is a long term residential… -
Video: Liko Martin- Waimanalo Blues Exclusive at Habilitat Hawaii 2011
14 Jan 2012 | 5:40 amSent From Karen Halls’s Iphone: Author’s Description: Liko Martin- Waimanalo Blues Exclusive at Habilitat Hawaii 2011 for our Christmas He is a living legend of Hawaiian Music, regarded as one of the most influential song writers of our A famous composer of classic songs like Waimanalo Blues, He plays beautiful Slack Key Guitar and sings his own An original member of the famed Hawaii group Country Comfort, he continues to share his life lessons through music and He visited Habilitat Hawaii for Christmas and played a private show for our holiday Habilitat is a long term residential… -
Video – Stuart Kloda, MD – Xanax Detox – NYC
7 Jan 2012 | 5:40 amI thought this was pretty interesting and wanted to share it with my readers Author’s Description: - Call Kloda directly at (646) 713 – 6578 Concierge addiction treatment for New York City and New Dr Kloda completed a rigorous two-year Addiction Medicine fellowship at the Addiction Institute of New York, a Columbia University affiliate in Manhattan located at Luke’s & Roosevelt His experience includes serving as the medical director for the inpatient drug and alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation unit at Roosevelt Kloda cared for many patients with co-occurring… -
Reader Question – dating an ex-meth user?
26 Dec 2011 | 5:40 amMany of you might be asking this same question so I’m posting with the answer here. Enjoy. The question is from Melanie R I’ve been dating this guy a few months. He’s amazing. Respects my morals, makes me happy, supports my school work, and has recently started going to church with me. The only thing that bothers me is he used be a Meth user. He told me about it pretty soon after we first started going on dates, and he spent a good amount of jail time for his drug use/selling.He now goes to support meetings, has a sponsor, is working a program of recovery, and is getting off… -
Q&A: Question about meth abuse and recovery?
20 Dec 2011 | 5:40 amI was looking through some old posts and found this question. I thought it was a good one so I wanted to post an answer here. The question comes from ‘CK’: I used meth everyday for over a year. I stopped cold turkey just before I got married and have been clean for 3 years. Ever since I stopped using the drug I feel like I never really got back to my old self again. Things that I used to love doing don’t interest me anymore and it takes a lot to make me happy and I am easily irritated and not as layed back as i used to be. It has gotten a lot better over the years but I am…
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Suboxone Talk Zone
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Pill Mill Prosecution and the Pain Relief Network
22 Jan 2012 | 12:35 pmWow. I just read an email about a story that I was vaguely aware of– about a doctor in Kansas and his wife, who were together linked to scores of overdose deaths. But that is just the beginning. The doctor was supported, during his trial, by Siobhan Reynolds, founder of a nonprofit advocacy group called ‘Pain Relief Network.’ She started the group back in 2003, when her ex-husband was suffering from severe pain from a congenital connective tissue disorder. He (the ex-husband) found relief in combinations of high-dose opioids and benzodiazepines, at least until his doctor,… -
Making People Stop
2 Jan 2012 | 2:02 pmBelow is an e-mail that I changed just enough to hide the person’s identity. Every week, I receive messages that describe similar situations. My husband has struggled GREATLY with substance abuse since in his 20′s; he is now in his mid-40′s. He is the kindest sweetest man and he is the BEST husband and father. When he is using he becomes someone he is not. We have run the gamut from jail to overdose. Six years ago a friend introduced him to Suboxone and it LITERALLY gave him his life back. He bought it off the friend for years, where it was very expensive. Finally I brought… -
Brattleboro Vermont To Addicts: Stay Stoned!
20 Dec 2011 | 7:33 pmI was stunned to see this story about the town of Brattleboro, a town in Vermont with a name famous for the rats that grew up there. As an aside, my PhD thesis involved working with vasopressin receptors in the brain, and that is why I’m familiar with Brattleboro rats– a species of rat that spontaneously mutated and lost the ability to make vasopressin. One would think that inhabitants of a town made famous over a rat would be on their best behavior. But they behaved worse than their namesakes at a meeting intended to get the OK for a clinic to treat people using Suboxone. … -
Relapse in an Era of Buprenorphine
18 Dec 2011 | 5:43 pmA recent experience with a patient helped me realize some of the dramatic differences in the treatment of opioid dependence, in an era of buprenorphine. I drug-test patients who are treated with buprenorphine or Suboxone. The point of testing is not to catch someone messing up, but rather to determine when a person is in trouble. It would be great if we could simply rely on the word of our patients, but once a person is using opioids, his/her own ability to know what is true falls apart. All of us who treat addiction have heard patients rationalize relapse as something they ‘had to… -
Need a Suboxone Doctor? Cap Problems? ACT!
21 Nov 2011 | 9:37 pmThere are ongoing efforts to eliminate the cap on treating people for opioid dependence with buprenorphine or Suboxone. I don’t know what the odds of success are, but the efforts would benefit from public demand. If you have had difficulty finding a doctor with room under the cap, write a letter or email that explains just how important the issue is to you, and send it to the address(es) below. The change requires an Act of Congress, or perhaps an executive order from someone high-placed in the Dept of Health and Human Services. Consider sending a ‘cc’ to your elected…
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Addiction
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Factors associated with injection cessation, relapse and initiation in a community-based cohort of injection drug users in Chennai, India
31 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pmABSTRACTAims To characterize factors associated with injection cessation, relapse and initiation.Design The Madras Injection Drug User and AIDS Cohort Study (MIDACS) is a prospective cohort of injection drug users (IDUs) recruited in 2005–06 with semi-annual follow-up to 2009. Discrete-time survival models were used to characterize predictors of time to first injection cessation and relapse.Setting Chennai, India.Participants A total of 855 IDUs who reported injecting in the 6 months prior to baseline and had >1 follow-up visit.Measurements Cessation was defined as the first… -
Cannabis use and subclinical positive psychotic experiences in early adolescence: findings from a Dutch survey
31 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pmABSTRACTAims To investigate the association between early cannabis use and subclinical psychotic experiences, distinguishing between five levels of use: never used, discontinued use (life-time users who did not use in the preceding year), experimental use, regular use and heavy use.Design Cross-sectional observational study.Setting Dutch Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, 2005 wave.Participants A total of 4552 secondary school children aged 12–16 years.Measurements Cannabis use, Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE) positive scale, confounding… -
100 Years Ago in Addiction Science
31 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm -
The effect of tobacco control policies on smoking prevalence and smoking-attributable deaths. Findings from the Netherlands SimSmoke Tobacco Control Policy Simulation Model
31 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pmABSTRACTAim To develop a simulation model projecting the effect of tobacco control policies in the Netherlands on smoking prevalence and smoking-attributable deaths.Design, setting and participants Netherlands SimSmoke—an adapted version of the SimSmoke simulation model of tobacco control policy—uses population, smoking rates and tobacco control policy data for the Netherlands to predict the effect of seven types of policies: taxes, smoke-free legislation, mass media, advertising bans, health warnings, cessation treatment and youth access policies.Measurements Outcome measures were… -
News and Notes
31 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm
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Addiction
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Are You an Addict?
27 Jan 2012 | 6:56 pmAddictive behaviors are appealing because they offer immediate relief from psychological pain and anxiety. However the relief is only temporary, never provideing a lasting solution to our problems. When we "sober up" we find that our emotional pain is still there.read more -
Preempted Resonance
24 Jan 2012 | 10:00 pmI heard you once, your trembling cry - Empty resonance; Softly flung mournful tunes; Your windless breath; Longing to be inhaled.read more -
A Possible Cure for Sexual Addiction—In an Essay
24 Jan 2012 | 3:00 pmDavid Mura’s classic essay is an absolute must read for anyone interested in how male sexuality interacts with pornography and other sexual addictions. The essay goes right to the heart, and makes it possible to “cure” pornography addiction in about 10,000 words that stimulate deep reflection and maturation.read more -
Heather Locklear: What Is She Running From?
24 Jan 2012 | 6:46 amNo matter how talented, beautiful, or rich you are, none of those things are sure antidotes for misery. Heather Locklear is a clear example of this. The Melrose Place actress was rushed to the hospital last week, reportedly because she mixed alcohol with prescription drugs, after her sister found her unconscious.read more -
Understanding the Dynamics of Workaholism—Perfectionism
23 Jan 2012 | 2:53 pmOur topic is the particular role that perfectionism plays in our understanding of one of the interacting dynamics of workaholism—that perfectionism leads to obsession, and in turn, obsession leads to increasing levels of narcissism.read more
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Addiction Inbox
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Heroin in Vietnam: The Robins Study Reexamined
24 Jan 2012 | 12:00 pmHow everything we knew about heroin was wrong. Editor's note: The famous Robins study on heroin use among Vietnam veterans has been so often—and so recently—misinterpreted that I felt motivated to reprint an older post on the subject. [Originally posted 7/24/10] In 1971, under the direction of Dr. Jerome Jaffe of the Special Action Office on Drug Abuse Prevention, Dr. Lee Robins of Washington University in St. Louis undertook an investigation of heroin use among young American servicemen in Vietnam. Nothing about addiction research would ever be quite the same after the Robins study. The… -
Mike Doughty Talks About “The Book of Drugs”
14 Jan 2012 | 3:29 pmFormer Soul Coughing front man on sobriety and life as a solo artist. Over the phone, Mike Doughty doesn’t have much to say about his former band, Soul Coughing. When I mention it, he gives out a low growl as a warning. He said it all in The Book of Drugs, and it doesn’t sound like he had much fun. Although the avant-garde rock band created music that was spiky and sneaky and immensely popular, topped off by Doughty’s monotonic but strangely penetrating vocal delivery on such classics as “Super Bon Bon,” “True Dreams of Wichita,” and “Circles,” Doughty was drug-dependent and… -
Interview with Howard Shaffer of the Division on Addiction at Cambridge Health Alliance
11 Jan 2012 | 11:10 amDefining addiction, making research more transparent, and dealing with the DSM-V (The “Five-Question Interview” series.) Like many incredibly busy people, Dr. Howard J. Shaffer, associate professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, is generous with his time. This paradox works to the advantage of Addiction Inbox readers, as Dr. Shaffer, the director of the Division on Addiction at the Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate, has graciously consented to be the next participant in our “Five-Question Interview” series. In addition to maintaining a… -
Brain Scans and Addiction Research: The Early Years
8 Jan 2012 | 7:17 pmX-ray specs for drug effects. The science of addiction and the technology of brain scans have both developed exponentially in the past two decades. The search for specific neurobiological markers for addiction was made possible by positron emission tomography, better known as the PET scan. Known more casually as the PET/CT scanner, the device was named the Invention of the Year in 2000 by Time Magazine. (The CT scan, for computerized tomography, uses an X-ray machine and a contrast die to measure absorption rates in different brain areas.) The idea of a PET scan is simple: Doctors inject test… -
A Drug for Head Lice and Heartworm Shows Promise Against Alcohol Abuse
5 Jan 2012 | 2:04 pmUnlikely candidate helps alcohol-dependent mice cut back on the sauce. Say what you will about glutamate-gated chloride channels in the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus—but the one thing you probably wouldn’t say about the cellular channels in parasitic worms is that a drug capable of activating them may prove useful in the treatment of alcoholism and other addictions. When scientists go looking for drugs to use against addiction, they do not typically begin with a class of drugs that includes a medication for use against head lice and ticks. But that is exactly where the trail led…
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Stepping Stone Center For Recovery
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The Never Ending Battle with Addiction
13 Jan 2012 | 8:31 amStaying Sober is a Fight Addiction to drugs or alcohol is a never ending battle. Even those who have been able to get clean and sober have to take constant action to ensure that their sobriety is their main priority. Stories told of people getting clean and sober, and then relapsing, are endless. Getting and staying sober is not easy. If an individual is going to achieve long term sobriety they will need to follow the lessons as well as the aftercare plan that is put into place for them during their stay in addiction treatment. In addition, it is beneficial if they continue with relapse… -
Legal Stimulant Abuse
23 Dec 2011 | 2:12 pmRitalin is a common abused legal stimulant In the Washington Post there was an article about the disturbing increasing rates of Ritalin and Adderall use by college students. It is suggested that late night study habits have produced the need for stimulants to assist with students staying awake. There may be a possibility that these drugs aren’t just being used to increase focus while studying. Presently, there is some concern that this legal stimulant abuse may be more prevalent than alcohol abuse. Ritalin and Adderall can be crushed and snorted mimicking the effect of cocaine. -
Alcohol Ice cream
21 Dec 2011 | 10:39 amAlcohol Infused Ice Cream That’s right, ice cream infused with alcohol. As if sellers have not made alcohol super interesting already with bright colored canned caffeine/alcohol products for our youth to experiment with. Now, this doesn’t seem so bad for those who don’t suffer from alcoholism but the idea that alcohol has been made more inviting and accessible is daunting. You may find ice cream names such as Pink Squirrel, Grasshopper and Brandy Alexandra and popsicles with names such as Cosmopolitan and Margarita soon to be in your local supermarket. The manufacturer, SnowBar… -
Holiday and Alcohol Addiction Triggers
20 Dec 2011 | 1:59 pmHoliday Parties are Triggers to Addiction Now that the holidays are here more of us are getting invited and attending different holiday parties where alcohol is a part of the celebration. We cannot avoid all parties that alcohol may be at, so it is important to have a plan of action if you feel temptation creeping up. Our brains are really good at recalling the good memories about using drugs and alcohol, especially during the holidays. Some of the strongest feelings are produced around the holidays. Both good and bad feelings can lead a person to relapse. For example, while having fun with… -
The Never Ending Battle with Addiction
19 Dec 2011 | 9:26 amThe Never Ending Battle with Addiction Addiction to drugs or alcohol is a never ending battle. Even those who have been able to get clean and sober have to take constant action to ensure that their sobriety is their main priority. Stories told of people getting clean and sober, and then relapsing, are endless. Getting and staying sober is not easy. If an individual is going to achieve long term sobriety they will need to follow the lessons as well as the aftercare plan that is put into place for them during their stay in addiction treatment. In addition, it is beneficial if they continue with…
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The Last Chance Texaco
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5 Years Sober
15 Jan 2012 | 12:30 pmI’ve been sober five years today and I’ve been writing and erasing this post for 2 hours now. I can’t seem to be able to communicate this without sounding pathetic, so maybe I should just say it in the most concise way possible. Recovery has made nearly everything in my life better, except for one [...] -
How getting a pacemaker is like getting sober.
31 Dec 2011 | 11:22 amI got a pacemaker a couple of days ago. All those tests revealed a 2nd degree type 2 heart block so in to the hospital I went a couple of days later and now my heart beats every time instead of every other or every third time. I can’t believe how much better I feel. [...] -
One beat at a time
25 Dec 2011 | 11:38 amMy decision to go back to school was influenced partly by the fact that my cardiologist wanted to do a cardiac catheterization and angiography, a procedure I wouldn’t have been able to afford to do with my old health insurance with its $450/month price tag and its $5000 deductible. Student health offered by my school [...] -
That Was Then; The difference recovery makes
21 Dec 2011 | 11:56 amMy grades are in. I’ve made it through my first semester of school. Actually I’ve finished up my Freshman year finally. So here are my grades. Here are my current grades and my grades from the spring before I got sober. I feel like I should have a disclaimer on my recovery. “Results are not [...] -
Addiction: the gift that keeps on giving.
11 Dec 2011 | 2:30 pmThis year we get a matched set of holiday mug shots. In less than a week mom had violated the terms of her release on bail and violated a restraining order. Sober people, and I mean that in both the physical and emotional sense, don’t violate restraining orders, do they? Now, even if her husband [...]
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Covenant Eyes
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Is YouTube for Kids? Concern About Porn and Other Sexual Content on YouTube
27 Jan 2012 | 8:38 amYouTube: it’s the world’s largest video sharing website. A remarkable 48 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute—that’s about 8-years of content uploaded every day. This content is initially unmonitored. YouTube does have “Community Guidelines” which specifically state: “YouTube is not for pornography or sexually explicit content.” With so many videos being posted, how do they enforce these Guidelines? Flagging Videos YouTube users themselves are the first line of defense against inappropriate videos. YouTube.com has enabled users to… -
Should I Fire My Accountability Partner?
26 Jan 2012 | 9:50 am“He’s so useless, if he had a third hand he would need a third pocket to put it in.” This is how some Covenant Eyes members feel about their Accountability Partners. As I glance through e-mails and comments from our members, it is clear some don’t feel their Partner is really up to the task. What do you want from your Accountability Partner? Of course, some people don’t want a super-vigilant Accountability Partner. Earlier last year I sent out a survey to our blog readers about why they value having the Covenant Eyes Accountability program on their computers and… -
Christian Teens and Pornography: How big is the problem?
25 Jan 2012 | 8:27 amJust how widespread is the problem of youth in the church watching pornography today? Our friends Josh and Jeannie Yates who work in youth ministry at Gingellville Community Church were interviewed about their experience regarding young people and pornography. They also talk at length about why they use Internet accountability software and why they even “prescribe” it to the teens they work with. This interview is from the creators of Willful Entrapment, an expressive short film about the cost of porn addiction. Make comments about this video on ScratchingTheSurfaceDoc.com. Teens… -
You just caught your child looking at porn. What do you do?
24 Jan 2012 | 9:27 amMy friend Luke Gilkerson with Covenant Eyes interviewed me regarding how to respond to a parent who just caught his/her son in porn. Luke’s questions are in italics, with my responses underneath: Start with hope LG: Let’s say a dad came to see you for advice about his teenage son. He tells you his son has been sneaking out of bed late at night looking at porn on the computer. He’s put filters in place but his son seems to be able to get around them. How might you start advising this father? The first thing the parent needs to know is that God’s grace is sufficient for this. The… -
Is the iPad the Real American Idol?
23 Jan 2012 | 10:44 amI gave my wife Priscilla an iPad for Christmas this year and life will never be quite the same in the Lohrmann household. Yes, she’s owned (and regularly used) desktops, laptops, cellphones and more over the past decade, but this is different—very different. Allow me to explain. After plenty of research, we decided to buy the iPad 2 WiFi + 3G version, so she could use it easily on the road. Now, she always has it with her. Whether playing music, reading the Bible (at home or in church), visiting friends, driving my daughter back to college (from central Michigan to Chicago), writing her…
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Coached to Success
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AM I ADDICTED?- a test
16 Jan 2012 | 2:52 pmAM I ADDICTED?? (A Test)As a “Certified Addictions Life Coach” I have several tests available to me to help you answer the question. What I think is unimportant; all that matters is the conclusions you draw.Rather than reinvent the wheel, I am quoting material from Jan Edward Williams which I completely support. While Jan specifically mentions alcohol, by and large that word is interchangeable with any addiction (drugs, gambling, sex, eating, and many more). Keep this in mind as you read through this material and answer questions honestly. Only you will know the results!First of all, I… -
Self-esteem 2012
11 Jan 2012 | 4:06 pm2012-Mission to Improve Self-esteemTo be of service to others, I do a lot of reading and research. Original thinking is fine but what I know and coach originated from others.The biggest issues I help others to come to grips with are related to self-esteem. Today I share writing from Francine Ward, a lady I wish I had as a coaching client!“Self-esteem comes from honouring your healing journeyMy life is not perfect. I make a lot of mistakes. Sometimes, I stumble and fall. I am a work in progress. And when I remember that simple fact, I am better for the experience.It's easy to start on a path… -
NEED A RECOVERY PROGRAM?
7 Apr 2011 | 1:16 pmNEED A RECOVERY PROGRAM?I am blessed to be acquainted with a great group of people who are involved in addiction recovery and helping others.Patrick Meninga who operates the web site www.spiritualriver.com is one of those people. Over the years, Patrick and I have collaborated on several pieces of work and we share many common beliefs. Both of us recognize the good work of 12 step programs; both of us believe that there are several options to the addicted to regain a fulfilling life that is addiction free.In the world of illness and disease, there is a process that is known as recovery. I… -
SPIRITUALITY-SOME THOUGHTS
4 Apr 2011 | 12:14 pmSPIRITUALITY-SOME THOUGHTSI work with people who simply put, want to make major change in their life.The reasons vary and may include addiction, abuse, stress, and depression. The common denominator is that the zest for life is not what they want and personal relationships are stressed or gone. Most of my clients do not love themselves.Life transformation and the recovery of the life you want is a process. My experience and learning tells me it is a holistic process and one that requires “outside expertise” to guide the journey.If we could fix ourselves then most of us would do so and if… -
Addicted. Maybe?
31 Mar 2011 | 1:59 pmDo you have an addiction problem?You’re reading this because you are looking for information about “addictions”. I address this to two groups of people in particular.* The person who thinks s/he has a problem.* The person trying to drink/drug/behave in moderation.Many are here because deep down they think they might have a problem. Guess what? If you think you might have a problem with drugs or alcohol, chances are very high that you do. Some of you may be looking at how to do certain things in moderation. For you, my personal 25 years of research proved to me there are certain things I…
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addictiontreatmentchallenges.com
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Roxicet Addiction
20 Jan 2012 | 12:32 pmIn the same family as opiates such as morphine, Oxycontin, Vicodin and Heroin, Roxicet (also known as “Roxy,” “Roxi” or “blues”), is a combination of oxycodone (a narcotic) and acetaminophen (the main ingredient in Tylenol), both pain relievers. Roxicet is known as a Schedule 2 drug and is in the class of drugs known as [...]Challenges Addiction Treatment -
The Dangers Of Percocet Addiction
20 Jan 2012 | 12:22 pmPercocet is a combination of the painkillers oxycodone and acetaminophen, and is often prescribed by physicians to help relieve pain from injuries, surgery, headaches and other conditions. Percocet addiction combines the physical need with the emotional and mental dependence on the substance. Once the body begins to need or crave the drug regularly in order [...]Challenges Addiction Treatment -
Is Vicodin Addictive?
7 Jan 2012 | 10:22 pmYes. Very much so, in fact. Vicodin is a brand name for the combination of acetaminophen, a painkiller, and hydrocodone, an opiate and painkiller. Other brand names of this hydrocodone and acetaminophen combination include: Lorcet, Norco, Lortab and Zydone. Vicodin dependency or addiction occurs when use goes beyond recommended dosages and treatment times. Because it [...]Challenges Addiction Treatment -
Xanax Addiction & Withdrawal
6 Jan 2012 | 8:49 pmXanax is prescribed to those who need treatment for panic attacks and possibly agoraphobia, a fear of leaving home or being around other people in open places. Xanax is used as an anti-convulsant, sedative and muscle relaxant. It produces a calm and relaxed feeling, as if the brain has slowed down. Despite the ease of [...]Challenges Addiction Treatment -
Intervention For Alcoholics, Addicts
2 Jan 2012 | 6:14 pmWatching someone you know struggle with the negative and destructive forces of drug abuse and addiction can be excruciating, to say the least. An intervention is a structured way in which people who love and care about an addict can gather to confront that person about his or her addiction. Sometimes it is this very [...]Challenges Addiction Treatment
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About.com Addictions
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Delusions -- More Than Just a Different Point of View
26 Jan 2012 | 4:49 pmDelusions are a tricky subject for many people to get their heads around. How can a doctor figure out whether someone's beliefs are true or not, and what does it matter if they are incorrect anyway? ...Read Full Post -
Is Your New Year's Resolution Still Going Strong?
22 Jan 2012 | 5:21 amIt's three weeks into January -- by now, many of us who made New Year's Resolutions will have had at least one relapse ... So should you just give in, and resign yourself to another year of addiction? No way! Relapse can be disappointing, and for some substances such as alcohol, heroin and painkillers, it can be downright dangerous to have a binge after you've gone cold turkey. But recovery does tend to include relapse stage, and people who are successful at overcoming addiction may cycle through the stages of change several times before quitting entirely....Read Full Post -
Losing Touch With Reality
19 Jan 2012 | 2:29 pmOften when people use drugs, they want to change their perception of reality. They want the world to seem like a simpler, happier place, for reality to be less scary or intimidating, or to make life more interesting and fun. ...Read Full Post -
Bad Ecstasy Alert!
15 Jan 2012 | 11:46 amThe 24 Hours newspaper reported recently that a recent spate of deaths of young ecstasy users has been linked to a contaminant called PMMA -- and at least 16 more ecstasy-related deaths are currently under coronor's review to identify whether PMMA was present. ...Read Full Post -
A Fresh Start in 2012
8 Jan 2012 | 10:03 amJanuary marks the time of year when people most often resolve to change their ways for the better. It isn't just hard core addicts that want to change, but ...Read Full Post
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Drug Rehab Blog
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Danger – Ignoring Signs of Drug Addiction May Cost your Kid’s Life
24 Jan 2012 | 4:47 pmThere comes a time in many parent’s lives when their child shows signs of addiction or substance abuse. Sadly, it happens more often that you may realize. NIDA reported that in 2010, teen marijuana use was at the highest since the 1980′s. It is frightening, confusing, and somewhat numbing, but it is imperative to take [...] -
Ontarian Dilemma – Whether or not to Fire the Drugged or Drunk Employee
23 Jan 2012 | 2:29 pmAddiction in the workplace is becoming all too common. While it was once a seldom encountered quandary, more employers often have to face this problem on a regular basis. This is a situation affecting enterprises located in Ontario as well. It is not a matter of being judgmental, but rather one of doing what is [...] -
Data about the Narconon Drug Detox that May Save your Life
19 Jan 2012 | 12:15 pmAssuming that every detoxification and addiction recovery center is the same is a mistake. In fact, choosing some rehab centers can leave someone still very much addicted, only to another drug. Narconon is set apart from other types of rehabilitation centers for several reasons, but mainly because they do not substitute one drug for another. [...] -
5 Ways to Say No to the Designated Driver During a Party
17 Jan 2012 | 4:40 pmThere is no doubt that the designated drivers, overall, have saved many lives. Surprisingly, however, there are those who, despite offering to remain sober during a party, will drink. This endangers not only their lives but the lives of their passengers. Yes, even designated drivers have been pulled over for drunk driving. Despite how people [...] -
Become Drug and Alcohol Free in 2012 – Narconon can help
13 Jan 2012 | 5:50 pmThe New Year may officially begin on January 1st, but a brand new year can be had with a drug-free life. Any day of the year can be the beginning of not only a new year, but a new life filled with possibilities. Instead of falling back into the negative thought process that “it can’t [...]
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The Sara Bellum Blog
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Real Teens Ask: Is Propofol a Drug?
26 Jan 2012 | 9:21 amSince the death of Michael Jackson in 2009, “propofol” has been mentioned often in the news. The substance was found to be the cause of his death and was the center of the highly publicized trial of his doctor. So, it’s no surprise there is a lot of curiosity about propofol. NIDA received questions about it during last year’s Drug Facts Chat Day. During Chat Day, Cam from California asked about the basics— Is propofol a drug? Yes. Propofol is a common type of anesthetic—a drug that doctors use to “put people to sleep” for surgery. It is given to patients through an… -
Smoking: How It Primes the Brain for Addiction
24 Jan 2012 | 11:16 amMore people understand now the harmful effects that smoking has on the body as well as the addictive effects of nicotine. The good news is that teens seem to be getting the message—SBB recently reported that smoking rates among 8th-, 10th-, and 12th-graders are at an all-time low. But many teens are still smoking—according to the 2011 Monitoring the Future Study, 19 percent of high school seniors reported smoking in the past month. New NIDA research gives yet another reason for teens to avoid lighting that first cigarette—nicotine may “prime” the brain to enhance cocaine’s… -
It’s All About Hormones
19 Jan 2012 | 10:12 amWhy do adults seem to blame “raging hormones” for many things teens do? Beyond causing acne and a sudden interest in dating, are hormones responsible for changes in behavior or emotional response? The answer is yes. The hormones that change around puberty—starting between age 8 and 14—and last until the early 20s when adolescence ends may affect you in more ways than you realize. NIDA defines a “hormone” as “a chemical substance formed in glands in the body and carried in the blood to organs and tissues, where it influences function, structure, and behavior.” In preteen and… -
Amy Winehouse: Death by Misadventure
17 Jan 2012 | 11:40 amIn October 2011, the coroner who conducted Amy Winehouse’s autopsy declared that the Grammy-winning singer “died by misadventure.” Translation: Amy died of accidental alcohol poisoning. Amy famously battled an addiction to drugs and alcohol, and had returned to rehab only months before her death. She gave up drugs after receiving treatment in 2008 but had trouble staying away from alcohol—in fact, Amy had just resumed drinking a few days before her death after 3 weeks of abstinence from it. Sadly, she drank a lethal amount of alcohol—nearly five times the British drunk-driving… -
Let’s Talk: Does Smoking on TV Influence You?
12 Jan 2012 | 10:37 amThe Government banned cigarette commercials on television in 1970 after the 1964 Surgeon General’s report found that smoking cigarettes increased your chances of getting lung cancer. This was a big deal, considering the strong smoking culture in the United States at the time. However, this ban didn’t stop smoking on television. Forty-years later, characters on television shows continue to smoke. And, what if we told you that teens are one of the primary audiences for some of those shows? Researchers from Columbia University and Legacy (formerly the American Legacy Foundation), an…
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Drug Addiction Stories & Info
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Cory Monteith – Yes, you can do it.
23 Jan 2012 | 11:05 amBorn in Alberta, 1982, and raised in British Columbia, Cory was, at the age of 5 able to read far in advance of his age. However, with parents divorcing when he was 7, Cory was a troubled youth, who says that he went to around twelve schools before he was thirteen, including alternative programs. He was into drinking and drugging with his friends, and by the age of sixteen – this promising student quit school completely. By age 19, worried family members put him into drug rehab, after an intervention, but Cory says – “I did the stint, but afterwards went back to exactly what… -
Ben Cousins – Drugs & the AFL
16 Jan 2012 | 3:45 pmFormer AFL player, Ben Cousins was born in Geelong, Victoria in 1978, is now aged 33. He was by any standard an outstanding football player, playing between 1996 and 2010, with 270 games to his credit. Cousins played for West Coast 238 games, with 205 goals and then later for Richmond in the Australian Football League, with medals, awards, honors and sponsorships to match. Cousins’ father was, in his day, a star player for Geelong football team. Cousins is currently hospitalized in a psychiatric ward, apparently suffering from paranoia, and drug induced psychosis as a result of… -
Ben Johnson and Steroid Abuse in Canada.
10 Jan 2012 | 5:37 amInstead of being famous, going down in history as a world champion gold medalist, in the 100 meter sprint, Ben Johnson due to steroid abuse was instead, found to test positive for steroids at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. He was sent home from the games, and later stripped of all his previous world records and medals. Banned from competition for two years, Johnson attempted to make a come back in 1991, but had lost form – failing to be placed in the finals at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He was found, in 1993, to be using steroids again at a sporting event in Montreal, Canada, and was… -
Dylan Thomas – Under Milkwood
2 Jan 2012 | 5:51 amIt would seem that for Dylan Thomas being a poet, using words was his way of communicating with other people in the world, a means of evoking feelings in them, a way to make himself heard. Not for Dylan the usual rough and tumble, interaction of childhood – with a mother who was protective of him, treating him as an invalid – and a father who seemed emotionally remote – a school teacher at the local Grammar School who thought himself worthy and deserving of a better academic position. His father taught him poetry at the age of two, and Dylan could recite Shakespeare by the… -
Soccer, Maradona and Cocaine
29 Dec 2011 | 12:25 amDiego Armando Maradona is widely regarded as having been the greatest soccer player ever. Born 1960, near Buenos Aires, he originally played with “the little Onions” team but by age 16 was the youngest international player, playing against Hungary. Two years later he was captain of the World Youth Cup winners, and was transferred to Boca Juniors for 1 million pounds. He was South American Player of the Year for both 1979 and 1980. In 1982, Maradona signed up with Barcelona, this time the transfer fee was a record 5 million pounds. A success with Barca, Maradona was transferred to…
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The Fix | News
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Jean Paul Gaultier Show Offends Amy Winehouse Family
27 Jan 2012 | 4:32 pmThe French fashion designer is accused of glamorizing addiction by using Amy look-a-likes on his catwalk. -
Audio: The 911 Call For Demi Moore
27 Jan 2012 | 3:02 pmThe woman who called 911 for Demi Moore said the star "smoked something," which was "not marijuana" but "similar to "incense." -
Rx Drug Meltdown in First Nations Reserve
27 Jan 2012 | 2:00 pmOver half the residents of the Canadian reserve of Cat Lake are believed to be pill addicts. -
"Roflcoptr" Hits UK Dance Floors
27 Jan 2012 | 12:53 pmYou'd think a designer drug whose name means "Rolling On the Floor Laughing Crapping Our Pants Totally Ruined" would be less popular. -
SOPA May Crush Online Pharmacies
27 Jan 2012 | 11:56 amThe much-protested Stop Online Piracy Act can protect communities from prescription drug abuse, say its backers.
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PoSARC - Partners of Sex Addicts Resource Center
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“An Easy Way to Be Proactive!”
21 Jan 2012 | 12:15 pmBeing triggered by ultra sexualized imagery everywhere is a PoSA’s commonplace nightmare. Being out with, or without your SAC (sex addict/ compulsive) when facing such ad images on billboards, sides of buses, store windows, magazine covers while in line at a store checkout, it’s enough to send us into a frenzy. And this type of imagery is only becoming more ubiquitous as seemingly everyone hops on the “porn-star imitation” bandwagon in a grab for the almighty dollar or their fifteen minutes of fame. But take heart- there’s good news! The National Organization for Women… -
A Very Blessed 2012 to You All!
2 Jan 2012 | 3:23 pmA Very Blessed 2012 to You All! Last night, New Year’s Eve, some dear friends came over and I suggested that before running off to various other parties that beckoned, that we share three things with each other: What one thing were we most grateful for in this past year? What one thing were we willing to let go of in 2012? What were we feeling brave enough to consciously bring into our lives in the upcoming year? I was astounded at the raw, naked honesty everyone expressed in their shares. Tears flowed and everyone was enriched from sharing in the ritual. A little vulnerable, perhaps,… -
Ask A Sex Addict in Recovery Your Questions
17 Dec 2011 | 12:03 pmQ- Why do addicts seem so cavalier about whether the relationship survives or not? He does not seem to care unless he’s being kicked out or I threaten to break up with him. Answer- Addicts who are not yet in recovery mode, or who are in the early phases of recovery, are often not yet able to be reflective and to consider the feelings and emotions of their partner. Addicts often feel more punished by being denied their ‘drug’ by the partner than feel empathy and guilt for their destructive behaviors. It is said that the active addict’s dream is to live a life without… -
Ask A Sex Addict in Recovery Your Questions
13 Dec 2011 | 8:01 amQ- Why don’t addicts ask us partners questions to better understand what we have been through and what we now currently need from them? They seem to have no interest in anything but themselves. Answer- This seems to be a sad and unfortunate aspect of sex addiction, those addicted tend to have an absence of empathy. And this lack of empathy is essentially one of the main qualities that Recovery helps develop in a recovering addict. What appears to be a common, initial feeling of a sex addict/compulsive (SAC) is a deep, incapacitating shame, which is different than guilt. Having to feel… -
Ask A Sex Addict in Recovery Your Questions
7 Dec 2011 | 7:17 pmQ- Please describe a genuine apology/amends-making. His apologies seem feeble and he does not seem in the least bit sorry that he hurt me, he seems sorry that he got caught. Answer- The amends matter is a complex scenario, since, for one thing, it is often tied to forgiveness. First off, there can be no forgiveness until you are ready to offer that, if ever. Most sex addicts/compulsives (SACs) are expecting immediate forgiveness of their actions to alleviate the shame they feel. And that is not as easy as a “Sorry, but I broke your favorite vase” sort of thing. It is my belief…
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Addiction Treatment Magazine
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Growing Public Health Concern Surrounds Prescription Drug Abuse
28 Jan 2012 | 5:00 amThe first ever National Rx Drug Abuse Summit will take place this April in Florida and U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Regina M. Benjamin will be addressing the need for some new public health plans. The Summit is intended to address the nationwide epidemic of prescription drug abuse and create a better understanding and collaboration between stakeholders. Benjamin hopes to bring together medical professionals, law enforcement, community advocates, educators, treatment experts and many others in efforts to battle this huge problem in America. Karen Kelly, president and CEO of Operation UNITE based… -
Mexico Drug War Also Dangerous for the U.S.
27 Jan 2012 | 5:00 amWhen U.S. law enforcement officers catch and question drug traffickers on this side of the border, many seem unaware of the nefarious Mexican powers behind their trade. Like a deadly sea monster, the heads of Mexican drug cartels live and grow on one side of the U.S.-Mexico border while their tentacles are reaching ever deeper into U.S. cities and communities. Concerns are growing that the ghoulish violence being perpetrated by these cartels in Mexico will soon be played out on American soil as well. The Violence in Mexico Mexican leaders report almost inconceivable numbers of casualties in… -
Heather Locklear’s Struggle with Addiction
26 Jan 2012 | 5:00 amHeather Locklear has one of those smiles that make a beautiful woman even more attractive. The actress, known for her role in the television series Melrose Place, looks far younger than her 50 years. Physical attractiveness and a winning smile have not kept the bumps and bruises of life from the Hollywood starlet. The public sometimes forgets that the icons of celluloid are made of flesh and blood just like the rest of us and are not impervious to the trials which come to us all. But while most of us fight life’s battles in private, darlings of the media are forced to struggle in front… -
Screen Addictions Can Cause Children to Lose Social Skills
25 Jan 2012 | 5:00 amMany parents are starting to enroll their children in classes for social skills because they believe screen addictions cause them to lack the communication and social skills necessary to begin kindergarten. Kimberly O’Brien, a child psychologist with Quirky Kid Clinic, says parents are concerned about the amount of time their kids are spending on the computer, electronic games and TV. O’Brien says children’s social skills need more work today due to the amount of screen time they spend on their Wii, PSP, X-Box and on the Internet, to name a few. Thankfully, children are so… -
Jersey Shore Star Leaves the Cast to Focus on His Emotional Health
22 Jan 2012 | 5:00 amViewers of the popular and somewhat controversial MTV series Jersey Shore know that one of its stars, Vinny Guadagnino, left the Jersey Shore house recently to concentrate on taking care of his emotional health. What many viewers may not know is that Vinny has suffered from clinical anxiety since he was a child and has had to work hard to manage these issues since he was a teenager. Why did Vinny choose to leave the Jersey Shore house? In his own words, Vinny tells us as he opens up about dealing with anxiety and stress in a video broadcast on vinny.halfofus.com. Vinny started having anxiety…
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Recovery Helpdesk
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Recovery Essay Contest Winners Talk About Methadone, Naltrexone and Suboxone
24 Jan 2012 | 6:39 pmEssay contest winners described their addiction recovery in their own words, and explained how medications like methadone, buprenorphine (Suboxone and Probuphine) and naltrexone (Vivitrol) helped them get sober. Over 125 people from the US and the UK entered the essay contest. The winners are: First Prize: Darlene DeMore of (Pennsylvania, USA) Darlene wrote about her methadone treatment and 14 years of recovery. When I became pregnant, I was terrified that I would not be able to take care of my child. MAT allowed me to become well, function normally and raise a beautiful daughter. -
HIV Infection Linked To High Drug Overdose Risk
14 Jan 2012 | 7:13 pmDrug users who are infected with HIV are 74 percent more likely to experience drug overdose, a recent study suggests. Researcher Traci Green, Ph.D. says factors contributing to the increased risk may include poorer physical health, poverty and poor access to medication-assisted therapy to treat opioid dependence. Green points out that drug treatment with methadone or buprenorphine (Suboxone) has been shown to protect against fatal drug overdose, and she suggests that improved access to these therapies would be one important way to reduce high overdose risk in this population. The study was… -
Vivitrol: Half Heroin-Free for Full Year of Treatment Study
13 Dec 2011 | 7:27 pmNew research suggests that Vivitrol is an effective long-term treatment for addiction to heroin or prescription pain killers. Half of all Vivitrol patients in a recent drug treatment study remained opiate-free for the entire one-year study. Vivitrol is a medication used to treat addiction to heroin and prescription pain killers. The non-narcotic medication blocks the effects of heroin or other opiates. Vivitrol is an injectable, extended-release form of the medication naltrexone. Patients visit their medical provider once per month to receive a shot. Study participants were taking part in… -
Methadone Blunts Mood Swings That Could Trigger Relapse
2 Sep 2011 | 12:49 pmMethadone moderates emotional responses including elation and depression says a new study reported in the science journal Addiction. “Easy Does It” is a common recovery mantra. Emotional stability is especially important for people in early recovery. Both emotional highs and lows can contribute to relapse. For people who are addicted to heroin or other opiates, methadone treatment may support recovery by taking the edge off of mood shifts. Of course, methadone also supports recovery by limiting cravings, preventing withdrawal symptoms and blocking the effects of other opiates. -
Happiness 101: Random Acts of Kindness
1 Jul 2011 | 1:00 amYou may have heard about the benefits of committing random acts of kindness. The benefits are very real and very concrete. This works for people who are currently using, people who are in early recovery, people who are in long term recovery, and family members. So try it yourself and suggest it to those who are close to you. Helping others releases endorphins into the brain (a natural good feeling) and reduces stress. Benefits include improvements in physical health and mental health. And the benefits have been documented by scientific research. But did you know that for best results…
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Hydrocodone Help
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Attempting Hydrocodone Recovery Alone
22 Jan 2012 | 9:00 pmHydrocodone is a highly addictive medication, and according to the Controlled Substance Act of 1970 hydrocodone is a Schedule II drug. It is found both by itself and in combination with other medications. Because of its potency hydrocodone can be unsafe if use is suddenly discontinued. This can cause recovering users to relapse. Detoxing from Hydrocodone Alone Trying to detox from hydrocodone on your own can be risky. Medical professionals should be present to ensure withdrawal symptoms remain manageable and are not life-threatening. Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms may include the following:… -
Am I Powerless over Hydrocodone Addiction?
16 Jan 2012 | 9:00 pmHydrocodone is semi-synthetic opiate that is only available when combined with other ingredients. It is marketed under brand names such as Lortab, Lorcet and Vicodin, and it is prescribed as a pain reliever and cough suppressant. Hydrocodone is a habit-forming narcotic, and it must be used with caution. Prescription holders should carefully follow dosage instructions and never share their medicine in order to avoid the negative ramifications of hydrocodone abuse and addiction. How Hydrocodone Addiction Develops Hydrocodone addiction may begin with a prescription for a legitimate medical… -
Why Hydrocodone Detox Is Not Enough
10 Jan 2012 | 11:12 amHydrocodone is a prescription painkiller commonly known by its brand names such as Vicodin, Lortab, and Lorcet. While it can effectively treat pain, it also has the potential to cause both physical dependence and psychological addiction, which complicates recovery. Recovery should begin with detox, however this should simply be a step in the process. In order for an addicted person to achieve a lasting recovery, detox needs to be followed by a comprehensive plan of rehab treatment. What Is Hydrocodone Detoxification? Detox is the process of eliminating hydrocodone from a person’s body. -
What Hydrocodone Addiction Does to a Person
3 Jan 2012 | 9:00 pmHydrocodone is a narcotic pain reliever that contains hydrocodone, an opiate drug, and acetaminophen, a pain reliever that increases the effects of hydrocodone. Hydrocodone can be used as a pain reliever, as it works by changing the way the brain responds to pain. It can also be used as a cough suppressant to decrease activity in the brain that causes coughing. Hydrocodone has a high addiction potential. Hydrocodone addiction can result from legitimate use gone awry or from recreational use and abuse. Hydrocodone is especially dangerous when it is not taken as directed. Crushing, splitting or… -
Treatment for Hydrocodone Addiction and Mood Disorders
27 Dec 2011 | 9:00 pmFor many years addiction and mood disorders were seen as separate issues and treated as such, but recent studies reveal a strong connection between the two. For example, a person suffering from depression or mania is more likely to abuse drugs as a way of masking the symptoms, while addiction can cause or perpetuate mood disorders and worsen their negative effects. Co-occurring disorders often share similar stimuli such as genetic predisposition and childhood stress. This is especially true for those addicted to hydrocodone painkillers, and it emphasizes the importance of integrated treatment…
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Valium Addiction Help
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Valium Abuse Help for the College Student
25 Jan 2012 | 10:00 pmCommonly prescribed to treat anxiety, depression, seizures and muscle spasms, Valium is a drug obtained and abused by college students. Reasons for college Valium abuse include the following: College students feel the freedom to experiment. While college years are intended to be years of development and expanding thinking, students often take the time away from parents to experiment with various lifestyle choices, drugs and alcohol. These actions can push the boundaries of what is safe and sensible and lead to illegal and dangerous experiments with drugs such as Valium. The wrong group of… -
Why Valium Detox Is Not Enough
19 Jan 2012 | 10:00 pmWhile detox is certainly an important part of Valium rehab, it is only the beginning of recovery. Addicts cannot expect long-term recovery by simply removing the substance they are addicted to; rather, recovery begins and ends in the mind. What Is the Difference between Valium Detoxification and Rehabilitation? Detox is where users go to get physically clean from the substance they are addicted to. Often they are given drugs to help with withdrawal symptoms as a way of weaning themselves off of the drug. Some rehab centers won’t allow new patients in their programs until they have gone… -
What Valium Addiction Does to a Person
12 Jan 2012 | 10:00 pmValium, generically referred to as diazepam, is prescribed for the treatment of muscle spasms, seizures and anxiety. Valium is a benzodiazepine and minor tranquilizer and may be habit forming. Valium is both physically and psychologically addictive, and addiction may develop within a month of continued use. Valium addiction is a devastating condition that may begin with a prescription or a decision to abuse the drug recreationally, but it soon escalates into a disease that may destroy a person’s physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Valium addiction is treatable through professional… -
Isolation and Valium Abuse
5 Jan 2012 | 10:00 pmValium is a benzodiazepine derivative drug prescribed for treatment of the following: Anxiety Insomnia Seizures Muscle spasms Restless leg syndrome Alcohol withdrawal While most people who take Valium as prescribed for a short-term period do not encounter abuse or addiction difficulties, long-term use of benzodiazepines can cause many unwanted effects including the following: Depression Increased anxiety Poor memory and cognition Dependence About Isolation and Valium Abuse Having the media define beauty, wealth and popularity in an exaggerated manner can lead to the average person feeling… -
Is Valium Addiction a Disease?
29 Dec 2011 | 10:00 pmValium addiction has been known to negatively affect the liver, breathing and sight, among other organs. Valium abuse affects the REM cycle of sleep and can cause or worsen sleep apnea. Because Valium affects the central nervous system, brain chemistry is altered. For some people, Valium has adverse behavioral affects such as the following: Rage More pronounced epileptic seizures Depression Valium has been listed on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of essential medicines. At one time, Valium was the go-to drug of choice, though in more recent times some governments have recognized…
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Heroin Detox Rehab
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What Heroin Addiction Does to a Person
26 Jan 2012 | 9:00 pmHeroin is a highly addictive and quick-acting drug. This makes it a drug of choice for many people. Heroin works in the brain to create a quick feeling of euphoria for the user, but, as soon as the effects of the drug wear off, heroin addicts find themselves wanting the drug again. Heroin users also find they need more and more of the drug to experience the desired effect. Heroin quickly controls the body and mind of the user and impacts every area of the user’s life. What Heroin Does to a User Physically Heroin creates intense cravings for the drug. Individuals addicted to heroin often… -
How to Ask for Help with Heroin Addiction
19 Jan 2012 | 9:00 pmHeroin addiction is a terrifying disease. Many people become addicted the first time they take this powerful opiate. What may have seemed like a simple experiment can become a life-destroying disease almost immediately. The complicated psychological nature of heroin addiction may also make it difficult for a person to seek the help they so desperately need. Why Is It So Hard to Ask for Help with Heroin Addiction? Heroin addiction is a combination of at least two disorders. The body becomes physically dependent on heroin very quickly. It replaces naturally occurring “feel good” chemicals… -
How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Heroin?
12 Jan 2012 | 9:00 pmWhile the feelings of euphoria that initially come with heroin abuse will create a desire for another “hit” soon afterward, physical dependence usually takes several doses to become established. If you have not yet taken the drug, you should know that first-time use of certain drugs including heroin will not necessarily lead to the reported feelings of euphoria. Heroin can create unpleasant feelings, nausea and vomiting. Heroin Abuse Leads to Continued Abuse Heroin abuse will lead to further abuse. Frequent repeated use will lead to addiction, and, once you are addicted, permanent… -
Having the Right Expectations for Heroin Rehab and Recovery
5 Jan 2012 | 9:00 pmHeroin is an illegal drug that is highly addictive and leads to dependence and addiction. Recovering from a heroin addiction is difficult, and the heroin withdrawal process lasts much longer than that of other drugs. Because of the difficulty associated with quitting heroin use, finding the right recovery program is essential to a successful recovery and to preventing injury or death from unsafe withdrawal. Making the choice to quit heroin is the only choice. The recovery process requires complete dedication from the participant, but it gives an individual a second chance at a life they may… -
Am I Powerless over Heroin Addiction?
29 Dec 2011 | 9:00 pmHeroin addiction is an overwhelming disease. Many people try to quit and simply can’t. They are determined to recover and wish to be free, but without help recovery can be impossible. Some individuals will endure all of the pain and agony of detox on their own only to succumb to the much more powerful psychological aspects of the disease shortly after. If it feels like you are powerless over heroin addiction, it is because on your own you are. The good news is that you do not need to be on your own. Why Heroin Addiction Is So Powerful Heroin addiction establishes two distinct but…
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Addiction Treatment Blog by Addiction Experts » Addiction Blog
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Top Ten Reasons NOT To Do Meth
26 Jan 2012 | 4:49 pmMany of us have already seen the before and after photos of meth users. Such shots usually show a relatively rough and unattractive person whose meth binge puts them even farther up the ladder of uggo. But what about those of you who actually have still have their good looks to lose? What’s keeping the fair skin and bright eyes away from the dangers of speeding too fast? For such fortunate folks I’ve concocted the ten top reasons why good looking people might want to think twice before beginning to use crystal meth. With no further ado I will begin with the last reason –… -
Injecting Mushrooms; Reflections on Drug Activity in the Brain
25 Jan 2012 | 6:25 pmIn my regular reconnaissance for the latest news in the world of drug and alcohol treatment I recently discovered an intriguing study on the actual effects of various substances on brain function – complete with pretty pictures of the activity created by all sorts of different chemicals. Not only did the headline, “This is what your brain on drugs really looks like[i],” capture my attention (I knew my brain didn’t really resemble an egg in a frying pan, like the old anti-drug adds would have you believe) but the colorful diagrams drew me in as well. In the past I always… -
Energizing My Sobriety
23 Jan 2012 | 12:15 pmIn my first few weeks of sobriety I was a hardened cynic, nothing could rouse me from an attitude of skepticism and self-righteous doubts. While other people told me that there was no such thing as coincidence I pointed out the ‘probability’ that they were wrong. When the presence of a Higher Power failed to strike me with lightning bolts (not something I usually pray for anyway) or other natural phenomenon I took this as evidence that my recovery was not going as planned. The process of getting clean and sober was something I’d pictured as a smooth transition, from rehab… -
Safe to Inhale: The Quest to Clean Up Crack Use
20 Jan 2012 | 5:13 pmThe subject of crack smoking can bring up a wealth of dark jokes about the most debasing of drugs. This is even truer when the idea of a “safe-inhalation” site for crack is proposed. Would it be a room full of windows (so that each paranoid smoker has their own set of shades to peep out of) or a space with none at all? There definitely couldn’t be carpeting on the floor (or they would never get the desperate clients to stop searching for crumbs of dropped rock). And would nurses be on hand with icepacks for the emergencies like blistered thumbs and burnt lips? Feel free… -
Annoying People In AA
20 Jan 2012 | 5:05 pmIt is very common to run into obnoxious people while attending an AA Meeting. These are individuals who piss you off on good days, and piss you off even more on bad days. While attending AA meetings many of these douche bags will most likely be present. I have taken the liberty of compiling a short list of some commonly seen douche nozzles while attending an AA meeting: The Peanut Gallery:This group is full of those over-used bad “jokes” that would make Dane Cook cringe. Some examples of their high-brow intellectual humor: “at some of these we balked”- they balk like…
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Rehab Alert
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Alcohol Treatment Centers For Women Who Seek Alcohol Abuse Treatment
24 Jan 2012 | 8:43 amWomen are more inclined to encounter numerous obstacles when seeking out alcohol treatment centers, and tend to be less likely to enter a program. More often, women choose psychological mental health care facilities over alcohol-specific treatment, which contributes to them receiving less then standard care for their addiction. Research shows that women achieve greater success than men, no matter if the treatment is gender-specific or mixed-gender. For these reasons, most alcohol treatment centers offer a variety of treatment program choices to both sexes. In a 1999 Medical University of… -
Levels of Drug Abuse Treatment
19 Jan 2012 | 10:37 pmThe science of drug abuse treatment has improved significantly over the course of time. Just twenty years ago, unless an individual has very deep pockets, he could not find the personalized care found in most drug abuse treatment centers of today. Scientific research has lead to a greater understanding of causes and effects of addiction. Specialized programs have been developed to address specific addictions and co-occurring mental illnesses often associated with substance abuse and dependence. Knowing the effects that substances have on the functioning of the brain has changed how drug abuse… -
Cocaine Addiction Treatment Centers
16 Jan 2012 | 1:29 pmCocaine addiction treatment centers frequently employ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as the main element of an individual’s recovery program. There are currently no medications available to treat cocaine addiction cravings, such as Suboxone, which is used for treating opiate addiction. Because cocaine metabolizes in fatty tissue, addicts can experience cravings for months, and even years, after quitting. And because cocaine is so highly addictive, both psychologically and physically, cocaine addiction treatment centers find CBT the best course of action in addressing cocaine’s… -
Houston Texas Drug Rehab Centers
12 Jan 2012 | 1:54 pmThere are more than sixty Houston, Texas drug rehab centers available to those seeking recovery from addiction to drugs or alcohol. More than 35 thousand individuals enter treatment throughout the state of Texas annually; approximately one-third of those are entering Houston, Texas drug rehab centers. Unfortunately, there are far more people that need help with addiction, than there is space available in the city of Houston. Although bed space is limited, Houston, Texas drug rehab centers provide some of the most comprehensive care in the United States. The city is home to numerous public and… -
Los Angeles Drug Rehab Centers Offer Hope
9 Jan 2012 | 12:26 pmSearching for a Los Angeles drug rehab center? You are not alone. More than 2 million people each year attend a drug rehab treatment program of some kind for the first time and in California. People seeking treatment have a choice of what type of Los Angeles drug rehab center they want to attend, based on a doctor’s recommendation, of course. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, there are many different types of treatment available, and they all have an inpatient and outpatient options available as well. Los Angeles Drug Rehab Choices: Inpatient While not many people…
