Arc of the Pendulum
Instead, our habit has been to rush head first in one direction, then reverse and rush back the opposite way
Arc of the Pendulum
Instead, our habit has been to rush head first in one direction, then reverse and rush back the opposite way
It’s election season, and the Politico website updates us on the national mood:
Everyone’s tough on drugs again
Traffickers are to blame, the candidates say. Virtually no one’s talking about treatment.
Seems that all anyone running for office wants to do is to promise us stiffer law enforcement and swifter punishment for 'the bad guys' -- whoever they may turn out to be.
It's a contrast from six years ago, when then-President Trump signed the SUPPORT act with broad approval from a bipartisan Congress. The hope then was that by emphasizing treatment -- traditionally a red-headed stepchild to law enforcement, since the beginning of the War on Drugs -- our nation had finally hit on the solution to America’s drug problem.
Not so fast. The opioid epidemic kept expanding, now driven primarily by illicit fentanyl rather than prescription painkillers. Overdose totals continued to grow. As a result, the pendulum of public opinion has swung once again.
And as so...
Everyone’s tough on drugs again
Traffickers are to blame, the candidates say. Virtually no one’s talking about treatment.
Seems that all anyone running for office wants to do is to promise us stiffer law enforcement and swifter punishment for 'the bad guys' -- whoever they may turn out to be.
It's a contrast from six years ago, when then-President Trump signed the SUPPORT act with broad approval from a bipartisan Congress. The hope then was that by emphasizing treatment -- traditionally a red-headed stepchild to law enforcement, since the beginning of the War on Drugs -- our nation had finally hit on the solution to America’s drug problem.
Not so fast. The opioid epidemic kept expanding, now driven primarily by illicit fentanyl rather than prescription painkillers. Overdose totals continued to grow. As a result, the pendulum of public opinion has swung once again.
And as so...
- Thinking About Addiction
- In the News
- Public Health
- Public Policy
Some Downward Progress
Many older folks turn to cannabis to self-medicate the pain and sleep problems that can plague old age. As they become dependent on cannabis, we could see the emergence of more health-related problems there.
Good News on the Overdose Front
Some less good news: Law enforcement sees evidence of aggressive efforts by drug cartels to establish supply lines and operations within the US.
Arc of the Pendulum
Instead, our habit has been to rush head first in one direction, then reverse and rush back the opposite way
- Resources About
- Addiction
- Addictive Substances
- Prevention
- Recovery
- Treatment
A Prime Time Role for N2O
...teens are ‘the ultimate herd animals’ when it came to experimentation with drugs. “They’ll try something they know to be risky, simply because they’ve heard others have tried it. It’s as if they’re convinced they’ll fall behind if they don’t.”
When Addiction Is The Norm
Genetics appear to play a role, of course; so do environmental factors, including trauma -- something that often haunts such families.
A Prime Time Role for N2O
...teens are ‘the ultimate herd animals’ when it came to experimentation with drugs. “They’ll try something they know to be risky, simply because they’ve heard others have tried it. It’s as if they’re convinced they’ll fall behind if they don’t.”
Life in a Hot Spot
Make it a continuing effort, using strategies based in evidence, and harnessing the power of human interaction-- instead of relying on a burst of anti-drug education, however intense.
Hunter on Trial
...in the claustrophobic environment of a trial, it seems it's still permissible to treat the consequences of this complex, multifactorial chronic disorder as simply the result of some poor soul’s irresponsible decision-making.
Seven Trips to Rehab pt 2
I remember the late James Milam PhD suggesting that the ability to vividly recall one's first use of a substance might actually be an indicator of future problems.
- Resources For
- Addiction Clinicians
- Families
- People in Recovery
- Programs
Revisiting CHS
As of now, there's no single widely used treatment -- other than giving up marijuana.
Revisiting CHS
As of now, there's no single widely used treatment -- other than giving up marijuana.
When Addiction Is The Norm
Genetics appear to play a role, of course; so do environmental factors, including trauma -- something that often haunts such families.
Exercising for Chronic Pain Relief
We've known for several decades that regular exercise, even the mild sort, helps lessen symptoms of depression. It comes as no surprise that it may also help with CPS and the mood problems that accompany it.
Drugs in Jail
If 70% or more of a jail population has been identified as having a drug or alcohol problem – that does happen – then what you’re really operating is a treatment center that happens to have bars on the windows and guards at the entrance.
- Library
- Bookshelf
- PDF Articles
- Videos
First Person Hard Charger
In fact, in many instances, the trauma that occurs after they’re addicted is more damaging than what happened before.
First Person Hard Charger
In fact, in many instances, the trauma that occurs after they’re addicted is more damaging than what happened before.
Diagnosing Cannabis Use Disorder: Updated
It certainly makes sense that if you suffer from a major mental illness, you should stay away from pot.
Video: Practical Advice on Prescription Painkiller Problems
People have abused opiates for 5,000 years. As much as medicine depends on them, they've always created problems for a percentage of users.
