Another “Resurgence”
...the preoccupation with overdose death rates inadvertently distracted the public from a much larger and more enduring medical and social problem: an expanding population of persons with chronic Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).
Another “Resurgence”
...the preoccupation with overdose death rates inadvertently distracted the public from a much larger and more enduring medical and social problem: an expanding population of persons with chronic Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).
Besides COVID cases, I mean. There’ve been several articles recently on the sudden, dramatic uptick in drug overdose fatalities. I picked one to link to:
Pandemic unleashes a spike in overdose deaths
Some observations of my own:
First, this was anticipated by many in the addictions field. Once the focus was off opioid use, the media would aim its search beams at some other issue, and public attention would follow. Awareness declines, attention wanders, and the problem that drew it in the first place quickly reasserts itself
We’re seeing that now with re-opening and what appears to have been a premature effort to return to a version of ‘normality’, pre-pandemic style. It's been more like opening Pandora’s box. We realize now that the spread of coronavirus had only been suppressed, temporarily. Far from eliminated -- any more than alcoholism goes away when someone sobers up for a few months.
Same argument could be made for the resurgence in drug overdose and its...
Pandemic unleashes a spike in overdose deaths
Some observations of my own:
First, this was anticipated by many in the addictions field. Once the focus was off opioid use, the media would aim its search beams at some other issue, and public attention would follow. Awareness declines, attention wanders, and the problem that drew it in the first place quickly reasserts itself
We’re seeing that now with re-opening and what appears to have been a premature effort to return to a version of ‘normality’, pre-pandemic style. It's been more like opening Pandora’s box. We realize now that the spread of coronavirus had only been suppressed, temporarily. Far from eliminated -- any more than alcoholism goes away when someone sobers up for a few months.
Same argument could be made for the resurgence in drug overdose and its...
- Thinking About Addiction
- In the News
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Perilous Prosecution
In one instance, a Corporate Compliance manager came right out and advised a pharmacist that his role was to drive sales for the company. Meaning to keep pushing opioids, above all.
Another “Resurgence”
...the preoccupation with overdose death rates inadvertently distracted the public from a much larger and more enduring medical and social problem: an expanding population of persons with chronic Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).
Drugs and Policing
Laws and policies are quickly enacted that, once on the books, often outlive the emergencies they were there to address.
- Resources About
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Chronic Relapse and Secondary Gain
By secondary gain, I’m referring to a psychological or emotional advantage or benefit that occurs from an illness or behavioral disorder.
Medical Relapse Trap
That is not the doc’s fault, and frankly, it isn't really James’, either. It’s what happens where addiction rules. If not at that moment, then the next.
Higher and Higher
Not completely unexpectedly, the research team found that using the more potent forms substantially increased the risk for cannabis use disorders (CUDs in the US), as well as anxiety disorders.
Old Diseases Made New
When we fail to provide adequate treatment for substance disorders, we pay a price in terms of overall public health.
Bad Timing
And the principle on which his transition plan would have been based is adaptability to the unforeseen.
Chronic Relapse and Secondary Gain
By secondary gain, I’m referring to a psychological or emotional advantage or benefit that occurs from an illness or behavioral disorder.
- Resources For
- Addiction Clinicians
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Chronic Relapse and Secondary Gain
By secondary gain, I’m referring to a psychological or emotional advantage or benefit that occurs from an illness or behavioral disorder.
Chronic Relapse and Secondary Gain
By secondary gain, I’m referring to a psychological or emotional advantage or benefit that occurs from an illness or behavioral disorder.
The Difficult Discussion: Your Turn
Avoid accusations, threats, self-pity, bringing up old resentments, etc.
Running, But Not on Empty
I might have attributed it to the fabled 'runner's high' had I not met so many dedicated runners who denied experiencing one--
Sober Living
Their presence sometimes go unnoticed because it’s the problem children that wind up in the media, the result of an incident or neighborhood complaints.
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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.
