Cleaning Up the Mess
“Holy crap! What happened?” the public demands. Followed by “Who’s to blame?” Not us, insist the makers and distributors.
More Testing Blues
I point out that my job is to pay attention to the available evidence and at the moment, that's a test result that says something different.
I’m sure you’ve heard of the recent controversy over a drug test where Sha'carri Richardson, the 21 year-old American sprinter favored to win at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, came up positive for THC at the Olympic Trials. She won't be able to participate.
I can't sit in judgment on this particular case, but I can speak about the larger issue of testing based on my vast experience with people who are in the midst of vigorously protesting the outcome of a drug test. Urine collection and sharing of the results was one of my first duties in the field -- we didn't exactly start at the top -- so I quickly became familiar with the procedure and the dialogue that goes along with it.
Given the athlete’s high profile and the unfortunate timing, many folks, including other celebs, have jumped into the fray. But in many respects, it resembles a conflict that occurs daily in treatment centers and probation offices around the world.
Positive drug tests are routinely disputed on a...
I can't sit in judgment on this particular case, but I can speak about the larger issue of testing based on my vast experience with people who are in the midst of vigorously protesting the outcome of a drug test. Urine collection and sharing of the results was one of my first duties in the field -- we didn't exactly start at the top -- so I quickly became familiar with the procedure and the dialogue that goes along with it.
Given the athlete’s high profile and the unfortunate timing, many folks, including other celebs, have jumped into the fray. But in many respects, it resembles a conflict that occurs daily in treatment centers and probation offices around the world.
Positive drug tests are routinely disputed on a...
- Thinking About Addiction
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A Bad Night in Minneapolis
Our alternative is to increase and lengthen our sentences for people who have serious drinking problems, and so far the Legislature hasn't been willing to do that, and I'm not sure society wants a person — even if they have their second or third DWI — to be put in prison for 25 years.
The Drug Epidemic to Come
On a recent show, comedian John Oliver addressed the prospect of a future virus pandemic that...
Cleaning Up the Mess
“Holy crap! What happened?” the public demands. Followed by “Who’s to blame?” Not us, insist the makers and distributors.
- Resources About
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More Testing Blues
I point out that my job is to pay attention to the available evidence and at the moment, that's a test result that says something different.
A Surgical Treatment for Addiction?
I understand the outcome in a second case was far less successful. That happens. Much research is needed before declaring any surgery 'safe' for most patients.
More Testing Blues
I point out that my job is to pay attention to the available evidence and at the moment, that's a test result that says something different.
The Drug Epidemic to Come
On a recent show, comedian John Oliver addressed the prospect of a future virus pandemic that...
Death of a True Believer
She probably felt Adderall didn’t count because it was prescribed. A common mistake.
A Chronic Case
Risk goes up with advancing age and declining health, and this patient, a former star athlete still in his early 30’s, is a better candidate for surgery than many.
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Placebo Power
I've heard from various physicians over the years that as patient visits grow ever briefer-- down to 11 minutes in some clinical settings-- doctors are increasingly quick with the prescription pad.
Placebo Power
I've heard from various physicians over the years that as patient visits grow ever briefer-- down to 11 minutes in some clinical settings-- doctors are increasingly quick with the prescription pad.
Good Advice?
I happened to stumble across an advice column in one of the national newspapers. It dealt with a...
Too Much Success?
Nonetheless, she managed to convince herself she was no longer addicted. At least long enough to start drinking again.
An Update on Business Ethics
How could any treatment program anywhere assure its customers that drugs and alcohol were behind them once for all?
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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.
