Meds for Drinking Problems?

...the main challenge for all these meds is "medication adherence." Translation: patients stop taking them.

We’ll begin with a quote from a recent article in The Guardian:

New class of opioids that may be more potent than fentanyl emerges globally

"The global drug supply has increasingly shifted towards highly potent synthetic substances such as fentanyl and newly emerging nitazenes." Okay, we knew that.

But "...Often, these drugs arrive in the US in the form of powders or precursor chemicals that take up minimal space, and are difficult to detect by odor."

It’s that last bit that drew my attention. If the drugs can’t be detected by odor, then what use are the drug-sniffing dogs?

Not much, unless the synthetics have been mixed with another drug that does have a detectable odor.

From an expert in detection: "If fentanyl seems to have an odor... it’s the other substance that smells. So, for example, if marijuana is laced with fentanyl, the distinct skunky or musky smell of marijuana is detectable, but not the fentanyl." Or the nitazene, presumably.

So without...

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  • Thinking About Addiction
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Detection Dilemma

Seems to me this is just another weakness in the plan to rely on border control and enforcement to stem the rise of synthetic drugs in the US.

One County, Two Big Problems

It turns out that the local Mennonite community in Seminole has also been a regular stop on a drug smuggling route that runs from northern Mexico all the way to Canada. The smugglers: Yep, other Mennonites.

Detection Dilemma

Seems to me this is just another weakness in the plan to rely on border control and enforcement to stem the rise of synthetic drugs in the US.

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“It was never a problem”

That's important in a treatment context, because a history of multiple drug use means they will be tempted to focus on one substance --  their "drug of choice", whatever they may feel that is -- while minimizing the importance of the others.

You Too Can Be A VIP

VIP gambling programs designed to provide an extra special experience for a certain type of gambler, identified as a prime candidate for further exploitation.

Another wave of OD?

“Overdose deaths from carfentanil…[increased] from 29 between January and June 2023 to 238 in that same period in 2024.” That’s a heck of a year-over-year increase, although it still represents only a small percentage of total fatalities.

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.

“It was never a problem”

That's important in a treatment context, because a history of multiple drug use means they will be tempted to focus on one substance --  their "drug of choice", whatever they may feel that is -- while minimizing the importance of the others.

  • Resources For
  • Addiction Clinicians
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“It was never a problem”

That's important in a treatment context, because a history of multiple drug use means they will be tempted to focus on one substance --  their "drug of choice", whatever they may feel that is -- while minimizing the importance of the others.

“It was never a problem”

That's important in a treatment context, because a history of multiple drug use means they will be tempted to focus on one substance --  their "drug of choice", whatever they may feel that is -- while minimizing the importance of the others.

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.

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