A drug test hits the headlines…
...simply holding up a sheet of paper with numbers purporting to be the results of a drug test, may possibly be the least reliable way to demonstrate continuing abstinence from drug use.
Cannabis and Cognition
The public , including those in elected office, seem to assume that the expected prohibition on sales and use by underage persons will somehow be enough to limit the damage.
For those who suffer from PTSD and/or Chronic Pain Syndrome (CPS) — two of our most prevalent disorders, both strongly associated with substance use — here’s some good news:
A promising new treatment is on the horizon for each. Better yet, clinical trials indicate that the new treatments appear measurably superior to what’s been available in the past.
We’ll look at each in turn.
First, for managing symptoms of PTSD, a new medication-- the first in decades.
Brexpiprazole and Sertraline Combination Treatment in Posttraumatic Stress
The new formulation combines the atypical antipsychotic brexpiprazole with popular SSRI medication sertraline, already in use for PTSD. In trials, the combo appeared to provide superior relief from symptoms, and also resulted in measurable improvements in individual function.
That suggests that patients were not only feeling better, but also functioning better in their daily lives.
That’s important for motivating the patient. As...
A promising new treatment is on the horizon for each. Better yet, clinical trials indicate that the new treatments appear measurably superior to what’s been available in the past.
We’ll look at each in turn.
First, for managing symptoms of PTSD, a new medication-- the first in decades.
Brexpiprazole and Sertraline Combination Treatment in Posttraumatic Stress
The new formulation combines the atypical antipsychotic brexpiprazole with popular SSRI medication sertraline, already in use for PTSD. In trials, the combo appeared to provide superior relief from symptoms, and also resulted in measurable improvements in individual function.
That suggests that patients were not only feeling better, but also functioning better in their daily lives.
That’s important for motivating the patient. As...
- Thinking About Addiction
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- Public Health
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A drug test hits the headlines…
...simply holding up a sheet of paper with numbers purporting to be the results of a drug test, may possibly be the least reliable way to demonstrate continuing abstinence from drug use.
OD Epidemic Nearing an End?
I couldn’t help noticing: The lack of references to the effectiveness of interdiction and law-enforcement.
Checkpoint Challenges
By the time an offender gets caught, they are thoroughly convinced by their own experience that the risk of apprehension is minimal. So they’re surprised, hurt, and more often than not, really angry.
- Resources About
- Addiction
- Addictive Substances
- Prevention
- Recovery
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One for PTSD, One for Pain
Many of the chronic pain patients I’ve run into suffer from both depression and anxiety, much of it related to their experience of pain.
Hardcore, once more
Incarceration alone is almost never very effective— in fact, drinking may well resume the day the offender is released.
Yet Another Ancient Hallucinogen, Reborn
...ibogaine has been associated with “… serious adverse effects that can occur due to undiagnosed health conditions and/or concomitant use of other drugs.” As well as 33 recorded deaths.
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.
Aging in Recovery
She emphasizes how much stigma is encountered by older recovering persons in the healthcare system.
One for PTSD, One for Pain
Many of the chronic pain patients I’ve run into suffer from both depression and anxiety, much of it related to their experience of pain.
- Resources For
- Addiction Clinicians
- Families
- People in Recovery
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Advocates In Action
Whether it’s a community meeting, a political demonstration, or just knocking on doors in the neighborhood, our presence helps to make a difference.
Revisiting BWS
BZ withdrawal, however, can substantially complicate the clinical picture. Detox from alcohol or heroin, for instance, might require extra days in treatment or additional medication to control symptoms.
Autism Can Be Expensive
Anxious parents are seeking coverage for proven behavioral therapies and getting turned down.
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.
Advocates In Action
Whether it’s a community meeting, a political demonstration, or just knocking on doors in the neighborhood, our presence helps to make a difference.
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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.
