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.
The Dilemma of Reactance
Psychological reactance is a common issue in addiction treatment wherever it’s been mandated as a consequence of an offense, or as an alternative to punishment.
Overdose rates finally on the down slope? Yes -- well, maybe. It depends.
From The Guardian:
A new report states fatalities had decreased by 10% as of April 2024 while 911 first-responder calls were 16.7% lower
That's certainly good news. Let's drill down a bit.
First: we're talking about a decline in ODs to a total of "...an estimated 101,168 deaths annually as of April 2024"... from a peak of "111,029 deaths in 2022." About 10%. If the estimates hold, it would definitely be good news. So far, most of the reduction has taken place in the Eastern US -- in the West, things have yet to improve.
What are some of the contributing factors? Experts cite “… changes in the drug supply as well as improved access to treatment and harm reduction programs." However, one expert observes that “over the last quarter-century, there’s been no intervention that has caused a decline in overdose deaths of this magnitude." That would suggest that the supply lines are perhaps...
From The Guardian:
A new report states fatalities had decreased by 10% as of April 2024 while 911 first-responder calls were 16.7% lower
That's certainly good news. Let's drill down a bit.
First: we're talking about a decline in ODs to a total of "...an estimated 101,168 deaths annually as of April 2024"... from a peak of "111,029 deaths in 2022." About 10%. If the estimates hold, it would definitely be good news. So far, most of the reduction has taken place in the Eastern US -- in the West, things have yet to improve.
What are some of the contributing factors? Experts cite “… changes in the drug supply as well as improved access to treatment and harm reduction programs." However, one expert observes that “over the last quarter-century, there’s been no intervention that has caused a decline in overdose deaths of this magnitude." That would suggest that the supply lines are perhaps...
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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.
Mean Green
At this point in the US, there are allegedly a couple of hundred thousand people who would reasonably qualify as ketamine-addicted.
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Drug ODs in decline at last?
A logical starting place for a community concerned about drug use would be with data collected by their own health departments and criminal justice agencies, with the aim of funding and implementing a continuum of services that reflects the actual (and likely future) needs of their own citizens.
Drug ODs in decline at last?
A logical starting place for a community concerned about drug use would be with data collected by their own health departments and criminal justice agencies, with the aim of funding and implementing a continuum of services that reflects the actual (and likely future) needs of their own citizens.
Warning Labels on Liquor — Worth the Effort?
Of course, we should expect significant opposition from the alcohol industry.
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.
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Dear Abby
Like I said, everybody has an opinion. That applies to therapists, too.
A Breakthrough in Depression Treatment?
In the past, the task of selecting the right treatment for a depressed patient has been more than a little hit or miss, involving a certain amount of trial and error.
Dear Abby
Like I said, everybody has an opinion. That applies to therapists, too.
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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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.
