OPIOID ABUSE CONNECTED TO MOOD, ANXIETY DISORDERS Recent studies examining the overwhelming problem of non-medical prescription drug abuse and addiction have shown a link between those suffering from all mood and anxiety disorders and the potential for opioid abuse. The study seems to show that in many cases the abuse of opioids is a form … Read more
I’m in recovery, and have been given the opportunity to be the AD liaison at a nonprofit medical clinic in Dallas, Texas. It’s the Agape Clinic. www.theagapeclinic.org is the website. How I am connected to the founder isn’t important, but what is important is that our patients (mostly Latino or Hispanic) face lots of problems … Read more
Canna Cola First it is Four Loko, “Blackout in a Can” now a California entrepreneur is launching a new product, “Marijuana Soda” called “Canna Cola”. The product is a medical marijuana “medication” that contains 35 to 65 milligrams of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in pot. He is releasing five flavors of the beverage. What … Read more
Contradiction is not a sign of falsity, nor the lack of contradiction a sign of truth. Blaise Pascal The idea of alcoholism and addiction as a disease plays havoc in many peoples minds including the professionals. This concept has long been the center of debate for addiction and alcoholism researchers. For the addict it is … Read more
I recently read a 2009 study on Motivational Interviewing. Motivational interviewing is a client centered, semi-directive therapeutic process. Motivational interviewing is non-judgmental, non-confrontational and non-adversarial. The study found evidence that “What therapists reflect back, they will hear more of,” and that promoting talk about change promotes change. What does this mean for the medical model … Read more
“Know what’s weird? Day by day, nothing seems to change, but pretty soon… everything’s different.” – Calvin and Hobbes Over the years I have heard many “theories” on addiction treatment what works and what doesn’t. Back in the 60’s and 70’s the belief that heroin addicts can not recover they are addicted for life. They … Read more
SAMHSA announced that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), government, community, public health, and law enforcement partners are holding a nationwide prescription drug “take-back” day. Scheduled for September 25, 2010, there will be collection sites around the country for any expired, unused, and unwanted prescription pharmaceuticals to ensure a safe, legal, and environmentally friendly disposal. … Read more
We believe, and so suggested a few years ago, that the action of alcohol on these chronic alcoholics is a manifestation of an allergy; that the phenomenon of craving is limited to this class and never occurs in the average temperate drinker. —Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th ed., pg. xxviii Is alcoholism a disease? Before I answer … Read more
I am not a huge fan of “Sixbucks” I mean Starbucks, but honestly some of their products are good. But I love to joke with the folks that walk into the office with their cup of “Liquid Gold”! So what am I talking about with skipping a cup of coffee? On Monday we asked folks … Read more
As we begin to address drug use and abuse among our youth it is important to recognize that drug abuse can strike our families no matter what we say or do. We can be the perfect parents and still the “creature” can ravage our loved ones. Over the years I have been approached with several … Read more