Showing posts with label addiction news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label addiction news. Show all posts

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Addiction News Archives

The Treatment Hotline has begun compiling a list of "noteworthy" news relating to addiction. If you happen to collect such a thing (I just write...), pass it on and let's get it archived.

Addiction News Archive...like a Smithsonian for Junkies....

PB

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Addiction and Recovery News

Around the corner at the Dawn Farm, Jason Schwartz of Addiction and Recovery News relays a story stating: Injection Drug Use Up Among Younger Heroin Treatment Clients.

He goes on to challenge one of the articles unsubstaniated conclusions and I have to agree...Assuming that there is less of a stigma now in regards to needles and HIV as a possible reason that more teenagers are "going to the neck" is pretty pathetic.

And is it coincedence or conspiracy that this "rising" number of young IV drug users don't live in Florida?

Maybe it's time for a "Scared Straight" survey. Lock the kids up over at Guantanemo untill they tell the truth.

Jeb?

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

The Dr. Phil House: Heroin Twins

Heroin Twins, The Intervention, Part 2: "Twin sisters are on the brink of death in a gritty, in-your-face look at the realities of drug addiction, homelessness and prostitution that should be a wake-up call to all parents. Sarah and Tecoa, 25, had a typical childhood, filled with love and all the outward signs of a normal, happy family — until their parents divorced and their beloved stepfather exited their lives. Sarah and Tecoa say they turned to drugs and sex while in their teens, to fill the void left when they became fatherless, and their lives have been in free fall ever since. Now, Sarah lives minute to minute on the streets, consumed with her quest for heroin and crack cocaine, and selling her body to pay for her drugs. Tecoa is currently clean, but not by choice. She’s been in jail, unable to do anything but think about drugs. She’s also six months pregnant. Joani, a former Dr. Phil guest and recovering addict herself, found Sarah on the streets and documented her days and nights for a month. "

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Injectable Alcoholism Medication Approved

The FDA has approved Vivitrol (naltrexone) as a one time-a-month injectable medication for the treatment of alcoholism. Naltrexone has been used as a tablet, which is taken everyday.

The drug suppresses alcohol cravings by blocking neurotransmitters which stimulate alcohol reliance. In addition, although the drug is typically well tolerable, liver impairment is one of the conceivable side-effects for patients on high doses. It is not indicated for patients with acute hepatitis or liver failure caused by alcoholism. Patients treated with injectable Vivitrol will also be given addiction counseling and support, say the makers. The new product will be accessible in the USA in June, say the makers.

A stage III trial run showed patients taking 380 mg of Vivitrol and receiving psychosocial support experienced considerably fewer incidences of massive drinking bouts compared to patients given a placebo and psychosocial support.
Written by: Christian NordqvistEditor: Medical News Today
That concludes this special report.

Prescription abuse

Statistics may be true, but drug abuse still runs rampant through our region in the form of prescription drug abuse. Abuse of prescription pain medication and anti-anxiety agents have taken the place of the more traditionally abused chemicals.

Opioid-based pain relievers such as OxyContin, Dilaudid, Percocet, and Lortab, are easily obtained by simply visiting their family physician or the local emergency room. These medications are frequently abused and highly addictive.

The body becomes dependent on the addictive painkillers and the user goes through severe withdrawal when deprived of them. Often the fear of these withdrawal symptoms, and the addiction itself will drive these users to obtain the medication any way they can, legally or illegally.

Another highly abused prescription medication in our region is benzodiazepines. These medications, often referred to as “nerve-pills,” or “benzos” are causing many to become hopelessly addicted.

Often, drug abusers will combine the opioids with the benzodiazepines to enhance their euphoria, but this combination has led to many accidental overdoses and death. Benzodiazepines such as Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan also cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped. The most prevalent withdrawal symptom from benzodiazepines is increased anxiety, reinforcing the patient’s belief that they cannot go without medication.

The purpose of this letter is to increase awareness of this type of substance abuse and to ask local physicians to be more diligent in screening patients for substance abuse behavior. Requests for early refills, numerous reports of lost or stolen medication, and frequent emergency room visits asking for pain medication should all raise red flags.

Pharmacists could help identify problem patients by reporting “doctor-shopping,” and odd behaviors such as insisting on paying cash for a controlled medication when they have insurance.

We are aware that there is no way to stop the abuse of prescription medication altogether. We do, however, believe that those who provide the prescription can make an impact on availability.

Simple proactive steps such as pill counts, urine drug screens, and recognizing drug-seeking behavior may help identify those who abuse or misuse their medication. Once abuse or misuse has been identified, then detoxification and substance abuse counseling can be offered.

— Alina Vrinceanu, MD; Roger Hamm, LPN

Southern Highlands Community Health Center, Princeton, WV

Friday, March 24, 2006

Drug Addiction News:

Drug Addiction News:

Drug bill combats addiction
From: www.rockymountainnews.com

"Treating drug addicts, rather than just putting them in prison, will save Colorado money and give addicts a chance to rebuild their lives, a House panel decided Monday."

Drug addiction bill has ties to Park
From: www.sherwoodparknews.com

"Sherwood Park News To force a crystal meth-addicted youth into a detox centre today, they must have either committed a crime or become wards of the province."

Drug use is worse on teen brains
From: www.vagazette.com

"WILLIAMSBURG -- Adolescents who start with cigarettes and alcohol are more likely to progress to hard drugs. They're also more prone to addiction and could suffer the effects of aging sooner."

Drug rehab trial turns to motions in Ossipee Court
From: www.citizen.com

"OSSIPEE The jury in the fraudulent drug rehab center trial spent little time in the courtroom Tuesday as lawyers for both sides argued various motions before the judge, including motions by defense attorneys to dismiss the case."

Alberta legislature gives 2nd reading to forced drug treatment bill
From: news.yahoo.com

"EDMONTON (CP) - The horror of crystal meth addiction in teenagers seems to be easy to agree on - it's how best to fight it that's causing trouble for Alberta legislators."

Easy Drug Access Not Big Cause of Docs' Relapse
From: www.jointogether.org

"Depression, mental illness, or having a family history of addiction have more to do with relapse among doctors in recovery than does easy access to drugs, HealthDay News reported March 22."

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

About Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine Addiction News:

Abdullah Says Drug Addiction Problem At Dangerous Level From: www.bernama.com "KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the drug addiction problem in the country has reached a dangerous level."

Drug Court wins top praise
From: www.miami.com

"The U.S. drug czar paid a visit to Miami-Dade's Drug Court to tout its success in turning around the lives of nonviolent, first-time offenders with addiction problems."

Curing cocaine addiction
From: news8austin.com

"The total social cost of overall drug addiction is as much as $1 trillion a year in the United States, Brodie said. He hopes, however, one drug in particular could turn things around."

Legislator pushes for new drug laws
From: badgerherald.com

"A series of 10 witnesses gathered at the Capitol Wednesday to hold an informational hearing on the illegal drug methamphetamine, advocating for the proposal of legislation to prevent addiction. State Rep. Scott Suder, R-Abbotsford, chairman of the Assembly Criminal and Homeland Security Committee, organized the hearing. Current treatment of methamphetamine addiction has created concerns.

" DOHERTY TESTED ANTI-ADDICTION IMPLANT
From: www.contactmusic.com

"Recovering rocker PETE DOHERTY took heroin just hours after leaving rehab, to test a new anti-addiction implant he has been given. The former LIBERTINES frontman ended a two-week stay in a London hospital on Saturday (19FEB05) and doctors proclaimed him clean and free of the drug."

JOHN HELPED WAINWRIGHT OVERCOME DRUGS ADDICTION
From: www.contactmusic.com

"SIR ELTON JOHN helped cult singer-songwriter RUFUS WAINWRIGHT overcome his drug addiction. The ROCKET MAN helped the American star get clean and recommended rehabilitation centre the Hazelden in Minnesota, America, where Wainwright spent a month detoxing and undergoing therapy a couple of years ago."