The New Mexico legislature has resurrected a previously-failed measure aimed at offering something other than jail time to people facing drug possession charges.

Susan Montoya Bryan of the Associated Press provided the following details in her Feb. 17 article:

The proposed Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act would give judges the ability to determine after a hearing if a treatment program would be a viable option for an interested defendant. The defendant would have to pay for the treatment, and the state could pursue the charges if the treatment wasn't completed.

Supporters of the measure, which passed on a 34-31 vote, said the option of treatment could help break the cycle of drug addiction and save the state millions of dollars in incarceration costs.

"We here in New Mexico have found that incarceration isn't the only answer, but it's certainly the most expensive one," said House Majority Leader W. Ken Martinez, D-Grants. "If we just incarcerate people at that rate, at that huge expense, we end up having to figure out a way to pay for it."

Labels: jail, treatment

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A study that was funded by Britains National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse found that about half of those who followed a six-month addiction recovery program quit abusing drugs.

An Oct. 1 Associated Press article provided the following information about the study:

British researchers monitored more than 14,600 patients across England addicted to either heroin, crack cocaine, or both. Heroin addicts were treated with oral methadone for at least six months between January and November 2008. Some patients also received counseling.

Since there is no recommended substitute drug treatment for crack, cocaine addicts only received the psychological therapy. The researchers did not compare the treated addicts to addicts who tried to quit on their own.

After six months, 42 percent of heroin users reported they had stopped injecting the drug. Among crack users, 57 percent said they had stopped. About half of the people addicted to both drugs said they had either quit or cut down.

Labels: treatment

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Stanford University scientists believe they have found a non-addictive drug that can prevent or significantly minimize withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to opioids.

"The drug, ondansetron, which is already approved to treat nausea and vomiting, appears to avoid some of the problems that accompany existing treatments for addiction to these powerful painkillers, the scientists said."

Scientists are quick to point out that withdrawal treatment is not the same as addiction recovery. True recovery requires long-term commitment to counseling and addiction support. Source: Stanford University Medical Center

Labels: treatment, recovery, opioids

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According to a new study released by the RAND Corporation, the economic cost of methamphetamine (meth) use in the United States in 2005 topped $23.4 billion. This cost includes the financial tolls of addiction, premature death, drug treatment, lost productivity, and the cost of removing children from their parents' homes due to meth use. The study also counted costs related to the dangerous process of producing meth, including fires, explosions, pay for emergency personnel, hazardous waste cleanup, and treatment of injuries. The RAND study is the first to undertake a full assessment of the national costs of methamphetamine use in this country. Researchers called the burden of meth on American society "substantial." (Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

Labels: addiction, treatment, meth

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A new government survey found that the number of white teens who entered drug treatment for crack and cocaine abuse increased by 76 percent between 2001 and 2006. Black teen admissions for these substances did not change.

Teenagers' use of illegal drugs declined during the same period, while their abuse of prescription drugs increased.

The data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also indicated that more teenagers believe that using crack and cocaine is not a dangerous practice.

"The decrease in perceived risk suggests that adolescents are becoming less wary of trying cocaine," read the 2009 National Drug Threat Assessment report, "which may sustain demand for the drug in the near future."

Labels: cocaine, crack, treatment

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A study from the United Kingdom found that approximately 25 percent of problem drug users exit treatment early and return to drug use. The study found that young drug users and homeless drug users were most likely to leave treatment programs early.

Researchers hypothesize that drug treatment programs in the United Kingdom may be failing to properly engage these users from the outset, and that programs may not be properly addressing the needs of these two high-risk groups. Young drug users may be turned off by programs that are designed for older working professionals; homeless drug users may not have the means to travel to programs that are outside their immediate area of habitation. Dr. Alex Stevens, who led the study, commented on the findings:

"Whilst it is easy to blame the early exit out rate of problem drug-users on the 'chaos' in their lives and their lack of motivation our data and interviews suggest that there is much that services can do to enhance the rate of retention in the first few days and weeks." (Source: sciencedaily.com)

Labels: treatment, addicts, homless

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A study published last month by the French university CNRS/Université de Poitiers indicates that environmental factors play a large role in the successful treatment of addiction. Specifically, the study found that "positive and stimulating environmental conditions" improved the success rate for treating cocaine addiction and preventing relapse in laboratory rats. Researchers found that exposing the animals to an environment which encouraged physical and social activity, allowed exploration, and stimulated their curiosity during cocaine withdrawal minimized abnormal behavior related to addiction. (Source: ScienceDaily.com)

Labels: addiction, treatment, medications

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An experimental treatment for teenagers who are addicted to opiates worked better than traditional ones, according to a new report in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Standard treatment involves use drugs such as buprenorphine and naloxone only during the short-term detoxification process. However, the new study indicates that using these drugs for a three-month period increases a teen addict's chances of staying drug-free.

Dr. George Woody, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Department of Psychiatry, assigned 152 people ages 15 to 21 years old to two groups. All the teens were addicted to prescription opiates such as OxyContin, street opiates such as heroin, or a combination of both. Patients in one group received buprenorphine and naloxone along with individual and group counseling for a two-week period. The second group did the same for three months.

Those in the long-term treatment cohort fared better on random urine tests, reported less use of opioids, cocaine, and marijuana, and had less need for further addiction treatment.

"If you keep these young kids, average one and a half years of addiction, on buprenorphine-naloxone, they did a lot better," said Dr. Woody. "When you took them off buprenorphine and naloxone, their opioid use went up."

Another expert on teen addictions, Yale University professor Dr. David Fiellin, said that between 200,000 and 400,000 teenagers experimented with prescription drugs like Vicodin and OxyContin last year.

"They are taking them in a way that is not appropriate," he said. "A fair number of these individuals will become dependent or addicted."

Labels: addiction, treatment, opiates

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The University of Arizona has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to study substance abuse treatment for young women.

Dr. Sally Stevens, executive director of the Southwest Institute for Research on Women, said the Institute will study and test several different models for treatment and recovery.

"It's a different approach for drug treatment research," she said. "This is important. The adolescent research is not that old and we have not come that far along to be looking at gender-specific research for girls."

Bridget Ruiz, principal investigator for the grant, said, "It's really about creating a paradigm shift. Substance abuse treatment has historically been an acute episode of treatment where you come in for 90 days, get the curriculum and treatment, and are sent on your way. We've found that it really takes one year at least for young people, moving and out of recovery, before they come to some stability."

Over 2.1 million teenagers needed treatment for alcohol or drug abuse in 2006, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health - but only 181,000 received treatment at a specialty facility.

Learn about Four Circle's Women-Only Recovery Program

Labels: women, treatment, genders

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A report commissioned by the Maryland General Assembly revealed that available services for substance abusers don't adequately meet the needs of the state's residents.

"The report says Maryland would have to admit 14,423 people to treatment programs each year to meet the need. In Prince George's County, the report says 4,606 more people each year require treatment than receive it."

The report also states that Prince George's County admits the fewest people for treatment per 100,000 residents than does any other county in Maryland.Source: WBFF News (Baltimore)

Labels: treatment, state_services

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A concerned mom wrote to Dr. Michael Levy of the Eagle-Tribune (North Andover, Massachusetts), seeking advice regarding her son who has struggled with substance abuse for several years. Now that he's almost 18, and nothing has worked, mom is wondering what else she can do. Dr. Levy responds:

"First, you can petition the court to commit him to inpatient treatment for his alcohol and drug use... If the judge believes that your son's use of drugs and alcohol is so severe that it is endangering his life, the judge can order a commitment not to exceed 30 days so he can get treatment."

Dr. Levy acknowledged that while programs like Alcoholics Anonymous are excellent, they don't work for everyone. He also stressed the importance of getting whatever help is available for the woman's son. Source: Eagle-Tribune (MA)

Labels: young_adults, treatment, courts

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The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has created a traveling exhibit titled "Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause." The exhibit will be at the California Science Center in Los Angeles from October 2, 2008, to May 3, 2009.

"Target America began its national tour in 2002 and comes to Los Angeles with a new expanded section specific to Southern California. The 'Southern California Story' section looks at prevention, treatment and law enforcement issues related to drugs in Southern California..."

Drug use costs society an estimated $180 billion a year in increased health costs, criminal justice costs, lost work productivity and other areas. Source: PR Newswire

Labels: prevention, treatment

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Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich announced a new program last week that will enable children who have mental health and substance abuse issues to get better help. Called Illinois DocAssist, the consultation program helps primary care providers offer better treatment.

"Due to a shortage of child psychiatrists, many children who have special mental healthcare needs or who are battling substance abuse problems receive treatment not from psychiatrists but from pediatricians and family doctors. Through Illinois DocAssist, those providers will have access to consultations, the latest in educational tools, trainings and other resources..."

By making these resources available, the program will improve the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric and substance abuse disorders by primary care physicians and pediatricians. Source: EMaxHealth

Labels: treatment, abuse, mental_health

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A pilot drug treatment program that got added to the Texas state budget last year has yet to get off the ground, and some experts are speculating as to the program's potential for real success.

"The drug therapy, called Prometa, is a costly combination of drugs and nutritional supplements each approved by the Food and Drug Administration individually, but never evaluated as a combination to treat substance abuse. Many drug treatment experts fear that the regimen was rushed to market and that Texas lawmakers fell for the marketing pitch, The Dallas Morning News reported Monday."

The Prometa program is intended to treat meth addiction, and corrections departments in some smaller counties have considered making it a mandatory condition of release for convicts. Still, many experts site the lack of adequate clinical trials and maintain that the program has not been proven effective. Read more at KSAT.com.

Labels: treatment, meth

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The Jefferson County (Kentucky) Drug Court started in 1993. Since then, more than 2,000 people have graduated from its program, which offers court-supervised treatment aimed at curbing drug use and related criminal activity.

"The year-long program consists of three phases followed by aftercare. Although each individual has a specifically designed program, each plan includes group, family and individual counseling; frequent and random drug testing; education and vocational training; scheduled payments of restitution, child support and court fees; and health and community activities."

During the last week in July, fourteen more people graduated from the program in a ceremony at the County Courthouse that featured remarks from Supreme Court Deputy Chief Justice Will T. Scott. Source: Kentucky Post

Labels: treatment, criminal_activity, drug_courts

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A few years ago, a group of new drugs looked like they held promise for use in the treatment of alcoholism, substance abuse, smoking cessation, and even obesity. Now, doctors are finding that these drugs have serious side effects for some patients.

Drugs like Chantix, Rimonabant, and Taranabant work by blocking the pleasure centers in the brain. However, they also put some patients at risk for depression and suicide. Certain drug makers are now advising doctors not to prescribe them to anyone with a history of depression.

Prescription drugs alone will never be able to treat addiction; behavior modification and therapy must be part of the treatment for long term recovery. Learn more about the fully integrated adolescent drug treatment program at North Star Center.

Labels: treatment, brain_chemistry, prescription_drugs

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A 19-year-old writes in to an advice column asking what to do about her boyfriend. He treats her well and is a good guy. He has just one "small flaw": He's a recreational cocaine user.

"...ask - demand - that Derek stop using cocaine. I hope he will, but I fear, despite his assurances to the contrary, that he's already hooked and unable to quit on his own... Insist that he do what's necessary to get off this substance and don't stay with him if he gives you excuses instead of immediate action."

Dr. Wallace also reminds her that cocaine is highly addictive and most who try to quit are unable. Read more at HollandSentinel.com.

Labels: addiction, cocaine, treatment

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The governor of Pennsylvania says his administration has heard numerous stories of addicts whose treatment has been hindered due to lack of information. The administration contends that insurance companies aren't able to get the information they need in order to approve payment for necessary treatment.

"'We have a system where one (service) provider is not allowed to talk to another,' Health Secretary Dr. Calvin Johnson said. 'The system is not working in the best interest of the client.' The administration's proposed solution, a set of Health Department rule changes undergoing a lengthy review, is to provide a wider range of information to insurers, governments and other entities that pay for health care."

Some critics of the proposed changes, however, worry that increased sharing of information could violate client confidentiality rules and stop some addicts from seeking treatment. Read more at PhillyBurbs.com.

Labels: treatment, addicts, insurance

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The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) has been awarded a $3.4 million grant to develop drugs that may be effective in helping people overcome cocaine addiction. The four-year grant will help researchers continue their work on this first-of-its-kind addiction treatment.

"Led by the director of UTMB's Center for Addiction Research, Kathryn A. Cunningham, the effort centers on components of the brain's electrochemical signaling system that laboratory research suggests are crucially linked to success or failure in recovering from cocaine addiction."

More specifically, the research focuses on two serotonin receptors  designated 5-HT2C and 5-HT2A  that appear to affect addiction cravings and behavior. The program itself is divided into three parts; clinical research, neurobiology, and drug-design. Read more at MediLexicon.com.

Labels: treatment, research, medications

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The Drug Prevention Strategy for Canada's Youth got a boost this week by a $10 million investment from the Canadian government. The strategy will be developed and implemented by the Canadian Center on Substance Abuse (CCSA).

"The goal of the CCSA's project is to reduce illicit drug use among Canadian youth between the ages of 10 and 24, including high-risk youth, focusing on risk and protective factors before drug use begins."

National drug prevention program standards will also be developed for use in schools and their surrounding communities. Read more at MediLexicon.com.

NorthStar Center is a American substance abuse recovery center where older teens and young adults can focus on their sobriety while they earn high school and college credits.

Labels: prevention, treatment, communities

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Researchers at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center recently study the depression's effect on alcohol and cigarette use. Four-hundred-and-sixty-two people participated in the study, which documented initial alcohol and cigarette use, the measured use six months after participants had completed cessation treatment.

"Among those who were depressed, the odds of drinking, the next time you checked in with them six months later, were 1.5 times greater than the odds of drinking for individuals without significant depressive symptoms."

Though depression had a significant effect on alcohol use, cigarette use was not affected. The study's lead author, Molly Kodl, says the results underscore the importance of assessing a patient's depressive tendencies when he or she enters a treatment program.

Teenage depression is a real and scary thing. If your teen is experiencing signs of depression, you have to act quickly to get them the help they need. A residential treatment program that offers a full assessment of behaviors and emotions can help.

Labels: alcohol_abuse, treatment, depression

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Utah's Governor has asked the Legislature for enough money to expand a program called Project Empower into four more counties across the state. The program is aimed at reducing alcohol and substance abuse among teens, and the expansion would cost over $700,000.

"Weber Human Services officials said the program has helped reduce depression, separation anxiety, anti-social behaviors  all risk factors for dangerous behaviors."

Project Empower works with high-risk offenders who are one step away from juvenile prison. Programs such as this one often reduce the rate of repeat criminal activity by about 30 percent.

Labels: prevention, treatment, risky_behaviors

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From 1953 to 1959 he was known at Jumpin' Johnny Kline, member of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters. By the 1960s he was addicted to drugs and alcohol. Now, having turned his life around and earned a doctoral degree in History and Philosophy of Education, John Kline is talking about his decline into addiction and his journey back out.

"'Dr. Kline transitioned from dynamic to destitute to doctoral in his lifetime,' said Tremayne Anderson, president of the Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni..."

Kline will talk about his journey on Thursday, Nov. 15th at an event being held at Vanderbilt University's Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center. The event is part of the center's Living History Series, and is free to the public.

Worried your child is headed down a path of teen drug and alcohol addiction? Visit 4troubledteens.com to learn how to recognize the warning signs.

Labels: treatment, recovery, role_models

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At a national conference for substance abuse in Edmonton, Nancy Poole - a researcher for the British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women urged conference attendees to begin developing programs that can meet the unique needs of women struggling to overcome addiction.

"As many as 80 per cent of women entering treatment programs also have histories of being abused or assaulted, and many use drugs or alcohol to try to cope, delegates were told."

Researchers have also found that women metabolize alcohol and nicotine differently than men. Add to that higher rates of childhood sexual abuse and violence suffered by women and the need for specialized programs becomes clear.

Copper Canyon Academy is a girls residential treatment program and private boarding school. Learn about their therapeutic program at CopperCanyonAcademy.com.

Labels: girls, treatment, abuse

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Most would agree that the goal of substance abuse treatment is recovery. But the term "recovery" often means different things to different people. Now, in an article appearing in the October issue of the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment (JSAT), a team of experts from the Betty Ford Institute offer a definition of recovery that can be widely used to help people who are struggling with alcohol or drug use.

"According to an initial definition developed by a panel of experts from the Betty Ford Institute, recovery is 'a voluntarily maintained lifestyle characterized by sobriety, personal health, and citizenship.' The panel's report appears as part of a special section of JSAT devoted to Defining and Measuring Recovery."

The panel hopes that developing a more specific definition of recovery will assist treatment and rehabilitation centers in creating measurable goals for their patients. The panel also suggested classifications to define sobriety durations as "early" to "stable" stages of recovery.

NorthStar Center, in Bend, Oregon, offers teenagers and young adults an aftercare and recovery program that allows young people to get on with their lives and grow into healthy, happy adults.

Labels: rehab, treatment, recovery

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Teens who suffer from depression and also abuse drugs can benefit from a combination of antidepressants and therapy or therapy alone, according to a new study from the University of Colorado.

When the teens in the study felt less depressed, they were more likely to drop their substance abuse.

Clinicians in the field are calling the study "landmark" because it is the first time that someone has shown that depressed, addicted teens can safely take antidepressants.

Dr. Paula Riggs and her colleagues studied 126 teenagers who had a history of abusing at least one drug but who also suffered from major depression. Three-fourths of the teens who took fluoxetines combined with talk therapy showed major decreases in their levels of depression and became more successful at addiction treatment. Some 67% of those who received only talk therapy without medications also improved.

Therapy helped the teens learn new ways of dealing with their problems and improved their ability to cope with cravings.

"These kids come into drug treatment with only one tool in their tool bags," Dr. Riggs said. "If their dog dies? I think I'll get high. If their girlfriend breaks up with them? I think I'll get high."

This study appears in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine.

An effective adolescent residential treatment program can accurately assess the needs of your troubled teen and then create an effective treatment plan. Learn more at SunHawkAcademy.com.

Labels: addiction, treatment, depression

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A group of public and private entities have joined forces for form a campaign called ACTION. ACTION stands for the Adopting Changes to Improve Outcomes Now. The campaign was launched in September with a goal of seeing 55,000 lives positively impacted through effective addiction treatment.

"The ACTION Campaign aims to challenge 500 treatment agencies nationwide to implement one of several simple changes in treatment operations over an 18-month period. Currently, nearly 33 percent of those who receive addiction treatment drop out of the programs."

The campaign is focusing on three main factors in order to reach its goal: 1) Rapid access to treatment, 2) Increased engagement by those who are in treatment, and 3) A seamless transition from one stage of care to another.

Excel Academy's program of recovery helps teens stay sober and get back on track academically.

Labels: prevention, treatment, supplements

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Testimony before Congress about abuses in residential treatment programs for troubled teens might result in new federal regulations of such programs.

This week the House Committee on Education and Labor received a report from the Government Accountability Office that included 1619 incidents of child abuse in "boot camps," wilderness programs, and therapeutic boarding schools. The Committee also gained access to thousands of incidents as recorded in lawsuits, state records and websites, and listened to testimony from three parents whose children died in residential treatment programs.

Most states do not license residential treatment programs. Jan Moss, executive director of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, said that the industry welcomes state regulations.

"Among our goals is the complete elimination of abuses and neglectful practices," Ms. Moss said. Her group represents 180 programs that serve 16,000 children.

Representative Buck McKeon, the ranking Republican on the Committee, said he does not like to expand the powers of the federal government but "there are some times when it has to happen."

Labels: treatment, residential_programs, regulations

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The National Quality Forum, whose purpose is setting national performance goals and priorities that will improve the quality of American health care, announced this week that is has released guidelines for evidence-based programs that treat substance abuse.

"'We cannot effectively address the disturbing effects of excessive drug and alcohol use without quality treatment for people with substance use conditions,' said Janet Corrigan, Ph.D., NQF President and CEO. 'NQF believes these standards will accelerate the use of effective, evidence-based treatments.'"

The 11 new treatment practices have been endorsed by the more than 365 organizations that are members of NQF. Among them are health care providers, consumer groups, professional associations, and federal and state agencies. This endorsement marks the first time that a formal consensus has been reached about effective treatments for substance abuse.

Labels: treatment, health_care, policies

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Beginning in January of next year, the city of Waltham, Massachusetts will have a new outpatient substance abuse program. Started by the nonprofit organization Rediscovery, Inc, the program will seek to meet the needs of adolescents who have substance abuse issues and need help abstaining from their destructive behavior.

"Initially, the program will only be offered to a handful of teens. Yet, Ferrier said there is a chance of expanding the program. The patients will be given a specific substance abuse treatment to follow, she said."

The program will be run by a licensed clinician, and will treat substance abuse and trauma simultaneously through both outpatient and therapy services. Rediscovery, Inc. was started in 2001 as a nonprofit organization whose focus is helping foster care children transition into adulthood.

Labels: treatment, sobriety, risky_behaviors

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Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson has announced the formation of a Parent Panel Advisory Council. The council's focus will be to improve the availability of substance abuse and addiction treatment services for Pennsylvania families.

"The council will examine the availability of information on substance abuse and addiction services, identify barriers to and gaps in services and treatment, and make recommendations to improve the substance abuse and addiction treatment system. Based on the assessments, the council will make recommendations to the Department of Health to share with the state House Health and Human Services Committee."

The panel is comprised of 18 parents who were selected via an application process. Each will serve from one to three year terms. Read more online.

Labels: addiction, treatment, support

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September has been designated National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

"The Recovery Month observance highlights the societal benefits of substance abuse treatment, lauds the contributions of treatment providers and promotes the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible. The observance also encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective substance abuse treatment for those in need."

A new theme is selected every year, and this year's theme is "Join the Voices for Recovery". Read more at RecoveryMonth.gov.

Labels: treatment, recovery, hope

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As of 2005, approximately 1.8 million people annually were seeking treatment for substance and/or alcohol abuse. Any one of those people can attest to how difficult it is to recovery from an addiction. A substance abuse counselor can play a vital role in a person's recovery.

"The substance abuse counselor is there to help you get through the period of coming off the substance and getting better... Many people are reluctant to talk to a counselor because it makes them feel weak or that the counselor is there to make too much out of nothing."

On the contrary, substance abuse counselors are there to listen, and to help people discover the reasons behind their addictions  a necessary step on the road to recovery. Read more at SubstanceAbuseSupport.com.

Labels: treatment, therapy, counseling

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On Thursday, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania ruled that insurance companies must cover drug and alcohol treatment costs for policy holders who were referred by a doctor or psychologists. The ruling solidifies a 1989 state law which required insurance companies to cover these types of treatment services.

"Aetna, Independence Blue Cross, the Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania and other managed care groups sued the state Insurance Department, arguing that insurers should be allowed to review drug and alcohol treatment referrals to keep costs down and make sure treatment is appropriate."

The court, however, determined that treatment which is prescribed by a doctor or psychologist needs no review. Some argue that this ruling will drive up health care costs, while others call it a 'life-saving law'. Read more at HeraldStandard.com.

A residential drug treatment center can help your teen overcome their addiction and get their life on track. SunHawk Academy helps teens in crisis.

Labels: rehab, treatment, insurance

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Ashley Stanley doesn't blame her drug addiction on the fact that she was raised in a high-pressure suburban environment. Nor does she blame the loss of her childhood dream of being a soccer star. She says the reasons for her addiction are much more complex.

"But Ken and Caren readily admit they didn't want to see what was going wrong with their daughter as she struggled toward adulthood. Back then, the signs of trouble were too easy to rationalize, said the Stanleys."

The signs became impossible to ignore when Ashley, on a visit home from New York, broke down and told her father 'I need help.' She's been to rehab twice, admitting that she wasn't really ready to recover the first time. The second time, she agreed to on-going treatment and has since begun speaking publicly about her treatment, in an effort to raise awareness. Read more at MentalHopeNews.blogspot.com.

Learn more about the signs of teenage drug addiction and abuse at Adolescent-Substance-Abuse.com.

Labels: parents, treatment, signs

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Chris Volkmann thought she had a nearly perfect family. Until her youngest son, Toren, called to tell her that he was in an alcohol drug treatment program. His recovery exercises and her responses formed the foundation of the book they wrote together, From Binge to Blackout; a Mother and Son Struggle with Teen Drinking.

"Once Toren's symptoms nearly broke him, both he and his mother faced the issue courageously. Chris takes responsibility for doing what many mothers are doing everywhere: ignoring her intuition and dismissing numerous clues as she holds on to her picture of their perfect life, and Toren takes responsibility for being a manipulative addict trying to keep his secret drinking problem from not just her, but himself."

The book is called "highly informative" because of the depth of information shared by both mother and son. Chris is honest about the "red flags" she saw but ignored, and she shares the wealth of self-taught information she learned after hearing of her son"s struggle. For his part, Toren gives readers an inside look at the life and mind of a teen binge drinker, dispelling many myths and misconceptions. Read more at GilroyDispatch.com.

Labels: treatment, signs, binge_drinking

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Catalyst Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc announced today that it has begun a clinical trial for a drug called CPP-109, intended for use in the treatment of cocaine addiction. CPP-109 is an oral treatment that inhibits dopamine release that's typically caused by drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine.

"The Phase II clinical trial is expected to enroll 180 cocaine dependent patients at 10 leading addiction treatment clinical centers in the United States. Patients will be treated for a period of 12 weeks, with an additional 12 week follow-up."

Catalyst will begin enrolling patients in the trial once it gets approval from the Institutional Review Board. It expects to release first results of the trial in the summer of 2008. Read more at News-Medical.net.

Labels: addiction, cocaine, treatment

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For years, methadone clinics have been an accepted method of "weaning" someone off of an opiate addiction. But a new method - and new drug, Suboxone - is beginning to get noticed. Suboxone masks the symptoms of withdrawal while blocking the effects of opiate-based drugs like heroin.

"'When the Suboxone molecule enters the neuron, it attaches to the receptor and protects it from any other opiate,' said Dr. David Faulk, a Brunswick psychiatrist who writes prescriptions for Suboxone. 'The big benefit is that it's extremely difficult to abuse and become addicted to.'"

Opponents of Suboxone say that patients who use it to overcome addictions may have to take it for the rest of their lives. Read more at TheBrunswicknews.com.

Need more information about teen drug addiction? Visit 4TroubledTeens.com to learn about the Behavioral and Physical Signs of Teen Drug and Alcohol Use.

Labels: addiction, treatment, recovery

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In a letter to the editor of the Commonwealth Journal in Somerset, Kentucky, Emily Milburn tells her story of addiction and recovery. Many studies and surveys paint bleak pictures of addiction and the likelihood of recovery, but Emily hopes to paint a different picture.

"I want your readers to know that there is always hope and there is always something that can be done about addiction issues. If you are tired to watching someone you love lose everything in life that matters then do something about it now!"

When they became aware of her addiction, Emily's parents enrolled her in a Narconon program, from which Emily has since graduated. Read more at Somerset-Kentucky.com.

Teens struggling with drug addiction need all the help and support they can get. If your child is experiencing teen drug addition, visit DrugRehabTreatment.com for ways you can help.

Labels: treatment, support, hope

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Researchers at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism have identified five distinct subtypes of alcoholism. This study differs from previous attempts at identifying sub-types because it includes people who don't or haven't sought treatment for their alcoholism. It's estimated that only 25% of people with alcoholism ever seek treatment.

"We find that young adults comprise the largest group of alcoholics in this country, and nearly 20 percent of alcoholics are highly functional and well-educated with good incomes. More than half of the alcoholics in the United States have no multigenerational family history of the disease, suggesting that their form of alcoholism was unlikely to have genetic causes."

The five subtypes developed by the NIAAA were: young adult, young antisocial, functional, intermediate familial, and chronic severe. Those who fall into the chronic severe subtype are the ones most likely to seek help. Read more at EMaxHealth.com.

Teen alcohol abuse is a serious condition. Research shows "that those who began drinking at an early age were significantly more likely to develop a dependence on alcohol, and the dependence is more likely to be chronic and associated with long-term health issues." Read more at www.drugrehabtreatment.com.

Labels: alcohol_abuse, alcohol, treatment

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Selena Bartlett, Ph.D., recently led a study on the effects of medication in treating the cravings associated with alcohol addiction. The study produced positive results, but Dr. Barbara Krantz was quick to point out that medication is just one component of effective treatment.

"'We know that addiction to alcohol or drugs is a disease with medical and psychosocial components,' said Dr. Krantz. 'Addiction is a brain disorder for which counseling and other behavioral therapies are necessary components of addiction treatment.'"

Addiction treatment is different for everyone. Dual diagnosis may have to be addressed (i.e.  addiction and depression being treatment simultaneously), and type and the length of treatment needs to be customized. Read more at Home.Busineswire.com.

The Aspen Institute conducts all of the assessments necessary to create a comprehensive treatment plan for teens struggling with emotional and behavioral issues. Learn more about this special residential treatment center at www.aspenassessment.com.

Labels: addiction, treatment, therapy

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Experts and substance abuse counselors say that people who grow and sell marijuana have begun making the drug stronger; thereby increasing the chance that users will become addicted.

"Pam Morrison sees firsthand what the increase in THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, does to users. Morrison, the Coastal Horizons program director said, We have youth as well as adults that are seeking substance abuse treatment because their lives are completely unmanageable as a result of an addiction to marijuana alone."

Many people who find themselves addicted to marijuana believed that only "hard" drugs like heroin or cocaine could be addictive. Read more at WSOCTV.com.

Are you or your teen still in denial over their drug use or addiction? Learn the reasons behind your denial at DrugRehabTreatment.com. You'll also find other useful information about teen drug abuse while you're there.

Labels: marijuana, addiction, treatment

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Terry Cline, Ph.D. and SAMHSA Administrator, says that treatment programs which are designed around specific needs and concerns can help improve the treatment's outcome. Two years ago, the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services polled over 13,000 facilities to see which offered specialized programs, and find out what they offered.

"About 83 percent of all responding facilities reported offering at least one special treatment program. The percentage was slightly higher (88 percent) for large facilities, which treat 120 or more clients, although 72 percent of facilities that treated fewer than 15 clients also offered a special program."

SAMHSA offers an online Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator that people can use to find facilities close to home or that offer specific programs.

Read more at EmaxHealth.com.

Labels: rehab, treatment, detox_programs

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Substance Abuse programs can be very expensive. It's not unusual to hear of people spending tens of thousands of dollars a month to help their child or another loved one get the help they need. But does it have to be that way? Are only the most expensive programs the best? Kristen Gerencher from MarketWatch.com offers tips on finding programs that won't break the bank.

"Many programs, both publicly funded and private, combine education and intensive counseling with peer-led, 12-step support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, [Dr. Laurence] Westreich said. Most are very bare bones and have AA orientations about how to avoid relapse, and they're highly effective."

Some of the things you should look for in a facility include one that conducts a thorough initial assessment and has the necessary credentials. Remember that you're looking for "what works, not for what's pretty". It's ok if the facility doesn't pamper its patients, as long as their well-cared for and are getting the recovery treatment they need. Read more at MarketWatch.com.

Labels: rehab, treatment, therapy

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Dr. Jeff Dalley and his colleagues at the University of Cambridge Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience Institute has discovered that certain brain chemistry changes pre-date drug use in addicts and actually cause some people to be pre-disposed to addiction.

"Understanding the neurological changes that help trigger and sustain addiction is key to developing effective prevention and treatment. Numerous studies have noted a myriad of differences in the brain of drug addicts verses healthy individuals, but "it's been basically impossible to know which ones were there before they started to take the drug and which were a consequence of the exposure to the drug," said Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse."

Understanding the conditions which lead to drug addiction will change the way drug use and addiction are treated. Read more online.

Labels: addiction, treatment, research

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It's not widely known or widely practiced, but Judith Ann Miller, founder and president of the Courage to Change Ranch, says that the use of nutritional supplements at part of addiction treatment works. The supplements correct imbalances in the brains neurotransmitters, helping the addict get through the difficult "detoxing" stage.

"[The therapy] helps them get their brains working so they can actually think. A person like this can't even fathom a 12-step program until they can get their brain working."

Miller's treatment includes neurotransmitter therapy, a structured work environment, and individual and group therapy. Read more at Kansas.com.

Labels: treatment, therapy, supplements

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Every week, in 14 cities across the United States, young people don layers of clothing, hop on a bus, and strap on snowboards and helmets - all in the name of "therapy". The program is called "Chill", and its focus is to improve self-esteem and confidence of at-risk and inner city youth.

"Through the challenge of learning a tough new sport, the snowboarders undergo intensive therapy, program officials say. The staff members try to get the youth to focus on six themes when they struggle: patience, persistence, respect, integrity, courage, and pride."

The bus rides to and from the ski centers are opportunities for young people to talk, share, and think. Read more at ChicagoTribune.com.

Labels: treatment, therapy

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On March 5th, researchers and clinicians will come together for a two-day meeting to discuss the complicated issues surrounding pain management and addiction.

"'The goal of this two-day meeting is to inform researchers and practitioners about the state of the science of the intersection of addiction and pain management.'"

The meeting will take place in Rockville, Maryland and includes speakers who specialize is substance abuse, psychiatry, pharmaceuticals, internal medicine and more. Read more online.

Labels: addiction, treatment, research

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Smokers who underwent intensive, structured treatment were much more likely to quit the habit than those left on their own, a new study finds.

Researchers at Creighton University Cardiac Center in Omaha, NB, worked with 209 heart patients. They divided them into two groups. Both groups got thirty minutes of anti-smoking counseling and self-help materials. However, one group also underwent three months of behavior modification therapy and took free drugs tailored to their needs, such as nicotine smoking patches or ibuprofen.

Two years later, almost 40% of the group receiving structured treatment had quit smoking, compared to 9% of those who had no interventions.

This study appears in the February 2007 issue of CHEST, the journal of the American College of Chest Physicians.

Labels: smoking, treatment

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Ritalin, a drug commonly used to treat Attention Deficity Hyperactivity Disorder, may be helpful in the treatment of substance abuse, according to a new study from Yale University.

Researchers found that people who took Ritalin were better able to control their impulses. By using brain scans, the Yale team also found that Ritalin produces changes in the brain areas that reflect inhibitory control, an area crucial to "behavioral control during emotionally difficult situations."

This study appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
 

Labels: treatment, ritalin

Posted By: Jane St. Clair 1 Comment