Another study finds a relationship between early drinking and alcohol problems later in life: This study was consistent with the literature, and showed an association between age at first intoxication and future risky alcohol use patterns and other substance use at age 20. Although the results showing an association between age at first intoxication and later risky … Continue reading The grim neurobiology of early drinking (cont’d)
Author: Jason Schwartz
I have been an addiction professional and social worker since 1994. I started blogging in 2005 as the Clinical Director at Dawn Farm. I currently serve as the Director of Social Work and Spiritual Care for a healthcare system. I've also served as the Director of Behavioral Health at another hospital. I'm also a lecturer at Eastern Michigan University’s School of Social Work.
Views expressed here are my own.
Keep in mind that the field, the contexts in which the field operates, and my views have changed over time.
Anti-depressant confusion
The NY Times publishes a defense of anti-depressants: IN terms of perception, these are hard times for antidepressants. A number of articles have suggested that the drugs are no more effective than placebos. Last month brought an especially high-profile debunking. In an essay in The New York Review of Books, Marcia Angell, former editor in chief … Continue reading Anti-depressant confusion
Portugal and the drug war. Non sequitur?
Portugal's drug policy has gotten a lot of press recently and it sounds like an approach that's worth trying to learn from: Health experts in Portugal said Friday that Portugal's decision 10 years ago to decriminalise drug use and treat addicts rather than punishing them is an experiment that has worked. "There is no doubt … Continue reading Portugal and the drug war. Non sequitur?
bringing recognition, respectability and rigor
Remember that post a few weeks ago about medicalization of addiction treatment? Here it comes: Boosting interest in addiction medicine are a handful of promising new pharmaceuticals, most notably buprenorphine (sold under brand names like Suboxone), which has been proven to ease withdrawal symptoms in heroin addicts and subsequently block cravings,though it causes side effects … Continue reading bringing recognition, respectability and rigor
The second ‘A’ in AA (con’t)
More on anonymity in AA: COLMAN: ...does it make sense, really, for everybody to have to hew to this anonymous line? CONAN: Have to hew. That's a critical point. You say it should be a choice. COLMAN: I do think it's a choice, and I would never argue that somebody should be outed in the … Continue reading The second ‘A’ in AA (con’t)
The math problem
Jonah Lehrer looks at the limitations of empiricism: My sole point is that our newfound reliance on data and statistics naturally leads to their misapplication. Because we’re so enamored with the numbers, we tend to undervalue what can’t be compressed into numerical form, even as we pay lip service to the lingering importance of intangibles. … Continue reading The math problem
R.I.P. Betty Ford
The NY Times remembers Betty Ford: “It’s hard to make anyone understand what it’s like to have your name on something, to be given credit for things you haven’t done,” Mrs. Ford wrote. “I’ve been at meetings where someone turned and thanked me, and I hugged the person and said, ‘Don’t thank me, thank yourself, … Continue reading R.I.P. Betty Ford
Calling out the outliers
From The Fix: Does abstinence from booze, coke, heroin and other substances include medications for common mental health problems like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, even schizophrenia? Many people in recovery—particularly those in 12-step programs—seem to think so. And some, often out of an excess of conviction, attempt to persuade fellow members that "clean and sober" … Continue reading Calling out the outliers
Naltrexone doesn’t work but Vivitrol gaining momentum
Bad news for naltrexone: Compared to placebo, or to no medication or alternative medications, prescribing oral naltrexone led to no statistically significant differences in the primary retention/abstinence outcomes. The main problem associated with oral naltrexone was high treatment drop-out – across the 13 included studies, 72% of patients did not complete treatment. Newer implant and … Continue reading Naltrexone doesn’t work but Vivitrol gaining momentum
Non-recovery vs. recovery culture
I feel like I've seen this before in Deegan's writing, but this table focusing on recovery culture vs. non-recovery culture in mental health services is pretty amazing. Again, it highlights many of the concerns about methadone and other meds, but it also shines a light on some failings of drug-free treatment. What a great too … Continue reading Non-recovery vs. recovery culture
Recovery Review 