Some old Ritalin ads.
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.
Strange conclusions – updated w/ link
We've been seeing a lot of claims about the comparative effectiveness of AA or 12 step facilitation (TSF) versus motivational interviewing (MI) or motivational enhancement therapy (MET), most recently here. That AA/TSF is superstitious voodoo and MI/MET is rational, evidence-based and effective. (Interestingly, the author of the piece used an appeal to authority argument by … Continue reading Strange conclusions – updated w/ link
How the hell did I get here?
We are in high places: “It’s hard to get the words out: I work in the White House,” said the 56-year-old Botticelli, looking slightly sheepish. “It’s really wild.” Botticelli is the country’s acting drug czar, leading the nation’s fight against substance abuse less than two years after performing a similar job with the Massachusetts Department … Continue reading How the hell did I get here?
Over-medicalization of health?
A new book, The American Health Care Paradox: Why Spending More Is Getting Us Less, offers an interesting take on why the United States' huge investments in health care doesn't translate into better health. Vox did an interview with the book's authors. The paradox that we outline is one that a lot of readers will be … Continue reading Over-medicalization of health?
What’s really going on?
Over the weekend, the NY Times published an article on the Center for Motivation and Change (CMC). The article struck me as a little odd, because it presented CMC as a radically innovative program that is besieged by one-wayers who believe AA and Al-Anon are the one true path for every alcohol problem. I also thought … Continue reading What’s really going on?
Throwback Sunday – Pessimistic Paternalism
I'm doubling up this week with two posts on harm reduction from December 2006. I've written often about the subtle bigotry of low expectations, these two posts illustrate that concern. (I like my reference to "pessimistic paternalism disguised as compassionate pragmatism.") ======================== Debate on abstinence A horrifying excerpt from a debate in a British treatment provider magazine. … Continue reading Throwback Sunday – Pessimistic Paternalism
ASAM president also medical director for drug company
I missed this a while back. Turns out that ASAM's president works for a buprenorphine manufacturer. Stuart Gitlow, M.D., is the president of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and also medical director — as a consultant — for Orexo, which makes Zubsolv, a newly approved buprenorphine-naloxone medication (see ADAW, July 15). The first public … Continue reading ASAM president also medical director for drug company
Dopamine suppression follows drug use
New research from BYU finds that the brain's attempts to compensate for the dopamine surges that drug users experience create a cycle of dopamine surges and suppression. Steffensen’s research suggests that the process of a brain becoming addicted is similar to a driver overcorrecting a vehicle. When drugs and alcohol release unnaturally high levels of … Continue reading Dopamine suppression follows drug use
Motivational Interviewing for Automobile Dependence
Do you or a friend suffer from an automobile use disorder? If so, we have an evidence-based treatment for you. Clinical psychologist William R. Miller stumbled upon "motivational interviewing" while working with heavy drinkers in the early 1980s. The therapy is based on the idea that telling people they need to change is a terrible way to get … Continue reading Motivational Interviewing for Automobile Dependence
Arresting officers offering treatment
I've talked a lot on this blog about there being a lot of choices between locking people up and legalizing drugs. Here's one option. For three days last week, officers from Prince William County, Manassas City and Manassas Park raided 19 locations and arrested 53 people as part of their ongoing battle, now called “Operation … Continue reading Arresting officers offering treatment
Recovery Review 