The Fix has a good opinion piece on the DSM-V, praising its movement away from dependence and abuse. The focus on dependence also implied that cocaine—which does not produce physical dependence—isn’t “really” addictive. That lulled many people in the '80s—including yours truly—to think that cocaine wasn’t likely to be hard to kick. We all know better now. … Continue reading More on the DSM-V
Category: Controversies
At what cost? By what right?
Why I'm drawn to and repelled by Megan McArdle: ...no policy question is ever as simple as "How can we stop X", unless "X" is an imminent Nazi invasion. We also have to ask "at what cost?" and "by what right?" She's so smart, but can frequently appears to be blind to her own bias … Continue reading At what cost? By what right?
effective…as long as it is maintained
This summarythat recent buprenorphine study suggests that the muddy waters are settling [emphasis mine]: This study shows, yet again, that buprenorphine / naloxone is an effective treatment for opioid dependence as long as it is maintained, and that a tapering detoxification strategy, regardless of duration, fails the majority of patients. The summary then goes on … Continue reading effective…as long as it is maintained
Ritalin Gone Wrong
Not surprisingly, we get a lot of clients who have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. Many are concerned about suggestions to discontinue prescription stimulants. This NYT opinion piece has gotten a lot of buzz over the last couple of days: In 30 years there has been a twentyfold increase in the consumption of drugs for attention-deficit … Continue reading Ritalin Gone Wrong
PROMETA ineffective…duh
PROMETA as been demonstrated to be the sham we all knew it was. Keith Humphreys offers a brief history of the "treatment" and some lessons: ...when the next wonder drug for addiction comes along (and it will), we must not yield to our powerful collective desire to believe before we have hard evidence of effectiveness … Continue reading PROMETA ineffective…duh
Everyone deserves a second chance
Reihan Salam directs us to this speech given by prominent Republican Chris Christie. What's so compelling is that this is a tough on crime speech by a rising and influential Republican governor who resume includes having been a prosecutor and he calls for diversion, compassion and treatment for addicts: At the same time, let us reclaim the … Continue reading Everyone deserves a second chance
Missing the point
The American Journal of Public Heath (behind a paywall) has a new study looking at 2 year trajectories of residents in a "wet shelter". The found that the residents reduced their drinking by 40%. Reducing drinking in these cases is a very good thing. To me, there are several important questions but the first might … Continue reading Missing the point
Top Posts of 2011 #1 – The Suboxone “Solution”
The Fix has a provocative article on the growing use of buprenorphine maintenance. Over the last several years we've watched long-term maintenance become the norm and it has been a growing concern at Dawn Farm, particularly as we've had growing numbers of people misusing the drug and others seeking help getting detoxed from buprenorphine. She … Continue reading Top Posts of 2011 #1 – The Suboxone “Solution”
Towards a smarter drugs policy
The new issue of the Lancet focuses on drug policy. One piece offers key points for formulating policy: Drug policy should aim to promote the public good by improving individual and public health, neighbourhood safety, and community and family cohesion, and by reducing crime. The effectiveness of most drug supply control policies is unknown because … Continue reading Towards a smarter drugs policy
Overdosing on extremism??
Kevin Sabet wrote an op-ed calling for more attention to centrists in drug policy discussions. ACCORDING to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control, drug overdoses have increased almost six-fold in the last 30 years. They now represent the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, having overtaken motor vehicle accidents … Continue reading Overdosing on extremism??
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