The NY Times reports on the new hot drug in prisons: Mr. Barrett and other prison officials nationwide are searching their facilities, mail and visitors for Suboxone, a drug used as a treatment for opiate addiction that has become coveted as contraband. Innovative smugglers have turned crushed Suboxone pills into a paste and spread it under … Continue reading “the drug of choice right now”
Category: Controversies
If the only tool you have is a hammer…
So...the reason for benzo use in methadone programs is untreated anxiety disorders? Important information on epidemiology of BZD misuse among methadone-maintenance patients suggests that most methadone programs do not address co-occurring anxiety problems, and methadone treatment may trigger onset or worsening of BZD misuse. The first few minutes of this video includes a methadone patient … Continue reading If the only tool you have is a hammer…
Overdose deaths up 500% since 1990?
The L.A. Times reports on non-medical use of prescription drugs: In a study presented Tuesday, researchers surveyed approximately 10,000 U.S. adults, ages 18 to 49. They found non-medical use of stimulants occurred less frequently than non-medical use of other substances. Almost one-quarter of those surveyed said they had used prescription painkillers for non-medical uses and … Continue reading Overdose deaths up 500% since 1990?
Doctors against medicalization
“If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” — Abraham Maslow An addiction physician says: Over the past two years, I've witnessed a worrisome trend: the medicalization of addictions. Some of this makes no sense to me. Let me explain. He describes the emerging norm of discharging patients … Continue reading Doctors against medicalization
Addiction in the News
From the director of a Maine OD prevention project: Katz cited Suboxone as the latest drug to be abused. The trend is particularly unnerving because of Suboxone's importance in treating opiate addiction when used for its intended purpose. “Suboxone can turn people’s lives around,” Katz said. “Pharmaceutical companies assured everyone it couldn’t be abused. All … Continue reading Addiction in the News
The second ‘A’ in AA
Am I the only one who is really underwhelmed with these recent pieces on whether anonymity in AA has been rendered quaint? To me, they seem to fundamentally misunderstand AA's anonymity. There's plenty of room within AA's traditions for activism and public education, AA members are just advised not to identify themselves as AA members in the media, avoid … Continue reading The second ‘A’ in AA
Game changers and compassionate fatalism
Here is some follow-up on a couple of recent posts. First, compassionate fatalism. More on St. Anthony's. (Previous post) But Bill Hockenberger, a former alcoholic who manages St. Anthony’s, insists that he hasn’t given up on any of his charges and that about 3 to 5 percent stop drinking every year. Hope springs eternal. Next, … Continue reading Game changers and compassionate fatalism
no homilies about hope!
A Guardian article highlights a wet shelter in Minnesota: ...no homilies about hope or the future. Isn't that what we all want for ourselves and loved one's when we're struggling with a chronic illness? Can it be doubted, then, that such programmes provide a win-win situation? Note that on the program's website, they emphasize keeping them … Continue reading no homilies about hope!
Oxycontin babies?
[I'm sticking my neck out on this one. Take it in the spirit in which it's written—an attempt to unpack the issues involved rather than any kind of declaration of truth. Please, set me straight in the comments if I've missed big chunks of research.] This post in Time rightly chides those who invoke "crack … Continue reading Oxycontin babies?
This was no honest mistake
What is there to say? Not shocking and very ugly.
Recovery Review 