From a commentary in Addiction: Pedersen's study is generally well conducted, but the silent paradigm around such studies is troubling. Why are questions of this genre so often asked, funded and published? The commentary is in response to a Norwegian study finding a relationship between marijuana use and poverty, but his observation and question could be asked about a … Continue reading Sentences to ponder
Category: Research
Acquiring addiction?
Nora Volkow suggests that it is possible to acquire cocaine addiction from a combination of stress and exposure to cocaine: Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, has shown in several brain-imaging studies that people addicted to such drugs as cocaine, heroin and alcohol have fewer dopamine receptors in the brain’s reward pathways than nonaddicts. … Continue reading Acquiring addiction?
The grim neurobiology of early drinking (cont’d)
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)
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
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
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
Few significant differences: Women in AA
In certain circles, it's common to hear professionals and academics claim that 12 step groups are a poor referral option for women and minorities. We've addressed this before and there's little question that women participate and benefit as much or more than men. Here's a new study looking at women in AA. Background: Given the widespread use … Continue reading Few significant differences: Women in AA
Smoking-pill suicides overlooked
Yikes! Hundreds of reports of suicides, psychotic reactions and other serious problems tied to the popular stop-smoking drug Chantix were left out of a crucial government safety review because Pfizer Inc., the drug’s manufacturer, submitted years of data through “improper channels.” Some 150 suicides — more than doubling those previously known — were among 589 … Continue reading Smoking-pill suicides overlooked
The Epidemic of Mental Illness: Why?
CNN.com summarizes a NYT Book Review review of three recent books that challenge conventional wisdom about mental illness. All of the authors of the new books agree on two thought-provoking viewpoints: 1. Our understanding of categories of mental illness and their treatments has been influenced by drug companies, through both legal and illegal marketing. 2. … Continue reading The Epidemic of Mental Illness: Why?
Recovery Review 