There’s a narrative that’s been around for a while, but it’s been gaining ground in the last few months. This last couple of months alone, it’s been in the ether, permeating social media conversations and even appeared in an academic paper. The issue relates to recovery-oriented drug policies and the tone is negative. The thrust … Continue reading Did a recovery strategy cause drug deaths?
Tag: Abstinence
Stuck on Methadone
Berlin, like many big cities has a heroin problem. People presenting for help are being prescribed opioid replacement therapy (ORT) - a form of medication assisted treatment (MAT) in greater numbers. That’s a good thing isn’t it? Yes, but it's not completely straightforward. A lot depends on what the professional and their patient think is … Continue reading Stuck on Methadone
2014’s top posts: #7
The evidence-base for 12 step recovery There's a fresh round of attacks on AA as pseudo-science in need of sober debunking. All based on one book that is getting impressive publicity. The book may contain references to support its attacks, but the interviews and articles do not. The absolute language ("everyone" and "never") hint that this may not … Continue reading 2014’s top posts: #7
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
Addiction research funding focused on “abstinence only”?
DJ Mac picks up on a story that also caught my eye and catches a line moaning about research bias in favor of abstinence-based programs. He pulled this quote. The gorilla in the room around this question turns out to be the ideology of the decision makers. “There are ideological constraints tied to what gets … Continue reading Addiction research funding focused on “abstinence only”?
Whose goals should drive treatment?
DJ Mac provides an important review of a couple of recent studies look at what Scottish treatment seekers want and how they and their families define success. He summarizes their findings this way: On abstinence: “Many felt that stopping substance use was a prerequisite of effective treatment and created a virtuous circle of feeling better, … Continue reading Whose goals should drive treatment?
The evidence-base for 12 step recovery
There's a fresh round of attacks on AA as pseudo-science in need of sober debunking. All based on one book that is getting impressive publicity. The book may contain references to support its attacks, but the interviews and articles do not. The absolute language ("everyone" and "never") hint that this may not be the objective analysis it's reported … Continue reading The evidence-base for 12 step recovery
Tribes of the Recovering Community
This week's tribe is LifeRing Secular Recovery: LifeRing Secular Recovery is an abstinence-based, worldwide network of people who are choosing to live in recovery from alcohol and other drugs. We encourage individuals to build their own personal recovery programs based on three principles: sobriety, secularity, and self-direction. We believe our personal recoveries require communication and … Continue reading Tribes of the Recovering Community
how do you want your loved one to return?
Anna David has an interview with Earl Hightower that really gets at the informed consent issues I've been talking about here. AD: Should the parents just accept the first recommendation or should they ask for more? EH: I think the first question they should ask should be one they ask themselves, which is how they … Continue reading how do you want your loved one to return?
Thanks for the evidence
Anna David points us toward some positive press for AA. One of the articles focuses on a lecture by Marc Galanter Galanter said that AA uses many of the psychosocial features that operate in any charismatic membership group: social cohesion through attendance at regular meetings; a belief system embodied in the book Alcoholics Anonymous; a behavioral program … Continue reading Thanks for the evidence
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