Archive for September, 2010
- Dual Diagnosis: The Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders
Many individuals who seek treatment for mental health concerns have co-occurring disorders. It is common, for example, for those with Substance Disorders to have other conditions such as Mood Disorders, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, other Anxiety Disorders or Personality Disorders. Evidence-based research shows that the coordinated and simultaneous treatment of co-occurring disorders is recommended as the most effective clinical practice. The treatment of co-occurring disorders is also commonly called Dual Diagnosis treatment, concurrent disorders treatment or co-occurring disorders treatment. All of these refer to therapies designed to address two primary mental health conditions that are problematic at the same time.
- NIDA Honors Scientists for Developing Medication to Combat Addiction
Immunotherapy, gene therapy, herbal extracts, and inhibitor compound optimization are some the revolutionary and potentially new forms of clinical treatment in the country’s fight against one of its most widespread diseases: addiction.
- New Study Pinpoints Impulse Control Center in the Brain
A new study from researchers at Queen’s University has discovered that impulsive behavior—which plays an important role in disorders such as addiction and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder—can be improved with training that incorporates specific changes in the brain.
- Many American Pilots Suffer from Psychiatric Disorders, Including Substance Abuse
The Boston Herald reports that hundreds of American pilots have been diagnosed and treated for varying psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, major depression, and substance abuse.
- Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions for Older Adults Has Doubled
In the midst of increasing unemployment, loss of income, and homelessness across the American population, substance abuse treatment facilities are also experiencing a rise in admissions—particularly among adults aged 50 and older—that has more than doubled in the past 17 years. With older adults comprising more than 30% of the American population, their healthcare needs are expected to put a strain on the nation’s current substance abuse treatment resources as they continue to age.
- Aging Drug Users Face More Health, Lifestyle Problems
As many drug users are getting older, they are facing more health problems. A new study by researchers at the Evidence-based Practice Research Centre at Edge Hill University and the Centre for Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University looked at 11 people between the ages of 49 and 61 who were being treated for drug addiction, and found that most started taking drugs as adolescents or young adults.
- Former Drug Addict Banned from School Volunteerism
Schools can thrive when the environment invites volunteer help from the parents of students. Would that help be welcome if the parent was a former drug addict? This was the concept explored in a recent SF Gate article.
- Injection Drug Users at High Risk of Kidney Disease, Especially if HIV-Positive
Administering drugs through injection creates greater susceptibility to numerous health hazards—including increased risk of delinquent behavior, risky sexual activity, diseases, and HIV/AIDS—than any other route of drug administration. Now, a new study has identified the injection drug user population, particularly those who are HIV-positive, as being at a high risk for poor kidney function, making them significantly more likely to have kidney disease than the general population.