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    Addictions: General

    Can Impulsivity In Kindergarten Really Predict a Gambling Addiction In Sixth Grade?

    Mental health professionals have long debated about the causes and the onset of gambling addictions in children. Now an article published in Medical New Today on March 3, 2009 examines this issue. The article reports on a study published in the March 2009 issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. The researchers studied "...163 children who were in kindergarten in 1999 (average age 5.5). At the beginning of the school year, teachers were asked to complete a questionnaire rating their students' inattentiveness, distractibility and hyperactivity on a scale from one to nine (with higher values indicating a higher degree of impulsiveness). After six years, when the children were an average of 11.5 years old, they were interviewed by phone and asked whether and how often they played cards or bingo, bought lottery tickets, played video games or video poker for money or placed bets at sports venues or with friends." The results of the study were disturbing. "...a one-unit increase on the kindergarten impulsivity scale corresponded to a 25-percent increase in a child's involvement in gambling in sixth grade." The results of this study have several implications. First, kindergarten teachers need to be aware of those students who appear to be more impulsive in kindergarten and to alert both the parents of other school personnel of this impulsivity. Second mental health professionals should, through research, develop better preventive interventions for these children. Third, parents of impulsive children in kindergarten should seek a professional evaluation of there children to prevent further problems as the children age.

    The Bottom Line: Impulsive kindergartners are more at risk for developing gambling behaviors in the sixth grade.

    Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/140921.php

    Original Reference Article:     Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2009;163[3]:238-243.
    http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/163/3/238

    Resources: 

    How to overcome gambling addiction. View this top rated video from Youtube


    Additional Resources:

    • For related articles on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
    • For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to “Psychiatric Disorders: General” or type in the keywords into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
    • For related articles from Psychology Today, click on the “Psychology Today” banner in the side bar and type in the keywords into the Psychology Today “Search”.
    • For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keywords into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

    Overviews

    Diagnosis/Symptoms

    Treatment

    Clinical Trials

    Journal Articles

    References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

    Directories

    Organizations

    Teenagers

    Additional Resources:

    • For related articles on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
    • For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to the Category LIst or type in the keywords into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
    • For related articles from Psychology Today, click on the “Psychology Today” banner in the side bar and type in the keywords into the Psychology Today “Search”.
    • For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keywords into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

    Sources: National Institute of Health, See blogposts in Addictions: General, Youtube


    Dr. Jeffrey Speller

    Dr. Tanya Korkosz

    Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

    www.psychopharmassociates.com

    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on March 06, 2009 at 08:55 AM in Addictions: General | | Comments (0)

    How to Understand Dual Diagnosis: View Three Top-Rated Videos from Youtube

    Dual diagnosis occurs when someone has both a mental disorder and an alcohol or drug problem. These conditions occur together frequently. In particular, alcohol and drug problems tend to occur with

    • Depression
    • Anxiety disorders
    • Schizophrenia
    • Personality disorders

    Sometimes the mental problem occurs first. This can lead people to use alcohol or drugs that make them feel better temporarily. Sometimes the substance abuse occurs first. Over time, that can lead to emotional and mental problems.

    To get better, someone with a dual diagnosis must treat both conditions. First, the person must go for a period of time without using alcohol or drugs. This is called detoxification. The next step is rehabilitation for the substance problem and treatment for the mental disorder. This step might include medicines, support groups and talk therapy.

    Start Here Overviews Treatment Related Issues Research Journal Articles
    References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
    Dictionaries/Glossaries Directories Organizations Statistics Teenagers You may also be interested in these MedlinePlus related pages:

    Additional Resources:

    • For related articles on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
    • For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to the Category LIst or type in the keywords into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
    • For related articles from Psychology Today, click on the “Psychology Today” banner in the side bar and type in the keywords into the Psychology Today “Search”.
    • For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keywords into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

    Sources: National Institute of Health, See blogposts in Addictions: General, Youtube


    Dr. Jeffrey Speller

    Dr. Tanya Korkosz

    Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

    www.psychopharmassociates.com

    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on February 27, 2009 at 08:50 AM in Addictions: General | | Comments (0)

    Best Resource Guide on Compulsive Gambling


    Many people enjoy gambling, whether it's betting on a horse or playing poker on the Internet. Most people who gamble don't have a problem, but some lose control of their gambling. Signs of problem gambling include

    • Always thinking about gambling
    • Lying about gambling
    • Spending work or family time gambling
    • Feeling bad after you gamble, but not quitting
    • Gambling with money you need for other things

    Many people can control their compulsive gambling with medicines and therapy. Support groups can also help.

    Start Here Overviews Diagnosis/Symptoms Treatment Clinical Trials Journal Articles
    References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
    Directories Organizations Teenagers

    Additional Resources:

    • For related articles on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
    • For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to the Category LIst or type in the keywords into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
    • For related articles from Psychology Today, click on the “Psychology Today” banner in the side bar and type in the keywords into the Psychology Today “Search”.
    • For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keywords into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

    Sources: National Institute of Health, See blogposts in Addictions: General


    Dr. Jeffrey Speller

    Dr. Tanya Korkosz

    Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

    www.psychopharmassociates.com

    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on February 09, 2009 at 11:42 AM in Addictions: General | | Comments (0)

    Best Resource Guide on Dual Diagnosis

    Dual diagnosis occurs when someone has both a mental disorder and an alcohol or drug problem. These conditions occur together frequently. In particular, alcohol and drug problems tend to occur with

    • Depression
    • Anxiety disorders
    • Schizophrenia
    • Personality disorders

    Sometimes the mental problem occurs first. This can lead people to use alcohol or drugs that make them feel better temporarily. Sometimes the substance abuse occurs first. Over time, that can lead to emotional and mental problems.

    To get better, someone with a dual diagnosis must treat both conditions. First, the person must go for a period of time without using alcohol or drugs. This is called detoxification. The next step is rehabilitation for the substance problem and treatment for the mental disorder. This step might include medicines, support groups and talk therapy.

    Start Here Overviews Treatment Related Issues Research Journal Articles
    References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
    Dictionaries/Glossaries Directories Organizations Statistics Teenagers You may also be interested in these MedlinePlus related pages:

    Additional Resources:

    • For related articles on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
    • For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to the Category LIst or type in the keywords into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
    • For related articles from Psychology Today, click on the “Psychology Today” banner in the side bar and type in the keywords into the Psychology Today “Search”.
    • For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keywords into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

    Sources: National Institute of Health, See blogposts in Addictions: General


    Dr. Jeffrey Speller

    Dr. Tanya Korkosz

    Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

    www.psychopharmassociates.com

    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on February 09, 2009 at 11:39 AM in Addictions: General | | Comments (0)

    What is the Link Between Drug Abuse and HIV/AIDS and Other Infectious Diseases?

    The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is a virus that lives and multiplies primarily in white blood cells (CD4+ lymphocytes), which are part of the immune system. HIV ultimately causes severe depletion of these cells. An HIV-infected person may look and feel fine for many years and may therefore be unaware of the infection. However, as the immune system weakens, the individual becomes more vulnerable to illnesses and common infections. Over time, a person with untreated HIV is likely to develop AIDS and succumb to multiple, concurrent illnesses. Because HIV/AIDS is a condition characterized by a defect in the body's natural immunity to diseases, infected individuals are at risk for severe illnesses that are not usually a threat to anyone whose immune system is working properly. Behaviors associated with drug abuse, such as sharing drug injection equipment and/or engaging in risky sexual behavior while intoxicated (from drugs or alcohol), have been central to the spread of HIV/AIDS since the pandemic began more than 25 years ago. As yet, there is no cure for AIDS, and there is no vaccine to prevent a person from acquiring HIV, although there are effective medications to treat HIV infection and help prevent the progression to AIDS.

    How Is HIV/AIDS Spread?

    HIV can be transmitted by contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their infants during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding. Among drug users, HIV transmission can occur through sharing needles and other injection paraphernalia such as cotton swabs, rinse water, and cookers. However, another way people are at risk for HIV is simply by using drugs, regardless of whether a needle and syringe is involved. Drugs and alcohol can interfere with judgment and can lead to risky sexual behaviors that put people in danger of contracting or transmitting HIV.

    What is the Extent and Impact of HIV/AIDS?

    HIV/AIDS has become one of the deadliest pandemics in human history, killing more than 25 million people around the world, including more than 500,000 Americans. Despite beneficial advances in treating HIV/AIDS, the pandemic is far from over. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 40,000 Americans become infected with HIV annually, many of whom are under the age of 25. Also, due to a number of complex and interacting biological, social, and economic factors, there are some populations that are at increased risk for HIV/AIDS. For example:

    • Although African-Americans constitute about 13 percent of the U.S. population, they accounted for nearly half of the total HIV/AIDS diagnoses in 2005.
    • Hispanics made up about 13 percent of the population in 2006, yet they accounted for 18 percent of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses reported in the 35 areas with long-term, confidential name-based HIV reporting in the United States.
    • African-American women accounted for 64 percent of female HIV diagnoses in 2005.
    • In 2005, HIV infection was the leading cause of death for African-American women aged 25–34 and for African-American men of all ages; it was also the fourth leading cause of death among Hispanic men and women, aged 35–44.
    • Men having sex with other men (MSM) remain the largest transmission category.

    Furthermore, CDC estimates that about one-fourth of the HIV-infected persons in the United States are unaware of their infection. Not only are these infected individuals at high risk for transmitting HIV to others, but they are also not taking advantage of effective medical treatments for HIV that can reduce AIDS-related illnesses and slow disease progression.

    Is HIV/AIDS Preventable?

    Early detection can help prevent HIV transmission. Research indicates that routine HIV screening in health care settings among populations with a prevalence rate as low as 1 percent is as cost effective as screening for other conditions such as breast cancer and high blood pressure. These findings suggest that HIV screening can lower health care costs by preventing high-risk practices and decreasing virus transmission.

    For drug abusing populations, cumulative research has shown that comprehensive HIV prevention—drug abuse treatment, community-based outreach, testing and counseling for HIV and other infections, and HIV treatment—is the most effective way to reduce the risk of blood-borne infections.

    Combined pharmacological and behavioral treatments for drug abuse have a demonstrated impact on HIV risk behaviors and acquisition of HIV infection. For example, recent research showed that when behavioral therapies were combined with methadone treatment, about half of the study participants who reported injection drug use at intake reported no such use at study exit, and over 90 percent of all participants reported no needle sharing at study exit. Although these findings show great promise for achieving reductions in HIV risk behaviors, studies are now underway to improve the long-term effectiveness of such interventions.

    Is HIV/AIDS Treatable?

    Since the mid-1990s, the lives of people with HIV/AIDS have been prolonged and symptoms decreased through the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HAART is a customized combination of different classes of medications prescribed for individual patients based on such factors as their viral load, CD4+ lymphocyte count, and clinical symptoms.

    Behavioral treatments for drug abuse have shown promise for enhancing patient adherence to HAART. Interventions aimed at increasing HIV treatment adherence are crucial to treatment success, but they usually require dramatic lifestyle changes to counter the often irregular lifestyle created by drug abuse and addiction. Adequate medical care for HIV/AIDS and related illnesses is also critical to reducing and preventing the spread of new infections.

    What Other Infectious Diseases are Associated with HIV/AIDS?

    Besides increasing their risk of HIV infection, individuals who take drugs or engage in high-risk behaviors associated with drug use also put themselves and others at risk for contracting or transmitting hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV), tuberculosis (TB), as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases, including syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, and genital herpes. Injecting drug users (IDUs) are also commonly susceptible to skin infections at the site of injection and to bacterial and viral infections, such as bacterial pneumonia and endocarditis, which, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems.

    HCV, HBV, and HIV/AIDS

    HCV, the leading cause of liver disease, is highly prevalent among IDUs and often co-occurs with HIV; HBV is also common among drug abusers. These are two of several viruses that cause inflammation of the liver. Chronic infection with HCV or HBV can result in cirrhosis (liver scarring) or primary liver cancer. A vaccine does not yet exist for HCV; however, HBV infection can be prevented by an effective vaccine.

    HCV is highly transmissible through blood-borne exposure. NIDA-funded studies have found that, within 3 years of beginning injection drug use, most IDUs contract HCV—and up to 90 percent of HIV-infected IDUs may also be infected with HCV. The effects of HCV infection on HIV disease are not well understood; however, the course of HCV infection is accelerated in dually infected individuals, with higher rates of progressive liver disease and death in those with both HIV and HCV than in those with HCV alone.

    While treatment can be effective, management of co-occurring HIV and HCV presents certain challenges. HIV therapy can slow progression of liver disease in co-infected persons, but treatment response rates to HCV therapy in these individuals are reduced. Assessment of stage of disease is important to the timing of therapy initiation for both infections, as is long-term medical followup in order to improve quality of life.

    TB and HIV/AIDS

    TB is a chronic and infectious lung disease. Through major public health detection and treatment initiatives, its prevalence declined in the United States for several years—in 2005, 14,000 cases were reported, the lowest number since surveillance began in 1953. However, the decline of TB prevalence has slowed by half in recent years, and TB infection remains intertwined with HIV/AIDS and drug abuse.

    People with latent TB infection do not have symptoms, may not develop active disease, and cannot spread TB. However, if such individuals do not receive preventive therapy, they may develop active TB, which is contagious. NIDA research has shown that IDUs have high rates of latent TB infection. Because HIV infection severely weakens the immune system, people infected with both HIV and latent TB are at increased risk of developing active TB and becoming highly infectious. Effective treatment for HIV and TB can reduce TB/HIV-associated disease and the risk of transmission to others.

    Sources: National Insittute of Mental Health, See also blogposts in: Addictions: General


    Dr. Jeffrey Speller

    Dr. Tanya Korkosz

    Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

    www.psychopharmassociates.com

    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on February 03, 2009 at 07:21 AM in Addictions: General | | Comments (0)

    What are the Basic Principles of Drug Abuse Prevention?

    The principles listed below are the result of long-term research studies on the origins of drug abuse behaviors and the common elements of effective prevention programs. These principles were developed to help prevention practitioners use the results of prevention research to address drug use among children and adolescents in communities across the country. Parents, educators, and community leaders can use these principles to help guide their thinking, planning, selection, and delivery of drug abuse prevention programs at the community level.

    Prevention programs are generally designed for use in a particular setting, such as at home, at school, or within the community, but can be adapted for use in several settings. In addition, programs are also designed with the intended audience in mind: for everyone in the population, for those at greater risk, and for those already involved with drugs or other problem behaviors. Some programs can be geared for more than one audience.

    Principle 1 - Prevention programs should enhance protective factors and reverse or reduce risk factors (Hawkins et al. 2002).

    • The risk of becoming a drug abuser involves the relationship among the number and type of risk factors (e.g., deviant attitudes and behaviors) and protective factors (e.g., parental support) (Wills et al. 1996).
    • The potential impact of specific risk and protective factors changes with age. For example, risk factors within the family have greater impact on a younger child, while association with drug-abusing peers may be a more significant risk factor for an adolescent (Gerstein and Green 1993; Dishion et al. 1999).
    • Early intervention with risk factors (e.g., aggressive behavior and poor self-control) often has a greater impact than later intervention by changing a child’s life path (trajectory) away from problems and toward positive behaviors (Ialongo et al. 2001).
    • While risk and protective factors can affect people of all groups, these factors can have a different effect depending on a person’s age, gender, ethnicity, culture, and environment (Beauvais et al. 1996; Moon et al. 1999).

    Principle 2 - Prevention programs should address all forms of drug abuse, alone or in combination, including the underage use of legal drugs (e.g., tobacco or alcohol); the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana or heroin); and the inappropriate use of legally obtained substances (e.g., inhalants), prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs (Johnston et al. 2002).

    Principle 3 - Prevention programs should address the type of drug abuse problem in the local community, target modifiable risk factors, and strengthen identified protective factors (Hawkins et al. 2002).

    Principle 4 - Prevention programs should be tailored to address risks specific to population or audience characteristics, such as age, gender, and ethnicity, to improve program effectiveness (Oetting et al. 1997).

    Principle 5 - Family-based prevention programs should enhance family bonding and relationships and include parenting skills; practice in developing, discussing, and enforcing family policies on substance abuse; and training in drug education and information (Ashery et al. 1998).

    Family bonding is the bedrock of the relationship between parents and children. Bonding can be strengthened through skills training on parent supportiveness of children, parent-child communication, and parental involvement (Kosterman et al. 1997).

    • Parental monitoring and supervision are critical for drug abuse prevention. These skills can be enhanced with training on rule-setting; techniques for monitoring activities; praise for appropriate behavior; and moderate, consistent discipline that enforces defined family rules (Kosterman et al. 2001).
    • Drug education and information for parents or caregivers reinforces what children are learning about the harmful effects of drugs and opens opportunities for family discussions about the abuse of legal and illegal substances (Bauman et al. 2001).
    • Brief, family-focused interventions for the general population can positively change specific parenting behavior that can reduce later risks of drug abuse (Spoth et al. 2002b).

    Principle 6 - Prevention programs can be designed to intervene as early as preschool to address risk factors for drug abuse, such as aggressive behavior, poor social skills, and academic difficulties (Webster-Stratton 1998; Webster-Stratton et al. 2001).

    Principle 7 - Prevention programs for elementary school children should target improving academic and social-emotional learning to address risk factors for drug abuse, such as early aggression, academic failure, and school dropout. Education should focus on the following skills (Conduct Problems Prevention Research Group 2002; Ialongo et al. 2001):

    • self-control;
    • emotional awareness;
    • communication;
    • social problem-solving; and
    • academic support, especially in reading.

    Principle 8 - Prevention programs for middle or junior high and high school students should increase academic and social competence with the following skills (Botvin et al. 1995; Scheier et al. 1999):

    • study habits and academic support;
    • communication;
    • peer relationships;
    • self-efficacy and assertiveness;
    • drug resistance skills;
    • reinforcement of anti-drug attitudes; and
    • strengthening of personal commitments against drug abuse.

    Principle 9 - Prevention programs aimed at general populations at key transition points, such as the transition to middle school, can produce beneficial effects even among high-risk families and children. Such interventions do not single out risk populations and, therefore, reduce labeling and promote bonding to school and community (Botvin et al. 1995; Dishion et al. 2002).

    Principle 10 - Community prevention programs that combine two or more effective programs, such as family-based and school-based programs, can be more effective than a single program alone (Battistich et al. 1997).

    Principle 11 - Community prevention programs reaching populations in multiple settings—for example, schools, clubs, faith-based organizations, and the media—are most effective when they present consistent, community-wide messages in each setting (Chou et al. 1998).

    Principle 12 - When communities adapt programs to match their needs, community norms, or differing cultural requirements, they should retain core elements of the original research-based intervention (Spoth et al. 2002b), which include:

    • Structure (how the program is organized and constructed);
    • Content (the information, skills, and strategies of the program); and
    • Delivery (how the program is adapted, implemented, and evaluated).

    Principle 13 - Prevention programs should be long-term with repeated interventions (i.e., booster programs) to reinforce the original prevention goals. Research shows that the benefits from middle school prevention programs diminish without followup programs in high school (Scheier et al. 1999).

    Principle 14 - Prevention programs should include teacher training on good classroom management practices, such as rewarding appropriate student behavior. Such techniques help to foster students’ positive behavior, achievement, academic motivation, and school bonding (Ialongo et al. 2001).

    Principle 15 - Prevention programs are most effective when they employ interactive techniques, such as peer discussion groups and parent role-playing, that allow for active involvement in learning about drug abuse and reinforcing skills (Botvin et al. 1995).

    Principle 16 - Research-based prevention programs can be cost-effective. Similar to earlier research, recent research shows that for each dollar invested in prevention, a savings of up to $10 in treatment for alcohol or other substance abuse can be seen (Aos et al. 2001; Hawkins et al. 1999; Pentz 1998; Spoth et al. 2002a).

    Sources: National Insittute of Mental Health, See also blogposts in: Addictions: General


    Dr. Jeffrey Speller

    Dr. Tanya Korkosz

    Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

    www.psychopharmassociates.com

    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on February 03, 2009 at 07:19 AM in Addictions: General | | Comments (0)

    Can Drug Abusers be Successfully Treated in the Criminal Justice System?

    Scientific research since the mid-1970s shows that drug abuse treatment can help many drug abusing offenders change their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors towards drug abuse, avoid relapse, and successfully remove themselves from a life of substance abuse and crime. It is true that legal pressure might be needed to get a person into treatment and help them stay there. Once in a treatment program, however, even those who are not motivated to change at first can eventually become engaged in a continuing treatment process.

    Untreated substance abuse adds significant costs to communities, including violent and property crimes, prison expenses, court and criminal costs, emergency room visits, child abuse and neglect, lost child support, foster care and welfare costs, reduced productivity, unemployment, and victimization. The cost to society of drug abuse in 2002 was estimated at $181 billion, $107 billion of which was associated with drug-related crime.

    Successful drug abuse treatment in the criminal justice system can help reduce crime as well as the spread of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases. It is estimated that for every dollar spent on addiction treatment programs, there is a $4 to $7 reduction in the cost of drug-related crimes. With some outpatient programs, total savings can exceed costs by a ratio of 12:1.1

    Extent of the Problem

    The connection between drug abuse and crime is well known. Drug abuse is implicated in at least three types of drug related offenses: (1) offenses defined by drug possession or sales, (2) offenses directly related to drug abuse (e.g., stealing to get money for drugs), and (3) offenses related to a lifestyle that predisposes the drug abuser to engage in illegal activity (e.g., through association with other offenders or with illicit markets).

    In 2003, nearly 6.9 million adults were involved with the criminal justice system, including 4.8 million who were under probation or parole supervision (Glaze & Palla, 2004, www.ojp.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/ppus03.pdf). In its 1997 survey, the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) estimated that about 70 percent of State and 57 percent of Federal prisoners used drugs regularly prior to incarceration (Mumola, 1999, www.ojp.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/satsfp97.pdf). A 2002 survey of jails found that 52 percent of incarcerated women and 44 percent of men met the criteria for alcohol or drug dependence (Karberg & James, 2005, www.ojp.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/sdatji02.pdf). Juvenile justice systems also report high levels of drug abuse. A survey of juvenile detainees in 2000 found that about 56 percent of the boys and 40 percent of the girls tested positive for drug use at the time of their arrest (National Institute of Justice, 2003, www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/adam/welcome.html).

    The substance abusing offender may be encouraged or legally pressured to participate in drug abuse treatment. Even so, few drug abusing offenders actually receive treatment. The 1997 BJS survey showed that fewer than one-fifth of incarcerated offenders with drug problems had received treatment in prison (not including participation in self-help or drug education).

    Untreated substance abusing offenders are more likely to relapse to drug abuse and return to criminal behavior. This can bring about re-arrest and reincarceration, jeopardizing public health and public safety and taxing criminal justice system resources. Treatment offers the best alternative for interrupting the drug abuse/criminal justice cycle for offenders with drug abuse problems.

    Effective Treatment for Criminal Offenders

    Studies show that treatment can cut drug abuse in half, reduce criminal activity up to 80 percent, and reduce arrests up to 64 percent.2 Based on a review of this and other scientific literature on drug abuse treatment and criminal behavior, in 2006 NIDA released Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations. This publication discusses 13 principles proven through research to help criminal justice organizations tailor treatment programs to better serve their populations. In brief, these principles are:

    • Drug addiction is a brain disease that affects behavior.
    • Recovery from drug addiction requires effective treatment, followed by management of the problem over time.
    • Treatment must last long enough to produce stable behavioral change.
    • Assessment is the first step in treatment.
    • Tailoring services to fit the needs of the individual is an important part of effective drug abuse treatment for criminal justice populations.
    • Drug use during treatment should be carefully monitored.
    • Treatment should target factors that are associated with criminal behavior.
    • Criminal justice supervision should incorporate treatment planning for drug abusing offenders, and treatment providers should be aware of correctional supervision requirements.
    • Continuity of care is essential for drug abusers re-entering the community.
    • A balance of rewards and sanctions encourages prosocial behavior and treatment participation.
    • Offenders with co-occurring drug abuse and mental health problems often require an integrated treatment approach.
    • Medications are an important part of treatment for many drug abusing offenders.
    • Treatment planning for drug abusing offenders who are living in or re-entering the community should include strategies to prevent and treat serious, chronic medical conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, and tuberculosis.

    Drug abuse treatment can be incorporated into criminal justice settings in a variety of ways. These include treatment as a condition of probation, drug courts that blend judicial monitoring and sanctions with treatment, treatment in prison followed by community-based treatment after discharge, and treatment under parole or probation supervision. Outcomes for substance abusing individuals can be improved by cross-agency coordination and collaboration of criminal justice professionals, substance abuse treatment providers, and other social service agencies. By working together, the criminal justice and treatment systems can optimize resources to benefit the health, safety, and well-being of individuals and the communities they serve.

    For more information, see Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations: A Research-Based Guide at www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/cj.html.

    Sources: National Insittute of Mental Health, See also blogposts in: Addictions: General


    Dr. Jeffrey Speller

    Dr. Tanya Korkosz

    Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

    www.psychopharmassociates.com

    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on February 03, 2009 at 07:18 AM in Addictions: General | | Comments (0)

    Can early drug and alcohol use in adolescents predict a grim future?

    Mental health professionals have long been concerned about the impact of early drug and alcohol use in adolescents on their adult life patterns. An article in the Oct. 17, 2008 edition of Medpage Today titled, “Early Drug and Alcohol Use by Kids Portends a Grim Future,” examines this issue. The article reports on a study recently published online in Psychological Science. The researchers studied 1,037 individuals, following their life course from age 5 to 32. The results were sobering. “Early exposure [to drugs and alcohol] led to:

    • More than triple the risk of substance dependency at age 32.
    • Nearly three times the risk of herpes infection.
    • Nearly four times the risk of early pregnancy.
    • And nearly three times the number of criminal convictions.”

    The results of this study strongly suggest that early exposure to drugs and alcohol can have a very negative effect on adult life outcomes.

    The Bottom Line: The results of this study strongly suggest that early exposure to drugs and alcohol can have a very negative effect on adult life outcomes.

    Reference: Article

    Four Great Books on Overcoming Addiction:

    1. Overcoming Addictions: The Spiritual Solution (Chopra, Deepak. Perfect Health Library.) by Deepak Chopra
    2. Welcome Home: A Book About Overcoming Addictions
    3. Freedom from Addiction: The Chopra Center Method for Overcoming Destructive Habits by Deepak Chopra
    4. Sex, Drugs, Gambling and Chocolate: A Workbook for Overcoming Addictions by A. Thomas Horvath

    Support Groups for Addictions:

    1. Smart Recovery
    2. Transformations
    3. Yahoo Substance Abuse Support Group  

    Additional Resources:

    • For related articles on Addiction the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
    • For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, click on the “Addictions: General” category at the bottom of the post or type in keywords “Addiction” into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
    • For related articles from Psychology Today, click on the “Psychology Today” banner in the side bar and type in Key words, “Addiction” into the Psychology Today “Search”.
    • For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked key word in the blog or type in key words, “Addiction“ into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

    Sources: See blogposts in: Addictions: Drug Abuse, and Psychiatry: Addictions: General


    Dr. Jeffrey Speller

    Dr. Tanya Korkosz

    Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

    www.psychopharmassociates.com

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    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on November 28, 2008 at 07:38 AM in Addictions: General | | Comments (0)

    The Patient Factsheet on Nonmedical Stimulant Use, Other Drug Use, Delinquent Behaviors, and Depression Among Adolescents

    • SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that about 510,000 youth aged 12 to 17 (2%) used stimulants (including methamphetamines) nonmedically in the past year in 2006. Nonmedical use is defined as the use of prescription-type psychotherapeutic drugs that were not prescribed for the respondent by a physician or were used only for the experience or feeling they caused.
    • Over 71% of youth who used stimulants nonmedically in the past year compared with 34% of youth who did not use stimulants nonmedically also engaged in at least one of the six types of delinquent behaviors in the past year that were included in SAMHSA's National Survey of Drug Use. These delinquent behaviors were: (1) got into a serious fight, (2) took part in a group fight against another group, (3) sold drugs, (4) stole anything valued more than $50, (5) attacked someone, and (6) carried a handgun.
    • Youth who used stimulants nonmedically in the past year were also more likely than youth who did not use stimulants nonmedically to have experienced a major depressive episode in the past year (23% vs. 8.1%).

    Additional Resources:

    • For related articles on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
    • For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to “Psychiatric Disorders: General” or type in the keywords into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
    • For related articles from Psychology Today, click on the “Psychology Today” banner in the side bar and type in the keywords into the Psychology Today “Search”.
    • For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keywords into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

    Source: SAMHSA's Office of Applied Studies, National Survey on Drug Use and Health

    Dr. Jeffrey Speller

    Dr. Tanya Korkosz

    Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

    www.psychopharmassociates.com


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    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on November 06, 2008 at 08:35 AM in Addictions: General | | Comments (0)

    The Patient Factsheet on Substance Use Disorder and Serious Psychological Distress by Employment Status

    • Among full time employed adults aged 18 to 64 in SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 10.6% were classified as having a past year substance use disorder, 10.2% experienced serious psychological distress during the past year, and 2.4% had co-occurring serious psychological distress and a substance use disorder.
    • Full time employed males in this age group were nearly twice as likely to have a past year substance use disorder than their female counterparts (13.2% vs. 6.9%). In contrast, females were nearly twice as likely to have experienced serious psychological distress during the past year than were the males (14.2% vs. 7.3%).
    • Of the 2.9 million adults aged 18 to 64 employed full time who had co-occurring serious psychological distress and a substance use disorder, nearly 60% were not treated for either problem and less than 5% were treated for both problems.

    Additional Resources:

    • For related articles on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
    • For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to “Psychiatric Disorders: General” or type in the keywords into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
    • For related articles from Psychology Today, click on the “Psychology Today” banner in the side bar and type in the keywords into the Psychology Today “Search”.
    • For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keywords into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

    Source: SAMHSA's Office of Applied Studies, National Survey on Drug Use and Health

    Dr. Jeffrey Speller

    Dr. Tanya Korkosz

    Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

    www.psychopharmassociates.com


    Email this • Sphere: Related Content • Technorati Links • View CC license • Subscribe to this feed • Save to del.icio.us • Share on Facebook • Stumble It! • Add to Mixx! • Discuss on Newsvine • Digg This! • outside.in: geotag this story

     

    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on November 06, 2008 at 08:32 AM in Addictions: General | | Comments (0)

    The Patient Factsheet on Serious Psychological Distress and Substance Use among Young Adult Males

    • An estimated 10.3% of males aged 18 to 25 (1.6 million persons) experienced serious psychological distress during the past year.
    • Divorced or separated males aged 18 to 25 (20.9%) were more likely to have experienced serious psychological distress during the past year than those who were married (7.3%) or never married (10.5%).
    • Males aged 18 to 25 with serious psychological distress during the past year were more likely than those without past year serious psychological distress to have engaged in heavy alcohol use (27.2% vs. 20.7%), binge alcohol use (56.7% vs. 49.9%), and illicit drug use (35.6% vs. 22.1%) in the past month.

    Additional Resources:

    • For related articles on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
    • For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to “Psychiatric Disorders: General” or type in the keywords into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
    • For related articles from Psychology Today, click on the “Psychology Today” banner in the side bar and type in the keywords into the Psychology Today “Search”.
    • For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keywords into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

    Source: SAMHSA's Office of Applied Studies, National Survey on Drug Use and Health

    Dr. Jeffrey Speller

    Dr. Tanya Korkosz

    Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

    www.psychopharmassociates.com


    Email this • Sphere: Related Content • Technorati Links • View CC license • Subscribe to this feed • Save to del.icio.us • Share on Facebook • Stumble It! • Add to Mixx! • Discuss on Newsvine • Digg This! • outside.in: geotag this story

     

    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on November 06, 2008 at 08:31 AM in Addictions: General | | Comments (0)

    The Patient Factsheet on Substance Use and the Risk of Suicide Among Youths

    • In 2000,  approximately 3 million youths were at risk for suicide during the past year. 
    • Youths who reported past year alcohol or illicit drug use were more likely than youths who did not use these substances to be at risk for suicide.
    • Only 36 percent of youths at risk for suicide during the past year received mental health treatment or counseling.

    Additional Resources:

    • For related articles on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
    • For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to “Psychiatric Disorders: General” or type in the keywords into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
    • For related articles from Psychology Today, click on the “Psychology Today” banner in the side bar and type in the keywords into the Psychology Today “Search”.
    • For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keywords into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

    Source: SAMHSA's Office of Applied Studies, National Survey on Drug Use and Health

    Dr. Jeffrey Speller

    Dr. Tanya Korkosz

    Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

    www.psychopharmassociates.com


    Email this • Sphere: Related Content • Technorati Links • View CC license • Subscribe to this feed • Save to del.icio.us • Share on Facebook • Stumble It! • Add to Mixx! • Discuss on Newsvine • Digg This! • outside.in: geotag this story

     

    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on November 06, 2008 at 08:26 AM in Addictions: General | | Comments (0)

    Prescription Drug Abuse Chart

    Substances:
    Category and Name     		Examples of Commercial
    and Street Names     		DEA Schedule*/
    How Administered**    		 Intoxication Effects/Potential Health Consequences
    Depressants reduced pain and anxiety; feeling of well-being; lowered inhibitions; slowed pulse and breathing; lowered blood pressure; poor concentration/confusion, fatigue; impaired coordination, memory, judgment; respiratory depression and arrest, addiction

    Also, for barbiturates—sedation, drowsiness/depression, unusual excitement, fever, irritability, poor judgment, slurred speech, dizziness

    for benzodiazepines—sedation, drowsiness/dizziness

    for flunitrazepam—visual and gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary retention, memory loss for the time under the drug's effects
    barbiturates Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, Phenobarbital; barbs, reds, red birds, phennies, tooies, yellows, yellow jackets II, III, V/injected, swallowed
    benzodiazepines (other than flunitrazepam) Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Valium, Xanax; candy, downers, sleeping pills, tranks IV/swallowed
    flunitrazepam***+ Rohypnol; forget-me pill, Mexican Valium, R2, Roche, roofies, roofinol, rope, rophies IV/swallowed, snorted
    Dissociative Anesthetics increased heart rate and blood pressure, impaired motor function/memory loss; numbness; nausea/vomiting

    Also, for ketamine—at high doses, delirium, depression, respiratory depression and arrest
    ketamine Ketalar SV; cat Valium, K, Special K, vitamin K III/injected, snorted, smoked
    Opioids and Morphine Derivatives pain relief, euphoria, drowsiness/respiratory depression and arrest, nausea, confusion, constipation, sedation, unconsciousness, coma, tolerance, addiction

    Also, for codeine—less analgesia, sedation, and respiratory depression than morphine
    codeine Empirin with Codeine, Fiorinal with Codeine, Robitussin A-C, Tylenol with Codeine; Captain Cody, Cody, schoolboy; (with glutethimide) doors & fours, loads, pancakes and syrup II, III, IV/injected, swallowed
    fentanyl Actiq, Duragesic, Sublimaze; Apache, China girl, China white, dance fever, friend, goodfella, jackpot, murder 8, TNT, Tango and Cash II/injected, smoked, snorted
    morphine Roxanol, Duramorph; M, Miss Emma, monkey, white stuff II, III/injected, swallowed, smoked
    opium laudanum, paregoric; big O, black stuff, block, gum, hop II, III, V/swallowed, smoked
    other opioid pain relievers (oxycodone, meperidine, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, propoxyphene) Tylox, OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet; oxy 80s, oxycotton, oxycet, hillbilly heroin, percs
    Demerol, meperidine hydrochloride; demmies, pain killer
    Dilaudid; juice, dillies
    Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet; Darvon, Darvocet    		 II, III, IV/swallowed, injected, suppositories, chewed, crushed, snorted
    Stimulants increased heart rate, blood pressure, metabolism; feelings of exhilaration, energy, increased mental alertness/rapid or irregular heart beat; reduced appetite, weight loss, heart failure

    Also, for amphetamines—rapid breathing; hallucinations/tremor, loss of coordination; irritability, anxiousness, restlessness, delirium, panic, paranoia, impulsive behavior, aggressiveness, tolerance, addiction

    for cocaine—increased temperature/chest pain, respiratory failure, nausea, abdominal pain, strokes, seizures, headaches, malnutrition

    for methamphetamine—aggression, violence, psychotic behavior/memory loss, cardiac and neurological damage; impaired memory and learning, tolerance, addiction

    for methylphenidate—increase or decrease in blood pressure, psychotic episodes/digestive problems, loss of appetite, weight loss
    amphetamines Biphetamine, Dexedrine; bennies, black beauties, crosses, hearts, LA turnaround, speed, truck drivers, uppers II/injected, swallowed, smoked, snorted
    cocaine Cocaine hydrochloride; blow, bump, C, candy, Charlie, coke, crack, flake, rock, snow, toot II/injected, smoked, snorted
    methamphetamine Desoxyn; chalk, crank, crystal, fire, glass, go fast, ice, meth, speed II/injected, swallowed, smoked, snorted
    methylphenidate Ritalin; JIF, MPH, R-ball, Skippy, the smart drug, vitamin R II/injected, swallowed, snorted
    Other Compounds no intoxication effects/hypertension, blood clotting and cholesterol changes, liver cysts and cancer, kidney cancer, hostility and aggression, acne; adolescents, premature stoppage of growth; in males, prostate cancer, reduced sperm production, shrunken testicles, breast enlargement; in females, menstrual irregularities, development of beard and other masculine characteristics
    anabolic steroids Anadrol, Oxandrin, Durabolin, Depo-Testosterone, Equipoise; roids, juice III/injected, swallowed, applied to skin


    * Schedule I and II drugs have a high potential for abuse. They require greater storage security and have a quota on manufacturing, among other restrictions. Schedule I drugs are available for research only and have no approved medical use; Schedule II drugs are available only by prescription (unrefillable) and require a form for ordering. Schedule III and IV drugs are available by prescription, may have five refills in 6 months, and may be ordered orally. Most Schedule V drugs are available over the counter.

    ** Taking drugs by injection can increase the risk of infection through needle contamination with staphylococci, HIV, hepatitis, and other organisms.

    *** Associated with sexual assaults.

    + Not available by prescription in U.S.

    Facts About Prescription Drug Abuse

    More than 6.3 Million Americans Reported Current Use of Prescription Drugs for Nonmedical Purposes in 2003
    More than 6.3 Million Americans Reported Current Use of Prescription Drugs for Nonmedical Purposes in 2003

    Medications can be effective when they are used properly, but some can be addictive and dangerous when misused. This chart provides a brief look at some prescribed medications that—when used in ways other than they are prescribed—have the potential for abuse and even addiction.

    Fortunately, most Americans take their medications responsibly. Addiction to prescription drugs is rare. However, in 2003, approximately 15 million Americans reported using a prescription drug for nonmedical reasons at least once during the year.


    Past Month Use of Selected Illicit Drugs Among Youths, by Age: 2003
    Past Month Use of Selected Illicit Drugs Among Youths, by Age: 2003

    What types of prescription drugs are misused or abused?

    Three types of drugs are misused or abused most often:

    • Opioids—prescribed for pain relief
    • CNS depressants—barbiturates and benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety or sleep problems (often referred to as sedatives or tranquilizers)
    • Stimulants—prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the sleep disorder narcolepsy, or obesity.

    How can you help prevent prescription drug misuse or abuse?

    • Keep your doctor informed about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications.
    • Take your medication(s) as prescribed.
    • Read the information your pharmacist provides before starting to take medications.
    • Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your medication, especially if you are unsure about its effects.

    Source: National Institute of Drug Abuse

    Dr. Jeffrey Speller
    Dr. Tanya Korkosz
    Psychopharmacology Associates of New England
    www.psychopharmassociates.com

    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on September 25, 2008 at 11:17 AM in Addictions: General | | Comments (0)

    Chart of Commonly Abused Drugs

    Commonly Abused Drugs


    Substances:
    Category and Name     		Examples of Commercial
    and Street Names     		DEA Schedule*/
    How Administered**    		 Intoxication Effects/Potential Health Consequences
    Cannabinoids euphoria, slowed thinking and reaction time, confusion, impaired balance and coordination/cough, frequent respiratory infections; impaired memory and learning; increased heart rate, anxiety; panic attacks; tolerance, addiction
    hashish boom, chronic, gangster, hash, hash oil, hemp I/swallowed, smoked
    marijuana blunt, dope, ganja, grass, herb, joints, Mary Jane, pot, reefer, sinsemilla, skunk, weed I/swallowed, smoked
    Depressants reduced anxiety; feeling of well-being; lowered inhibitions; slowed pulse and breathing; lowered blood pressure; poor concentration/fatigue; confusion; impaired coordination, memory, judgment; addiction; respiratory depression and arrest; death

    Also, for barbiturates—sedation, drowsiness/depression, unusual excitement, fever, irritability, poor judgment, slurred speech, dizziness, life-threatening withdrawal

    for benzodiazepines—sedation, drowsiness/dizziness

    for flunitrazepam—visual and gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary retention, memory loss for the time under the drug's effects

    for GHB—drowsiness, nausea/vomiting, headache, loss of consciousness, loss of reflexes, seizures, coma, death

    for methaqualone—euphoria/depression, poor reflexes, slurred speech, coma
    barbiturates Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, Phenobarbital: barbs, reds, red birds, phennies, tooies, yellows, yellow jackets II, III, V/injected, swallowed
    benzodiazepines (other than flunitrazepam) Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Valium, Xanax: candy, downers, sleeping pills, tranks IV/swallowed, injected
    flunitrazepam*** Rohypnol: forget-me pill, Mexican Valium, R2, Roche, roofies, roofinol, rope, rophies IV/swallowed, snorted
    GHB*** gamma-
    hydroxybutyrate:     G, Georgia home boy, grievous bodily harm, liquid ecstasy     		I/swallowed
    methaqualone Quaalude, Sopor, Parest: ludes, mandrex, quad, quay I/injected, swallowed
    Dissociative Anesthetics increased heart rate and blood pressure, impaired motor function/memory loss; numbness; nausea/vomiting

    Also, for ketamine—at high doses, delirium, depression, respiratory depression and arrest

    for PCP and analogs—possible decrease in blood pressure and heart rate, panic, aggression, violence/loss of appetite, depression
    ketamine Ketalar SV: cat Valiums, K, Special K, vitamin K III/injected, snorted, smoked
    PCP and analogs phencyclidine; angel dust, boat, hog, love boat, peace pill I, II/injected, swallowed, smoked
    Hallucinogens altered states of perception and feeling; nausea; persisting perception disorder (flashbacks)

    Also, Also for LSD and mescaline—increased body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure; loss of appetite, sleeplessness, numbness, weakness, tremors

    for for LSD—persistent mental disorders

    for for psilocybin—nervousness, paranoia
    LSD lysergic acid diethylamide: acid, blotter, boomers, cubes, microdot, yellow sunshines I/swallowed, absorbed through mouth tissues
    mescaline buttons, cactus, mesc, peyote I/swallowed, smoked
    psilocybin magic mushroom, purple passion, shrooms I/swallowed
    Opioids and Morphine Derivatives pain relief, euphoria, drowsiness/nausea, constipation, confusion, sedation, respiratory depression and arrest, tolerance, addiction, unconsciousness, coma, death

    Also, for codeine—less analgesia, sedation, and respiratory depression than morphine

    for heroin—staggering gait
    codeine Empirin with Codeine, Fiorinal with Codeine, Robitussin A-C, Tylenol with Codeine: Captain Cody, schoolboy; (with glutethimide) doors & fours, loads, pancakes and syrup II, III, IV, V/injected, swallowed
    fentanyl and fentanyl analogs Actiq, Duragesic, Sublimaze: Apache, China girl, China white, dance fever, friend, goodfella, jackpot, murder 8, TNT, Tango and Cash I, II/injected, smoked, snorted
    heroin diacetyl-
    morphine:     brown sugar, dope, H, horse, junk, skag, skunk, smack, white horse     		I/injected, smoked, snorted
    morphine Roxanol, Duramorph: M, Miss Emma, monkey, white stuff II, III/injected, swallowed, smoked
    opium laudanum, paregoric: big O, black stuff, block, gum, hop II, III, V/swallowed, smoked
    oxycodone HCL Oxycontin: Oxy, O.C., killer II/swallowed, snorted, injected
    hydrocodone bitartrate, acetaminophen Vicodin: vike, Watson-387 II/swallowed
    Stimulants increased heart rate, blood pressure, metabolism; feelings of exhilaration, energy, increased mental alertness/rapid or irregular heart beat; reduced appetite, weight loss, heart failure, nervousness, insomnia

    Also, for amphetamine—rapid breathing/tremor, loss of coordination; irritability, anxiousness, restlessness, delirium, panic, paranoia, impulsive behavior, aggressiveness, tolerance, addiction, psychosis

    for cocaine—increased temperature/chest pain, respiratory failure, nausea, abdominal pain, strokes, seizures, headaches, malnutrition, panic attacks

    for MDMA—mild hallucinogenic effects, increased tactile sensitivity, empathic feelings/impaired memory and learning, hyperthermia, cardiac toxicity, renal failure, liver toxicity

    for methamphetamine—aggression, violence, psychotic behavior/memory loss, cardiac and neurological damage; impaired memory and learning, tolerance, addiction

    for nicotine—additional effects attributable to tobacco exposure; adverse pregnancy outcomes; chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, tolerance, addiction
    amphetamine Biphetamine, Dexedrine: bennies, black beauties, crosses, hearts, LA turnaround, speed, truck drivers, uppers II/injected, swallowed, smoked, snorted
    cocaine Cocaine hydrochloride: blow, bump, C, candy, Charlie, coke, crack, flake, rock, snow, toot II/injected, smoked, snorted
    MDMA (methylenedioxy-
    methamphetamine)     		Adam, clarity, ecstasy, Eve, lover's speed, peace, STP, X, XTC I/swallowed
    methamphetamine Desoxyn: chalk, crank, crystal, fire, glass, go fast, ice, meth, speed II/injected, swallowed, smoked, snorted
    methylphenidate (safe and effective for treatment of ADHD) Ritalin: JIF, MPH, R-ball, Skippy, the smart drug, vitamin R II/injected, swallowed, snorted
    nicotine cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, snuff, spit tobacco, bidis, chew not scheduled/smoked, snorted, taken in snuff and spit tobacco
    Other Compounds
    anabolic steroids Anadrol, Oxandrin, Durabolin, Depo-
    Testosterone, Equipoise:     roids, juice     		III/injected, swallowed, applied to skin no intoxication effects/hypertension, blood clotting and cholesterol changes, liver cysts and cancer, kidney cancer, hostility and aggression, acne; in adolescents, premature stoppage of growth; in males, prostate cancer, reduced sperm production, shrunken testicles, breast enlargement; in females, menstrual irregularities, development of beard and other masculine characteristics
    Dextromethorphan (DXM) Found in some cough and cold medications; Robotripping, Robo, Triple C not scheduled/swallowed Dissociative effects, distorted visual perceptions to complete dissociative effects/for effects at higher doses see 'dissociative anesthetics'
    inhalants Solvents (paint thinners, gasoline, glues), gases (butane, propane, aerosol propellants, nitrous oxide), nitrites (isoamyl, isobutyl, cyclohexyl): laughing gas, poppers, snappers, whippets not scheduled/inhaled through nose or mouth stimulation, loss of inhibition; headache; nausea or vomiting; slurred speech, loss of motor coordination; wheezing/unconsciousness, cramps, weight loss, muscle weakness, depression, memory impairment, damage to cardiovascular and nervous systems, sudden death


    * Schedule I and II drugs have a high potential for abuse. They require greater storage security and have a quota on manufacturing, among other restrictions. Schedule I drugs are available for research only and have no approved medical use; Schedule II drugs are available only by prescription (unrefillable) and require a form for ordering. Schedule III and IV drugs are available by prescription, may have five refills in 6 months, and may be ordered orally. Some Schedule V drugs are available over the counter.


    ** Taking drugs by injection can increase the risk of infection through needle contamination with staphylococci, HIV, hepatitis, and other organisms.


    *** Associated with sexual assaults.

    Source: National Institute of Drug Abuse

    Dr. Jeffrey Speller
    Dr. Tanya Korkosz
    Psychopharmacology Associates of New England
    www.psychopharmassociates.com

    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on September 25, 2008 at 10:51 AM in Addictions: General | | Comments (0)

    What are the childhood predictors of substance abuse in early adulthood?

    Many parents of vulnerable children are interested in knowing about childhood predictors of substance abuse in early adulthood. A new study published in Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, Aug 2008, titled, “Early childhood predictors of early substance use and substance use disorders: prospective study,” sheds some light on this issue. Study investigators followed 3647 individuals from birth for 21 years. The results were very interesting. “Of the 3647 respondents with complete data, 15.4% had started to smoke cigarettes before [the age of] 15 years. Another 17.4% and 12.2% reported having started to consume alcohol or use cannabis in early adolescence, respectively. Some 16.2%, 27.8% and 21.9% had ever had nicotine, alcohol or cannabis abuse, or dependence (disorder) by 21 years, respectively.” Four major childhood risk factors were identified for the development of substance use disorders in early adulthood, including, “...disrupted families, drug-using parents, childhood problem behaviors, and poor parental monitoring and supervision in childhood.”This study strongly suggests that parents of vulnerable children should take strong action while their children are still young to eliminate the childhood predictors of substance abuse in early adulthood.

    The Bottom Line: Chaotic family lives, substance-using parents, children with early behavior problems, and poor parental monitoring put vulnerable children at increased risk for the development of substance use disorders in young adulthood.      

    Suggested Reading:

    1. Overcoming Addictions: The Spiritual Solution (Chopra, Deepak. Perfect Health Library.) by Deepak Chopra
    2. Welcome Home: A Book About Overcoming Addictions
    3. Freedom from Addiction: The Chopra Center Method for Overcoming Destructive Habits by Deepak Chopra
    4. Sex, Drugs, Gambling and Chocolate: A Workbook for Overcoming Addictions by A. Thomas Horvath

    Dr. Jeffrey Speller

    Dr. Tanya Korkosz

    Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

    www.psychopharmassociates.com

    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on August 04, 2008 at 07:18 AM in Addictions: General |

    Are adolescents with bipolar disorder at increased risk of substance abuse?

    Parents of children with bipolar disorder often inquire as to whether their children have an increased risk of substance abuse. A new report titled, “Huge Risk of Substance Abuse Found Among Teens With Bipolar Disorder,” was published in Medscape Medical News on July 2, 2008. This study, originally published in Drug Alcohol Depend 2008; 95:188-198, compared 105 teens with bipolar disorder to 98 teens without mood disorders. The results were very concerning. “…Youth with bipolar disorder with a mean age of 14 years [had] a significantly higher risk of substance-use disorder (drug or alcohol abuse or dependence) (31%) compared with controls (4%)…The incidences of any substance-use disorder, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, drug dependence, and cigarette smoking were each significantly higher in the participants with bipolar disorder compared with the control subjects.” The implications for parents of bipolar children and their treating professionals are clear. “All patients with bipolar disorder need to be educated about the risk for substance abuse, and conversely, all substance-abusing youth with mood instability need to be carefully screened for bipolar disorder.”

    The Bottom Line: Bipolar children are at high risk for substance use and substance abuse disorders.      

    Suggested Reading:

    1. The Childhood Bipolar Disorder Answer Book: Practical Answers to the Top 275 Questions Parents Ask (Answers Book) by Tracy Anglada
    2. Intense Minds: Through the Eyes of Young People with Bipolar Disorder by Tracy Anglada
    3. The Bipolar Child: The Definitive and Reassuring Guide to Childhood’s Most Misunderstood Disorder—Third Edition by Demitri Papolos and Janice Papolos
    4. The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know by David J. Miklowitz

    Dr. Tanya Korkosz

    Dr. Jeffrey Speller

    Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

    www.psychopharmassociates.com

    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on August 04, 2008 at 06:49 AM in Addictions: General, Psychiatric Disorders: Bipolar Disorder |

    New hope for the treatment of addicts.

    Patients who are diagnosed with one or more addictive disorders are often curious about the development of new treatments that may help their condition. A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry 2008 165:881-888, gives additional hope to recovering addicts. The study, titled “Computer-Assisted Delivery of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Addiction: A Randomized Trial of CBT4CBT”, was a randomized clinical trial that divided 77 patients with addictive disorders into two treatment groups. One group received standard treatment for substance abuse and the other group received twice weekly computer-based cognitive-behavioral therapy. The results of the study were impressive. “Participants assigned to the [cognitive-behavioral therapy group] submitted significantly more urine specimens were negative for any type of drugs and tended to have longer continuous periods of abstinence during treatment.” Given the positive results of this study, patients who are seeking effective treatment for their substance abuse disorder may want to investigate whether computer-based cognitive-behavioral therapy is the right approach for them.

    The Bottom Line: This study strongly suggests that computer-based cognitive-behavioral therapy may be helpful for patients with substance abuse disorders.

    Suggested Reading:

    1. Overcoming Addictions: The Spiritual Solution (Chopra, Deepak. Perfect Health Library.) by Deepak Chopra
    2. Welcome Home: A Book About Overcoming Addictions Freedom from Addiction: The Chopra Center Method for Overcoming Destructive Habits by Deepak Chopra
    3. Sex, Drugs, Gambling and Chocolate: A Workbook for Overcoming Addictions by A. Thomas Horvath

    Reference:

    http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/short/165/7/881?rss=1

    Dr. Jeffrey Speller

    Dr. Tanya Korkosz

    Psychopharmacology Associates

    of New England

    www.psychopharmassociates.com

    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on July 25, 2008 at 10:05 AM in Addictions: General, Treatment: CBT |

    Who shoplifts?

    Psychiatrists have long debated the question of who shoplifts and why. A new study examines this issue in detail. The study is titled, “Prevalence and Correlates of Shoplifting in the United States: Results From the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC),” and published in Am J Psychiatry 2008; 165:905-913. Interviews were conducted with 43,000 subjects over the age of 18 in 2001 and 2002. The study found that the “prevalence of lifetime shoplifting in U.S. population was 11.3%.” In addition, several psychiatric diagnoses were strongly associated with shoplifting, including: “…antisocial personality disorder, substance use disorders, pathological gambling, and bipolar disorder.” This study gives a clearer picture of psychiatric co-morbidities associated with shoplifting, though the question of “why?” still remains.

    The Bottom Line: Shoplifting in the U.S.is surprisingly common, and is associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders, including antisocial personality disorder, addictive disorders, and bipolar disorder.

    Reference: http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/short/165/7/905?rss=1

    Suggested Reading:

    The Sociology of Shoplifting: Boosters and Snitches Today (Praeger Series in Criminology and Crime Control Policy) (Hardcover) by Lloyd W. Klemke

    Dr. Jeffrey Speller

    Dr. Tanya Korkosz

    Psychopharmacology Associates

    of New England

    www.psychopharmassociates.com

    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on July 25, 2008 at 07:52 AM in Addictions: General, Psychiatric Disorders: Bipolar Disorder, Psychiatric Disorders: Personality Disorders |

    Does gambling addiction go hand in hand with other major psychiatric disorders?

    The idea that gambling addicts suffer from other psychiatric disorders is an intriguing one. Clinical Psychiatric News, June 2008, vol 36, no. 6, reported on study conducted the Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Systems in Las Vegas and the veterans Affairs hospital in Los Vegas. A total of 772 inpatients and outpatients were studied. 40 patients had symptoms that were consistent with the diagnosis of pathological gambling. Nearly two-thirds of these individual were males. The common racial group, by far, were Caucasians (73%). The most common psychiatric disorders in the pathological gamblers excluding substance abuse and personality disorders were: major depressive disorder, PTSD, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, schizoaffective disorder, and mood disorder secondary to substance abuse. In addition to these disorders, 83% of the patients had substance abuse and dependency disorder including nicotine, alcohol, and cocaine. Nearly fifty percent of the pathological gamblers had personality disorders including borderline personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder. This study raises some interesting questions. Should all patients who are diagnosed with pathological gambling be screened prior to going into treatment? And in what setting should be patients be treated—psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, or dual diagnosis units? And what can or should families of pathological gamblers do to insure that these patients get the best treatment for all their disorders not just treatment for the gambling addiction?

    The Bottom Line: Patients who have a gambling addiction may also be suffering from a variety of other psychiatric disorders including: major depressive disorder, PTSD, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, schizoaffective disorder, mood disorder secondary to substance abuse, substance abuse and dependency disorders, and personality disorders.

    Reference: http://www.clinicalpsychiatrynews.com/article/S0270-6644(08)70373-4/fulltext

    Dr. Tanya Korkosz
    Dr. Jeffrey Speller
    Psychopharmacology Associates
    of New England
    www.psychopharmassociates.com

    Posted by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Tanya on July 11, 2008 at 06:28 AM in Addictions: General |