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Archive for the ‘Substance Abuse’ Category

The Facts Behind Impulse Control Disorders

Monday, July 26th, 2010

The Facts Behind Impulse Control DisordersWhat role does impulse control play in addiction and how is this a disorder in its own right?

For the loved ones of those battling an addiction to drugs or alcohol, the problem is often seen as a simple lack of self-control, but those who know substance abuse from the inside out know that’s not the case. Despite that fact, Impulse Control Disorders (ICDs) can play a role in some addictions.

In fact, many psychological issues are characterized by a lack of control that is part of a pattern of behavior that involves other maladaptive thoughts and actions, according to psychologyinfo.com. The actions can include substance abuse, sexual disorders, compulsive gambling or shopping, kleptomania, pyromania, etc. (more…)

Celebrity Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Monday, October 26th, 2009

Dr. DrewSean Stewart and Burt Reynolds are just the latest in a long line of Hollywood celebs to make headlines for their substance abuse struggles.

After attempting to beat an alcohol addiction in 2008 with the help of Dr. Drew and the addiction reality show Celebrity Rehab, Sean Stewart, son of rocker Rod Stewart, may have relapsed. On Sept. 16, 2009, Sean crashed his pricey Bentley convertible in Beverly Hills. Some friends suggest Stewart has relapsed, but celeb site TMZ reported that he claimed the crash was “the car’s fault,” blaming it on a mechanical malfunction. Whatever the cause of the accident, the 29 year old walked away from the accident unscathed.

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PTSD Ups Addiction Risk

Friday, September 4th, 2009

SoldierThose suffering from post-traumatic stress are two-to-three times more likely to becoming addicted to alcohol or drugs, a new study shows.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a response to a variety of traumatic events, according to the National Center for PTSD. Soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, survivors of natural disasters, auto accidents, acts of terrorism and victims of sexual abuse or other crimes are all at risk. A new study confirms that PTSD sufferers are also at greater risk for addiction. The study reported by the Navy Times showed that smoking rates among people with PTSD is nearly double that of the general population, as is the rate of alcohol abuse and dependence. The drug addiction and dependence rate is almost three times that of the general adult population.
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Ending Well for Ted Kennedy

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

ted kennedyFor many struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, it can be hard to imagine getting back to leading a productive, fulfilling life. Ted Kennedy proved it can be done.

The news was recently flooded with coverage of Senator Ted Kennedy’s death after a long battle with brain cancer. They talked about his famous family connections, the tragedy that family endured and his numerous accomplishments, particularly in the last two decades and most recently on the Obama campaign.

The stories could have been much different, though. While all mentioned Chappaquiddick and the fatal car accident that took the life of a pretty young campaign worker while a married Teddy was at the wheel, his life didn’t end there, with him drowning his regret. It would have been hard to imagine at the time that Kennedy would be able to bounce back from such a huge error in judgment – even with such a famous name. But he didn’t allow that one event or his long struggle with alcohol to define him.
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Abuse: A Family Affair

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

FamilyAddiction doesn’t occur in a bubble. It affects those around you, most notably family and loved ones. While a substance abuse problem manifests itself in an individual, if the solution involves the family too, the benefits can include longer lasting sobriety.

Here’s how family can play a role in treatment:

Become informed

While a loved one is in treatment for drug or alcohol abuse, everyone can benefit from family members understanding the stages of substance abuse and recovery. This will help lead to realistic expectations of the recovery process.
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Substance Abuse Treatment: Recovery Stats

Friday, February 20th, 2009

StatsThe numbers don’t lie. SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association) recently released results for their study of clients discharged from substance abuse treatment facilities. States are asked to submit data for all discharges from substance abuse treatment, and data comes from facilities that are licensed or certified by the State substance abuse agency to provide substance abuse treatment.

Here are the highlights of the recovery study:

  • Sixty-eight percent of discharges were male.
  • Fifty-six percent were non-Hispanic White.
  • The largest age groups were 31 to 40 years (29 percent), 21 to 30 years (26 percent) and 41 to 50 years (25 percent). Fourteen percent were under age 21 and 9 percent were over age 50.
  • (more…)

Substance Abuse in Medical Professionals: Easy Access Equals Trouble

Friday, February 20th, 2009

DoctorFor medical professionals battling substance abuse, going back to work can make them the proverbial kid in the candy store. It’s the equivalent to sending a recovering alcohol back to their job as a bartender. This factor is believed to play a role in the increased relapse rates among healthcare professionals. After all, they’re surrounded by the very substances that were the problem in the first place.

“Having a coexisting psychiatric illness or family history of a substance use disorder or having used a major opioid are key factors that can increase the likelihood of a substance use disorder relapse among healthcare professionals,” according to a study in the March 2008 issue of JAMA.
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