Addiction
The Roots of Alcoholics Anonymous
In October 1909, Dr. Alexander Lambert announced to a New York Times reporter that he had found a cure for alcoholism and drug addiction—a cure that would work in less than five days—consisting of belladonna (deadly nightshade) and the fluid extracts of xanthoxylum (prickly ash) and hyoscyamus (henbane). Howard Markel, M.D., writes for the New York Times today that Dr. Lambert was hardly a quack seeking a headline: he was widely known as Theodore Roosevelt’s personal physician, a professor of medicine at Cornell Medical College, and an expert on alcoholism.
Protein Test Proven Effective in Detecting Alcohol Use
While there are certain signs that a healthcare professional may look for in individuals to determine whether or not they have an alcohol abuse problem, an easier detection would be a test that can make this determination biologically. According to a recent Science Daily post, such a test is closer than ever before.
How Alcohol Use in Early Adulthood Is Impacted by Violence
Many early-life traumas have been shown to contribute to alcohol use later in adulthood. Childhood trauma experiences, such as abuse and neglect, have shown to increase the risk of alcohol and substance abuse in adulthood. New research is showing, however, that violence also impacts adolescents later in life.
Sleep Deficiency in Childhood Can Lead to Drug and Alcohol Abuse
According to a study by Idaho State University’s psychology department, childhood sleep deficiency can lead to drug and alcohol abuse among young adults.
The Seduction of the Virtual World: Does Internet Addiction Impair Real-World Social Skills?
Andy does two things when he gets home from school: he grabs a soda and a box of cereal from the kitchen then bolts up to his room to play video games online. There was a time Andy hung out with his friends after school, but they are all in their bedrooms as well now. They still play together, just online instead of in the real world.
Prenatal Exposure to Methamphetamine Worse than Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
A new study on the effects of methamphetamine on unborn babies conducted at the University of California Los Angeles has found that the drug is even more damaging to a fetus than Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Comparing Trends for Co-Abuse of Alcohol and Drugs from 1997 to 2007
Many people struggle with dependency on drugs or alcohol, and find themselves in a cycle of rehabilitation and relapse that is discouraging, expensive and detrimental to many physical and psychological areas of their lives. While struggling with either drugs or alcohol can be very difficult, it is common for those experiencing difficulty with one substance to easily fall into abuse of another.
Prescription Drug Abuse Still a Growing Problem
If you think the prescription drug problem is not a growing issue, consider the habits of Sara Allen. In a recent IPS News piece, Allen revealed that she uses prescription medication to get high. She recommends codeine, noting that she usually gets them from someone with a prescription or one of her mother’s friends with a drawer full of codeine pills.
Original Antidepressants Suggest More Effective Treatment
Antidepressants can be a lifesaver for those who are struggling with depression. The problem is an individual generally needs to be on the medication for three to four weeks before it becomes effective. Now, a Science Daily release reports that aside from ketamine, another medication has been identified as a rapid producer of an improvement in mood: scopolamine.
Inhalant Abuse Increasing among 12-Year-Olds
A new national survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration report finds that 12-year-olds are using inhalants more than marijuana, hallucinogens, and cocaine combined.
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We can refer you to an experienced interventionist who can help you help your loved one.
The Addiction Primer: Everything You Need to Know to Get Help for a Loved One
A very inexpensive yet indispensable guide for anyone struggling with a loved one's addiction. Chapters on intervention, what to expect from rehab, and information on how addiction impacts the family.
