The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration published a Quick Guide addressing specific needs that women may have when undergoing substance abuse treatment. It also suggested strategies for treatment that take into account women’s experiences and their unique biopsychosocial and cultural needs. For example, women are more likely to assume primary caregiver roles which…
DetailsA study was conducted among pharmacists in South Africa, Ireland, and the United Kingdom to analyze their opinions and expertise regarding codeine misuse. Codeine is one of the most widely available opiates across the world—and it is available as an over the counter drug in all three of the aforementioned countries (mostly in lower dosages…
DetailsWhile it is estimated that 8.5 percent of the general public aged 18 or older have substance use disorders, jails and prisons have a higher and disproportionate percentage of people with substance use disorders—53 percent and 68 percent respectively. Some of the challenges that incarcerated inmates with substance use disorders face are: they are less…
DetailsApproximately one in five older adults have one or more mental health or substance use conditions. Misusing drugs can sometimes be a special concern amongst this population because they receive a high proportion of prescription drugs due to increased likelihood of being prescribed long term and multiple medications. Age related changes in drug metabolism, possible…
DetailsOn April 19, 2018, the LoudounNow newspaper published an article about the Purcellville Police Department in Loudoun County, VA equipping its officers with Naloxone (often referred to as Narcan). They are the first in the county to do so. Naloxone is used to reverse the effects of heroin or prescription opioid drugs. Sixteen of Purcellville’s…
DetailsNew England Health care providers and University of New Hampshire experts are currently teaming up to offer support and education in rural areas for pregnant women with substance abuse disorders. Health care providers in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont will get access to behavioral health experts through a telehealth system. Together, they will work to…
DetailsSleep disturbance is common among patients in recovery from alcohol addiction. A population-based study was conducted in which 18% of alcohol-dependent persons reported sleep disturbance. Another study of 74 patients that were followed for an average of 5 months after alcohol treatment found that insomnia was a major predictor of relapse. It revealed that 60%…
DetailsGroup Therapy is defined as any type of therapy aimed at creating symptom reduction and recovery in two or more people. It can be as effective as individual therapy, and in some cases even more effective than individual therapy. One advantage of this form of therapy is that it enables people who abuse substances to…
DetailsWhen one member of a family experiences an addiction, it is common that all members of the family will be affected. The sometimes devastating effects can cause weak attachment bonds between parent and child due to emotional distance from the parent, financial difficulties for the family in some cases, as well as a parent being…
DetailsIn many situations, substance abuse can begin as a result of homelessness or can also be a cause of homelessness. Sometimes, addictive disorders can cause people to lose their jobs or send their relationships with family and friends into a downward spiral. Housing can also be lost if people begin abusing substances or if their…
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