LSD May Help People With Alcoholism Quit or Reduce Drinking, Study Suggests

By Join Together Staff | March 12, 2012 | 3 Comments | Filed in Alcohol,Drugs, Research & Treatment

A new analysis of studies originally conducted in the 1960s suggests LSD may help people with alcoholism quit or reduce their drinking.

The new study combines the results of six trials that tested a single dose of LSD in 536 people with alcoholism. The researchers found 59 percent who took the drug either quit or significantly reduced their drinking, compared with 38 percent of participants who took a much smaller dose of LSD or used another treatment to prevent drinking,Time reports. Eight cases of adverse effects from LSD were reported; none lasted longer than the high itself, according to the article. The positive effect of LSD on drinking lasted at least six months, but was no longer apparent one year later.

Previous studies have suggested that LSD was not effective for alcoholism. The researchers of the new analysis said the earlier findings appear to be related to the fact that they did not include enough participants to show an effect.

“LSD had a significant beneficial effect on alcohol misuse at the first reported follow-up assessment,” the researchers wrote in theJournal of Psychopharmacology. “The effectiveness of a single dose of LSD compares well with the effectiveness of daily naltrexone [reVia, Vivitrol] acamprosate [Campral], or disulfiram [Antabuse].” Those drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat alcoholism.

A number of hallucinogens and other illicit drugs are being studied as possible treatments for conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, addiction and depression

Recovery From Drug or Alcohol Abuse

By Join Together Staff | March 6, 2012 | 3 Comments | Filed in Addiction &Recovery


Ten percent of American adults consider themselves to be in recovery from drug or alcohol abuse problems, according to a newsurvey released today by The Partnership at Drugfree.org and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services(OASAS). The findings indicate there are 23.5 million American adults who are overcoming an involvement with drugs or alcohol that they once considered to be problematic.

The nationally representative survey found 10 percent of adults answered yes to the question, “Did you once have a problem with drugs or alcohol, but no longer do?” – one simple way of describing recovery from drug and alcohol abuse or addiction that was devised by Dr. Alexandre Laudet, a leading researcher in addiction recovery, now at National Development and Research Institute (NDRI).

“Bill White, a treatment and recovery champion, has said that there is ‘a science of addiction, but not a science of recovery,’” explained A. Thomas McLellan, PhD, Former Deputy Director, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. “That statement is completely correct. With the survey conducted by The Partnership at Drugfree.org and OASAS, we now have a very strong beginning to developing that science. Through past initiatives, we established some sensible definitions of what ‘being in recovery’ actually means – and this additional work provides fundamental information on how many people are in recovery. These are not only the building blocks for the ‘recovery science’ that have been called for, but they are the foundation for public understanding, acceptance and ultimately, the celebration of recovery.”

The survey also uncovered some basic demographic information about those saying they once had a drug or alcohol problem, but no longer do: more males say they are in recovery than females (12 percent of males vs. 7 percent of females). More adults ages 35-44 report being in recovery, compared to younger adults (18-34) and adults who are 55 years of age or older. The Midwest has a higher prevalence of adults (14 percent) who say they are in recovery compared to adults in the South (7 percent). In other regions of the country, the percentage of adults (not statistically significant) who say they are in recovery is 11 percent for the West and 9 percent for the Northeast.

“This research marks a vitally important step for those who are struggling with addiction by offering clear evidence to support what many know experientially – that millions of Americans have found a path to recovery,” said New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez. “It is my hope that this new evidence will strengthen and inspire individuals and those that provide treatment and recovery services to help the broader community understand that treatment does work and recovery is possible.”

The survey was conducted in 2011 by Opinion Research Corporation for The Partnership at Drugfree.org and OASAS via phone (landline and cell) among a nationally representative sample of 2,526 adults.

“The OASAS study is an important contribution to the public’s understanding of recovery, as it represents the actual voices of millions of Americans whose lives have improved because they are living free of alcohol and other drug problems,” stated Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of The Partnership at Drugfree.org. “This newlearning provides a big reason – more than 23 million reasons – for all those who are struggling with their own, or a loved one’s substance use disorder, to have hope and know that they are not alone. These findings serve as a reminder that addiction is a treatable disease and recovery can be a reality. We are just scratching the surface here and more research is needed in this area, but we are proud to collaborate with New York OASAS in this meaningful process.”

Can you die from taking Spice?

March 7, 2012
By Addiction Blog




The truth is, nobody’s really sure.

Still, we answer: Yes. It is possible that a severe reaction to Spice could kill you. More here on synthetic cannabis deaths, adverse side effects, and dangers of Spice. Plus, we welcome your questions about Spice at the end.
Dangers of Spice ingredients

What’s really dangerous about Spice is the fact that no two brands contain the same ingredients. They all consist of chopped herbs sprayed with a synthetic cannabis substance, but that’s where the similarity ends. Manufacturers don’t even list what’s in Spice on the packaging; they’ve managed to get around ingredient listings by including the phrase, “Not intended for human consumption” on legal weed labels. However, there may be harmful heavy metal residues in some brands of Spice. And no batch contains the same ingredients. This is why some people have very intense, potent reactions to some types of synthetic weed, while others may experience little to no effect. Note here that there is NO THC in Spice.
Serious adverse side effects of Spice

Spice can cause a variety of adverse, sometimes severe side effects. Although these have not yet been clinically studied, anecdotal evidence from self-reported Spice users is found on internet communities. From these reports, we gather that some of the serious side effects to Spice can include:
anxiety attacks
hallucinations
nausea
paranoia
psychotic episodes
rapid heart rate

In rare cases Spice can even result in potentially-deadly swelling of the brain.
Systems affected by Spice

The cannabinoid substances in Spice act on the THC receptors of the brain and central nervous system. The drugs in Spice are much more powerful and unpredictable than marijuana, and potentially more toxic. This is why Spice can cause a high similar to that of marijuana, but it can also cause hallucinations and similar effects.
Signs of Spice overdose

Spice is a new drug, and it’s poorly-understood. Different synthetic chemicals may be used in different batches, and different samples of the drug may not have the same strength. What is known is that this drug is addictive and has some serious adverse effects. Spice overdose can be difficult to treat, since so little is known about the substances used in its production, and since there’s so much variation between different brands and batches. However, the most commonly-reported overdose effects are:
anxiety attacks
convulsions
dangerously elevated heart rate
disorientation
increased blood pressure
vomiting
How to treat Spice overdose

If you suspect a Spice overdose, the most important thing is to get to a hospital as quickly as possible. These very serious adverse effects can’t be effectively treated at home and require medical attention.
Are you taking too much Spice?

You can get addicted to K2, or another variation of Spice. Why? Because Spice is addictive. Do you find yourself physically dependent on the drug? Do you find yourself craving Spice, or experiencing withdrawals when you can’t take it? If you’re using herbal incense and find yourself unable to stop, or feel you need to take it on a regular basis, you’re probably taking too much.
Help for Spice use or misuse

If you’re struggling to quit Spice, you can find help. Since the substances used in this drug as so similar to those in marijuana, joining a support group or 12-step program for marijuana abuse will probably be helpful. Therapy can also be successful in helping you resist situations, people, and places which might tempt you to use Spice again.
Dangers of Spice questions

Do you still have questions about the dangers of taking Spice? Maybe you want to report your own experiences. Please leave your comments, questions and feedback about Spice here. We try to respond to all questions with a personal and prompt reply ASAP. You are not alone!

Study Finds Link Between School Bullies and Substance Use

By Join Together Staff | March 9, 2012 | Leave a comment | Filed in Alcohol, Drugs, Research & Youth

Students who bully their classmates are more likely to use cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana, compared with their peers who aren’t bullies, a new study suggests.

“Our findings suggest that one deviant behavior may be related to another,” lead author Kisha Radliff of Ohio State University said in a news release. “For example, youth who bully others might be more likely to also try substance use. The reverse could also be true in that youth who use substances might be more likely to bully others.”

Newswise reports the researchers did not find as strong a link between bullying victims and substance use.

The researchers reviewed a survey of almost 75,000 students, which included questions on bullying and substance use. The survey found bullying was more common among middle school students than among high school students, and that substance use was more common among high schoolers.

Only 1.6 percent of middle school students not involved in bullying reported marijuana use, compared with 11.4 percent of bullies. Among high school students, 13.3 percent who were not involved in bullying used marijuana, compared with 31.7 percent of bullies. The study found similar results for alcohol and cigarettes.

“Many schools are mandating anti-bullying programs and policies, and we think they need to take this opportunity to address other forms of deviant behavior, such as substance use,” Radliff said. “If we can intervene with bullies while they’re in middle school, we may be able to help them before they start experimenting with substance use.”

The study appears in Addictive Behaviors.

Medicare to Cover Alcohol Screenings and Behavioral Counseling

© Big Grey Mare

Medicare will extend coverage, at no additional cost, to provide screening services for depression and for alcohol abuse disorders and to provide behavioral counseling to Seniors with alcohol abuse problems.


by John Lee Google+ Twitter Facebook


Seniors with Medicare are now eligible for increased substance abuse and mental health services, in most cases at no extra cost.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced an extension of coverage of Medicare services. Seniors with Medicare can now receive:
An annual alcohol abuse screening in a primary care setting, such as in a doctor’s office

4 sessions of behavioral alcohol abuse counseling upon an alcohol abuse screening which indicates a possible problem with substance abuse

An annual screening for depression in any primary care facility which has the resources to provide support or referrals to appropriate services


Commenting on the new coverage, Donald M. Berwick, MD of CMS said, “Preventive services bring relief to Medicare beneficiaries for whom preventive care means early identification of disease and greater opportunity for treatment and recovery. It’s just as important for our elderly beneficiaries to enjoy access to preventive services as it is for any American.”
Read more: Medicare to Cover Alcohol Screenings and Behavioral Counseling

Alcohol in Movies May Influence Teens’ Drinking Habits, Study Suggests

By Join Together Staff | March 7, 2012 | 3 Comments | Filed in Alcohol,Marketing And Media, Research & Youth

The amount of drinking children and teens see in movies may influence their own drinking habits, suggests a new study conducted in six European nations.

Researchers gave surveys to more than 16,000 students, ages 10 to 19, in Germany, Iceland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Scotland. They were asked to check off which of 50 movies that were popular in their country they had seen. For each movie, the researchers counted how many times characters were shown drinking alcohol, according to Reuters. At least 86 percent of the movies had at least one drinking scene.

The researchers compared the students’ exposure to alcohol in the movies with how many of them reported ever engaging in binge drinking (having five or more drinks on a single occasion). Twenty-seven percent of the students reported binge drinking at least once, they reported in Pediatrics.

The study found an association between viewing on-screen drinking and students’ own drinking behavior. Between 10 to 20 percent of students who viewed the least on-screen drinking had binged themselves, compared with 40 percent who had seen the most on-screen drinking.

It is not known whether the students started binge drinking before or after they saw the movies, the researchers point out. They did take into account other factors, such as the students’ risk-taking behavior, their academic record, and how much their friends and family drank.

Study author Reiner Hanewinkel, PhD, told Reuters that teenagers “have seen at least thousands of impressions of smoking and drinking, so it shapes their attitude that these kinds of behavior are adult-like behavior. It makes the alcohol drinking look cool and sexy and so-on.”