Relapse Can Be Avoided Since Memory Is Not Concrete

Brain researchers have come to learn that memory can easily be manipulated with the right knowledge. In the past, they believed that memory was fixed, much like the words in a book. The current understanding, however, is that memory may be more akin to a computer document. It can be saved and remembered for future reference but also changed or deleted altogether.

It is at the point of recall that University of Cambridge researchers feel that memory is the most vulnerable to change. They believe the knowledge moves from an invariable to a variable state during the recollection process. The hope, therefore, is that the link between the external cue (the person or place linked with drug use) and the knee-jerk reaction of craving the drug can be undone at the moment of memory recall through targeted prescription drug intervention. In essence, researchers are attempting to render the external cues that trigger relapse powerless to make addicts crave their past drug of choice.

How Close Is Science to Controlling the Cravings That Lead to Relapse?

In a recent animal study, scientists paired the cue of a light with ingesting addictive drugs, until just seeing the light was enough to trigger the animals to seek out the substance. Then animals were given propranolol while being exposed to the light cue, and after only a single treatment, the animals no longer sought out the drug. This is believed to work because propranolol affects the same brain receptors that are activated in emotional memories and assist in creating new ones. Essentially, the propranolol ends up blocking the old emotional association and stops the animal from craving the drug in reaction to a particular environmental cue.

Researchers believe human trials with propranolol for alcohol recovery may start within two years. Since propranolol is already approved for human consumption, scientists believe it has a high probability of eventually being used in alcohol treatment to avoid relapses.

How do you think a pill that could impede environmental triggers for relapse would change the face of alcohol recovery? Your thoughts are welcome below.

Until Now the Air Force Had Ineffective Enforcement of Prescription Drug Policy

Currently in the Air Force, it is a breach of the Uniform Code of Military Justice to use prescription drugs in a “manner contrary to their intended medical purpose or in excess of the prescribed dosage.” Nevertheless, previously, they have not screened for addictive prescription medications during their standard drug testing. However, they alerted all Air Force personnel 90 days in advance of the coming policy change to give them time to seek treatment if necessary.

The Air Force’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) Program allows airmen some protection for admitting voluntarily to an officer or medical professional that they have a drug or alcohol problem. On the other hand, once an airman is suspected of a drug abuse problem, or as a matter of routine procedure has been ordered to give a urine sample, any confession is no longer regarded as voluntary.

The Extent of Prescription Drug Abuse in the Armed Services Is Spreading

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report a staggering 52 million individuals in the US over the age of 12 have admitted to using prescriptions drugs at one point or another in ways other than prescribed – or without a prescription at all. Of these, seven million report that they engage in this behavior consistently.

For the military specifically, the numbers of those admitting prescription drug abuse have been increasing, according to the Department of Defense’s Health Behavior Survey. In a period of six years, military personnel prescription drug abuse rose from two percent to 17 percent.

How do you think airmen and soldiers in other branches of the military who test positive for prescription drugs should be treated? Should the U.S. Armed Services provide rehab, or do you think servicemen caught with illegal drugs should go to military jail just like civilians often do?  Your opinions are welcome below.

The scientists, using data from the only study on heroin as a maintenance treatment for addiction in North America, adjusted their calculations to account for quality of life, not just quantity of years each treatment added to an individual’s life expectancy. They discovered that treatment with heroin gave patients 7.96 quality years back while methadone came out just under that number at 7.46 years.

Heroin Maintenance Programs Cost Significantly Less Over a Lifetime

One argument against heroin maintenance is that the upfront cost is much higher than methadone with almost a $12,000 difference a year. For this reason, at first glance, methadone appears to be the less expensive option; however, the issue of money is far more complex than just the cost of the medication.

For example, the results from an analysis from the North American Opiate Medication Initiative (NAOMI) showed heroin maintenance treatments produced less of a risk of relapse than methadone. In addition, those individuals who did relapse got back to sobriety faster which decreased lifetime healthcare, legal and criminal justice costs. They found that society pays $1.14 million for each patient receiving methadone maintenance and $1.09 million for diacetylmorphine – numbers that outweighs the upfront costs.

The Difference in Cost Is Mainly Attributed to the Criminal Justice System

When those abusing opioid drugs are on a maintenance treatment, they are far less likely to be involved in criminal activity. When abusing these types of drugs, the addict is consumed with getting their next high and often will sell drugs in order to make quick cash. The criminal behavior that surrounds dealing drugs often leads to run-ins with law enforcement, potential jail time and court hearings, which all costs taxpayers money.

However, when addicts are put on maintenance treatment, they no longer have to spend their day searching for and buying the drug. They are then freed up to work on their own recovery and piece their lives back together. The effects on the pocketbook from doing this according to NAOMI are especially profound for men. They found that treating 2,000 men with diacetylmorphine instead of methadone saved society $156,334,060 over the lifespan of the patients, whereas 2,000 women on diacetylmorphine saved $27,417,520.

What do you think of the concept of treating heroin or other opioid addictions with heroin itself? Tell us your opinions below.

Changes in the Brain

It’s been strongly evidenced that those who abuse drugs for a long period of time will exhibit differences in the brain when compared to healthy counterparts. A brain disorder, addiction is classified as a disease as opposed to a willpower issue due in part to these brain differences. However, the question has always been whether these changes were an issue prior to the development of drug addiction or whether they were directly caused by chronic drug use. While certain types of inflammation seem to be caused by the abuse of specific drugs, it seems that this study supports the idea that certain differences already exist in the brains of those who ultimately develop a drug addiction.

The big question is, “How did the non-addicted siblings escape addiction despite having the same brain differences as their addicted sibling?”

Recognizing Drug Addiction

For scientists with access to brain scans and comparative evaluation tools, it’s relatively simple to identify when drug abuse has turned into drug addiction. However, for those living with the disorder, it can be far more difficult to recognize the disorder.

Another problem is that by the time addiction has reached a crisis point, few patients are in any position to help themselves by enrolling in treatment. This makes it important for those who care about someone living with an active addiction to speak out and stand up, assisting however they can in getting their loved one into a rehabilitation program that can help.

Find Drug Rehab Help Today

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drugs and alcohol contribute to the deaths of more than 100,000 Americans. This statistic puts urgency on the need for medical and psychotherapeutic care when addiction is an issue.

If you believe that addiction or alcoholism is a problem for you or someone you care about, don’t wait to get help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you to make changes in your drug and alcohol use that will alter the course of the rest of your life. Call now.

Dr. Nancy Lane was a lead researcher on the original trials and is the director of the Aging Center, Medicine and Rheumatology, at the University of California, Davis. She says: “They probably accelerated the degeneration of the joint. Sometimes, pain is good in protecting you.”

Feeling good may have been the reason why the patients ultimately overworked their joints, but the added damage may also have been caused by the reaction of the new painkillers with another common painkiller.

Whatever the cause, three companies that make these new painkillers may be working together to get the FDA to reconsider. They have promised to not allow the use of the common painkiller among participants in the trial and to be more selective in which osteoarthritis patients they choose for the study.

Some doctors believe that the risks of the medications don’t outweigh the benefits. Some rheumatologists believe that, because the drug only treats pain and not the underlying disease, they offer little in the treatment of the patient. Still others are concerned about the development of painkiller addiction among osteoarthritis patients.

The drug companies argue that pain relief is essential to quality of life. They also argue that the medications may be of value in the treatment of a wide variety of patient groups and not just those suffering from osteoarthritis – especially those who have not found relief from chronic pain through any other drug currently available on the market.

Drug company Pfizer said in an FDA briefing document: “Chronic pain affects millions of adults in the United States. For many patients, treatment of chronic pain is inadequate in part due to the limitations in the availability of effective treatments and inadequate patient and clinician knowledge about the best ways to manage chronic pain.”

What Do You Think?

Given the issues with addiction, dependence and overdose that exist with the current prescription painkillers available, do you think it’s necessary to test and research even stronger painkillers? Leave us a comment below and share your thoughts.

This may sound like a bizarre concept at first, but it joins a part of a globally growing faction of groups whose goal is to give a political voice to addicts. After all, who better to understand the needs of drug addicts than those who are currently struggling with the issue on a daily basis themselves?

Goals of the San Francisco Drug Users’ Union

The group’s supreme hope is to help decriminalize drug use and have it recognized legally as a mental health issue, which until recently has seemed like a distant goal. However, with the current debate over the success or failure of the “the war on drugs,” new policies are being discussed that legitimize ideas that were once considered “out there” such as the legalization of marijuana.

Another aim of the group is to identify a “safe injection site” for intravenous drug users where they can obtain and use clean needles to slow the spread of hepatitis C and HIV. Vancouver, British Columbia has instituted this idea successfully, but no cities in the US have piloted the concept yet and SFDUU is hoping to bring it to San Francisco. Supporters of this idea also point out that the site could be a place for users to connect with public health reps and drug treatment services.

Drug Users in New York Have Also Mobilized for Health and Safety

San Francisco is not the only US city with addicts mobilizing for political and personal ambitions. New York has a similar organization called Voices of the Community Activists and Leaders (Vocal) comprised of drug users, ex-prisoners and AIDS patients. The group recently had success at the polls. They were instrumental in getting bills passed that pertained to access to clean needles and legal security for addicts who contact 911 for someone overdosing on drugs.

What do you think about active drug users forming a public group to advocate for themselves? Do you see dramatic shifts in drug laws and policy coming soon, at least in part, due to organizations like this? Or do you think that lawmakers will even listen to the group? Sound off below by leaving a comment.

Task Force’s Ideas May Alter Pain Clinic Operations in Orange County, FL

The prescription drug task force has been analyzing all the possibilities that may contribute to prescription drug abuse and subsequent addiction. After 12 months of consideration, the group has written a 47-page report that documents all the suggestions the task force determined might help combat the problem. If the county commissioner adopts the task force’s ideas, there will be sweeping changes to the way pain clinics do business in the area.

 Task Force Proposes Far-Reaching Changes to Pain Clinic Operations

Many states and municipalities are working together to get the prescription drug abuse problem under control. The Orange County task force, however, may be the first to suggest such a revolutionary and active plan.  Some of the ideas include:

• Pain management clinics would be required to file monthly reports with the county pertaining to their financial records, number of prescriptions for controlled substances, and number of patients.
• The clinics would also report the state of residence of each of their patients.
• Pain clinics would only be allowed to operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• State officials would enforce the use of the Prescription Drug Monitoring program by physicians and pharmacists.
• Clinics would be required to keep monthly personnel records.
• No clinics would be allowed to open within 1,000 feet of a school or pharmacy.
• Property owners and landlords would be legally responsible to monitor the pain clinics on their premises for violations of state and county laws and ordinances.

Agent Tom Foy, one of the members of the task force, explained the goal of their plan: “If we make it tough for the illegal, illicit [pain clinic] owners to operate in Orange County, we hope that they don’t open at all.”

If you know someone who has been overtaken by prescription drugs after an injury or illness, there is help available. Addiction hits all levels of an individual and our rehab programs use evidence-based therapies to treat the whole person. Get in touch with us and let us help you start down the path to sobriety today.

New Drug Treatment for Alcoholism Side Steps the Hurdle of Abstinence

Nalmefene developers say that one of the greatest strengths of the drug is that alcoholics can keep drinking. To many, this concept sounds absolutely dangerous. However, some think the ability to continue drinking may draw many alcoholics to treatment who otherwise refuse to attend based on their inability to envision their life completely devoid of alcohol.

In the clinical trials, approximately 70 percent of participants had never received treatment for alcoholism and after 12 months of using nalmefene, on average, had cut their alcohol consumption by half.

Another perceived plus is that the drug can be taken daily but it only has to be taken one hour before drinking. For those who prefer not to remain on a daily regiment, this allows them to take the medication only when they plan to drink.

How Does Nalmefene Fit Into the Current Landscape of Alcoholism Treatment Medications?

Currently in the US, there are three medications that are approved to treat alcoholism; however, each has its drawbacks:

• Acamprosate:  only reduces withdrawal symptoms
• Naltrexone:  lessens cravings for alcohol and diminishes the effects in the brain
• Antabuse:  induces vomiting if someone drinks alcohol

In comparison to these prescriptions, nalmefene has many advantages, such as:

• It can be taken as needed.
• It remains effective for a longer time period.
• It is absorbed easily into the human body.
• It is less toxic to the liver.
• It is safe for someone who is still drinking alcohol.

Addiction Experts Do Not Believe in a ‘Magic Pill’ to Solve Alcoholism

Many counselors who work in the addiction field do not think a pill that allows you to keep drinking – even if it is less often – is the answer for a condition as complicated as alcoholism. They feel that, although drinking less is a step in the right direction, alcoholism is a multifaceted problem that involves genetic, environmental, psychological and behavioral issues far too complex for any one pill to handle. It may not be what anyone wants to hear, but the consensus in the field still seems to be that the best treatment option for alcoholism is abstinence combined with evidenced-based rehabilitation.

If you or someone you care for has a drinking problem, we can provide you with quality addiction treatment. Call now to find out more about your options in drug rehabilitation and evidence-based care.

In what almost seems like an overnight change, Lohan has been on a media blitz recently, proclaiming herself a changed woman. To prove the point, she guest-hosted Saturday Night Live, arguably one of the most rigorous week-long gigs in the business. Making it through her SNL commitments with little drama may have helped her earn back some of the trust and respect she lost in recent years.

Lohan Sits Down to Discuss Her Sobriety With Matt Lauer

Matt Lauer pulled no punches in his interview with Lohan, asking her direct questions about her addiction and recovery. She said that she realizes she was not being honest with herself for a long time and believes her drug use was caused by the loneliness she feels. She told Lauer: “I think it gets very lonely in this industry… I just allowed a lot of people to be around me at all times, and I don’t think they were necessarily there for the right reasons.”

She went on to explain that she has changed the people she surrounds herself with and rarely goes out, referring to herself as a “homebody” now. Lohan said she is no longer interested in going out to clubs, recognizing that she’s been down that road and that it doesn’t hold anything positive for her.

Lohan Looks to a Brighter Future

Lohan was realistic in her interview with Lauer. She seemed to fully understand that gaining back respect in the Hollywood sphere will take some time. She knows she has made some big mistakes and told Lauer, “I regret the choices that I’ve made, but I’m grateful for where I am today.”

SNL took a risk on her and the Lifetime network has done the same. In fact, she was given the lead role, playing Elizabeth Taylor in an upcoming movie, a job offer for which she says, “I’m really honored. I will not let anyone down, especially myself.” Lohan says that for the first time in her life she wants to put her career first.

Do you think Lohan is taking the best steps to protect her sobriety? Is there anything she should do differently to increase her chances of a successful recovery? All opinions are welcome below.

Khat is cultivated for people to chew the leaves slowly in the mouth, forming a ball that makes the cheek bulge as the stimulant effects are slowly released and swallowed with the individual’s saliva. Abroad, this is generally done during social gatherings, and in some regions is actually part of cultural and religious rituals. Khat consumption induces stimulating effects including a mild euphoria in the user and makes people excessively chatty at first. As an individual is coming down from a khat high, they become increasingly irritable and afterwards often feel drained and depressed.

What Are The Impacts of Khat Use on the Human Body?

The psychoactive compounds, cathinone and cathine, found in khat are mainly responsible for the drug’s psychological and behavioral effects while the variety of other chemical compounds found in the plant’s leaves are to blame for the numerous negative physical consequences on the body. These results include:

Behavioral effects include:

• Increased talkativeness
• Hyperactivity
• Irritability
• Impulsivity

Psychological effects include:

• Euphoria
• Depression
• Nightmares
• Possible psychosis

Physical effects include:

• Loss of appetite
• Increased heart rate
• Weight loss
• Decreased absorption of food in the intestinal tract
• Constipation
• Diminished liver function
• Ulcers
• Decreased sex drive
• Possible heart attack, stroke or death

Khat Use Increases Potentially Dangerous Impulsive Behaviors

An international research team at universities in Leiden, Amsterdam and Granada were the first to study the effects of khat on a user’s impulse control. They found repeated khat users were significantly less able to control their own undesirable behavior. These results are disturbing as khat use is on the rise.

A decrease in people’s ability to control their every whim, either positive or negative, can have far-reaching effects for society. When people have diminished inhibitions, a rise in motor vehicle accidents and criminal behavior results. In these instances, a khat user is now causing negative impacts for others. A lack of impulse control is also a risk factor for addiction to khat or other substances of abuse.

Do you know anyone who uses khat on a regular basis? Is this drug becoming a problem for you or someone you know, or is it a more prevalent problem in your community? We would like to hear your thoughts below.