Alprazolam Abuse Is Rising
SAMHSA has flagged yet another disturbing trend in prescription drug abuse. Based on data from its Drug Abuse Warning Network, put in place to monitor drug-related emergency department statistics, we are seeing an increase in emergency department visits related to Alprazolam (sold under brand names Xanax and Niravam). This sedative class of drug was the most commonly prescribed psychiatric drug in 2011 and treats various conditions including anxiety and panic attacks. Of course, with such a commonly prescribed drug, there is increased opportunity for abuse. And while alprazolam is strong enough on its own, when it is abused in combination with alcohol, the effects are increased dramatically.
Newly Popular THC Product Hitting The Market
As we’ve seen more and more often lately, those looking to stay ahead of drug enforcement are coming up with novel ways to deliver commonly abused drugs. A newly popular phenomenon revolves around a concentrated delivery of THC (the psychoactive compound found in cannabis and marijuana). Discovered years ago, but only now gaining in popularity, wax, a coagulated form of cannabis oil, looks and feels like lip balm. It is created by concentrating hash oil using butane, which turns it into a paste. Users can hide it in a variety of forms, such as lip balm, making it very hard to detect and quite easy to distribute. Wax can be eaten or smoked using a water pipe, or bong.
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Recovery Coach Course Launching Soon
The Academy for Addiction Professionals is excited to announce launch of our Recovery Coach Training course. Since the family unit is most often effective and affected in the recovery process, students will take Family Recovery Coaching that focuses on mending the problems that addiction has possibly caused and help the family create an appropriate support structure for long term sobriety.
An Early Morning Crash
Traffic is at a virtual standstill this rush hour all because of a crash that occurred overnight. It’s breaking news on the local channels and passersby are commenting on what they’re seeing. The scene is jaw dropping.
The link between heart failure and depression
There’s no doubt that depression is a significant societal concern. It is often the cause and/or the result of substance abuse and addiction. As one of the most common psychological disorders in the United States, depression affects those of all ages and socio-economic economic strata.
A new study conducted in Norway has shown yet another side effect of moderate to severe depression – heart failure. Indeed, according to the study, depression can increase the risk of heart failure by up to 40%. This is no insignificant statistic.
National Recovery Month Planning Partnership
The Academy for Addiction Professionals is proud to announce that we have joined SAMHSA’s National Recovery Month promotional activities as a planning partner. Recovery month, held in September, is important resource for those seeking information about treatment for alcohol and drug abuse.
April Is Alcohol Awareness Month
For over 28 years the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) has sponsored alcohol awareness month in April. This year, the focus is on underage drinking, which costs the lives of 6500 individuals under the age of 21 due to accidents related to alcohol consumption. Of course, thousands more are injured and or affected by alcohol use and abuse by those under 21.
Alcohol Consumption May Increase Stroke Mortality
New research conducted by the University of Eastern Finland and published in Acta Neurologica Scandinavica and retrieved in Medical News Today shows that men who drink alcohol more than twice a week have a risk of stroke mortality three times greater than those who drink no alcohol at all. Interestingly, the study showed that the actual amount of alcohol consumed did not make a difference to the elevated mortality rates.
Meditation & Substance Abuse
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine sought to understand the correlation, if any, between meditation programs and mitigation of psychological stress. The study reviewed randomized clinical trials, which also accounted for the placebo effect. For clinicians in the field of addiction, this study may be helpful in determining the effectiveness and necessity of meditation as part of a treatment program.
Can a New Pain Pill Mean More Addiction?
It’s just around the corner. A new opioid pain medication promises to increase the effectiveness of pain management by offering a purer form of hydrocodone will hit the shelves soon. Called Zohydro, the drug in question will be available in prescriptions of up to 50 mg of hydrocodone. This level of hydrocodone is particularly concerning because it is significantly higher than many drugs available today which are already abused even in lower concentrations. One vicodin tablet, for example, contains 5 mg of hydrocodone.