What is Addiction?
The recent interview with Columbia psychology professor Dr Carl Hart launched us off into a lively and wide-ranging discussion of – what is an addictive drug, and how do we define addiction. LSD is being studied again as a treatment tool for a number of psychological condition including anxiety. Marijuana stories continue, with more on super-potent forms, like “wax” and also more about the key medicinal component of pot, the CBD molecule. And more about heroin, and the super-powerful designer version, based on the pharmaceutical Fentanyl.
Heroin, Energy Drink Ban, Fingertip Drug Testing, AA vs Addiction Docs
Heroin is at epidemic levels in Vermont and a major concern, says its governor … Vermont and other small states have a greater per capita heroin problem than big cities, and overdose deaths have increased dramatically. Also, calls for banning of Monster Energy Drink, following a 19 year old’s death, and increased emergency room caffeine poisonings cases. Using the sweat from fingertips is the latest innovation in drug testing. And a discussion on the ongoing conflict between subscribers to the AA model of recovery vs. addiction doctors and their adherents. Also “amnesty boxes in Denver airport for MJ, and more on e-cigarettes, which have been banned in some places.
History of Coca-Cola and other sodas
Hi Darryl, I hope you are well and enjoying the summer! I am living near Portland now, teaching at … College. I have always wanted to ask you this question — did Coca Cola every have cocaine in it? I am especially interested because this question comes up in my psychology class. Any light you […]
Sports & doping – its not just Armstrong
Performance-enhancing drugs – used by amateurs as well as professional athletes, crosses many fields of competition, and includes use of anabolic steroids, EPO, blood transfusions, etc. Also, designer drugs in sports and the evolution of testing, which as the Armstrong controversies have shown, can now be done years after the fact.
Trends in Drug Use and Treatment
A look back at 2012, and what 2013 might hold in drug and addiction issues, and treatment … including the continuing stories of the new synthetics, aka bath salts, incense and potpourri — also the continued increase in heroin use as pharmaceuticals become more costly and harder to get. And where are we in the evolution of treatment?
New marijuana laws start 79 years after Prohibition ends
…the day that marijuana became legal in Washington is the anniversary of repeal of The Volstead Act, which prohibited the production, sale, and transport, but not private ownership or consumption of “intoxicating liquors”. The law, the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution … was significant in the creation of powerful gangs such as those led by Al Capone in Chicago, along with rampant political corruption resulting from the various issues of making, moving and selling liquor. Marijuana was made illegal about 5 years after the repeal,