New survey: pot use up, coke, meth down & alcohol poisoning
A new drug use survey shows a marked increase in drug use by 18-25 yr olds, especially marijuana, while cocaine and meth use has gone way down. Changing attitudes about pot may come form medical marijuana issues, and also whether alcohol/energy drinks may contribute to the alcohol overdoses.
Trends in Drug Use, Harm Reductions & Psychiatry
NIDA’s Monitoring the Future study shows increases in use of marijuana, heroin and pharmaceuticals by adolescents; a study in Europe shows that programs like DARE are not effective; government regulators grapple to keep up with street chemists creating new designer drugs, and a discussion of psychiatry’s increasing dependence on drug therapy to the exclusion of talk therapy.
Coping with Holiday Blues
Winter holiday time can be hard for those working toward recovery from addiction. And updates on the status of alcoholic energy drinks, and the proposed national Institute of Addictions.
National Institute on Addictions Proposed
Creation of a new Institute of Addictions has generated controversy with the 2 NIH groups involved with drugs and alcohol at loggerheads. Dr Inaba shares his thoughts.
Holidays & Over-eating Issues
Starting with Thanksgiving, the holidays bring parties and feasts of food, which can be an issue especially for people with addictions for food – compulsive over-eating. Dr Inaba shares his thoughts.