Addiction Medicine

http://ncadd.org/components/com_gk3_photoslide/thumbs_big/718028addiction_medicine_landing.jpglink

Addiction Medicine

Addiction Medicine Update Read the latest information from our Medical-Scientific committee.

Reduce the Demand!

Friday, 04 May 2012 15:20 | Written by Geoff Kane, MD, MPH |

ncadd addiction science update thumb Misuse of prescription opioids is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States. And it will only get worse unless the population, especially youth, realizes that nonmedical use of these potent pain relievers is uncool and dangerous.

A common misconception is that these substances are safe because they are prescribed by physicians and dispensed through pharmacies. Drug buyers can indeed be more confident of the "product" when it's a trademarked tablet rather than white powder in a plastic bag. A 26-year-old said, "My drug of choice is pharmaceutical heroin." But, just like heroin, these trademarked substances present the same deadly dangers of overdose and addiction. And buying, selling, or giving away these substances is against the law—even if they were prescribed for you.

Intervening on Alcohol? Style Matters!

Tuesday, 03 April 2012 09:29 | Written by By Geoff Kane, MD, MPH |

The World Health Organization identifies "The harmful use of alcohol [as] a global problem which compromises both individual and social development. It results in 2.5 million deaths each year. Alcohol is the world's third largest risk factor for premature mortality, disability, and loss of health." (WHO) Yet, perhaps because of our collective affection for beverage alcohol, we don't get alarmed. As Frank Bruni points out in his commentary on the death of Whitney Houston, it's other drugs that make the headlines. (New York Times)

Reduce the Supply!

Tuesday, 13 March 2012 14:27 | Written by Geoff Kane, MD, MPH |

rx sideoff Epidemic misuse of prescription pain medication in the United States is partly due to the availability of opioid analgesics (medication in pills, patches, injections, nasal sprays, and even lollipops that contain natural or synthetic substances that cause pain relief and euphoria by stimulating endorphin receptors in the brain). Can individuals and communities possibly do anything to reduce or reverse this deadly problem? The answer is yes. Specific actions by individuals, healthcare professionals, and others can reduce the supply of opioids available for misuse and addiction without denying pain relief to those in need.