Drug Patterns Uncovered through Wastewater News and ResearchBy Promises Behavioral HealthJuly 16, 2009A team of researchers has mapped patterns of illicit drug use across the state of Oregon by sampling municipal wastewater before it is treated. According to a Science Daily article, their findings provide a one-day snapshot of drug excretion that can be used to better understand patterns of drug use in multiple municipalities over time.
Heroin Use Back on the Rise Drug AddictionBy Promises Behavioral HealthJuly 15, 2009A very popular drug in the 60s and 70s, heroin is finding its popularity growing once again. This time, it is appealing to younger children in suburban areas, according to an IndyStar article. The trend has been noted by police, prosecutors, defense lawyers, coroners and treatment centers. “It’s not just something we thought we’d see,… Details
Drunk Driving Down; Drugged Driving Up AlcoholismBy Promises Behavioral HealthJuly 14, 2009A government survey found that the number of drunk-driving cases has fallen sharply over the last 30 years due to tougher laws and a shift in societal views on alcohol. However, a separate survey showed that for the first time, 16.3 percent of nighttime weekend drivers tested positive for drugs—mainly marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Using Nicotine Patch before Quitting Smoking Doubles Success Rate Substance AbuseBy Promises Behavioral HealthJuly 13, 2009Duke University Medical Center researchers recently found that using a nicotine patch before quitting smoking can double success rates. They say their findings should be printed on nicotine patch labeling. Currently, the nicotine patch is only recommended for use after the quit date, explained Jed Rose, director of the Duke Center for Nicotine and Smoking… Details
Groups Oppose Pro-Marijuana Ads, Detailing Dangers of the Drug AddictionBy Promises Behavioral HealthJuly 10, 2009While a pro-marijuana group is launching an ad to encourage California legislators to legalize and tax the drug as a means of revenue, opponents want to remind the public that people under 18 who have used the drug are more likely to move on to harder-hitting drugs, putting 51 percent of California’s young people at… Details
Longer Treatment Found to be More Effective in Depressed Teens Adolescent IssuesBy Promises Behavioral HealthJuly 9, 2009A new study shows that the longer depressed teens are treated, the more likely they are to go into remission. The rate of remission for teens who were treated for 36 weeks was more than double that of those who were treated for 12 weeks, regardless of whether the teens were treated with antidepressants, cognitive… Details
Study Finds One Antidepressant Could Promote Brain Growth Mood DisordersBy Promises Behavioral HealthJuly 8, 2009A new study has identified a secondary benefit to a specific type of antidepressant. The Science Daily recently released a report concerning the use of amitriptyline, a widely used antidepressant and pain medication. This particular drug has been shown to impersonate the brain’s own growth factors.
Study Examines Quality of Life for Individuals with Dysthymic Disorder Mood DisordersBy Promises Behavioral HealthJuly 7, 2009Whenever there is a mental disorder and a developmental disability present, an individual can struggle with everyday things and a lack of a high quality of life. Now, an Australian study has found that affective disorders comorbid with medical, somatic illnesses have a major impact on health-related quality of life and disability. These elements have… Details
Study Finds Binge Drinking Linked to Stroke AlcoholismBy Promises Behavioral HealthJuly 6, 2009It is well-known that binge drinking puts a person at risk of accident, brain damage and even death. Now, one report has also linked this dangerous activity to increasing the risk of stroke in men. UPI Health News reported the findings of a recent study completed in South Korea. This study identified male binge drinkers… Details
Number of Children Causing Self Harm Rising Adolescent IssuesBy Promises Behavioral HealthJuly 4, 2009A child that causes harm to their own body is demonstrating that they are struggling mentally. According to a piece in The Age, the number of children aged 10 to 14 who are needing to be hospitalized after hurting themselves has grown by 35 percent in just under a decade. New research into this area… Details
