Groundbreaking Blood Test May Help Prevent SuicideNews and ResearchBy Promises Behavioral HealthSeptember 3, 2014Could a simple blood test determine who is at a higher risk for suicide? Researchers from Johns Hopkins University say they have discovered a genetic marker linked to the human stress response that could predict a person’s risk of attempting suicide. The study was published in the July 30 edition of the American Journal of…
Missouri Holds Out on Prescription Drug Monitoring ProgramsSubstance AbuseBy Promises Behavioral HealthSeptember 3, 2014A prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) is an official database of information on prescribers and recipients of controlled substances. The idea is that when doctors and pharmacists can see exactly who is obtaining prescription drugs, the public’s ability to abuse those drugs will be minimized. The database is also open to law enforcement. A recent…
Drinkers Ignore Heart-Healthy BehaviorsAlcoholismBy Promises Behavioral HealthSeptember 3, 2014It’s a well-established fact that excessive alcohol consumption can damage your cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) health and increase your risks for several life-threatening conditions. Failure to follow certain lifestyle recommendations can also increase your odds of developing cardiovascular problems. In a study published in June 2014 in the journal Substance Abuse, a team of…