Find a sober New Year's Party in your state

This list, put out by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, provides dozens of New Year's parties that will be sober this year.  Unfortunately, there aren't any listed in Wisconsin, where I live. Perhaps this list will grow in the future - I think it's a great idea!

Link:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/12/27/find-sober-new-year-s-eve-celebration-near-you

Russia Set to Halt Adoptions to U.S. in Response to Abuse Cases

I am saddened to learn that Russia's government is set to end adoptions to the United States in what looks like an overreaction to cases involving child abuse of adoptees.  I am not saying that the cases of abuse are not awful, like this case in South Central Wisconsin, but with better monitoring of new adoptions as required under the Hague Adoption Convention these cases might be better averted in the future. Russia's 100,000-plus children living in orphanages will suffer the most by this extreme decision, and I hope that more can be done to promote foster care and in-country adoption within Russia.

Link:  http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/28/world/europe/putin-to-sign-ban-on-us-adoptions-of-russian-children.html

Stress Raises Heart Attack Risks by 27 Percent, Equivalent to Moderate Smoking

Far from good news, new research points to the importance of working to decrease stress levels to avoid the risks of high blood pressure, stroke, and ultimately, heart attacks. 

Link: http://www.salon.com/2012/12/20/is_stress_has_harmful_as_smoking/

National Geographic Channel Program about DMT

The National Geographic Channel has a program called Drugs, Inc.  Below is a clip from an episode called DMT: A Psychedelic New Drug [sic].  The program will re-air on Sunday, December 30th.



Link: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/drugs-inc/videos/dmt-a-psychedelic-new-drug/

Accidental, Suicide, Friendly Fire, & Police Deaths Continue to be Ignored

As the United States finally begins a long awaited debate about how much regulation, if any, guns deserve in our society.  Some statistics that are being left out of the discussion, but which should be considered are:

Fatalities of civilians by police officers.  In 2011, over 1,100 people were shot, of whom over 600 died.

Fatalities of police officers.  In 2012, 47 police officers have been killed by guns in the line of duty.  It is with regret that I learned about 2 such police killings today in Texas and Wisconsin.

Fatalities of civilians abroad by U.S. soldiers.  The number is not tracked by the U.S. Government, but in March of this year a U.S. soldier went on a rampage killing 9 children and 7 adults in an Afghani village. 

About 1 percent of U.S. soldiers who have died in Afghanistan and Iraq died due to 'friendly fire.'

Most deaths from guns are suicides.  In 2007 there were over 17,000 suicide deaths due to firearms.

About one-third of all non-fatal gun related injuries are accidental. 

About 5% of all fatalities due to guns are accidental.

Now, consider that the NRA's solution to school shootings is to place armed volunteers at thousands of schools around the country - how long do you think it will be before someone gets shot and killed - intentionally or otherwise?

Violence and How Best to Prevent It

After the recent shootings in Aurora, Colorado, Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and Newtown, Connecticut, we are being forced to confront an undercurrent of violence in American society.  Mass murders, like the ones mentioned above, are certainly uncharacteristic among similar countries in terms of economy and political system. But mass violence is really just the tip of the iceberg. By far, most violence occurs in more localized incidents - many of them suicides - among the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.  As I wrote just a week before the shooting in Newtown, after a 4-year-old accidentally shot and killed his 2-year-old sibling in Minneapolis, many of the victims are also from accidental shootings.  Even police shootings account for approximately 500 deaths per year.

I truly believe that President Obama is correct to call gun violence an epidemic.  There are multiple sources of evidence showing this. Gun violence is one the most common forms of violent death for people between 15-44 (CDC data for 2010). 

Regardless of whether you think gun violence is a problem (and with 40,000 people - mostly young dying per year it's hard to argue that it isn't), the United States must come to terms with the extraordinary difference in the number of assault deaths we experience and those experienced in other so-called First World countries. Even if the numbers are declining since the mid-nineteen seventies, our numbers are at least twice as high as other countries. (See chart and link below)

Source: http://www.kieranhealy.org/blog/archives/2012/07/20/america-is-a-violent-country/

Gun ownership cannot effectively control violent assault. It simple adds to it.  If increased gun ownership and decreased gun regulation over the past ten years were a factor, then why has the number of deaths from firearms increased, rather than decreased?  

Source: http://webappa.cdc.gov/sasweb/ncipc/mortrate10_us.html

It seems that our country has lost its way on this issue due to mixed messages from powerful sports and self-defense lobby groups.  I think we need to set a course towards nonviolence.  In the coming days and weeks and months and years I hope to show, not tell, why as A.J. Muste, a pacifist, wrote, "There is no way to peace.  Peace is the way."

I hope that if you agree with me, or even if you are open minded to consider that violence may not actually prevent violence, I would urge you to investigate your own beliefs further as well as what the facts are on this important issue. 

Disclaimer: I realize that there are many more sides to this issue - including mental health, substance abuse, poverty (inequality), education, etc.  I intentionally chose to start with the concept of nonviolence and plan to address the other topics in the future.

Long Term Health and Well-being Study of Adventists

A very large study conducted by Loma Linda University looking at a variety of dietary choices by tens of thousands of study participants dating back to 1958 has found that those who kept a vegetarian diet tended to live longer than those who ate meat.  The study also found that vegans, or those who eschew dairy and eggs in addition to meat, had lower rates of cancer.

Vegetarian diets not only lengthened lifespans according to the study, but also would:

reduce a person's risk for diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, control body mass index and waist size, and boost brain health.

Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/12/vegetarians-live-longer-longevity_n_1961967.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living

Drug Overdoses Rising as Accidental Poisoning Surpasses Vehicular Deaths

The leading cause of death from unintentional injury has been for a few years accidental poisoning, which took the place of car-related deaths.  Now, however, the data is showing that most of the poisoning is from prescription drugs such as methadone.  Many of the deaths resulted, in part, from use in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

Drug-related deaths are increasing steadily in Wisconsin with the rate of fatal methadone overdoses jumping by 1,000 percent.

A report compiled by UW-Whitewater epidemiologist David Nordstrom shows that from 1999 to 2008 nearly 5,000 deaths were certified as drug-related, “That’s more than one every day and we found out that the majority of them were males and the average was about 43.”

Links: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/10/11/suicide-and-poisoning-rate-increased.aspx

http://www.wpr.org/news/display_headline_story.cfm?storyid=41049&search_text=

Gun Tragedies Continue to Affect Children, Policymakers AWOL on Issue

In policy studies, the tragic or otherwise unwanted consequences of enacting a law are known as unintended consequences.  Premature juvenile deaths could be said to be an unintended consequence of the desire of many adults to legally own weapons.

What is concerning to me, especially as more children and young adults continue to die from guns, is the question of responsibility.  Neither gun sellers nor manufacturers are willing to take any blame, let alone policymakers or the gun lobby.  Perhaps responsibility rests with the voters, who ultimately decide whether this is an issue they care about or not.

At least in the case of a 4-year-old boy in Minneapolis who shot and killed his 2-year-old brother over the weekend, charges may be brought against the parents for leaving out an unlocked and loaded firearm.

In another incident in Pennsylvania, a father whose handgun discharged and killed his 7-year-old son faces possible manslaughter charges.

Gun deaths are nearly equivalent to the number of driving related fatalities nation-wide, and now unintentional poisonings (mostly drug overdoses), at around the 40,000 mark. Many of the gun deaths are unintentional, and most are suicides.  But it is clear that the younger you are the greater the chance you have of dying by firearm.

We ought to really take a hard look at whether we want to continue to deregulate firearms.  The evidence shows that states with more stringent gun laws have both less crime as well as less gun deaths, accidental or otherwise.

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Hopes to Ban Alcohol in Dorms

The new rule bans alcohol use in any dorm, regardless of the person's age.  I think this is a good idea.  Why?  Alcohol is a major health hazard and we should not be sending a message to young people that it is a good thing to be doing.  Just as cigarette smoking has been banned in dorms, it's time to ban alcohol as well.  People who want to use or abuse alcohol will still do it, but there will be less of it happening overall.

Link: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/chris_rickert/chris-rickert-a-hint-of-prohibition-in-drying-out-dorms/article_e2c40e3e-39bc-11e2-8e4b-0019bb2963f4.html

6 out of 10 young people with HIV in U.S. don't know they have it

If you are a young person, in the U.S. or anywhere, and are sexually active or have been in contact with blood-borne pathogens, get tested for HIV.  It's easy and free.

Source: http://www.jsonline.com/features/health/hiv28-o57qobs-181100271.html

Dave Grohl (of the band Foo Fighters) Treated for Caffeine Addiction

This short but compelling article from the Fix warns that coffee drinking is no joke, and could land you in the hospital if you're not careful.  That's what happened to Dave Grohl while recording a new album a few years ago.

Link:  http://www.thefix.com/content/dave-grohl-confesses-coffee-addiction0843

U.K and U.S. Studies Show Pregnant Mothers and New Parents Drinking More

The British study, released by 4Children, found that parents in the U.K. are drinking 17% more after their first child and that 40% of those polled are making no attempt to cut down on their drinking.

The U.S. study, done by the Centers for Disease Control, is equally concerning.  It found that 14% of pregnant women in the U.S. between the ages of 35-44 admit to drinking at least once in the previous 30 days.  The CDC recommends total abstinence for women who are pregnant, are considering becoming pregnant, or could possibly become pregnant due to the risk of permanent disability to the child.

It's important to note that these studies are looking at British and U.S. populations separately, but it could be that the studies' findings are related to increased acceptance of drinking among certain demographic groups.

Links:  http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2012/10/new-parents-admit-to-drinking-more/ and http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/20/us-usa-health-pregnancy-idUSBRE86J03B20120720

Students Balk at New Meal Guidelines for School Lunches

Students are not accepting the new, more healthy school lunch guidelines put forward by the Department of Agriculture.  The lunches have less meat and dairy, and more fresh fruit and vegetables.  The meals also have less fried and sugary content.

As someone who has almost always taken my own lunch to school I welcome these improvements.  If they had come about when I was younger I might have even bought them.  Instead, I will hopefully get to encourage my kids to try the new lunches.

Unless they raise the quality to match the nutrition, I don't think these changes will be liked by anyone though.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/06/nyregion/healthier-school-lunches-face-student-rejection.html

Mini-Counseling Sessions by Primary Doctors shows promise for Problem Drinkers

Brief Interventions, or mini-counseling sessions by primary doctors may help problem drinkers, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Link: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/09/25/161764546/mini-counseling-sessions-can-curb-problem-drinking?sc=17&f=1001

New Movie Out this Weekend Tackles Problem Drinking

The movie is called, "Smashed," and it looks pretty good!

New Genetic Test Available to Determine Success of Excercising

Responding well to exercise is dependent on a number of factors - one of which is genes.  A New York Times blog post (link below) describes a relatively new way individuals can find out whether they will be successful achieving positive health outcomes through exercise.  In my opinion, the test should be taken only after an exercise and diet regimen has been tried first.

Link: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/10/are-you-likely-to-respond-to-exercise/

Caffeine Withdrawal to be Listed as Disorder in DSM-5

Johns Hopkins University has announced that caffeine withdrawal will be included in the list of addiction disorders in the upcoming edition of the main handbook used by clinicians in diagnosing and treating psychological disorders, the DSM-5.

Is caffeine a harmful drug?  I think that this depends on the individual.  It definitely in known not to be good for young people, but it has many benefits for adults.  One major harm, however, is dependence or abuse, as with any substance, which can lead to health problems from its overuse.  These problems may include sleep disruption and possibly weight gain related to caffeinated drinks which contain sugar or milk products.

Link:  http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press_releases/2004/09_29_04.html

To find out if you might need to cut down on your intake of caffeine, visit:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/NU00600

Teen Smoking, Despite Quitting, Linked to Shorter Lifespans

Well, this is bad news for those of us who used to be smokers.  A new study has found that even among people who quit smoking by the time they were in middle age, their lifespans were shorter.  The study also found, however, that among the individuals who did give up the habit - it was beneficial.  Take away point: it's never to late to quit but it's better not to take it up in the first place.

Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/04/us-teen-smoking-idUSBRE89310J20121004

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer affects an extraordinary 1 in 8 women, and is the second-leading cause of cancer death among women.  Finding out about the risks which are related to breast cancer as well as getting a mammography can help diagnose and treat the disease and improve health and mortality outcomes.

In Wisconsin, eligible women who lack insurance can get a breast exam through the Well Women Program: http://www.cityofmadison.com/news/view.cfm?news_id=3470

Find out about breast cancer risk factors here: http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-risk-factors

Study: Moderate of Alcohol Use May Cause Arrhythmia for People with Heart Disease, Diabetes

This rather large study in Canada has found a link between alcohol use in even small amounts and arrhythmia, a fatal heart condition, among people with heart disease or diabetes.

Link: http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/drinking-may-increase-arrhythmia-risk-in-adults-with-heart-disease-1.978675#ixzz287H6W1Uk

Secondhand Smoke kills 42,000 people a year in the U.S.

Many of the deaths are of children.

Link:  http://www.thefix.com/content/secondhand-smoke-42000-americans90699

Study Shows Marijuana Withdrawal Effects Similar to Nicotine Withdrawal

Granted, this is a small study.  But even if it is slightly true in what it suggests, there may some evidence that marijuana has physiological addictive properties.

Link:  http://abcnews.go.com/Health/kicking-pot-habit-lead-withdrawal/story?id=17333197#.UGS3502HLh5

Neuroscience and the Marketplace of your Mind

Despite advances in psychology and neuroscience, economist continue to disregard the science behind what we choose to do and why.

Link:  http://chronicle.com/article/The-Marketplace-in-Your-Brain/134524/

Gun Violence Spiking upwards, Contrary to NRA Argument

"In the wake of the slaughters this summer at a Colorado movie theater and a Sikh temple in Wisconsin, we set out to track mass shootings in the United States over the last 30 years. We identified and analyzed 60 of them, and one striking pattern in the data is this: In not a single case was the killing stopped by a civilian using a gun. Moreover, we found that the rate of mass shootings has increased in recent years—at a time when America has been flooded with millions of additional firearms and a barrage of new laws has made it easier than ever to carry them in public. And in recent rampages in which armed civilians attempted to intervene, they not only failed to stop the shooter but also were gravely wounded or killed."

Link:  http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/09/mass-shootings-investigation

Study Finds Pacifiers May be Harmful for Boys' Emotional Development

Boys may not be trying out facial expressions due to pacifier use.

Link:  http://www.news.wisc.edu/21065

NYT Blog Post on Bikram Yoga

I both love and miss Bikram Yoga...  hope to get back into it someday.  It's easy (good for beginners), extreme (good for extremists), and fun (good for everyone).

Link:  http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/25/drugs-sweat-and-fear/

Poor and Uneducated White Americans Have Reduced Life Expectancy of up to 4 years

Both men and women who are white in the United States are as a group experiencing a massive reduction in life expectancy, bringing their numbers roughly in line with that of Black Americans, whose life expectancy is traditionally the lowest - but is still rising.

Link:  http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/09/21/health/a-troubling-trend-in-life-expectancy.html?ref=us

New Research Points to Age of Fathers, not Mothers, in Schizophrenia and Autism in Children

A study published in the online version of the journal Nature has found a strong correlation between higher ages of fathers of children diagnosed with Autism or schizophrenia, but not related to the age of the mother.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/23/health/fathers-age-is-linked-to-risk-of-autism-and-schizophrenia.html

Harm, Toxicity of Synthetic Marijuana Unknown

Many people are using and selling legal (for now) synthetic marijuana under brand names such as Spice and K2.   However, the substance is new and not regulated by the FDA.  While I do not recommend prohibition to solve the problem of substance abuse, I do think some control is needed with these products - especially because they are being marketed (like tobacco and alcohol) to young people and the true effects are not known (short, medium, or long term).

Read more about these substances here:  http://host.madison.com/news/local/chris_rickert/chris-rickert-real-pot-preferable-to-new-synthetic/article_e1d732d6-eb2d-11e1-96ba-0019bb2963f4.html

or here:
http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/spice_product/spice_product_article1.shtml

Milwaukee Shooter had History of Drinking Problems

While it is much to early to know for sure Wade Page's reasons for attacking and killing several worshipers at a Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, last week, it is clear that Page had a serious drinking problem that had caused him to lose jobs and get arrested in the past.  Alcohol may not have been directly involved in the shooting (i.e. he wasn't drunk at the time of the shooting), but a case can be made that it led to some of the precipitating events that led up to the shooting.  It may be possible to prevent these events in the future if we have more treatment options available for people who struggle with addiction to alcohol.

Link:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/excessive-drinking-cost-wade-michael-page-military-career-civilian-job/2012/08/07/274ccc7a-e095-11e1-a421-8bf0f0e5aa11_story.html

Here's a List of Famous Teetotalers from Popular Culture

(Please note that I haven't updated this list in a while, so it may or may not be correct.  - DN)

David Bowie
Russell Brand
John Coltrane
Tom Cruise
Dick Dale
Michael Eavis (Glastonbury Festival)
Brett Favre
Craig Ferguson
Gandhi
Ben Gibbard
Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim)
Moby
Crazy Horse
Samuel L. Jackson
Penn Jillette
Elton John
Anthony Kiedis
Kafka
Ian Khama (Pres. of Botswana)
Bruce Lee
Jennifer Lopez
Rob Lowe
Ian MacKaye
Tobey Maguire
Chris Martin (Coldplay)
Marshall Mathers (Eminem)
Eddie Murphy
Mike Ness
Nietzsche
Gary Oldman
Natalie Portman
Prince
Daniel Radcliffe
Terry Richardson
Henry Rollins
Sarah Silverman
Tilda Swinton
Tom Waits
Denzel Washington
Batman


Most practicing Hindus, Bahá'ís, Brahmins, Meivazhi-ites, Pillays, Mormons, Hare Krishnas, Muslims, Scientologists, Seventh-day Adventists, Brethren church, Christian Scientists, Jains, and Sikhs, can be considered to be teetotalers as abstention from alcohol is a tenet of all these religions. However, there are some exceptions.
One of the five precepts of Buddhism is abstaining from intoxicating substances that disturb the peace and self-control of the mind, but it is formulated as a training rule to be assumed voluntarily rather than as a commandment.
Many Christians such as Methodists and Quakers are often associated with teetotalism due to their traditionally strong support for temperance movements and prohibition. Abstinence is not a religious requirement, but the tradition is strong enough to make ritual and recreational alcohol consumption a controversial issue among some members. Members of the Salvation Army make a promise on joining the movement to observe lifelong abstinence from alcohol, but they do not consider partaking of alcohol to be inherently wrong. Catholicism, the Orthodox Churches, and Anglicanism all require wine in their central religious rite of the eucharist, and while many Protestant churches often allow grape juice or alcohol-free wine in their eucharistic celebrations, only a few Protestants require a non-alcoholic beverage as official policy. (See Christianity and alcohol.)

Link:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_teetotalers#List_of_notable_teetotalers

Looking into Juice and Fitness

I'm a big fan of juice as a part of my fitness regimen.  Researchers are looking at beetroot juice to help runners.

Link:  http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/08/looking-for-fitness-in-a-glass-of-juice/

At least 7 Killed in Milwaukee Shooting at Sikh Temple

Thoughts go out to the families and friends of those affected.  The cause of this tragedy is not yet known, but the underlying cause is obvious to me - our society's acceptance and widespread use of violence.  So sad.  I am not raising my children to accept this.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/06/us/shooting-reported-at-temple-in-wisconsin.html?_r=1

New Study Finds Inactivity as Deadly as Smoking

Study results published in the Lancet, of Great Britain, show that as many or more people die from physical inactivity as do from smoking tobacco worldwide.

Link: http://www.thefix.com/content/inactivity-deadly-smoking90406

Madison Mayor Paul Soglin Hopes to Tackle Food Deserts

The Mayor of Madison, Wisconsin, is hoping to create a city-wide plan to address the lack of access to nourishment is several parts of the city.  Below is a map showing areas that are affected.

More info:  http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/soglin-calls-for-citywide-food-policy-to-curb-problem-of/article_0b2ebb90-cacc-11e1-9f43-001a4bcf887a.html

Happy World Population Day!

The implications of population growth are staggering.

Link: http://forumblog.org/2012/07/world-population-day-2012-7-billion-and-counting/

Researchers Exercise and Meditation More Effective than Flu Shots

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have found through research that exercise and meditation may be more beneficial in combating colds and the flu than medication.

Link: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/health_med_fit/uw-study-exercise-meditation-can-help-prevent-cold-and-flu/article_f51f33c0-cac1-11e1-89bb-001a4bcf887a.html

UW-Madison Researchers Discover Wider Prevalence of Fragile X Than Previously Known

A team at the UW-Madison's Waisman Center, led by Dr. Marsha Mailick Seltzer, has found a wider prevalence of gene mutations which cause the syndrome known as Fragile X - which is the most common form of inherited developmental disability.

Link:  http://www.news.wisc.edu/20785

CDC Report: 5,000 Annual Deaths Due to Methodone Overdoses

The deaths are attributed to poor monitoring and unnecessary prescriptions of the synthetic replacement for Heroin.

Link: http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2012/07/08/methadone-overdose-kills-patients-year-cdc-report-says/NDgJZC7nivtEWMzTINkioJ/story.html

Fascinating Article about EMDR and Addiction

I've always hoped that EMDR would gain more credibility and use in treatment for trauma, and what d'ya know, it even has benefits for people in recovery.

Link: http://www.thefix.com/content/emdr-cure-for-addiction-10083

New Report on Community-Wide Metrics

The White House Council for Community Solutions worked with The Bridgespan Group to identify effective needle-moving collaboratives (those that have achieved at least 10 percent progress in a community-wide metric), understand the keys to success, and recommend ways to drive more collective impact, particularly to address the challenges of disconnected youth.

Link:  http://www.issuelab.org/index.php/research/guide_the_next_generation_of_community_participation

Chicago Decriminalizes Marijuana in Commendable Decision

The decision by the city council of Chicago to decriminalize possession of small quantities of marijuana should free up police to do more important crime stopping work and allow thousands of people to avoid jail or other significant penalties for owning or consuming marijuana.

Link:  http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-usa-crime-marijuana-chicagobre85q0l4-20120627,0,3887182.story

Leading Addiction Specialist Argues Against Genetic Theories

Stanton Peele is known for the breadth and depth, as well as his sometimes controversial opinions on addiction.  Here is an article which talks about a new article from the famous psychologist.

Link:  http://www.thefix.com/content/stanton-peele-addiction-inherited-gnes90269

Social Work Jobs Outlook and Graduate Degree Programs

As a social worker, I am biased.  But here is some information about the profession and future employment outlook.

A Master’s in Social Work (MSW) degree provides an array of career options. Social workers have the opportunity to serve individuals, families, and communities. Direct-service social workers help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives, while clinical social workers diagnose and treat behavioral, mental, and emotional issues. Clinical social workers are required to have a master’s degree. Some direct-service positions and settings also require a master’s degree. Those with a Master of Social Work degree usually work as social workers, counselors, or therapists. 

Full-time students typically complete a master’s degree in social work in two years. However, many schools offer advanced-standing MSW programs to students with a bachelor’s degree in social work. These programs take less time to complete. 

SalariesAccording to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary in 2011 for social workers was $53,900.  The annual mean wage for social workers in industries with the highest level of employment for the occupation was the following, in descending order: Federal executive branch; general, medical, and surgical hospitals; local government; state government; and individual and family services. 

The median salaries by skill/specialty of employees with a Master of Social Work degree are shown below:

• Counseling: $49,500

• Case Management: $54,267

• Geriatrics: $40,976

• Spanish language: $45,750

• Psychiatric: $51,000

• Operations Management: $64,709

• Fundraising: $49,500

• Program Management: $57,250

(Source: PayScale, April 2012) 

Employment GrowthThe BLS forecasts a 25% employment growth for social workers, faster than the average for all occupations. The expected job growth is due to an increase in demand for social services and healthcare, but will vary by specialty. The BLS forecasts a 34% employment growth for healthcare social workers, 31% for mental health and substance abuse social workers, and 20% for child, family, and school social workers.Some of the employment opportunities for people with an MSW are shown below:

• Aging

• Public welfare

• Child welfare

• Justice corrections

• School social Work

• Health care

• Employment/occupational social work

• Developmental disabilities

• Community organization

• Mental health/clinical social work

• Management/administration

• International social work

• Research

• Politics

• Policy and planning

• Adoption and foster care agencies

• Private practice

• Employee assistance programs

• Advocacy and coalition groups

• Domestic violence agencies

• Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers

• Nursing homes/skilled nursing facilities

• Homelessness & hunger advocacy networks

• Women’s shelters

• Long-term care facilities

• Military counseling offices

• Assisted living facilities

• Senior centers

• Social and human services centers

MSW programs include classroom learning and practical field experience. There’s a large number of Master of Social Work degree programs to choose from, so it’s not easy selecting a school. We’ve thoroughly evaluated the top schools. We base our rankings on academic quality, reputation, awards, rankings, internship opportunities, and facilities.

Link: http://www.thebestschools.org/blog/2012/04/16/25-master-social-work-degree-programs/

Response to Recent Mauling Cases

After two extremely horrifying mauling cases in the United States where the suspects are alleged to have been high on bath salts, David Nutt of the Guardian is weighing in on the U.K.'s experience banning the psychoactive agent in bath salts.

Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/may/31/miami-face-eating-case-bath-salts-ban

Waupun Wisconsin Locks Child With Autism in Plywood Box

School officials say that the box is actually a 'room' and the student was only locked inside for 'a few minutes' and it was for everyone's protection.  I don't think it protects people from lawsuits, though.

Link: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/crime_and_courts/mother-says-autistic-son-put-in-locked-unventilated-plywood-box/article_696c98b6-a020-11e1-b95b-001a4bcf887a.html

New Study Finds Marijuana Eases Pain and Cramping due to Multiple Sclerosis

Granted, this is a relatively small study which did not look at the harms associated with marijuana use... But the findings may offer some hope to folks with MS in treating pain from muscle spasticity.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/14/us-marijuana-sclerosis-idUSBRE84D0RS20120514

National Association of Drug Court Professionals Cross Country Motorcycle Tour

Drug courts rule!



http://www.nadcp.org/all-rise-america-blog/

New Addiction Terminology to Present Future Challenges

I think this is really fascinating - we are not seeing the DSM-5 (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - version 5) coming closer to publication, and with it are more and more changes to the definitions and in some cases the names of a wide variety of substance abuse related disorders.  These changes, if accepted, may add thousands of people to populations of individuals who need and will depend on treatment services.  Since the DSM is only published once every 10-15 years, I hope the new terminology is as clear and exact as possible.

Linkhttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/12/us/dsm-revisions-may-sharply-increase-addiction-diagnoses.html 

Madison Announces Breastfeeding Awards

Someone I know on Facebook has brought to my attention the recent cover of TIME magazine, which shows a young mother breastfeeding her son, who is age three (he will turn four next month).  The article wasn't really about breastfeeding so much as it was about attachment parenting.  Late weaning is just practice of attachment parenting, and the article mentioned that the mom had actually nursed until she was six I think.

Anyway...  The comments that resulted on my friend's Facebook wall were pretty disturbing considering that it's 2012 and the lack of breastfeeding causes death, illness, and other long term health effects not just in this country, but worldwide.

Breastfeeding, in fact has been the target of Facebook itself, as well as a number of municipalities and legislatures who have determined breastfeeding to be gross, weird, profane, or even obscene.  It is a fact that children can breastfeed until any age, and there is no evidence that it is harmful psychologically or developmentally.

I think the moral to this story for me, is that being judgmental about breastfeeding doesn't do anyone any good.  Until you consider that perhaps someone was educated in the process, and then began to see things differently.  In any case, mothers should not be stigmatized for breastfeeding while their children are growing.  Breastfeeding is natural, healthy, and good for both moms and kids.  Period.

I'm glad that my city supports breastfeeding.  Here is a link Madison's Community Breastfeeding Award recipients: http://www.cityofmadison.com/news/view.cfm?news_id=3207

Link for more info about breastfeeding: http://www.llli.org/

Obesity in America: By the Numbers

A PBS NewsHour story looks at obesity in America in conjunction with new data from the Centers for Disease Control and the Institute of Medicine (IOM).  There also is a new HBO special out. Visit Obesity in America: By the Numbers for more information.  Here's some of the findings below from the PBS NewsHour site.



There's also an interactive map and more information via http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/05/obesity-in-america-by-the-numbers-1.html

New Website on MDMA and PTSD; New Study Approved by FDA

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelics Studies (MAPS) has launched a new website on MDMA (commonly known as Ecstacy) research with regard to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  Here's a clip of a study location in Canada as they go through the Canadian government approval process:

There is also word that MAPS has been approved to start clinical tests in Boulder, Colorado, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which would be the first step toward approval of the drug's use in treatment.

Links:  http://www.mdmaptsd.org/ and http://www.maps.org/media/update/

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Did you know that 1 in 4 people have a diagnosable, and thus treatable mental illness?  Don't let mental illness get in the way of you reaching for your full human potential, or that of a loved one.  Please help raise awareness about mental health issues, which in turn will decrease stigmatization and help people get more and better treatment.

Link: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/may

DEA Arrestee Languished in Holding Cell for Days

A man in California nearly died while being detained for several days in a holding cell without food or water by the Drug Enforcement Agency.  The man, a college student who was not charged with any crimes, was picked up during a drug raid at a friend's house.  He apparently survived by drinking his own urine, and is currently recovering after spending three days in an Intensive Care Unit.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/crime_and_courts/student-nearly-dies-when-dea-leaves-him-in-cell-for/article_0ed9cdca-9520-11e1-b772-001a4bcf887a.html

Insurers Blocking Coverage for Drug or Alcohol Related ER Visits

The practice of denying coverage to insured individuals who visit emergency rooms after using drugs or alcohol is similar to the widespread practice of denying mental health services for other types of care.

Link: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/04/er-visits-after-drinking-may-not-be-covered.html

Young Man With Autism Tortured Under Premise of Treatment

Very sad information coming from a lawsuit against the Judge Rotenberg Center in Canton, Massachusetts, where an 18-year old boy with autism was subjected to aversive and electroshock therapy several years ago.  These cruel practices must be discontinued, and indeed, it looks like the center is under special rules as well as scrutiny.

More information on this story here: http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/undercover/video-of-teen-restrained-shocked-for-hours-to-be-played-in-court-20120410

United Nations Releases World Happiness Report

This month the United Nations has released its first-ever World Happiness Report, available in PDF format through the link below.  Can you guess who the happiest people are?

Link: http://www.earth.columbia.edu/articles/view/2960

Increasing Justifiable Killing Linked to Weak Gun Laws

A fascinating article in The Guardian shows a 25% increase in justifiable killings since 2005 in the United States.

Link:  http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/apr/05/stand-your-ground-gun-control-data

Brief Therapy 'Bursts' May Offer Help to Traumatized Children

This sounds like what I know about EMDR Therapy.  Brief therapy is also shown to be effective among people entering recovery for substance abuse.  The bonus is that the treatment is cheaper, as well as being effective.

Link:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/text/2017896124.html

Smoking Linked to Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Despite smoking among the U.S. population reaching an all time low of 20%, it is claimed that people with substance abuse or mental health issues consume 44% of all cigarettes smoked nationwide.  A UC-San Fransisco professor of medicine and  health policy speaks out about the lack of effort on the part of the government to address this disparity.

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/27/health/guydish-smoking-mental-disorders/

Internet Use Linked to and Drug Addiction in Teens

Researchers in Greece have published new research in the Journal of Addiction Medicine showing a strong correlation between excessive or 'pathologic' internet use and a predisposition toward drug addiction.

Link: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/03/09/internet-addiction-linked-to-drug-abuse/

Norwegian University Researchers Find Most Heavy Drinkers Improve After LSD Use

No, this is not based on current research.  Rather, researchers at the Norweigan University of Science and Technology's department of neuroscience have published a literature review in the Journal of Psychopharmacology which, if we are to believe the original studies from the 60's and 70's, demonstrated improved outcomes for drinkers who took part in experiments using LSD on just one occasion.

Link: http://www.thefix.com/content/lsd-alcoholism-treatment-study9793

Richard Davidson on the Emotional Life of the Brain

UW-Madison's very own Dr. Richard Davidson from the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds

http://www.salon.com/2012/02/25/the_scientific_argument_for_being_emotional/singleton/

Bettina Luescher, World Food Programme Representative at UW-Madison March 8-9

Ms. Luescher, the Chief Spokesman for the U.N.'s World Food Programme in North America will be speaking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on March 8th and 9th.  Her talks are all free.  For more information, visit http://www.news.wisc.edu/20401

Clinical Studies Show New Drug Cuts Binge Drinking by Two-Thirds

If this drug, nalmefene, is proven to be safe and effective, it will have tremendous effects for individuals for whom abstinence and moderation has not worked.

Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-05/lundbeck-anti-binge-drinking-drug-helps-cut-intake-66-in-clinical-trials.html

Faces of Addiction in the Bronx

A photographer named Chris Arnade has made some amazing portraits of people living in the Bronx (New York) who are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction.  These images are really wonderful in that they show no matter how down and out someone might be, they are still human beings and deserve respect and compassion.

Link:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/arnade/sets/72157627894114489/

New Study from UC-Berkeley Says Wealthy More Likely to Lie, Cheat, and Steal

Among the findings were that:

• Study suggests people who are better-off are more likely to lie, cheat 
• Drivers with newer and more expensive cars were more likely to cut off other motorists 
• Students higher on the socioeconomic ladder more likely to engage in unethical behavior

I recommend reading the entire article, however, since it is really insightful.

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/27/health/rich-more-unethical/index.html

UW-Madison Study on Facebook and Depression

Megan Moreno, at the UW-Madison's medical school, has been looking at Facebook use and depression among adolescents.  Her findings have produced not only some good questions, but information about possible interventions as well.

Link:  http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/24/us/facebook-posts-can-offer-clues-of-depression.html?_r=1&hp

Yoga and PTSD Research at UW-Madison

The fact that yoga is being studied as a treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder should come as a welcome sign that the times are changing.



Link: http://video.channel3000.com/watch.php?id=40366

Madison's Detox Center in Flux

I found this article to be really insightful.  Changes are being made to how local officials respond to chronic drinking related behaviors and intoxication itself.

Link:  http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/crime_and_courts/blog/no-vacancy-policy-change-sparks-furor-over-limited-bed-space/article_a9990ea2-5ce0-11e1-894a-001871e3ce6c.html

Health Coaching

I had not ever heard about health coaching before, but it seems like a good idea to have a variety of professionals filling this role.  Check out this video from the Center for Spirituality and Health at the University of Minnesota.

Link:  http://www.csh.umn.edu/healthcoaching/home.html

Supreme Court: Race Discrimination More Important Than Disability

Whether it was their intent or not, the Supreme Court gives the impression that racial discrimination for white college students is more important that how cities accommodate people with disabilities on sidewalks.

Link: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/02/21/3752581/us-supreme-court-declines-to-hear.html

BBC Article About the Myth of the 8 hour Sleep Cycle

I know that I can sleep 7.5 hours a night and feel completely fine during the day, but it's when I screw up my schedule by staying up too late and ending up with only 6 or something that I feel groggy throughout the day.  I use a web app called Sleepytime to calculate how many 45 minute sleep cycles I will need a night.

Link:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16964783

Sheboygan Mayor Bob Ryan Discusses Sobriety and Recovery on Eve of Recall Election

Very interesting article.  I wish the Mayor success in his recovery!

Link: http://www.thefix.com/content/bob-ryan-sheboygan-mayor9690?page=1

Childhood Gender Nonconformity Linked to Abuse, PTSD

The study, published today in the journal Pediatrics, found that individuals displaying gender nonconformity in childhood had higher abuse rates as well as incidence of PTSD.  As adults, individuals were also more prone to alcohol or substance use disorders.

Link:  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/241914.php

Can We Please Stop Calling People Alcoholics and Drunks (@ChrisRickertWSJ)?

I don't usually feel that it's necessary to call out someone who incorrectly or ignorantly throws around words like 'alcoholic' or 'drunks,' but since I live in Madison and am a regular reader of the Wisconsin State Journal I think I have a small right to respond to his latest piece titled, "Managing, not curing, disease of alcoholism may be best option."  (WSJ, Feb. 18, 2012)

First of all, the view that alcoholism is a disease is a widespread, yet controversial theory.  Although it is a very mainstream idea, accepted by the American Medical Association, and many other individuals and groups in the medical and counseling community, but not everyone believes that addiction fits the definition of disease.  Addiction may be a problem, or a major difficulty, but it that doesn't mean it's a disease. In fact, there is a pretty big debate going on right now about it within those who provide behavioral health, the substance use community at large, as well as the editors of the DSM V.

Secondly, using labels like 'alcoholic' or 'drunks' is stigmatizing and reinforces the social acceptance of using these terms.  One should instead use person-centered language placing the individual first (in fact, this should be something all journalists do with all their writing).  Furthermore, just because someone is drinking a lot or has been in trouble with the law doesn't mean that they are an 'alcoholic' or 'habitual drunk' at all.  Are all college students who binge drink 'alcoholics?'  I don't think so.  For some reason, it's seems like it's o.k. for Chris to talk about homeless people or people who are prone to being arrested (this could be due to other factors, incidentally, including race, class, or even the way the person dresses or talks), but not the many people who drink to excess but don't get in trouble for it.  Labels like this may be of use in a diagnostic setting, or as a personal reflection, but they shouldn't be used to cover an entire 'class' of people.  It's the same with how members of other communities refer to themselves - it is not necessarily appropriate for members outside that group to use the same terms.

I did not find Chris' column to be entirely objectionable.  I will agree with him that people who drink should be allowed to drink.  Banning people from buying liquor or preventing inebriated people from entering homeless shelters is akin to not letting someone with a gambling addiction have an internet connection or be able to drive (lest they find a place to gamble).  We need more acceptance of peoples' choices in order to help them access services and resources which might actually help them get their lives back on track.  What does that have to do with buying liquor?  Imagine that someone has PTSD, and this is part of the reason why they drink - how would that person feel knowing that they are banned from entering stores that plenty of other people use (or misuse) all the time?

I don't mean to suggest that acceptance and increased access to shelters alone will solve the problem of substance misuse.  Treatment and peer support are important parts of the equation.  Health insurance coverage with mental health parity will help. Addressing social inequality would be good too.  Meanwhile, journalists should try to cut down on adding to the stigmatization of people who drink or who have problems related to substance use.

Paul McCartney Gives up Pot

Sir Paul, age 69, has decided to stop smoking marijuana after many years of regular use.  It will be interesting to see if he has any regrets.

Link:  http://www.thefix.com/content/paul-mccartney-pot-marijuana9671

Study Finds That Kindness In Males is About Mating

Not that we should be entirely surprised, but researchers have published a paper purportedly showing that males will exhibit kindness more often if they know that a female they are interested in is paying attention.

Link: http://www.freakonomics.com/2012/02/16/is-male-kindness-actually-a-peacock-tail/

Updates to Addiction Terminology Coming to DSM V in 2013

This article talks about the DSM V (the manual that counselors and psychologists use to diagnosis mental health and addiction 'disorders') and its possible dropping of terms like abuse and dependence in the next version of the book - coming out in 2013.

Link:  http://www.thefix.com/content/DSM-V-new-definition-addiction-dependence-abuse8010

Pot Use Doubles Risk of Severe or Fatal Auto Accidents

A study published in the British Medical Journal has found evidence showing that marijuana use three hours or less before driving doubles the risk of severe injuries or fatalities while driving, with people under age 35 at highest risk.

Link: http://www.thefix.com/content/marijuana-driving-car-crashes9632

[PBS NewsHour] Hans Rosling Brings Life, Humor, Sword-Swallowing to Global Health Statistics

Hans Rosling Brings Life, Humor, Sword-Swallowing to Global Health Statistics:

Watch Video | Listen to the Audio

GWEN IFILL: Now, the man who turned global health and population numbers into an Internet sensation.

Ray Suarez has that story.

RAY SUAREZ: Amid the glitter of a black-tie fund-raiser in New York City, a downright un-glittery guest made his way into the room.

Dr. Hans Rosling, a Swedish global health professor, was given a humanitarian award at the annual Action Against Hunger gala and was the night's star attraction.

WOMAN: Tonight, you are going to hear from one of the world's most inspired thinkers.

So, ladies and gentlemen, will you join me in giving Hans Rosling a very warm welcome.

(APPLAUSE)

RAY SUAREZ: Over the last five years, this unassuming professor has collected millions of fans around the world with a usually un-glitzy topic: statistics.

DR. HANS ROSLING, Professor of International Health: $1,000, $10,000, $100,000, the difference in income per person in the world is two zeros.

RAY SUAREZ: Dr. Rosling's goal for the evening and the focus of his life's work was to wow his audience and teach it something.

He brings to life global health and development statistics, often dense and inaccessible, using a sophisticated visualization software he and his team created.

DR. HANS ROSLING: Because what do we have on the axis? Here, we have the number of children per woman, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, large families, small families. And here we have the child mortality, this most tragic marker of the quality of life in a society.

The size of the bubble is the population. This is China. This is India. Look here, low child mortality, small families. High child mortality, large families. What has happened? Here we come. China is very successful there, India coming there, Indonesia. Look here. This is Brazil. This is Mexico coming here. This is Indonesia. This is Bangladesh. Bangladesh is catching up with India. They're overtaking India.

Africa is falling down. And now we see some are delayed here, but almost the entire world is here. It's a completely new world.

RAY SUAREZ: The presentation is one he's been giving audiences at conferences and meetings around the world since he became an Internet phenom in 2006.

That's when a lecture he gave at the annual TED conference, a who's-who gathering of high-tech, design and entertainment leaders, was posted online and quickly went viral.

DR. HANS ROSLING: My students, what they said when they looked upon the world, and I asked them what do you really think about the world, and they said the world is still we and them. And we is Western world and them is Third World.

And, what do you mean with the Western world, I said. Well, that's long life and small family. And Third World is short life and large family. So, this is what I could display here. I put fertility rate here, number of children per woman, one, two, three, four, up to about eight children per woman. Here, I put life expectancy at birth, from 30 years in some countries up to about 70 years.

Are the students right? It's still two types of country? Here we go. Can you see there? It's China. They're moving against better health. They're improving there. Or the green, that's in American countries. They are moving towards smaller families. The yellow ones here are the Arabic countries. And they get larger families.

RAY SUAREZ: Over three million people have now watched this talk online.

DR. HANS ROSLING: And all the rest of the world moves up into the corner, where we have long lives and small family, and we have a completely new world.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

RAY SUAREZ: Rosling's subsequent online TED talks have also been watched by millions.

I sat down with Hans Rosling during his recent visit to New York to talk about his method and maybe learn a little in the process myself.

Did it occur to you at some point that these lessons you're teaching had to be taught in a better way for people to understand them better?

DR. HANS ROSLING: Yeah, because obviously people do not understand some basic facts.

You see, I find holes, deep black holes of ignorance. And now I try to fill them. That means there are things which are facts, which we know, which still doesn't enter their head -- there are actually less children per woman in Brazil, Thailand and Iran than in Sweden. But it doesn't -- they still have a view of the world that is 25 years old.

RAY SUAREZ: Rosling got his start in global health practicing medicine in rural Mozambique in the 1970s.

While there, he discovered and treated patients with a new paralytic disease he called konzo. He's now chairman of the Gapminder Institute, which is dedicated to building a fact-based world view that everyone understands.

In addition to his popular animated software, which was acquired by Google, Rosling likes to use other visual aids to help him convey information about the world we live in -- Ikea boxes to explain population growth and a washing machine to illustrate how the lives and health of poor women and their families are drastically improved by the device.

DR. HANS ROSLING: So there must be one, two, three, four billion people more will live in between the poverty line and the air line. They have electricity. But the question is, how many have washing machines?

I've done the scrutiny of market data and I have found that indeed the washing machine has penetrated below the air line, and today there's an additional one billion people up there who live above the wash line.

(LAUGHTER)

DR. HANS ROSLING: And they consume for more than $40 per day. So two billion have access to washing machine and the remaining five billion, how do they wash? They wash like this, by hand. It's a hard, time-consuming labor. And they want the washing machine.

RAY SUAREZ: During our conversation, he used LEGO characters to represent all humankind.

DR. HANS ROSLING: Look here. This is one billion people. There's one billion people in Africa. There's one billion people in Europe, one billion people in America.

And, as you know, we are seven. So, all the rest, one, two, three and four, are in Asia. This is the world population. And we know, beyond doubt, that there will be two billion more before we level off around nine to 10. And those two billion, we also know that one will be in Africa and one will be in Asia.

And any CEO of a big company looking, like, they say, wow, that's where the market is.

Believe me, there's nothing boring about statistics.

RAY SUAREZ: In 2010, the BBC aired a documentary about Rosling's work called "The Joy of Stats." Using some high-tech special effects, the production team was able to show his animations in real space.

DR. HANS ROSLING: So, down here is poor and sick. And up here is rich and healthy, Europe brown, Asia red, Middle East green, and the size of the country bubble show the size of the population.

RAY SUAREZ: Can you almost feel when the lights are going on, when people are saying, aha?

DR. HANS ROSLING: Yes, we have.

But it's also -- you have to check after a year if it's still there. And the old concept of the Western world and developing world is very strong. And it's also because it's sort of frightening. People think it's frightening with this Asia and Africa here.

No, these are customers. These are partners. And prosperity in the rest of the world means more peace. The U.S. armed forces doesn't have to make so many interventions in the world if we have less conflict. So it's sort of a new vision about the world we must have.

DR. HANS ROSLING: The bubbles are the countries. Here, you have the fertility rate.

RAY SUAREZ: Rosling says he is going to continue talking about important global health statistics whenever and wherever he can.

Like many successful entertainers and plenty of great teachers, Rosling knows that, once he's got your attention, he can pull out something unexpected.

DR. HANS ROSLING: Bring me my sword.

RAY SUAREZ: In this case, another passion: sword-swallowing.

DR. HANS ROSLING: And I will now prove to you that the seemingly impossible is possible by taking this piece of steel, solid steel, and push it down through my body of blood and flesh, and prove to you that the seemingly impossible is possible.

Can I request a moment of absolute silence?

(DRUMROLL)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Does AA Work?

It's very hard to say for sure whether Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) is helpful or not overall.  There is no doubt it is helpful to some, or, indeed, many.  But knowing whether it is more helpful than other approaches, or none at all, is something that's very hard to prove.  This article, in The Fix, attempts to shed some light on what evidence does exists supporting the efficacy of the intervention.

Link:  http://www.thefix.com/content/the-real-statistics-of-aa7301

Interventions to Address Street Violence

I don't know what the kids are calling it this days - street violence, gang banging, drug crime, etc. - but I do know that gun related homicides are destroying a generation or two of young men's opportunities and health outcomes.  Guns result in a leading number of deaths as well as injuries, in addition to sending thousands to prison.  An innovative approach is being tried in some cities.  Called 'Ceasefire' or 'The Interrupters,' programs are being rolled out that allow for nonviolent, peer-based problem-solving methods to resolve drug and gang related violence.  Check it out if you don't know about it already.

Links: http://ceasefirechicago.org/how-it-works; http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/01/29/philadelphia-murder-rate-spikes-how-to-stop-the-epidemic.html

Treatment Specialists Question Efficacy of the D.A.R.E. Program

The folks at www.interventionsupport.com have put together this infographic to show what they believe is the ineffectiveness of the D.A.R.E. program.  Their solution?  More targeted approaches, like the White House's Drug Free Communities (DFC) program.


Via: Intervention Support

Madison Addiction Specialist Weighs in on Relapse

Dr. Henry Steinberger, a licensed psychologist in Madison, Wisconsin, who is also specialist in the field of recovery and addiction, has written a new article on the subject of relapse and recovery.  Check it out here:  http://blog.smartrecovery.org/?p=2094

British Research Findings on Depression and Psilocybin

A study to be published soon in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) journal in England has found in a small study involving volunteers who were injected with psilocybin (from magic mushrooms) that brain activity seemed to be reduced in certain areas ultimately affecting the study participants' sense of self.  The feeling of 'cogs being loosened' may have implications for the treatment of depression, researchers said.

Source:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46105129/ns/health-mental_health/?ocid=twitter#.Tx9L7zldkux

New Study Shows Cannabis Use May Prolong PTSD

A study in California of 260 male veterans with PTSD has found evidence showing that cannabis use may prolong the condition.

Link:  http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/cannabis-use-prolongs-ptsd-symptoms-0112122/

1 in 5 Americans Experienced a Mental Illness in 2010

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 20% of Americans experienced a mental illness in 2010, with 5% of cases severe enough to cause the person to experience interference in work, family, or school activities.  The number is slightly higher for women and slightly lower for men.  Mental illness is often unknown and untreated due to holes in health insurance coverage which do not consider mental health as important as 'physical' health, as well as stigma.  Mental illness may also go undiscovered among people who are misusing substances or who have a disability which can either mask their mental illness or get in the way of the person receiving assistance.  It is estimated that half of prison and jail inmates in the U.S. have a mental health problem.  One fourth of all homeless persons have a severe mental health illness.

Link: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/01/19/1-in-5-americans-suffer-from-mental-illness/

Religious Organizations Mandated to Pay for Birth Control

A new rule set to take force next year has been put into place through the Obama administration and the Department of Health and Human Services which will require all employers, even ones that are opposed to the idea, to provide free birth control medication to their employees.  At issue is not so much the right of an employer to withhold health care benefits based on religious beliefs, but the rights of individuals to be afforded those benefits regardless of their employer.  Religious organizations will have one year to comply with the new rule.

Link: http://healthland.time.com/2012/01/21/obama-administration-religious-employers-must-pay-for-the-pill/

Major Study Shows Smoking Marijuana Not Harmful to Lungs, and May be Beneficial

A National Institutes of Health study published in the American Medical Journal looked at 5,000 smokers as well as non-smokers over twenty years.  The study concluded that lung function was not reduced even when smoked up to the amount of a joint per day for seven years.  The study also found that usage does not play a factor in chronic pulmonary obstruction disease (COPD), a major killer among smokers of cigarettes.  To the contrary, the study found that lung functioning may actually improve.  The study did not look at the link between smoking marijuana and cancer, and public health officials encouraged caution about the findings, noting that smoking marijuana use can contribute to short-term problems with attention, memory, motor skills, and motivation.

Source:  http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/11/marijuana-smoking-does-not-harm-lungs-study-finds/

New Study Shows Nicotine Replacement Doesn't Work

Despite the fact that clinical trials showed that nicotine gum and patches could help people quit smoking, a recently published study involving nearly 2,000 people over several years has shown that the therapy not only does not provide long-term help it may also backfire.  The findings of the study were published today in the journal, Tobacco Control.

Source:  http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/10/health/study-finds-nicotine-gum-and-patches-dont-help-smokers-quit.html?_r=1&hp

Lessons Learned About Substance Misuse

The following opinions and reflections are made after about 18 months of study and volunteer work in the field of substance misuse.  I hope that my views are taken with a huge grain of salt - they may change over time as I learn more and as society changes.  Feel free to comment in response to this post - feel free to set me straight if there's anything here that you don't particularly agree with.

AODA vs. Substance Abuse vs. Substance Misuse

I know that the standard terminology in the U.S. is moving away from the catch-all AODA acronym toward the newer 'Substance Abuse' name.  Personally, I like the name that they're using in Britain, which is 'Substance Misuse.'  Why?  The simple answer is that I don't like the history of the word abuse in relation to having an addiction, bad habit, or other health issue that leads to the use, misuse, or dependence on a drug (including alcohol).  It conjures up the same labels of an Alcoholic, Addict, or other pejorative term that people either call themselves or others who are dealing with a problem.  Many of the people I've listened to as a volunteer have repeatedly said that these labels are not as helpful as using person-centered, positive language to describe their situation.  For example, instead of referring to themselves or others as an alcoholic, they choose to say, "I/he/she have/has a problem with my drinking," or, "I am a person who is struggling with an addiction."  The American Psychiatric Association is due to publish an update to the DSM-IV-TR, which will rename its sections on substance abuse and dependence and rename them as 'addictions and related disorders.'  This is a massive improvement and I think it will be very helpful.  (Source)

Professionals vs. Peers


Professionals, i.e. those who are working or volunteering in the substance misuse field, should focus their attention on advocacy, brief interventions (motivational interviewing), assessment, referrals, and information sharing.  Peers should focus on community based support (peer groups), mentoring, and advocacy (probably many other things to include here, but for now I'll keep it short.  It's great when the peer is also a professional, and vice-versa, although I know that sometimes it means that the person will have a certain dogma related to their own success and possibly overlooking the myriad of ways that people 'overcome' their substance issues.

We Need to Get Real About Drug Policy and Health Insurance  


Let me not belabor this point...  People need health insurance for substance misuse as well as any kind of health problem.  Also, we need to stop criminalizing substance misuse.  It is a massive waste of time and resources.  These two macro-level interventions are really critical in order to find a long term solution for all members of our society to be able to address their addictions.

Science Based vs. Anecdotal Solutions


Substance abuse interventions, strategies, and tactics are an overwhelming failure. However, hard research and evaluation is not being done on the efficacy of some of our society's most popular programs.  Many interventions should be overhauled based on empirical, not anecdotal, evidence.

Secular vs. Spiritual Recovery


In addition to getting rid of poorly researched ideas about 'what works' in terms of recovery, there needs to be more effort and support available for secular based recovery programs.  Programs that require a spiritual renewal dominate the entire substance abuse field and the are not meeting the health needs of a very large segment of the population.  Spiritual programs are often simply psuedo-Christian alienating not only atheists and agnostics, but also people of other faiths.

Prohibition Is a Failure


I have alluded to this above, but need to say it again.  Drug policy in the U.S. is a massive failure, and it is largely due to the criminalization and prohibition of drug use.  If we have learned anything it is that people should not be punished for choosing to use drugs or alcohol.  This is not to say that we should not keep laws on the books which discourage crimes that are committed when someone is using drugs or alcohol, but simply criminalizing usage itself has been very counterproductive.

Stigmas Must Be Discarded


The last thing I'll say on this topic for now is that people need to start talking openly about their substance misuse problems or addictions.  I don't mean publicly.  I mean openly.  We need advocates and leaders who are willing to be honest and forthright about the issue of substance misuse.  It is something that, like cancer, none of us are immune from - whether we have struggled with an addiction ourselves or we know and love someone else who has.  That doesn't mean we always talk about it, or we 'out' people without their permission.  But it means that there is a time and a place to share stories of success, failure, and a mixture of both, and we should all try to find good times to do that.  Silence and stigmatization does not help anyone, despite what some people might think.