At Issues of Substance 2009, over 13 sessions, The CCSA will also examine the role of treatment systems from a variety of perspectives, including Canada’s National Treatment Strategy (NTS) program.

It is estimated, according to the CCSA, that only one in 10 persons requiring addiction treatment services actually receives it through the current health care system.

The NTS provides a framework for a national program of treatment and care throughout the country. It is the first multi-jurisdictional strategy that aims to identify the steps required to create an integrated addiction treatment system for the country.

The NTS has imagined a five-tier model wherein a continuum of services is integrated from the community level through to specialized services for severe and complex cases.

It is a system where “every door is the right door”, thus no matter how or where the individual enters the system, all paths lead to the level of care required by that individual.

“Our focus has been to find the most efficient and effective ways to enable multi-agency, culturally appropriate service delivery that responds to the unique needs of each individual, “ said Jim Cincotta, Co- Chair of the National Treatment Strategy Working Group in a statement. "The NTS has provided a blueprint to develop system-level strategies with various jurisdictions across Canada.”

The CCSA with the National Treatment System has effectively created a framework for a national addiction treatment system. This framework is person-centric, incorporating the continuum-of-care treatment model, and focuses on integrating treatment, social services, housing, and educational systems.

Source: The CCSA

Labels: Alchohol Addiction, Drug Addiction, News, Substance Abuse, Treatment

The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) announced its biennial national conference on substance abuse, Issues of Substance 2009.

There will be a number of discussions and sessions surrounding several major topics concerning the substance abuse community. A primary focus of the conference is co-occurring disorders—namely the role of neuroscience, mental health and addictions, and how research, treatment, and educational systems must evolve to effectively recognize and treat co-occurring disorders.

Co-occurring disorders, or concurrent disorders, are two disorders or illnesses occurring in the same person. Substance abuse or addiction with any number of mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, or depression, is rather common and becoming of more and more interest within the field.

It is estimated, according to the CCSA, that more than 50 percent of those with alcohol or drug addiction also have a mental illness. Addiction and mental illnesses often have common biological, psychological, and social precursors.

However, they are not very often treated concurrently. In fact, there are few unified and integrated approaches, especially in the public addictions treatment system.

At The Heritage Home Drug Rehab and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Centre, on the other hand, our addiction treatment programs incorporate individual treatments and therapies. We believe that success does not come from a fit-all program, but is born out of addressing your underlying issues and emotional difficulties.

As part of our holistic approach to addiction treatment, we offer a number of different therapeutic approaches from both the traditional and non-traditional schools of thought, as well as different options within each school, to address any mental health issues.

Mental health and alcohol and drug addictions are very closely related. Research has shown that impulse-control problems are the single strongest predictor of future substance abuse.

Individuals suffering from anxiety disorders are at two-and-a-half times greater risk of developing an alcohol or drug addiction.

The risk of addiction is at least double for those with Major Depressive Disorder.

And the statistics go on.

Source: The CCSA

Labels: Alchohol Addiction, Drug Addiction, News, Substance Abuse, Treatment

Drug addiction is often not sufficiently, if at all, covered in medical schools’ curriculum, despite being a national major public health issue. Addiction severely affects overall health, puts lives at risk, and results in a wide range of health conditions.

In response to the education gap, the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) is launching a new program in the US to encourage medical schools to incorporate substance use and abuse into their curricula.

NIDA's series of teaching tools, disseminated through its Centers of Excellence for Physician Information Program (NIDA CoE), provides accurate scientific information on substance abuse, addiction, and their consequences. Tools include lectures, case studies, faculty workshops, and a web module. It is designed to fit into any existing curriculum, to ease adoption.

"Our long term goal is for doctors to incorporate screening for drug use into routine practice like they currently screen for other diseases,” said NIDA Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow in a statement, “to help patients that are abusing to stop, and to refer more serious cases to specialized treatment.”

Three themes have emerged from the materials: the importance of communication in the doctor-patient relationship, especially with sensitive topics; the recognition that substance abuse may play an integral role in many disorders; and the crucial role physicians play in both identifying substance abuse in patients and reducing the risk of developing an addiction.

More information on the NIDA CoE resources can be found at:
www.drugabuse.gov/coe.

Information on the NIDAMED program can be found at:
www.nida.nih.gov/nidamed.

Source: NIDA

Labels: Drug Addiction, News, Substance Abuse, Treatment

We have evidence of the genetic influence on alcohol dependence, including familial risk factors. Scientists have long been actively seeking the specific genetic marker for substance abuse and addiction. A recent study, published in Biological Psychiatry, may help to move the search forward towards the ultimate discovery.

Researchers led my Dr. Shirley Hill, have identified childhood risk factors for the development of later substance abuse disorders. Children with both high and low familial risk factors for alcohol dependence were recruited and followed annually over eleven years.

Children in both groups were evaluated for a series of 13 predictors, including:

• educational and achievement scores
• personality variables
• self-esteem
• anxiety
• neurobiological variables

Neurobiological variables included the P300 amplitude, or the brain signal associated with evaluation and decision-making, and postural body sway.

The study found that children with high body sway and low P30 amplitude were eight times more likely to develop substance abuse problems by their early adult years. Thus, alcoholism and substance abuse can be predicted well in advance. “Better and earlier identification of those at highest risk makes it possible to develop targeted intervention/prevention efforts for these children,” commented Dr. Hill, “possibly enabling them to avoid [this] outcome."

These markers can be useful in the education process, wherein children identified at risk can be further educated on the dangers of alcohol dependence and drug addiction. Furthermore, they can be taught early on appropriate coping mechanisms and life skills, all helping to avoid addiction before it even begins.

Neurobiological variables proving to be good predictors may also help scientists discovered the much sought-after genetic markers.

Source: Physorg.com

Labels: Alchohol Addiction, Alcohol, Treatment

Late onset alcohol and drug addiction is quickly becoming a prevalent problem that poses many new problems to addiction treatment specialists. A recent study from SAMHSA, for example, reported that drug use is continuing well into the later years of life.

Older addicts fall into one of two groups--the older addict and the young older addict (i.e. the baby boomer).

The baby boomer addict represents a significant challenge both in their sheer number and the complexity of their treatment and addiction requirements. Studies have shown that, between 2003 and 2005, illicit drug use among those aged over 50 years increased by more than 60%. It is estimated that there will be 4.4 million older addicts by 2020, versus the 1.7 million in 2001.

Each generation of addict poses their own challenges, requiring their own addiction treatment model. The older addict, for example, mostly abuse alcohol or prescription medications (often accidentally) and require a much slower-paced treatment process that considers the demographic-specific values, taboos, moral judgments, and worldviews. This generation holds a disdain for illicit drugs and users; respects and trusts authority; prides itself on handling one's own problems, often privately and alone; and was never taught to express their feelings freely. Peer group therapies are ideal for this group for both treatment and ongoing sobriety.

The baby boomer generation, on the other hand, has spent their life pursuing youth and happiness, resorting to quick fixes for pleasure and problem alike. The Me Generation, baby boomers grew up with a distinct distrust for authority, rebelling against both their parent's generation and the establishment as a whole, while freely experimenting with marijuana and psychedelic drugs. Beyond their generational values, baby boomers are facing unique emotional issues, such as death of a spouse and retirement, as well as the physical issues that come with aging, such as hormonal changes.

Treating baby boomer addicts often requires a dual diagnosis--addiction in conjunction with, most commonly, depression and anxiety. They also often poly-addict alcohol or illicit drugs with easily-available prescription medications. Because of this, baby boomer addicts require a medically-based holistic treatment program.

The baby boomer makes decisions based on choice, requiring treatment providers to work closely with their clients when designing treatment plans, while being clear that there are no quick fixes in addiction treatment. Due to these unique and specific generational characteristics and attitude towards alcohol and drug addiction treatment, a personalized addiction treatment program that is holistic in scope, such as the residential treatment programs provided by Heritage Home, is ideal.

Sources: The New York Times, Aging Well Magazine

Labels: Alchohol Addiction, Drug Addiction, Substance Abuse, Treatment, Treatment Approaches

Dr. Dr. Barton Goldsmith recently published the article "10 Reasons to Kick Addictions" for the Scripps Howard News Service.

These are great reasons for those who are considering entering into an addiction treatment program and for those who are already in any of the various stages of recovery. If you are thinking about getting sober, take a long moment to consider what you are about to read--imagine it for yourself, envision how your life will be once you aren't chained down by your addiction anymore. Live it in your mind.

For those of you have already started down your path to sobriety, take a moment to soak these in. Let them live in you, and to serve as a reminder, especially during hard times, of all the reasons why you have taken up this hard, yet dazzlingly rewarding, task.

Ten Reasons to Kick Addictions:

1. Your friends and family will be happy to see and count on you again. If you are continually doing things that are self-indulgent or hurtful to those you love, they have no choice but to turn away from you.

2. You will like yourself better. Once you give up your habit, you will be able to look at yourself in the mirror and smile. You also won't be sick and tired of being sick and tired.

3. You will have more joy in experiencing a day rather than sleeping through it. When the demon has you in its grip, you have no life.

4. Your body and mind will feel awake and alive once again. One reason people continue to drink and use is because they physically experience the withdrawals of the substance and need to continue the addiction just to "feel normal."

5. You can now have honest, deep and lasting relationships. Addicts don't have relationships; they take hostages. Once you are sober, someone can choose to love you rather than choose to stay because they are afraid for you or of you.

6. You are now available to follow (and reach) your dreams. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself because you haven't achieved your goals, you will be able to take the necessary steps to get there.

7. You will make the world a tiny bit better. Just by being a little nicer, as well as extending a helping hand to others, (which will help you stay sober), you will make this world a better place.

8. Others can once again trust you. An added benefit is that you can also trust yourself again, because you have gotten through one of the most frightening things in life.

9. You will have more money. Many people who are addicted spend all their money on their drug of choice. Sober, you no longer have that extra expense and are capable of earning more.

10. You give yourself a life. Many people drink and use because they are afraid of dying. Others are afraid of living. And all addicts are afraid of stopping. Using drugs and alcohol doesn't make you less afraid; it just numbs you.

We all have our reasons. What are yours?

Labels: Alchohol Addiction, Drug Addiction, Treatment

Published in The New York Times yesterday, "Lost in an Abyss of Drugs, and Entangled by Poverty" follows a local Argentinian fighting for survival in the Buenos Aires shantytown Ciudad Oculta. Pablo Eche has returned home from yet another stint in drug rehab, battling his addiction to paco. Although rather uncommon and unknown in North America, paco is the highly-addictive smokable drug currently laying siege on Argentine.

Paco is made of residual cocaine, averaging a mere 10% according to experts, mixed with such solvents as kerosene or rat poisoning. Nerve and brain cells, according to doctors interviewed by The NY Times, start to die almost immediately following use. The drug is also a powerful appetite suppressant, many addicts literally dying of starvation. The vast majority of discovered operations, according to Argentinian officials, are home-based and family-run, cooked up in local kitchens. Paco has a street value of about $1.30 a dose.

As the drug is so new, no clear, successful treatment has been established.

The story of Pablo Eche, although set in a far-off impoverished country and centering around a relatively unknown substance, is the story of drug addicts everywhere. His is the face of depression, isolation, and drug addiction.

“This is what keeps me company now. [Paco] doesn’t demand anything of me. It doesn’t promise me anything, nothing at all.” Mr. Eche told The NY Times.

These are universal feelings echoed throughout the sobriety community. This is the lure of drugs and alcohol. This is at the core of fighting addiction.

In times of depression and darkness, what do you tell yourself to keep you on your path to sobriety?

Photos credit: Drugs seized in Argentinian raid; Pablo Eche. The New York Times.

Labels: Drug Addiction, Substance Abuse, Treatment

Last month, the new so-called 'drug czar', Gil Kerlikowske, the White House Office's Director of National Drug Control Policy, announced plans to move away from the 'war on drugs'. The Obama Administration's viewpoint, in contrast to Administration's past, favors treatment over incarceration.

For October 2009, the Obama Administration is increasing funding for substance abuse treatment programs to $3.6 billion--a 4% increase, moving away from a criminal-justice approach, framing it as a public health issue including a needle-exchange program, which has been banned federally in the US.

"Regardless of how you try to explain to people it's a 'war on drugs' or a 'war on a product,' people see a war as a war on them," he exlpained in an interview. "We're not at war with people in this country."

This moves the American's approach to illicit drugs to more closely align with the drug policies of Europe--policies that have time and time again proven more effective in countering drug abuse. This isn't to say that we will be seeing the US loosen their drug crime laws, but that a focus on treatment and prevention will be added to the mix.

For those of us in the addiction community on both sides of the border, this is what we have all been waiting for. We've known for years that a purely punitive approach is not successful in combating substance abuse and addition. Your approach may fall into the 12-step framework, it may not. Each person's recovery is different, a personal road filled with its own curves and pitfalls.

But we all have a common goal: treating the deeper issues at hand, burrowing down to each individual's unique root of the addiction, and finding forgiveness both for oneself and others. We seek to provide solace, not punishment.

And it is only once you have healed can you grow and find release from the addictions that have haunted you.

Labels: Drug Addiction, Substance Abuse, Treatment, Treatment Approaches

This is a staggering statistic.

Released yesterday, The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that in the last year, approximately 7 million young American adults, aged 18 to 25 years, were classified as 'in need of treatment' for substance abuse issues. This is the equivalent to 1 in 5 persons in that age group.

Of the 7 million, 93% never received any professional or specialized treatment. Moreover, an unbelievable 96% of those classified in need of but did not receive treatment, did not perceive themselves as having a substance abuse problem. Of the 4% who did recognize that they were in need of help, only about a third actually sought treatment out.

During the past year, a little over 17% were struggling with alcohol addiction problems; 8.4% with illicit drug dependency; and 4.4% with a combination of drug and alcohol abuse.

SAMHSA Acting Administrator, Eric Broderick, D.D.S., M.P.H., said in a statement:
“Substance use disorders are preventable and treatable yet we continue as a Nation to allow the lives of 1 in 5 young people and their families be torn apart by substance abuse. As a nation we must redouble our efforts to prevent substance abuse in the first place and ensure treatment is available to those in need.”

Labels: Alchohol Addiction, Drug Addiction, News, Substance Abuse, Treatment

Released today, a new study by Canada's Centre for Addiction & Mental Health (CAMH) finds that a whopping 1 in 25 deaths worldwide are directly attributable to alcohol use, up from 2000. The study, among other factors, sites the increase in the number of female drinkers.

The study looked at the average adult consumption rates, measured by the number of standard drinks (defined as alcohol equivalent to one can of beer, one glass of wine, or one one-oz. shot of hard alcohol) per person per week, for both countries and regions globally. Europe, for example, averages 13 standard drinks.

North America showed slightly lower numbers, with 10 to 11 standard drinks per person per week. Canada, lower still, came in at 9 standard drinks. However, the Canadian average represents a steady increase each year, along with an increased rate in high risk drinking behavior.

The global average is currently seven.

Europe also has the highest proportion of alcohol-attributable deaths, with 1 in 10 deaths due directly to alcohol use. The Soviet Union, on the other hand, is showing 15% of all deaths. The deaths were generally due to injuries, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and liver cirrhosis.

Dr. Jurgen Rehm of CAMH and others said that alcohol-attributable disorders were "among the most disabling disease categories within the global burden of disease, especially for men." Furthermore, unlike most other risk factors for disease, these impact younger people more than older. Of all people living with disabilities due to alcohol, overwhelmingly 34% are between the ages of 15 and 29, compared to 22% aged 45 to 59.

The report, one of three, is being published in The Lancet, a leading medical journal.

Labels: Alchohol Addiction, Alcohol, News, Substance Abuse, Treatment

Recently, 'laughologist' Albert Nerenberg has been receiving a great deal of attention for his documentary Laughology, premiering earlier this month at Toronto's HotDocs.

At Heritage Home, we have been lucky enough to work with Albert regularly with our laughter therapy sessions. Although perhaps a more experimental and non-traditional form of addiction therapy, all of our clients who have tried it have found it a beneficial component of their treatment.

In our experience, a laughter therapy session brings the client out of their shell, allowing them to interact on a new level, and helps them find the light once again.

Discover the power of laughter:



Please share with us your thoughts and experiences with laughter in your own recovery.

Labels: Laughter Therapy, Treatment, Treatment Approaches