Thoughts on Gratitude ASAM Magazine Gratitude is an essential element of successful recovery and long-term emotional health. When we express our appreciation for the gifts we have been given, we are able to put our everyday stresses and struggles into their proper perspective, and focus on the positive elements that give our lives purpose and significance.
Low Dispositional Mindfulness Predicts Self-Medication of Negative Emotion with Prescription Opioids Journal of Addiction Medicine (free ASAM member resource) Self-medication of negative emotions with opioids was prevalent in this sample and related to low dispositional mindfulness. Plausibly, increasing mindfulness may decrease opioid self-medication. Addictive automaticity and emotion regulation are discussed as potential mechanisms linking low dispositional mindfulness and self-medication.
US State by State Ranking of Mental Health Services Mental Health America The lack of data on disability status during ACA enrollment means that for the mental health community, there is no way to know exactly how many people with mental illness gained access to insurance. This lack of data, coupled with the complexity of the mental health system as whole, results in more questions than answers. These challenges led MHA to investigate national survey data to answer questions about the impact of the ACA on individuals with mental health problems. A primer on the ACA and the complexity of mental health insurance can be found on page 43 in the section entitled “Insuring Individuals with Mental Illness.”
Public Health Laws- Doctor Shopping Statutes CDC Public Health Law States have the primary responsibility to regulate and enforce prescription drug practice. Although state laws are commonly used to prevent injuries and their benefits have been demonstrated for a variety of injury types, there is little information on the effectiveness of state statutes and regulations designed to prevent prescription drug abuse and diversion...
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Eating Disorders Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry In anorexia nervosa the clinical practice guideline recommends treatment as an outpatient or day patient in most instances (i.e. in the least restrictive environment), with hospital admission for those at risk of medical and/or psychological compromise. A multi-axial and collaborative approach is recommended, including consideration of nutritional, medical and psychological aspects, the use of family based therapies in younger people and specialist therapist-led manualized based psychological therapies in all age groups...
Predicting Substance Abuse Treatment Completion Using a New Scale Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment This study examined whether a 9-item scale based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) predicted substance abuse treatment completion. Data were collected at a public, outpatient program among clients initiating treatment (N = 200). Baseline surveys included measures of treatment-related attitudes, norms, perceived control, and intention; discharge status was collected from program records...
Motivation and the Stages of Change Among Individuals with Severe Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Disorders Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment A complicating factor affecting the treatment of individuals with coexisting substance use problems and serious mental illness is their motivation for change and how these interacting, chronic conditions affect the entire process of intentional behavior change. This selective review explores conceptual and assessment issues related to readiness to modify substance use and readiness to initiate behaviors helpful for managing mental illness in the search for a better understanding of patient motivation for change.
Early Life Stress in Fathers Improves Behavioral Flexibility in Their Offspring Nature Communications Traumatic experiences in childhood can alter behavioral responses and increase the risk for psychopathologies across life, not only in the exposed individuals but also in their progeny. In some conditions, such experiences can however be beneficial and facilitate the appraisal of adverse environments later in life.
New York City Plans Focus on Mental Health in Justice System New York Times In an effort to reduce the growing number of inmates with mental health and substance abuse problems in New York City’s jails, the administration of Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to significantly expand public health services at almost every step of the criminal justice process.
This Deceptively Cute Animation Illustrates the Horrors of Addiction io9 At first, this animated short seems rather pleasant: A kiwi encounters a golden nugget, and upon consuming it, feels a glorious sense of bliss. But as the bird continues to chase that first high, things quickly turn dark...
Richard G. Soper, MD, JD, MS, FASAM, Editor-in-Chief, ASAM Weekly
Brendan McEntee, Managing Editor & Associate Director of Publications, 301.656.3920 ext. 110
Emily McMartin, New Media and Content Specialist AdvertiseView media kit Please direct customer service inquiries topubs@asam.org.
The views and positions of any content published in ASAM Weekly are not necessarily endorsed by ASAM nor a reflection of ASAM's beliefs and policies. The features are presented as a summary of the contemporary issues being represented and expressed in scientific, governmental, commercial, and media sources across the specialty field of addiction medicine. Contact ASAM Weekly with any comments or feedback.