Addiction & Substance Use

Given the pervasiveness of substance use disorders, the information provided here is relevant not only for addiction psychiatrists, but all mental health providers and primary care physicians.

This brief communication highlights clinically applicable information and take-home points presented at the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry Annual Meeting.

Medication misuse and alcohol abuse are a huge problem in the US, and women and the elderly are not exempt. In this Q&A, an expert touches on the epidemiology, recognition, assessment, and treatment of substance use disorder in these two populations.

In this brief video, an expert summarizes the effects of marijuana use on the teenage brain, as well as new strategies to discuss the consequences of drug use with adolescents.

Because at least 10% of the US population suffers from a substance use disorder in any given year, the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry has expanded its longstanding Board Review Course in Addictions to a more inclusive “Addictions and Their Treatment” course.

An overview of some of the recent scientific data examining the relationship between adolescent marijuana use and later onset of neuropsychiatric disorders.

This brief communication highlights the importance of genetic predictors and moderators of treatment research in the field of substance use.

How does the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders fit into the general practice of psychiatry? Dr Laurence Westreich, President of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, addresses that question in this podcast.

Which addictive disorders do not yet have effective pharmacotherapy? Take the quiz and learn more.

Dr Edward Nunes discusses the latest evidence from research studies on stimulant and cocaine dependence in this podcast.

Here: A 10-minute podcast on the spirit and principles that underlie motivational interviewing and the key skills and tools to encourage positive behavioral change.

An introduction to the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry and its coverage of topics such as alcohol use disorders, e-cigarettes, prescription opioid use and abuse, cannabis use, stimulant use, medical marijuana, gambling, and opioid antagonist therapy to prevent overdose.

An overview of select topics in clinical psycho-oncology, including assessment and management of delirium and brain lesions, mood and anxiety disorders, medication adverse effects, and existential death anxiety.

The use of buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid dependence is on the rise. However, buprenorphine withdrawal has its own withdrawal symptoms that in many cases can be as severe as symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

The psychopath has the image of a cold, heartless, inhuman being. But do all psychopaths show a complete lack of normal emotional capacities and empathy?

Maltreatment at an early age casts a very long shadow. Here: a look at the long-term effects of early childhood trauma.

In a world in which substance use disorders are no longer suffered in isolation, treating addiction is a challenging journey with obstacles, intermittent failures, and life-altering successes. A poem on drug withdrawal expressed through the eyes of a fellow in addiction medicine.

The elephant in the room: the problem of iatrogenic opioid use disorder is being ignored.

There probably isn't anyone who is not a Robin Williams fan and admired his wonderful talent. Everybody experiences his loss and death as something personal. More in this podcast.

A guide for helping patients understand heroin, its history, and how it impacts our communities.

Severe alcohol dependence and frequent relapses in this patient prompts his son to produce a durable power of attorney for health care. He demands that the physicians declare his father to lack decision-making capacity. More in this ethics case report.

Very few heavy drinkers receive treatment and fewer still are prescribed medications with demonstrated efficacy. Here, a summary of current research, key takeaways, and highlights from a study on topiramate treatment for heavy drinkers by the lead author of that study.

In addition to the approval of novel medications for alcohol use disorders, the past several years have been marked by an emphasis on development, standardization, and dissemination of new behavioral therapies, including computer-based interventions.

There is increasing evidence and support for medications for alcohol use disorders to be used in regular clinical practice, and not to be limited to specialty substance abuse settings. Here, special considerations for pharmacological management.

In the US, 38,000 drug overdose deaths occur per year, and it is estimated that 75% are opioid-related. The good news is that addiction is a treatable disease. More in this discussion of opioid addiction, the use of naloxone, and Good Samaritan laws.