Pass bill to track, fight addiction
Historically, politicians have reacted to the drug addiction problem mostly on the enforcement side – appropriating more money for interdiction and establishing long mandatory sentences. The jails have filled while addiction has persisted, at massive …
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Poor oxytocin development could be to blame for alcohol and drug addiction
New research from the University of Adelaide in Australia suggests that poor development of oxytocin in early childhood may explain why some individuals succumb to addictive behavior, such as alcohol or drug abuse. Oxytocin, more commonly referred to …
Read more on Medical News Today

SALINE: Addiction Prevention Task Force approves mission statement …
SALINE — The Saline Addiction Prevention Task Force now has a mission statement and several community members willing to help address the substance abuse issues facing the community. The mission statement was approved during the task force's …
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Problem Solving Court holds graduation
The purpose of the court is to treat individuals addicted to drugs or alcohol by having them recover from substance abuse to alleviate recidivism into the criminal justice system. The intent is to stop the addiction-driven crime and save the county money.
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Yes, Enrique Iglesias's New Album, 'Sex and Love,' Is Really About Sex and Love
“I'm addicted to your chemicals / I got a feast, I want an overdose,” Iglesias sings while half-kissing, half-sniffing the derriere of a lingerie clad redhead. Unlike Iglesias's … Iglesias told Ok! Magazine that he is never aroused when dancing on …
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Aslan's Christy Dignam: I'm amazed that I'm still alive in his crazy world
He added: “I was in a plane crash a couple of years ago, I struggled with drug addiction and now this cancer thing so it is a bit of a Lazarus. That's three lives gone, I've six left. “I never really thought I'd be … “So we're just looking forward to …
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Addiction and Recovery
Established in 1954 with the publication of the recovery mainstay Twenty-Four Hours a Day, today Hazelden Publishing is the leading innovator and disseminator of books, media, and service solutions that advance the knowledge of substance abuse, …
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Yoga for recovery
Studies show that yoga can be an effective tool to help with addiction recovery and staying sober, and the local offerings continue to grow. You can take a yoga class for …. Disclosure: Aimee Heckel edited a book by Tabitha Farrar. Contact Camera …
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Task Force Urges Swift Action as Heroin, Painkiller Deaths Climb
“It gives people a guide and a grade book to see how we're doing six months and a year from now,” said Greenagel, an addiction recovery counselor and adjunct professor with Rutgers University. “If nothing else, no one that's either a parent, social …
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Question by ebizartistry: For Substance addiction counselors…please?
Many courts require as a matter of their S.O.P. that any drug/alcohol related misdeameanor be ordered to participate in their drug and alcohol program which is fee based paid to the court, or seek counseling from a private institution.

I question the true therapeutic value of court mandated substance abuse counseling, as well as its effectiveness in helping its clients with drug addiction issues. I have spoke with many people over the years who have been ordered to this program and most, if not all, have indicated that it is a great place to swap war stories and network for new connections. It does however generate a lot of revenue for the court.

How does the counseling profession feel about persons being “ordered” to participate in their services? Does it limit the availability of beds for those who desire to, and choose to get clean themselves?

Best answer:

Answer by parkermbg
there are several key factors that go into “court mandated recovery”
1. the courts (& society) would rather see you recover than go to prison.
2. prisons are over-crowded, so any seemingly viable option is worth reaching for
3. there truly is insufficient infrastructure to deal with drug related crimes
4. most courts do not do success/failure statistics on this mandated recovery, they just hope for the best! if even 5% of offenders stop abusing-then its a good thing.

as for the recovery comunity;
professionals, recovery homes, and even 12 step meetings often get annoyed with those individuals that do not take recovery seriously. some long term programs would fold if the courts stopped sending them bodies, but certainly most of these groups and professionals want to reach as many addicts as possible, so the courts scatter gun theory (throw enough crap against the wall & some of it has gotta stick) is tolerated. those who truly want to be free of drugs will find a way (hopefully).

Add your own answer in the comments!

Question by Steve S: Need to Attend a Substance Abuse Facility, Mothers Insurance wont cover it could I get my own?
I need to go into a substance abuse facility to get off a prescribed medication Ive been on for a while. The facility I want to go to is in Florida, however I live in Michigan. I am a dependent on my mothers Blue Cross PPO insurance policy however they will not accept places like this.

I am a full time student, 22 years old. I know that Aetna insurance covers this place so I was thinking of applying with them. Should I tell them before hand that I want to attend this place so I can pick the best plan, or will that probably ensure they wont cover me? Its like $ 20k to go. Please only answer if you are familiar with insurance.

Best answer:

Answer by mbrcatz
Look, if you tell them you’re addicted to your prescription medication, they’re going to turn you down. And if you don’t tell them, they’re going to deny the claim and cancel your policy for material misrepresentation.

That’s assuming that whatever condition you have, that requires the prescriptions, doesn’t flat out disqualify you from coverage.

It’s not going to work. If you can’t pay cash, you’ll have to go to the ‘in network’ place for the coverage you already have. Sorry.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Study addresses health needs
Results from the 2012 assessment for St. Joseph County have been released by Sturgis Hospital, Three Rivers Health, Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency and Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of St. Joseph County …
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Heroin epidemic exposes deficiencies in care system
A surge in heroin overdoses in Massachusetts has exposed a complicated and overburdened substance abuse treatment system with demand for recovery beds chronically outpacing supply, insurance covering only a few services, and families increasingly …
Read more on Boston Globe