The high-profile Jodi Arias trial has mental health and treatment professionals taking notice. As the proceedings wrap up, there has been much discussion about the DSM. Its formal name is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The latest version of this “mental health bible,” the DSM-IV-TR (fourth edition, text revision), is used by
Keep ReadingIt is not uncommon to find that a drug created for one purpose may be used to treat other issues as well, and interesting new options for addressing addiction have experts taking notice. As we better understand how addiction and brain disease overlap, scientists are discovering new treatment methods in already established medications. Options being
Keep ReadingFor many the point of smoking marijuana is to get high, but Israeli researchers have bred a cannabis plant that looks, smells and tastes like ordinary marijuana, minus one important ingredient. The new plants lack THC, the active ingredient responsible for pot’s high. This may not be cause for rejoicing among recreational marijuana users, but
Keep ReadingYou want to have a few drinks with friends, but you’re watching your calories, so you opt for a diet mixer. It seems like the smart option, right? Wrong — at least if you’re worried about your blood alcohol level. A new study shows that if you and a friend drink the same amount of
Keep ReadingThe American Psychiatric Association (APA) has officially approved the final diagnostic criteria for the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). This update features a number of important changes and some notable exclusions. The update, due to be released in spring 2013, is the first new version in 20 years.
Keep ReadingIt can be overwhelming trying to keep up with the latest trends in addiction, what new warning signs parents and teachers should be on the lookout for, and the latest everyday item teens are using to get high and endanger their health. Sometimes it is best to get back to basics. Our general understanding of
Keep ReadingTechnology is amazing. It has brought us computers, smart phones and voice recognition software. It makes our lives easier, more enjoyable and even safer. Now, researchers hope it can stop drunk driving, too. Despite all the public service announcements, the police checkpoints and the threat of arrest, drunk driving continues to be involved in one-third
Keep ReadingSmarter doesn’t equal drug-free, according to a new study. Apparently, intelligence doesn’t carry over to the ability to “just say no.” A new British study finds children with high IQs are actually more likely to use drugs as adults than people who score low on IQ tests as children. The data can be traced back
Keep ReadingThe brain plays a key role in addiction, and new research is finding better ways to treat substance abuse, while proving what the pros already knew: it’s not a weakness, it’s a disease. For much of the last century, those battling addiction also had to battle misconceptions about their disease. Many attributed their chronic substance
Keep ReadingPuffing on pot can make you nearly three times more likely to develop the incurable lung disorder COPD. Marijuana isn’t just hazardous to your health just because it causes distorted perception, memory issues, loss of coordination, increased heart rate and affects brain function. Regularly lighting up can also lead to COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
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