Journal of psychoactive drugs
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J Psychoactive Drugs · Apr 2012
Case ReportsCraving dominates propofol addiction of an affected physician.
We report a case of severe dependence on propofol. For over a year, a 30-year-old male resident anesthesiologist injected 100-200 mg of propofol 20 to 40 times a day, reaching a daily total of up to 4 g. Compared to other withdrawal symptoms, craving for propofol was much more pronounced. ⋯ No other addiction was found in his history before he became dependent on propofol. This emphasizes that, especially with the patient's high injection rate, propofol has a powerful potential to be addictive. In most hospitals, the staff is put at risk by nonregulated dispensation and too easy access to this anesthetic drug.
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J Psychoactive Drugs · Oct 2011
American Indian culture as substance abuse treatment: pursuing evidence for a local intervention.
Contemporary tribal commitments to traditional cultural reclamation and revitalization find continued expression by recent generational cohorts of American Indians who, when it comes to matters of recovery, healing, and wellness in the context of substance abuse, routinely assert that "our culture is our treatment." And yet, empirical investigations of this culture-as-treatment hypothesis--namely, that a (post)colonial return to indigenous cultural orientations and practices is sufficient for effecting abstinence and recovery from substance use disorders for many American Indians--have yet to appear in the scientific literature. Preliminary activities of a research partnership dedicated to the empirical exploration of this hypothesis for reducing Native American substance use disorders are summarized. ⋯ This proposed alternative intervention--a seasonal cultural immersion camp designed to approximate the day-to-day experiences of prereservation ancestors--was designed for eventual implementation and evaluation with adult clients referred for residential treatment on the Blackfeet Indian reservation. It is anticipated that the proposed intervention will eventually afford empirical evaluation of the culture-as-treatment hypothesis.
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J Psychoactive Drugs · Apr 2011
ReviewWho are medical marijuana patients? Population characteristics from nine California assessment clinics.
Marijuana is a currently illegal psychoactive drug that many physicians believe has substantial therapeutic uses. The medical literature contains a growing number of studies on cannabinoids as well as case studies and anecdotal reports suggesting therapeutic potential. Fifteen states have passed medical marijuana laws, but little is known about the growing population of patients who use marijuana medicinally. ⋯ From this data we describe patient characteristics, self-reported presenting symptoms, physician evaluations, other treatments tried, other drug use, and medical marijuana use practices. Pain, insomnia, and anxiety were the most common conditions for which evaluating physicians recommended medical marijuana. Shifts in the medical marijuana patient population over time, the need for further research, and the issue of diversion are discussed.
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J Psychoactive Drugs · Jun 2010
Review Historical Article2010: U.S. drug and alcohol policy, looking back and moving forward.
Since the early twentieth century, both moral perspectives and changing perceptions of the disease model of alcoholism and addiction have significantly influenced the formulation of U. S. domestic policy on drugs and alcohol. Some fluctuations have occurred in federal drug policy but overall a prohibitive, punitive approach has been emphasised. ⋯ Over the past 50 years, limited progress has been made in challenging and changing these unproductive policies. A great deal of progress has been made in research and treatment, and in the understanding of the process of recovery. For the upcoming generation to move policy in the direction shown to be effective by experienced addiction professionals will entail a wide spectrum of interdependent actions in substance abuse research, education, prevention and treatment, and continued cooperation between many stakeholders.