Blogs

So where does that leave us? Without a standard.

In his review of long-term outcome studies involving both alcohol and heroin users, Vaillant noted the inspirational aspects of such participation.

A Federal judge once concluded in a famous lawsuit: It was clear that psychiatrists get together to define various disorders, and then every so often, get back together to redefine them.

Our goal is to reframe the discussion in a way that supports rather than undermines change.

Battling an epidemic requires considerable cross-state cooperation and coordination– something that’s never easy, even with strong Federal support.

“You don’t see much motivation or insight. But I guess that’s why they have to be compelled in the first place, right?”

Substance Use Disorders don’t appear overnight. People who develop them may use for months or years or even decades before they seek help.

It may seem to the individual as if it happens by itself– the result of an autopilot, set to return home.

…actually more of an issue now than in the 80’s, because of the presence of super-powerful opioids like fentanyl or carfentanil, and the growing risk of unintended overdose.

But given the experience in other fields of healthcare, a return to the old lifestyle, however destructive, may be little more than human nature.