Maine program to help children of drug addicts seeks to change culture
In Penobscot and Piscataquis counties, pregnant drug users and families dealing with substance abuse problems who have children age 5 and younger will be connected with a specially trained and nonjudgmental “navigator” who will help connect them with …
Read more on Bangor Daily News

'Miracle' spurs parents to help others fight drug abuse
… teenage addicts in recovery speaking to their peers rather than government or elected officials, she said. “We wanted to bring real-life stories,” Maxim added. “People see addiction as shameful. In every family, someone is either a drug addict or …
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Heroin, prescription drugs often to blame for overdose fatalities in county, state
Of those, 52 involved heroin, a drug that can cause a surge of euphoria and clouded thinking followed by alternately wakeful and drowsy states, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Drug overdose deaths in McHenry County … “They steal …
Read more on Northwest Herald

by Christiana Care

Question by misskrisq2: What does it mean by examining the classifications?
I am doing a paper for abnormal psychology. I am unsure on what the instructions mean by examining the classifications of certain disorders. The instructions state, “Examine the various classifications of eating, substance abuse, sex/gender/sexual, and personality disorders.” These are the classifications. Because they are categories within the DSM-IV. Can someone explain to me what to do? Sorry this is probably a dumb question, but I appreciate the help.

Best answer:

Answer by Kristal [Ward 7 Resident]
Generally speaking, the classifications can be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) ~ which is a reference book used in the mental health field.

The DSM
Psychologists and psychiatrists use a reference book called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose psychological disorders. The American Psychiatric Association published the first version of the DSM in 1952. It has been revised several times, and the newest version is commonly referred to as the DSM-IV.

The DSM-IV uses a multi-axial system of classification, which means that diagnoses are made on several different axes or dimensions. The DSM has five axes:

1.Axis I records the patient’s primary diagnosis.
2.Axis II records long-standing personality problems or mental retardation.
3.Axis III records any medical conditions that might affect the patient psychologically.
4.Axis IV records any significant psychosocial or environmental problems experienced by the patient.
5.Axis V records an assessment of the patient’s level of functioning

What do you think? Answer below!

Acacia Network Graduation Ceremony – 3/13/12

Image by NYS OASAS
Acacia Network recently held their first graduation ceremony celebrating the successful completion for graduates from their combined substance abused treatment programs. The event was held on the Lehman College Campus in the Bronx on March 13, 2012.

Lawmakers asked to improve mental health, substance abuse treatment
“People with substance abuse and mental health issues are left to their own devices,” Figlewski said. Carol Vassar, a spokeswoman for the Rushford Center in Meriden, said the mental health and substance abuse treatment facility supports both bills.
Read more on Meriden Record-Journal

Authorities grapple with substance abuse solutions
Jacksonville has counseling services, a methadone clinic and a crisis center available. However, there is no local inpatient treatment facility for those with substance abuse issues. “We do a lot of recommendations to the Wilmington treatment centers …
Read more on Jacksonville Daily News

Substance Abuse and Prevention Experts Prepare for Elevated Risk in Post …
LAKEWOOD – Leaders in the field of substance abuse and prevention gathered at the New Jersey Prevention Network's (NJPN) 13th Annual Addiction Conference in Atlantic City last week for a review and update on the health of New Jersey. Among the …
Read more on NJ TODAY

Delray Recovery Center Now Offers Intervention Services for Drug Addiction
To be effective, drug addiction interventions require certain key elements. The first is to ensure that intervention is truly the last option. Individuals should be given a chance to take their own steps to stop drug use and abuse and those planning …
Read more on PR Web (press release)

Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center Announces Programs Designed to Combat …
Leading treatment center focuses on prescription pain medication abuse, one of the most serious addiction issues in the U.S. today. The Palmetto Center offers programs specifically geared to working professionals with substance abuse issues as well as …
Read more on PR Web (press release)

Question by nunya: Does anyone know at least 4 to 7 places where someone can get long term treatment for drug addiction?
This is for D.A.R.E

Best answer:

Answer by cintchick
The link I included below will take you to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) treatment center locator. SAMHSA is a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services

Enter a city and state, then select “Continue”. You will then be offered options to target your search. In your case, under “Services Provided” you would select “Substance Abuse” and under “Type of Care” you would select “Residential Long-Term Treatment” and/or “Hospital Inpatient”. Again, select “Continue”. You will then see a list of centers with their contact information, as well as a summary of the services they offer and forms of payment accepted.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!