Showing papers on "Addiction medicine published in 1993"

1990-1991 Survey of Pharmacotherapies Used in the Treatment of Cocaine Abuse

Abstract: In order to assess the usefulness of pharmacotherapeutic agents in cocaine treatment, all 3,631 physician members of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) were surveyed Five hundred and two physicians indicated use of pharmacotherapies, involving treatment experiences with approximately 79,760 patients for cocaine detoxification, and with 37,166 patients for cocaine abstinence maintenance For both detoxification and abstinence maintenance, the four most commonly prescribed medications were amantadine, bromocriptine, desipramine, and l-tryptophan As expected, these four medications were also the preferred treatment by a majority of physicians expressing any preference Some relatively new medications are also being tried for the treatment of cocaine abuse, specifically carbamazepine, fluoxetine, and Tropamine

Health Access America's Coverage of Detoxification

Abstract: To the Editor —In Paul Cotton's article in the Medical News & Perspectives section of JAMA 1 describing basic benefits in various health insurance plans, the author erroneously states that the American Medical Association's plan does not cover detoxification Detoxification originally was excluded in Health Access America's basic benefits package, but the Medical Society of the State of New York and the American Society of Addiction Medicine argued at the 1991 Interim Meeting that if the exclusion were to stand, it would have many negative repercussions, including setting exclusion of detoxification as the standard for health insurers; sending a message that detoxification is not part of the mainstream of acute medical care; deterring hospitals from establishing detoxification services or from maintaining present services; admitting alcoholics to hospitals under alternative diagnoses and lessening opportunities for adequate follow-up care; and taking a giant step backward in the effort to aid persons suffering

The hospital treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction

Abstract: Inpatient treatment of alcoholism is an option indicated by certain clinical criteria. The American Society of Addiction Medicine suggests four levels of care, and six assessment dimensions determine which level of care is indicated. An addiction medicine physician can consult with the primary care physician to recommend appropriate placement in difficult cases. Abstinence is a primary goal of treatment; for without abstinence, no other recovery will be possible. The remaining goals of recovery are detoxification, medical evaluation, stabilization of life-threatening emotional issues, education, identification of barriers to recovery, readjustment of behavior toward recovery, and orientation and membership in a self-help group. Successful family contributions can make the difference between success or failure of treatment goals; the role the family plays in recovery is discussed. Treatment for family members is important; the physical, emotional, and spiritual effects on family members can be just as profound on them as they are on the alcoholic. Continuing care maintains the link between the patient and the professional recovery community after discharge and is appropriate for all patients. Extended care allows for structured support of sobriety and often further progress through psychosocial issues identified during the initial treatment phase (i.e., abuse, molestation, unresolved grief). Extended care is indicated for patients requiring further structured assistance in early recovery. A large variety of treatment options are available once the decision has been made to hospitalize the patient.