Addiction medicine

About: Addiction medicine is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 1070 publications have been published within this topic receiving 23685 citations.

Service users' and service providers' understandings of addiction and their impact on treatment plans and treatment outcomes.

Abstract: The word addiction is almost immediately associated with notions of drug dependency and alcoholism, and drug addiction is often referred to as a pandemic that affects individuals, families, communities and society at large. Aetiological approaches to understanding and treating addiction have changed dramatically throughout history, and currently the most contemporary approach is that of the disease model which views addiction as an illness rather than as a ‘badness’. While the underpinnings of Narcotics Anonymous’ 12 step philosophy employs non-specific drug language as it views all drugs as having the capacity to become addictive, and while it does not distinguish between the capacity for substances and certain behaviours to become addictive, activities such as overeating, having sex and gambling are yet to be classified as legitimate addictions by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). As a result, it appears as if some confusion exists as to whether these behaviours should be classified as impulse control disorders or as genuine addictions due to the various similarities they share in common with substance based disorders. The research conducted explored how people recovering from addiction, as well as how people working with addiction understand addiction and multiple dependency, together with the factors that contribute to relapse and the ability to abstain. Various 12 Step meetings from a variety of 12 Step Fellowships were attended and members were invited to participate in the study. Ultimately seventy eight participants completed a self developed questionnaire which was utilised to assess how people recovering from addiction understood addiction and multiple dependency and the factors that contribute to relapse and the ability to abstain. Quantitative data were analysed via descriptive and inferential statistics. Furthermore twenty participants working with addiction were interviewed with the use of a semi structured interview schedule in order to explore their perceptions around addiction and the factors that contribute to relapse and sobriety. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results indicated that the majority of recovering addicts and professionals working with addiction understand addiction as a disease. However, discrepancy was apparent with regards to whether or not all recovering addicts have the same disease and subsequently whether all addictions can be treated in the same manner. The above result suggested that there was no standardised, uniform way in which the disease model is understood and interpreted. Factors such as cross addiction,

Psychiatric Training for Physicians in Internal Medicine

Abstract: Excerpt As discussion of the Millis report proceeds throughout the nation and as the many planning groups review and evaluate their intentions for the future of medical education and training, it m...

The extent that health professionals suspect and address addiction to medicines in primary care: Findings from a survey in Northwest England.

Abstract: Addiction to medicines available over the counter or via prescription is of growing international concern. The authors of the current article ran an online survey of health professionals in general medical practice and community pharmacy settings in Northwest England to explore the frequency of suspecting and responding to addiction to medicines. Health professionals reported frequently identifying addiction to medicines among patients including those with long-term pain, mental health problems, sleep disorders, and other substance use disorders, but that these addictions often go unchallenged. This adds to the evidence indicating the under-diagnosis of addiction to medicines in the United Kingdom. Strategies to improve diagnosis and treatment should recognize the diversity of individuals with addiction to medicines.

Addiction to Prescription Analgesics and Minor Tranquilizers: A Case Study of Hidden Primary Addiction

Abstract: Addiction to prescription analgesics and psychotropic drugs consistently remains a greater addiction problem for women than men. This case study of a 30-year-old white, middle class female teacher characterizes a pattern of primary addiction to prescription drugs common to women of all ages. This case history consists of in-depth interviews in which the respondent first traces the predisposing factors to her addiction, then describes the underlying health problems that led to the prescriptions, elaborates the intricate schemes for obtaining medication, discusses the altering issues of pain and panic, and delineates the comprehensive rehabilitation program that successfully changed her behavior. The respondent offers insights leading to recommendations for prevention of the addiction, recognition of the addictive symptoms, and suggestions for surviving with chronic pain but without addictive mediations.