woman learns about the benefits of TMS therapy

5 Benefits of TMS Therapy

Depression affects millions of people in the United States, and in fact, several sources cite depression as the number one cause of disability across the country. There are a variety of depression treatments available and treatments for other mental health conditions. Some people may seek a newer, more innovative treatment, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation…

Seek Medical Support When Detoxing from Alcohol, to Avoid the Dangers of Trying it Yourself at Home – PART ONE

Seek Medical Support When Detoxing from Alcohol, to Avoid the Dangers of Trying it Yourself at Home – PART ONE

Have you ever looked in the mirror and the reflection back has said something like, “Alright, already! You’ve GOT to quit drinking!” If you’re like me, you’d certainly prefer to have a switch somewhere nearby you could flick and voila! All our alcohol problems would magically disappear and we’d be able to live our lives…

REHAB 101 – Freedom from Active Addiction Requires Taking Off the Masks and Dropping the Stories

REHAB 101 – Freedom from Active Addiction Requires Taking Off the Masks and Dropping the Stories

Having been devotedly involved in my own recovery program—and being an active part of the recovery network of many others’—over the past 23 years, I’ve learned a few things about the concept of ‘freedom.’ I’ve learned that, as far as recovery from a substance use disorder (aka addiction or chemical dependency) is concerned, the sooner…

Seek Medical Support When Detoxing from Alcohol, to Avoid the Dangers of Trying it Yourself at Home – PART TWO

Seek Medical Support When Detoxing from Alcohol, to Avoid the Dangers of Trying it Yourself at Home – PART TWO

For those seeking recovery from an alcohol dependency, detoxing from alcohol is typically an extremely challenging experience. Throughout the detox process—which, according to Medical News Today, initially takes about a week[1]—there is a high likelihood of experiencing negative, even dangerous symptoms of withdrawal. Even milder symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be too uncomfortable to tolerate.…

Treating Nurses with Substance Use Disorders

Treating Nurses with Substance Use Disorders

In an article by Daniel Angres, M.D., et al. titled, “Nurses with Chemical Dependency: Promoting Successful Treatment and Reentry” (published in The Journal of Nursing Regulation), the authors state the literature on chemical dependency in nurses lags far behind that for other health-care professionals, particularly physicians. “However,” they point out, “with nurses on the front…

Some Reflections on Treatment and Recovery for Dentists with Substance Use Disorders – PART TWO

Some Reflections on Treatment and Recovery for Dentists with Substance Use Disorders – PART TWO

When most dentists show up for work at a dental office, they’re not working alongside another dentist who is impaired by alcohol or drugs. Still, statistics indicate anywhere from 12 to 19% of dentists face a substance use disorder within their lifetime.[1] Given this understandably surprising (if not startling) information, the question arises: What can…

Some Considerations for Pharmacists with Substance Use Disorders

Some Considerations for Pharmacists with Substance Use Disorders

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimates that 10-15% of healthcare professionals will misuse drugs or alcohol at some point in their career, which is similar to the rate of the rest of the population.[1] However, there are numerous occupational hazards unique to pharmacists involving risk factors such as: · Easy access…

Some Reflections on Treatment and Recovery for Dentists with Substance Use Disorders – PART ONE

Some Reflections on Treatment and Recovery for Dentists with Substance Use Disorders – PART ONE

When we arrive at our dentist’s office for an appointment, not one of us would expect—or want—to find out he or she is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, right? Yet according to Michel A. Sucher, MD, medical director of the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners’ Monitored Aftercare Treatment Program, “About 10 to…

Recent Study Indicates Adolescents Vaping Cannabis at More Serious Risk to Lungs than Smoking

Recent Study Indicates Adolescents Vaping Cannabis at More Serious Risk to Lungs than Smoking

A study published March 3, 2021 in the Journal of Adolescent Health by Dr. Carol J. Boyd, et al. titled, “Cannabis, Vaping and Respiratory Symptoms in a Probability Sample of U.S. Youth” provides evidence that vaping (via electronic nicotine delivery systems, aka ENDS) is more likely to result in lung injury and/or respiratory disease symptoms…