The Edge:  

A Resource for Iowa's Behavioral Health Professionals 

 
2013 Edition, Volume 18                           


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Greetings! 

The Edge, a news scan for Behavioral Health Professionals in Iowa  strives to provide a glimpse of new trends, changes on the horizon in the field of substance abuse and problem gambling, and opportunities to increase your knowledge! 

We hope you enjoy this edition of The Edge!  Please continue to forward it to colleagues you think would be interested! 

The Edge is a weekly media scan that is distributed by the Iowa Substance Abuse Information Center (ISAIC).  If you have articles of value that you'd like to share with others across the state, or feedback regarding the content, format, or method of distribution, please email them to Emily at the address below.

Emily Blomme, ISAIC Program Manager 
blommee@crlibrary.org

Bob Kerksieck, IDPH
 Robert.Kerksieck@idph.iowa.gov
Substance Abuse:
Noteworthy Articles
 and Studies
More parents need to talk with their teens about the dangers of abusing Ritalin, Adderall and other prescription drugs, suggests a new study that finds discouraging trends on kids and drug use.

A new report from the United Nations shows that opium production in Afghanistan is up.  This, despite efforts on the part of the United States to sharply limit opium production in the country.  America's efforts, while well intentioned, have fallen victim to the law of unintended consequences. 

As researchers continue to assail the notion of free will, one study finds that genetics - rather than plain-old willpower - might explain why some people cannot stop smoking. They found genetic markers that identified those with a propensity to begin smoking and soon progress to a pack-a-day habit.
 

Problem Gambling: 
Noteworthy Articles
 and Studies
 
Age appears to play a critical factor for the development of pathological gambling, and the clinical course the addiction may follow.

 

Why millions of Americans are trapped in financial and emotional despair. 

 

A review of research into harmful video game behavior and finds that there seems to be no clear consensus on what constitutes pathological gaming and using the gambling addiction or substance abuse doesn't work very well. 
 
Research indicates that gambling and substance-related and addictive disorders share a common reward-system neurocircuitry and behavioral patterns.  Gambling disorder will take its place among substance-related and addictive disorders in DSM-5, which will be published next month. 

 
Upcoming Trainings and Materials 

 

 ISAIC Training Calendar
Trainings around the state in the field of Behavioral Health, including national webinars and online train

ISAIC's new page for Professionals includes links to online libraries and databases, open positions in the field, and statewide training calendar.  Check back often for updates and submit open positions and upcoming trainings to be posted!

 

Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse

June 26-28, Kansas City, Missouri

The three-day, multi-state summit features internationally and nationally renowned experts in the fields of problem gambling, substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Last year, the conference hosted more than 200 attendees from throughout the country. 

  

Did you miss a NCRG Webinar?  You can view archived webinars here.

Interested in getting Certified?  Click to find information about Iowa Problem Gambling Certification  or National Problem Gambling Certification 
 



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