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From The Director
MINI EDITORIALS
Trillions are being spent on catching drugs being brought into the country and in prosecuting and imprisoning those who use these drugs.
In comparison, little is expended to treat the patient, which not only saves lives, but decreases the demand or eliminates the demand for drugs. Treatment also decreases or eliminates the criminal behavior* that results in trying to get drugs.
*The highest number of arrests across the country are related to drug use. This includes possessing, manufacturing and/or selling drugs, followed by
theft, and driving under the influence.
US Dept of Justice, FBI, 2012.
Addictions and mental health treatment services are grossly affected by politics. Untreated or under-treated patients cost an enormous amount emotionally as well as financially.
WHAT TO DO?
One can say this is so much bigger than all of us, but make your voice heard where it counts. Talk about this with legislators locally, state-wide, and nationally.
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Energy Drinks - A booming business and a health hazard.
The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration reports a major public health
concern related to the use of energy drinks.
Emergency department admissions involving the use of energy drinks have doubled in the last three years.
In 58% of the cases, it was the energy drinks alone and 48% involved combining the energy drink with another drug, often alcohol.
The FDA is investigating those most concentrated with caffeine. Patients admitted to the emergency department were seen for such adverse effects of high caffeine intake such as chronic insomina, nervousness, headache, rapid heartbeat and seizures.
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Over the last ten years, there has been a sharp rise in admissions for those combining benzodiazepines (i.e., Xanax, Valium, Klonopin) and pain relievers
(i.e., Percocet, Vicodin).
It takes a very careful treatment plan. Doctors must be very cautious with treating this. Both drugs cannot be prescribed at the same time and not taking one of them will trigger withdrawal symptoms. Abruptly
stopping regular benzodiazepine use is dangerous, where abruptly stopping opiate use is not.
Thus, proper treatment begins with a slow taper down of the benzodiazepine and no opiate medication. This is best accomplished in a residential setting. | 
