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When Happy Hour Isn’t Always So Happy: One Clinician’s Point of View
I’m sure many of us reading the words “Happy Hour” get a little excited: as a time to socialize, network, and let loose. For some, it’s a chance to be an extrovert - while an invisible cloak helps suppress insecurities, fears, and worries. For many, in fact, happy hour is not really very...
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Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Treatment Services: A Social Justice and Health Equity Perspective
Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) present a complex and multifaceted public health challenge that disproportionately affects marginalized communities, exacerbating existing health disparities and social inequities. These marginalized populations encompass groups facing social, economic, and structural...
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The Hidden Impacts of Overdose: Four More Reasons We Must Stop the Epidemic
The recent overdose epidemic has brought the issue of substance use front and center as a mainstream problem. That means now is the time to harness our collective efforts to devise mainstream solutions. As we celebrate International Overdose Awareness Day, it’s essential that we recognize the...
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Moving Toward Recovery After Discharge with the Ongoing Abstinence Recovery Schedule Program™
Like many psychiatric hospitals, Montgomery County Emergency Service (MCES), located in Norristown, PA, serves adults with primary serious mental illness many of whom also have a co-occurring substance use disorder (COD), sometimes involving opiates. This “double trouble” puts them at greater...
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“Decriminalization” is Misconceived: Towards Improved Drug Policy
Recent reports about the problems that have emerged with Oregon’s experiment in the decriminalization of drugs have rekindled debate about this approach to reducing the damage that results from the current policy of criminalizing illegal substances. I tilt against decriminalization as currently...
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Unlocking Success: 6 Ways Technology Enhances Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Access to Addiction Recovery Care
In today's competitive market, for-profit addiction recovery organizations can employ sophisticated IT solutions to engage clients more effectively while streamlining operations and reducing costs. The right technology can radically transform an individual’s path to recovery and ensure long-term...
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The Long History and Bright Future of Harm Reduction in New York State
For the past year, the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) has implemented a new division among its pillars of prevention, treatment, and recovery services. The newly formed Division of Harm Reduction seeks to bring both the harm reduction philosophy and its practical...
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Empowering Recovery: How Technology Supports Those with Substance Use Disorders
The journey of overcoming substance use disorders (SUD) is multifaceted and often daunting. However, recent technological advancements have proven to be formidable allies in this quest, offering hope and innovative solutions. From the vast capabilities of data analytics to the immediacy of...
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The Opioid Epidemic: Helping Communities in Crisis
The opioid epidemic has impacted our families, friends, and communities. The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) estimates that 1 in 13 New York State residents suffer from a substance abuse disorder.1 Among NYS residents, the number of overdose deaths involving any...
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An Overview of Family-Based Substance Use Therapy
Historically, individual therapy and group-based treatments have been the predominant modalities used in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs. However, there has been increased recognition among researchers, clinicians, and clients of the importance of family structure and how it plays a...
