1. Health

Chemical Dependency

Drug and alcohol problems have not always gotten the respect that other health problems get.  Here are some resources to help you cope with a your problem or a friend or family member's problem - whether the drug is alcohol, marijuana, heroin and other narcotics, cocaine, amphetamines, or barbiturates.

Older Schizophrenia Drug may Treat Opiate Addiction

Scientists may have found a new use for an old medication. Trifluoperazine, sold as Stelazine, may turn out to have anti-addictive properties.

Cactus Plant Extract May Ease Hangover

Individuals who took a dietary supplement containing extracts of Opuntia ficus indica, a type of prickly pear cactus, before consuming alcohol, had reduced symptoms of alcohol hangover compared to individuals who drank but took placebo.

THC may Cause Schizophrenia-like Symptoms

Yale University researchers have shown that active ingredient in marijuana can cause transient schizophrenia-like symptoms ranging from suspiciousness and delusions to impairments in memory and attention in some patients.

Study Looks At Students' Drinking Misperceptions, Behavior

College students' drinking behaviors are influenced more by their perceptions of their friends' drinking behaviors than by social norms marketing campaigns that encourage students to "go along with the crowd," according to a University of Iowa researcher who studies college students and alcohol use.

Adolescents' Perceived Importance of Religion Lessens Drug Use

When adolescents perceive religion as important in their lives, it may lower rates of cigarette smoking, heavy drinking and marijuana use, according to a study that tracked urban adolescents from middle school through high school.

Treating Alcoholism Is More Complex than "All Or Nothing"

Not all drinking problems are alike. Maybe abstinence is not the answer for everyone.

For Women, The 12 Steps don't Always Work

12-step groups don't work for everyone. Women, especially, may have trouble with the emphasis on powerlessness. Groups like Women for Sobriety and Rational Recovery provide alternative approaches.

Cocaine Harms Brain's Pleasure Center

Researchers report first direct evidence that cocaine harms brain's "pleasure center." The drug attacks the very cells that allow users to feel its effects. This finding may aid understanding of addiction, depression, and normal aging.

Stress Management and Serenity

A prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr has helped thousands with a simple idea.

Alcohol Abuse Can Complicate HIV-Related Problems

Alcohol abuse can complicate the health problems of HIV-infected veterans, making it crucial that providers recognize and treat alcoholism in that population.

Father's Alcohol Abuse affects young Children

Scientists at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions have demonstrated that alcohol abuse, depression and other problems in the father are related to children's development.

Talking to your Kids about Drinking Helps

A study conducted by Psychologist Rob Turrisi, Ph.D., of Boise State University found that simple parent and teen conversations about the problems of alcohol abuse helped prevent binge-drinking in college freshmen.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Here's the official word on AA.  English, French, and Spanish are offered.   Get information on every local AA Intergroup here.

The Dilemma of 'Denial'

If you deny being an alcoholic then you must be one (huh?)

Cocaine Addiction - Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Manual

Kathleen M. Carroll, Ph.D. from Yale University produced this comprehensive treatment manual for the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Cocaine Addiction - Community Reinforcement Treatment Manual

Alan J. Budney, Ph.D. & Stephen T. Higgins, Ph.D. of the University of Vermont have written this comprehensive manual - "A Community Reinforcement Approach: Treating Cocaine Addiction."

Far Less Alcohol Needed at Lunchtime to Impair Driving

Just one lunchtime drink, giving an alcohol level that would easily pass the breathalyser test, could still be dangerous for drivers because of its impact on the natural afternoon dip in mental alertness.

Teen Gambling and Substance Abuse

Like most states, Florida does not allow gambling by persons under age 18. An epidemiological study found that most teens had gambled, and that gambling was associated with substance abuse.

The Dilemma of Denial

If you deny being an alcoholic then you must be one (huh?)

AlcoholMD

A very nice portal designed for getting help for alcohol problems. Multimedia elements help humanize the site.

College Students May Drink More than They Think

College students tend to super-size the alcohol in drinks that they pour themselves, making it likely that they are drinking more than they know, according to a new study.

Quick Fixes for Dangerous Youth Drinking Can Work

Brief interventions that encourage college students to cut back on bingeing and other dangerous drinking habits may work better in women than men, a new study suggests.

AA Meetings for Gay Beginners and Gay Visitors in New York

How's that for a site that explains itself? (Also includes N.A. and similar groups.)

Alcoholism at About

Buddy T. has built a community of recovery at his site.  Be sure to check out his features and his live Online meetings.

Big Book Online

is a hypertext version of AA's "Big Book."

Codependents Anonymous (CODA)

Sponsors a Website and an email support group.  The 12 Steps of CODA are listed on the site.

Sober Recovery

A comprehensive set of links with a strong community component.

AnonymousOne

A site designed to be an Online 12-step meeting place.  A search is available to help you find local meetings.

Connecticut Clearinghouse Fact Sheets

Many of these fact sheets focus on alcohol and drug information.  

The Dual Diagnosis Website

contains resources related to co-occurring mental illness and addiction. A mailing list for professionals is available at the site, as well as a chat room for discussion of dual diagnosis issues.

Dr. Janet Woititz's ACOA Site

One of the original writers on the concept of  Adult Children of Alcoholics.   Her work has influenced how we view survivors of dysfunctional families.

The Illinois MISA Institute

Resources for dually-diagnosed individuals (substance abuse and mental illness).

Internet Alcohol Recovery Center

  This site has information for consumers and professionals. It is easy to find what you want here.

Moderation Management

An national recovery organization and support group with the goal of helping people reduce problem drinking.  Not a 12-step abstinence model.

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information

Lots of excellent alcohol and drug information.  The site includes up-to-date research briefs.

Online AA Resources

An excellent collection of information on Alcoholics Anonymous.  The site includes local telephone numbers for AA and 12 step groups worldwide. 

Psychological ARTS

An interesting site with information on addictive disorders and other neat psychology stuff.  Be sure to scroll down the opening page to get to the rest of the site.

Prevention Online

The official site of the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information.   Solid information from the U.S. government. 

S.M.A.R.T. Recovery

stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training.  It is an alternative to the 12-step groups which seem to dominate the scene in North America.

Unhooked.com

The site for Secular Organizations for Sobriety takes a secular approach to recovery. The approach is also referred to as 'Life Ring'.

Web of Addictions

One of the first, one of the best.  A comprehensive site with lots of addiction information.

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