New Studies Support the Need for Gender-Specific Treatment Programs

A recent article from the Scientific American discusses some very good reasons for gender-specific substance abuse treatment programs. The article talks about studies that have been conducted and illustrate the differences between men and women when it comes to alcohol, its effects and treatment. Among the findings that various studies have revealed: The difference in…

Gender Differences in Prescribing Medication for Mental Health

A new report from Medco Health Solutions, a pharmacy benefit manager, illustrates the gender differences that exist when it comes to prescribing medications for mental health conditions. The report compares the utilization of antidepressants, antipsychotics, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs and anti-anxiety treatments from 2001 to 2010 amongst 2.5 million insured Americans. The analysis showed…

Another Growing Epidemic: Newborns Addicted to Painkillers

USA Today is reporting that the number of babies born addicted to prescription drug painkillers is on the rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified America’s fast-growing problem of prescription drug abuse an epidemic. This problem is also affecting our newborn babies, as women abuse powerful narcotics, such as OxyContin and…

Maine Tops States for Unwanted Prescription Drug Collection

Mainers turned in more than 7 tons of unwanted prescriptions drugs during National Drug Take Back Day on October 29th. 14,140 pounds to be exact. According to the Bangor Police Department, that is more unwanted drugs per capita than any other state during the Drug Enforcement Administration-sponsored national event. Good news considering all the talk…

Exciting Changes for Crossroads for Women

If you’ve been keeping up with Crossroads for Women over the past few months, you know we’ve been going through lots of exciting changes. Following is a letter to Crossroads clients and referrers from the executive director, Barbara Dacri, explaining some of those changes and what to expect in the weeks to come. For the…

Painkiller Addiction in Maine, a Series from the Portland Press Herald

Painkiller addiction has hit the state of Maine hard. Ten years ago, the issue was deemed “the greatest criminal problem and possibly the greatest social problem facing Maine.” Today, Maine doesn’t seem to be in any better place when it comes to the addiction and abuse of prescription painkiller medication. The cost of this addiction…

Gender Matters in Treatment Services: Dr. Covington’s Maine Visit

Dr. Stephanie Covington, a nationally recognized clinician, author, organizational consultant and lecturer, visited Maine on Tuesday, September 13. She spent the day at the Black Point Inn in Scarborough as a guest of Crossroads for Women. In the morning, Dr. Covington gave the keynote talk “Why Gender Matters: Creating Services for Women and Men” to…