Senate Committee Recognizes Addiction as a Disease

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) recently passed legislation to recognize addiction as a disease and change the names of two national institutes. Senate Bill 1011, the Recognizing Addiction as a Disease Act of 2007, was introduced by Senator Biden (D-DE) with original co-sponsors Senator Kennedy (D-MA) and Senator Enzi (R-WY).…

Five Subtypes of Alcoholism

Researchers have identified 5 distinct subtypes of alcohol dependence, according to a new study by scientists at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Our findings should help dispel the popular notion of the ‘typical alcoholic,’” notes first author Howard B. Moss, M.D., NIAAA Associate…

Seeking Safety Helps Women in Recovery Deal With Substance Abuse and PTSD

At Crossroad Back Cove, a halfway house for women recovering from alcohol and drug addiction in Portland, Maine, women in early recovery are learning a special set of skills. Developed by Lisa Najavits, PhD, Seeking Safety is an evidenced-based practice designed to help women with a substance abuse problem and postraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] acquire…

U.S. Surgeon General Warns Maine Parents About Underage Drinking, Offers Tips

Rear Admiral Kenneth P. Moritsugu, MD, MPH was on the steps of the Maine State House yesterday warning parents about underage drinking. The Acting U.S. Surgeon General, along with First Lady Karen Baldacci and other community leaders, talked about how research has shown that alcohol can cause damage to the still developing adolescent brain. Research…