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…

Anheuser-Busch’s Marketing and Labeling of Alcoholic Energy Drink, Spykes, Causes Controversy

Anheuser-Busch introduced a new alcoholic energy drink in January that’s getting a lot of attention from alcohol abuse prevention groups and attorneys general around the country. “Spykes” is described on an Anheuser-Busch wholesaler’s website as “a great alternative to hard liquor shots. A Spykes pour takes beer up a notch by adding a caffeinated rush…

A Loved One’s Alcohol and Drug Addiction Affects Family and Friends Too

A person’s alcohol or drug addiction affects everyone close to that person. Friends and family members often don’t know how to deal with a loved one’s addiction or even understand it. But when friends and family members get together, understand and address the impact they experience in the situation, they increase their ability to gather…

Maine Alcohol Tax Bill Public Hearing on April 25th

According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, 13% of budget expenditures in state government alone go to dealing with the consequences of untreated addiction. Yet, nationally, only about one-half of one percent of state spending is on treatment. Every little bit of money helps agencies like recovery centers for…