Biden and Palin on Behavioral Health Issues

Behavioral Healthcare, a monthly publication for managers and clinicians in the substance abuse and mental health fields, recently profiled the vice presidential candidates and their views on behavioral health. The publication took a look at the records of Democratic nominee Senator Joe Biden of Delaware and Republican nominee Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska and their…

Valliere to Speak at Mapping the Addiction Maze Dartmouth Event

Trauma and addiction often go hand in hand for both men and women. Childhood trauma can impact an adult for years, causing serious substance abuse and mental health issues. For women with histories of mental, physical and sexual abuse, attempts at recovery from an addiction to drugs or alcohol can often lead to worsening symptoms,…

Call your legislators today (9.10.08) to end insurance discrimination

Advocates around the country are asking people to call their US Senators and Representatives today and tell them to “pass the mental health and substance abuse parity legislation before Congress adjourns.” This long overdue bill requires health insurers to provide the same coverage for substance abuse and mental health issues as they do for any…

Susan Sharon reports on addiction and recovery for professionals in Maine

Susan Sharon, deputy news director at Maine Public Broadcasting Network, recently did a two-part series on addiction in Maine and how it specifically affects the professional world. Sharon reported on a judge who brings his own past experience of alcoholism to the bench and an assistance program that helps Maine lawyers and judges find recovery,…

5 Things Families Can do to Support Loved Ones in Recovery

Addiction to drugs or alcohol can cause a lot of disruption in families. The disruption can occur even when the addicted person has received treatment and is moving in the path of recovery. The following 5 suggestions for family members dealing with a loved one new to recovery come from HBO’s Addiction website: Educate yourself…

Are You a Problem Parent?

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University released the results of their National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse XIII: Teens and Parents. It’s the 13th year they’ve done the back to school survey. This year, they’ve identified “problem parents” as increasing the risk that teens will smoke, drink…