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Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health
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The Self-Medication Hypothesis (SMH) is Unsupportable and Harmful
May 6th, 2013 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
The self-medication hypothesis (SMH) of addictive disorders was put forth by Edward Khantzian in 1985. He postulated that persons with psychiatric disorders use substances to relieve psychiatric symptoms and that this pattern of usage predisposes them to addiction. He further suggested that the substance chosen is based on its unique pharmacological properties. (An individual with attention deficit disorder would prefer amphetamines to alcohol due to their therapeutic (calming) properties, an individual with anxiety would prefer alcohol to amphetamines due to its anxiolytic properties,...
May 6th, 2013 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
The self-medication hypothesis (SMH) of addictive disorders was put forth by Edward Khantzian in 1985. He postulated that persons with psychiatric disorders use substances to relieve psychiatric symptoms and that this pattern of usage predisposes them to addiction. He further suggested that the substance chosen is based on its unique pharmacological properties. (An individual with attention deficit disorder would prefer amphetamines to alcohol due to their therapeutic (calming) properties, an individual with anxiety would prefer alcohol to amphetamines due to its anxiolytic properties,...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Predicts Later Substance-Use Disorders (SUDs)
July 5th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are thought to have roots in childhood. According to this recent Massachusetts General Hospital study, psychiatric disorders have been observed in up to 85% of adolescents with SUDs. Previous research has shown that childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) persists into adolescence in 75% of cases. However, long-term research on predictors of SUD in children with ADHD has been limited. This study’s aims were to identify “clinically meaningful characteristics of children that predicted the future development of SUDs and to see...
July 5th, 2011 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are thought to have roots in childhood. According to this recent Massachusetts General Hospital study, psychiatric disorders have been observed in up to 85% of adolescents with SUDs. Previous research has shown that childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) persists into adolescence in 75% of cases. However, long-term research on predictors of SUD in children with ADHD has been limited. This study’s aims were to identify “clinically meaningful characteristics of children that predicted the future development of SUDs and to see...
Parental and Adolescent Drinking are Steps on the Path to Psychological Problems
May 6th, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Parents’ use of alcohol is a recognized factor in alcohol use and dependence in their offspring. Current estimates are that 40-60% of alcohol dependence can be attributed to genetics. The remaining risk factors include an individual’s family background, socialization, and psychological makeup. There is a known relationship between alcohol use and depression and anxiety disorders. This New York University School of Medicine study looked for a possible pathway from parental use of alcohol during their child’s adolescence and the appearance of psychological symptoms in young...
May 6th, 2011 / Adolescents / Betty Ford Institute
Parents’ use of alcohol is a recognized factor in alcohol use and dependence in their offspring. Current estimates are that 40-60% of alcohol dependence can be attributed to genetics. The remaining risk factors include an individual’s family background, socialization, and psychological makeup. There is a known relationship between alcohol use and depression and anxiety disorders. This New York University School of Medicine study looked for a possible pathway from parental use of alcohol during their child’s adolescence and the appearance of psychological symptoms in young...
Nicotine Clue to Other Disorders
August 18th, 2010 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
The prevalence of nicotine dependence among those suffering from alcohol dependence is as high as 50%. In fact, smokers with a long history of alcohol dependence are more likely to die of smoking-related diseases rather than alcohol-related diseases. Past research also shows an association between nicotine dependence, addictive diseases, and psychiatric disorders. This large scale study examined the socio-demographic factors and mental disorders associated with nicotine dependence among alcohol dependent persons. From a US national survey of 43,000 adults, responses were...
August 18th, 2010 / Prevention / Betty Ford Institute
The prevalence of nicotine dependence among those suffering from alcohol dependence is as high as 50%. In fact, smokers with a long history of alcohol dependence are more likely to die of smoking-related diseases rather than alcohol-related diseases. Past research also shows an association between nicotine dependence, addictive diseases, and psychiatric disorders. This large scale study examined the socio-demographic factors and mental disorders associated with nicotine dependence among alcohol dependent persons. From a US national survey of 43,000 adults, responses were...
Brain Chemistry Clues to Why Some Relapse
June 8th, 2010 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Considerable research has examined the psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of relapse after treatment for alcohol dependence. However, recent advances in brain imaging devices have enabled scientists to pursue biochemical clues to why some return to drinking and others seem able to abstain. Metabolism involves the breakdown of chemicals into simpler molecules. A metabolite is the result of that process and some may serve as markers of the “health” of different types of cells in the brain. Scientists believe that the levels certain brain metabolites in the human reward...
June 8th, 2010 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Considerable research has examined the psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of relapse after treatment for alcohol dependence. However, recent advances in brain imaging devices have enabled scientists to pursue biochemical clues to why some return to drinking and others seem able to abstain. Metabolism involves the breakdown of chemicals into simpler molecules. A metabolite is the result of that process and some may serve as markers of the “health” of different types of cells in the brain. Scientists believe that the levels certain brain metabolites in the human reward...
A New Diagnostic Test Proves Reliable
April 30th, 2008 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Several tools have been developed in recent years to diagnose a variety of psychiatric disorders, including alcohol and drug dependence. Researchers at the University of Connecticut Health Center used individual criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) to assess the diagnostic reliability of a relatively diagnostic instrument – the Semi-Structured Assessment for Drug Dependence and Alcoholism (SSADDA). The SSADDA is a comprehensive series of psychiatric interviews that assesses the physical, psychological, social, and...
April 30th, 2008 / Abused Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Several tools have been developed in recent years to diagnose a variety of psychiatric disorders, including alcohol and drug dependence. Researchers at the University of Connecticut Health Center used individual criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) to assess the diagnostic reliability of a relatively diagnostic instrument – the Semi-Structured Assessment for Drug Dependence and Alcoholism (SSADDA). The SSADDA is a comprehensive series of psychiatric interviews that assesses the physical, psychological, social, and...
Marijuana May Contribute to Severity of Schizophrenia
January 31st, 2008 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Increasing evidence suggests modulating effects of cannabinoids on time of onset, severity, and outcome of schizophrenia. Two recent large-scale studies have found that people who use marijuana have a two-fold risk of later developing schizophrenia, depending on when they started using and how often. If schizophrenia does develop, marijuana-using patients seem to experience more severe symptoms and suffer more frequent relapses. There is a known flushing response to niacin and a relationship between the severity of this flushing and long term marijuana use. This study looked at the...
January 31st, 2008 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Increasing evidence suggests modulating effects of cannabinoids on time of onset, severity, and outcome of schizophrenia. Two recent large-scale studies have found that people who use marijuana have a two-fold risk of later developing schizophrenia, depending on when they started using and how often. If schizophrenia does develop, marijuana-using patients seem to experience more severe symptoms and suffer more frequent relapses. There is a known flushing response to niacin and a relationship between the severity of this flushing and long term marijuana use. This study looked at the...
Role of Religion in Alcohol Use
October 31st, 2007 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
A great deal of scientific study has focused on the relationship between alcohol use and factors such as age, gender, education, income, and others. An area of increasing interest among researchers is the association between religion and alcohol use. Religious beliefs and practices vary among the many faiths and even within denominations so its influence is difficult to measure and quantify. In a recent study, researchers looked at the relationship between religion and alcohol use by defining three variables: religious preference, religiosity, and proscription of alcohol use by a given...
October 31st, 2007 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
A great deal of scientific study has focused on the relationship between alcohol use and factors such as age, gender, education, income, and others. An area of increasing interest among researchers is the association between religion and alcohol use. Religious beliefs and practices vary among the many faiths and even within denominations so its influence is difficult to measure and quantify. In a recent study, researchers looked at the relationship between religion and alcohol use by defining three variables: religious preference, religiosity, and proscription of alcohol use by a given...
Psychiatry Lite
October 31st, 2007 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
While it is well known that psychiatric disorders often co-occur with substance-abuse disorders – called co-morbidity – it is often unclear which symptoms are a result of which disorder. Most studies only measure psychiatric illnesses severe enough that they meet diagnostic thresholds. This study proposes a “sub-diagnostic” approach, measuring psychiatric co-morbidity among alcoholics along a continuum of symptoms. Researchers examined two groups recruited from the community: 48 (25 men, 23 women) long-term abstinent alcoholics, and 48 age- and gender-matched light or...
October 31st, 2007 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
While it is well known that psychiatric disorders often co-occur with substance-abuse disorders – called co-morbidity – it is often unclear which symptoms are a result of which disorder. Most studies only measure psychiatric illnesses severe enough that they meet diagnostic thresholds. This study proposes a “sub-diagnostic” approach, measuring psychiatric co-morbidity among alcoholics along a continuum of symptoms. Researchers examined two groups recruited from the community: 48 (25 men, 23 women) long-term abstinent alcoholics, and 48 age- and gender-matched light or...
12 Steps Work for the Dually Diagnosed
October 31st, 2007 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
The term “dually diagnosed” refers to patients with drug problems and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Although previous research has shown that dually diagnosed individuals attend and benefit from 12-Step programs, the specifics of what may work or not work remains unclear. Existing data suggest that nonspecific change mechanisms (self-efficacy, social support) are similar to those described in general AA literature. This report is based on a review of 83 publications that addressed 12-Step programs serving patients with both addictions and psychiatric disorders. The review shows...
October 31st, 2007 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
The term “dually diagnosed” refers to patients with drug problems and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Although previous research has shown that dually diagnosed individuals attend and benefit from 12-Step programs, the specifics of what may work or not work remains unclear. Existing data suggest that nonspecific change mechanisms (self-efficacy, social support) are similar to those described in general AA literature. This report is based on a review of 83 publications that addressed 12-Step programs serving patients with both addictions and psychiatric disorders. The review shows...
Links between Alcohol and Depression?
April 30th, 2007 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Although a number of studies have shown a significant relationship between drinking and depression, there have been some contradictory findings, and sometimes the relationship appears stronger for women than for men. This study explores if some of these inconsistent findings may be partially due to the types of measures used for both drinking and depression. Researchers conducted a general population telephone survey of 6,009 male and 8,054 female Canadian residents aged 18 to 76 years. They used four types of alcohol measures for both the previous year and the week prior to the survey:...
April 30th, 2007 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Although a number of studies have shown a significant relationship between drinking and depression, there have been some contradictory findings, and sometimes the relationship appears stronger for women than for men. This study explores if some of these inconsistent findings may be partially due to the types of measures used for both drinking and depression. Researchers conducted a general population telephone survey of 6,009 male and 8,054 female Canadian residents aged 18 to 76 years. They used four types of alcohol measures for both the previous year and the week prior to the survey:...
A Mixed Review of Antidepressants
August 31st, 2005 / Prescription Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Antidepressants are commonly used with substance abusers to treat co-occurring depression. In addition, these medications positively affect some of the underlying mechanisms of addiction, particularly for alcohol, cocaine and nicotine dependence. This review systematically analyzed the scientific literature to examine the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs in individuals with alcohol and other drug-abuse disorders (alcohol, cocaine, nicotine and opioids) who may or may not have co-occurring depression. The authors examined all studies listed on the PubMed database from 1966 to May...
August 31st, 2005 / Prescription Drugs / Betty Ford Institute
Antidepressants are commonly used with substance abusers to treat co-occurring depression. In addition, these medications positively affect some of the underlying mechanisms of addiction, particularly for alcohol, cocaine and nicotine dependence. This review systematically analyzed the scientific literature to examine the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs in individuals with alcohol and other drug-abuse disorders (alcohol, cocaine, nicotine and opioids) who may or may not have co-occurring depression. The authors examined all studies listed on the PubMed database from 1966 to May...
Additional Treatment Reduces Anxiety but Not Alcohol Relapse
August 31st, 2005 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Prior research has demonstrated that relapse rates for alcohol-dependent patients with co-occurring anxiety disorders are higher than for alcohol dependent patients without a co-occurring anxiety disorder. Dutch researchers looked at whether or not the relapse rates in dually diagnosed patients could be reduced if they were given additional treatment for the co-occurring anxiety disorder. Researchers conducted a 32-week long randomized, controlled study of 96 (65 males, 31 females) abstinent patients with a primary diagnosis of alcohol dependence as well as a co-occurring anxiety...
August 31st, 2005 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Prior research has demonstrated that relapse rates for alcohol-dependent patients with co-occurring anxiety disorders are higher than for alcohol dependent patients without a co-occurring anxiety disorder. Dutch researchers looked at whether or not the relapse rates in dually diagnosed patients could be reduced if they were given additional treatment for the co-occurring anxiety disorder. Researchers conducted a 32-week long randomized, controlled study of 96 (65 males, 31 females) abstinent patients with a primary diagnosis of alcohol dependence as well as a co-occurring anxiety...
More Genetic Connections Revealed
April 30th, 2005 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Mental-health disorders often co-exist. Substance-use disorders, for example, may co-occur with major depression (MD) and with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) which may, in turn, indicate common risk factors that are shared by these conditions. This study looked at those genetic effects that are associated with ASPD and which may contribute to the co-occurrence of major depression and substance-use disorders. Researchers accessed data contained in the Vietnam Era Twin Registry, a general population registry of male veteran twins culled from Department of Defense files as well as...
April 30th, 2005 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Mental-health disorders often co-exist. Substance-use disorders, for example, may co-occur with major depression (MD) and with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) which may, in turn, indicate common risk factors that are shared by these conditions. This study looked at those genetic effects that are associated with ASPD and which may contribute to the co-occurrence of major depression and substance-use disorders. Researchers accessed data contained in the Vietnam Era Twin Registry, a general population registry of male veteran twins culled from Department of Defense files as well as...
Alcohol/Drug Crossover in Men with a Family History of Alcoholism Examined
January 31st, 2005 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
The 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 50% of young adults assessed with illicit drug disorders (abuse and dependence) also met the criteria for an alcohol use disorder. However, among those assessed with an alcohol use disorder (abuse and dependence), only one-third also met the criteria for an illicit drug disorder. Prior research had identified several factors contributing to the crossover between alcohol and other substance abuse and dependence. In adults, antisocial personality disorder, manic depressive disease and schizophrenia have been associated with an...
January 31st, 2005 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
The 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 50% of young adults assessed with illicit drug disorders (abuse and dependence) also met the criteria for an alcohol use disorder. However, among those assessed with an alcohol use disorder (abuse and dependence), only one-third also met the criteria for an illicit drug disorder. Prior research had identified several factors contributing to the crossover between alcohol and other substance abuse and dependence. In adults, antisocial personality disorder, manic depressive disease and schizophrenia have been associated with an...
Affirmation for Intense Treatment Plus 12 Steps
August 31st, 2004 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Dual diagnosis patients (those with both substance abuse and psychiatric problems) often require intensive treatment. This study looked at the value of less intensive, more informal services such as self-help programs to supplement acute care. To compare treatment outcomes of dual diagnosis patients admitted to both high-intensity and low-intensity care programs and the efficacy of self-help group attendance, researchers evaluated 230 patients admitted to 14 different residential treatment programs located throughout the U.S. Seven of these programs were affiliated with the Department of...
August 31st, 2004 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Dual diagnosis patients (those with both substance abuse and psychiatric problems) often require intensive treatment. This study looked at the value of less intensive, more informal services such as self-help programs to supplement acute care. To compare treatment outcomes of dual diagnosis patients admitted to both high-intensity and low-intensity care programs and the efficacy of self-help group attendance, researchers evaluated 230 patients admitted to 14 different residential treatment programs located throughout the U.S. Seven of these programs were affiliated with the Department of...
Alcohol Dependence and Elderly Suicides
October 31st, 2003 / Elderly / Betty Ford Institute
Past studies of suicides among young and mixed-aged groups have shown that 25 – 55% of the individuals suffered from alcohol or drug dependence or abuse. Similar studies of suicides among the elderly, however, have reported a wide range of figures. In an effort to assess the suicide risk associated with alcohol use in elderly men and women, researchers involved in a recent study in Sweden interviewed family members of 85 suicide victims. They examined the victim’s life events, use of alcohol and illicit drugs, mental and physical health, history of suicidal behavior and other related...
October 31st, 2003 / Elderly / Betty Ford Institute
Past studies of suicides among young and mixed-aged groups have shown that 25 – 55% of the individuals suffered from alcohol or drug dependence or abuse. Similar studies of suicides among the elderly, however, have reported a wide range of figures. In an effort to assess the suicide risk associated with alcohol use in elderly men and women, researchers involved in a recent study in Sweden interviewed family members of 85 suicide victims. They examined the victim’s life events, use of alcohol and illicit drugs, mental and physical health, history of suicidal behavior and other related...
Odds Are If You Gamble, You Drink
August 31st, 2003 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
The findings of both clinical and non-clinical studies have shown that gambling disorders and alcohol use disorders are related and often accompany one another. This means that there may be two diagnosable conditions coexisting in an individual. One study, for example, found that 44% of individuals who were diagnosed as having a gambling disorder (GD) also met the criteria for a lifetime history of an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Recent studies focusing on this complex relationship have outlined possible explanations. First, GD may lead to AUD: those with GD may abuse alcohol either to...
August 31st, 2003 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
The findings of both clinical and non-clinical studies have shown that gambling disorders and alcohol use disorders are related and often accompany one another. This means that there may be two diagnosable conditions coexisting in an individual. One study, for example, found that 44% of individuals who were diagnosed as having a gambling disorder (GD) also met the criteria for a lifetime history of an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Recent studies focusing on this complex relationship have outlined possible explanations. First, GD may lead to AUD: those with GD may abuse alcohol either to...
Rx: Keep Going to Meetings
April 30th, 2003 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Despite advances in treatment options, only a minority of individuals with substance abuse disorders (SUDs) are able to remain alcohol-free after intensive treatment. Three factors are somewhat reliable predictors of ability to maintain sobriety: absence of “dual diagnosis” status (a coexisting SUD and psychiatric disorder); pursuing continuing care (outpatient SUD or psychiatric treatment after discharge from intensive SUD treatment); and receiving “mutual help” (participation in mutual aid groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous). This study examines if these three factors can predict...
April 30th, 2003 / Psychotherapy, Dual-Diagnoses & Mental Health / Betty Ford Institute
Despite advances in treatment options, only a minority of individuals with substance abuse disorders (SUDs) are able to remain alcohol-free after intensive treatment. Three factors are somewhat reliable predictors of ability to maintain sobriety: absence of “dual diagnosis” status (a coexisting SUD and psychiatric disorder); pursuing continuing care (outpatient SUD or psychiatric treatment after discharge from intensive SUD treatment); and receiving “mutual help” (participation in mutual aid groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous). This study examines if these three factors can predict...
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