Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex behavioral health condition that is difficult to treat. Fortunately, new research has shed light on possible future treatments. Cocaine Use Could Be Reduced With Ketamine Although nearly one of every five drug overdose deaths in the United States involves cocaine, the FDA has not approved a treatment for…
Residents of Florida face both benefits and difficulties when it comes to behavioral health. Sunny weather and outdoor activities, as well as economic growth, can encourage better mental health. At the same time, the state also has issues with opioid overdoses and limited behavioral health resources. Here is an overview of some of these stories.…
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) has received its first published revision since it was published in 2013. This update is referred to as the DSM-5 Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). DSM-5-TR mainly focuses on updates to the descriptions of each disorder listed in the manual, including some changes to diagnostic codes.…
Nevada has had a shortage of behavioral health providers as the state attempts to curb rising rates of mental health needs. This has stressed many state resources, prompting lawmakers and experts to seek new options and funding. Here’s a roundup of recent stories reflecting these challenges. Nevada Teens Can Text for Mental Health Help The…
Cancer can be a devastating, life-changing diagnosis that can cause mental and emotional distress. In fact, about one-third of cancer patients experience mental health disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. Let’s look at some connections between cancer and mental health that behavioral health providers should be aware of. This can help prepare behavioral health…
When talking about addiction, most people think of substance abuse, like drinking too much, using illicit drugs, or misusing prescription medication. However, problem gambling is another serious disorder that can cause huge problems for individuals, families, and communities. Gambling problems don’t just create financial difficulties and strain relationships. They can also come with serious mental-health…
New guidelines from the U.S. Health and Human Services Department (HHS) will make it easier for health providers to prescribe buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). As the U.S. faces an increase in drug overdose-related deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, this change will help more patients gain access to necessary treatment, and expand the…
OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma pleaded guilty in November to three criminal charges, in a virtual hearing with a federal judge in Newark, N.J., as part of a criminal and civil settlement between Purdue and the Justice Department. Purdue made numerous admissions during the hearing, including that it hindered efforts by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration…
Substance use, including alcohol and illicit drugs, has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people who already struggled with substance use have faced social isolation, financial distress, limited healthcare access, and anxiety symptoms. This can increase their use of drugs or alcohol as a way to cope. Addressing substance misuse in adolescents Unfortunately, this trend…
Although the use of opioids has declined in recent years, substance abuse and addiction remains a persistent problem. Every day, 128 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids, according to 2018 data. While nearly 21 million Americans have at least one type of addiction, only about 10 percent of them receive treatment.…