Harm reduction is an approach to addiction treatment that offers an alternative to abstinence-based programs. Harm reduction operates on the idea that lives can be improved and perhaps saved by substituting a less-harmful substance for one that is more dangerous to the substance user and those around them.
With no lethal dose, and a variety of pain-relieving and possibly euphoric properties, cannabis can be a valuable harm reduction tool for those struggling with alcohol and drug dependencies. Learn more about the history, benefits and drawbacks of a harm reduction approach to addiction that views cannabis as a gateway to improved quality of life.
Understanding and Addressing Food Addiction: A Science-Based Approach to Poli...Center on Addiction
Public health concerns about the escalating obesity epidemic and its far-reaching health consequences, coupled with a growing understanding of the shared features of addiction across its myriad forms, have prompted some scientists to explore the possibility that certain eating behaviors might best be explained through the lens of addiction.
The interest in applying an addiction framework to understanding certain eating behaviors and food-related disorders has grown in recent years. This is a result of a large body of research highlighting the considerable overlap in the characterizing symptoms, risk factors and underlying neurobiological characteristics between substance addiction and what can be thought of as food addiction. It also arises from an attempt to explore how certain types of addictive-like eating might account for pathology that cannot be explained within the context of the currently recognized eating disorders of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. The growing interest in food addiction is also partially a result of an increasing awareness that lessons learned with regard to policy, prevention and clinical practice in relation to addictive substances might fruitfully be applied to the realm of food addiction.
Understanding and Addressing Food Addiction: A Science-Based Approach to Poli...Center on Addiction
Public health concerns about the escalating obesity epidemic and its far-reaching health consequences, coupled with a growing understanding of the shared features of addiction across its myriad forms, have prompted some scientists to explore the possibility that certain eating behaviors might best be explained through the lens of addiction.
The interest in applying an addiction framework to understanding certain eating behaviors and food-related disorders has grown in recent years. This is a result of a large body of research highlighting the considerable overlap in the characterizing symptoms, risk factors and underlying neurobiological characteristics between substance addiction and what can be thought of as food addiction. It also arises from an attempt to explore how certain types of addictive-like eating might account for pathology that cannot be explained within the context of the currently recognized eating disorders of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. The growing interest in food addiction is also partially a result of an increasing awareness that lessons learned with regard to policy, prevention and clinical practice in relation to addictive substances might fruitfully be applied to the realm of food addiction.
Getting treatment for an opioid use disorder will hopefully in turn reduce the number of overdoses and deaths related to opioid use.
Despite increased public awareness about the dangers of opioids, the epidemic continues in the US. What can we do to counter this deadly trend?
The numbers are striking.
Substance abuse and addiction during adulthoodLydia Betsy
Definition of substance abuse, addiction and adulthood. Various stages of addiction, how one can overcome addiction and substance abuse, substance abuse and addiction across adulthood years. Effect on the mental health of an individual support with research studies.
A project of psychology on the topic Drug Addiction with the help of survey
links to word file and the questionnaire used for survey:
word document: http://www.slideshare.net/SafeerAli7/drug-addiction-67095826
Questionnaire: http://www.slideshare.net/SafeerAli7/questionnaire-67095755
Closing the treatment gap in alcohol dependence thessalonika 2015Antoni Gual
Lecture on the treatment gap (underdiagnose & undertreatment) of alcohol use disorders. Presented at the 5th Conference of the Greek Psychiatric society in Thessalonika, march 21st, 2015.
Drug rehabilitation is the process of medical or psychotherapeutic treatment for dependence on psychoactive substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs, and street drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin or amphetamines.
Assessment of substance use disorders 010915Tom Wilson
A presentation on screening and assessment of substance use disorders made to the Leadership in Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Program at the Boise Campus of the University of Idaho, Boise campus.
Getting treatment for an opioid use disorder will hopefully in turn reduce the number of overdoses and deaths related to opioid use.
Despite increased public awareness about the dangers of opioids, the epidemic continues in the US. What can we do to counter this deadly trend?
The numbers are striking.
Substance abuse and addiction during adulthoodLydia Betsy
Definition of substance abuse, addiction and adulthood. Various stages of addiction, how one can overcome addiction and substance abuse, substance abuse and addiction across adulthood years. Effect on the mental health of an individual support with research studies.
A project of psychology on the topic Drug Addiction with the help of survey
links to word file and the questionnaire used for survey:
word document: http://www.slideshare.net/SafeerAli7/drug-addiction-67095826
Questionnaire: http://www.slideshare.net/SafeerAli7/questionnaire-67095755
Closing the treatment gap in alcohol dependence thessalonika 2015Antoni Gual
Lecture on the treatment gap (underdiagnose & undertreatment) of alcohol use disorders. Presented at the 5th Conference of the Greek Psychiatric society in Thessalonika, march 21st, 2015.
Drug rehabilitation is the process of medical or psychotherapeutic treatment for dependence on psychoactive substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs, and street drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin or amphetamines.
Assessment of substance use disorders 010915Tom Wilson
A presentation on screening and assessment of substance use disorders made to the Leadership in Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Program at the Boise Campus of the University of Idaho, Boise campus.
This is a report on the cannabis market in the United States and the growth that is going to take place over the next 5 years. The Medical and adult use marijuana market are set to explode and we think that American Cannabis Company will benefit directly from this "green rush"
Understanding Cannabinoids - How Cannabis Helps Our BodiesJonathan Russell
In this Understanding Cannabinoids Slide Share we discuss the Endocannabinoid System, the major cannabinoids in cannabis & their benefits, the Entourage (or Ensemble) Effect and how it all works together.
Watch the recorded webinar at http://www.mainewellness.org/cannbis_in_cancer_treatment_webinar_recording
From prevention through treatment and remission, cannabis is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer–the government’s National Cancer Institute has even updated its information to reflect the plant’s anti-cancer properties!
Join us and special guest, Molly Stewart, of the Cancer Community Center, for a discussion of the scientifically-proven and real-life benefits of cannabis in cancer treatment, and to learn more about support services and resources for cancer patients and their families.
A 30 minute Powerpoint highlighting part of the history of Cannabis, it's various uses, it's history of being illegal, why it should be legal, it's addiction, potency, and toxicity levels, and why it could help us should it be legal and widely available.
Meaning,Types of alcoholism and drug abuse and their explanation, Symptoms, Law, rights and amendments, Addiction vs abuse, Survey, Literature review and future aspect.
Relationship Between Drugs and Health Workers - Sample Essaya1customwritings
A1CustomWritings.com are experienced in all academic levels of assignments and in any academic fields, the team of experts of our custom essay writing service have the ability to help you with any requirements of your essay. Our team takes pride in the quality of work provided to our customers and we pledge to do whatever it takes to ensure you receive a paper of only the highest quality.
Addiction Medicine: Closing the Gap between Science and PracticeCenter on Addiction
These slides accompany CASAColumbia's report, Addiction Medicine: Closing the Gap between Science and Practice, published in June 2012, which found that, despite the prevalence of addiction, the enormity of its consequences, the availability of effective solutions and the evidence that addiction is a disease, both screening and early intervention for risky substance use are rare, and only about 1 in 10 people with addiction involving alcohol or drugs other than nicotine receive any form of treatment.
Medical use, potential adult use–it can be hard to know how to address these issues when your tots, tweens and teens have cannabis questions. Get helpful tips and pointers for talking to your school-age kids about changing social norms around this plant.
Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the small and large intestine affecting more than 1 million U.S. citizens. According to the CDC, “The majority of Crohn’s patients will require surgery at some point during their lives.” Join us in this discussion of how medical cannabis can help manage Crohn’s symptoms and progression.
This month's webinar--"Cannabis Legalization: What It Means for Maine. "Our special guest is David Boyer, campaign manager for the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol." We'll discuss:
- major features of the legalization initiative
- lessons and take-aways from existing legal states
- potential impacts on social concerns like driving and employment
- what legal adult use might mean for Maine's medical cannabis program
Please feel free to share, leave comments and ask questions.
Growing your own medicine is a rewarding and empowering experience, and fully legal for qualifying patients in Maine. Watch this webinar for tips and pointers to ensure a legally compliant, healthy and happy crop. (This is an entry-level class, though all are welcome.)
Please join us for a special one-hour webinar on managing pests, molds, and other perennial gardening problems! Maine has strict limits on the types of controls cultivators may use on cannabis, so whether your garden is indoors or out, you won’t want to miss this informative seminar.
Beyond Certification: Navigating Legal Situations as a Medical Marijuana Pati...Benjamin Gelassen, MBA
Topics Include: Maine Medical Marijuana Laws and Regulations. You will learn more about proper storage when traveling in a vehicle, and what is legal and illegal. The discussion aims to help anyone who may have questions or concerns using this medicine.
Topics Include: Why smoking, vaporizing, edibles and topicals affect you differently, and how to combine forms to achieve the therapeutic relief you seek. (You’ll also come away with some easy recipes to try at home!)
You will learn how parents, who themselves use medical marijuana, have further considerations as they help their kids understand these concepts. This webinar is co-hosted by Chanda Sinclair of the Portland Department of Substance Abuse Prevention and WCM’s Director of Education Becky DeKeuster. Join us for a lively discussion and a Q & A session, with helpful tips & tools for having honest, age-appropriate discussions with kids from toddlers to teens.
Many Mainers use therapeutic cannabis to ease the aches and ailments that often accompany aging, but what happens when mmj patients need to make the transition into senior living communities, nursing facilities, or hospice care? You will learn how these agencies currently address on-site mmj use, and how mmj patients and their family/friends can best prepare and advocate for their right to use cannabis therapies in a variety of senior care settings.
While these are not stand-alone qualifying conditions in Maine, they accompany many serious illnesses. Join us for an in-depth conversation with special guest, Dr. Carey Clark, about how medical cannabis can aid with stress, anxiety, and depression.
Interested in growing your own medicine at home? Watch Cultivation Part II to learn from WCM’s Director of Production Operations and Cultivation Manager who will offer you expert guidance and special tips to ensure a healthy and happy harvest. This course is recommended for novices who are interested in growing their own medicine.
In this webinar we take a look at how cannabis can play a role in the treatment, and perhaps prevention, of dementia. We discuss issues that patients and family members should be aware of, including dosing, how to treat a non-verbal patient, and much more. And as always, you are invited to share your questions and personal stories!
Flu Vaccine Alert in Bangalore Karnatakaaddon Scans
As flu season approaches, health officials in Bangalore, Karnataka, are urging residents to get their flu vaccinations. The seasonal flu, while common, can lead to severe health complications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
Dr. Vidisha Kumari, a leading epidemiologist in Bangalore, emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated. "The flu vaccine is our best defense against the influenza virus. It not only protects individuals but also helps prevent the spread of the virus in our communities," he says.
This year, the flu season is expected to coincide with a potential increase in other respiratory illnesses. The Karnataka Health Department has launched an awareness campaign highlighting the significance of flu vaccinations. They have set up multiple vaccination centers across Bangalore, making it convenient for residents to receive their shots.
To encourage widespread vaccination, the government is also collaborating with local schools, workplaces, and community centers to facilitate vaccination drives. Special attention is being given to ensuring that the vaccine is accessible to all, including marginalized communities who may have limited access to healthcare.
Residents are reminded that the flu vaccine is safe and effective. Common side effects are mild and may include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or muscle aches. These side effects are generally short-lived and far less severe than the flu itself.
Healthcare providers are also stressing the importance of continuing COVID-19 precautions. Wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and maintaining social distancing are still crucial, especially in crowded places.
Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated. Together, we can help keep Bangalore healthy and safe this flu season. For more information on vaccination centers and schedules, residents can visit the Karnataka Health Department’s official website or follow their social media pages.
Stay informed, stay safe, and get your flu shot today!
Recomendações da OMS sobre cuidados maternos e neonatais para uma experiência pós-natal positiva.
Em consonância com os ODS – Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável e a Estratégia Global para a Saúde das Mulheres, Crianças e Adolescentes, e aplicando uma abordagem baseada nos direitos humanos, os esforços de cuidados pós-natais devem expandir-se para além da cobertura e da simples sobrevivência, de modo a incluir cuidados de qualidade.
Estas diretrizes visam melhorar a qualidade dos cuidados pós-natais essenciais e de rotina prestados às mulheres e aos recém-nascidos, com o objetivo final de melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar materno e neonatal.
Uma “experiência pós-natal positiva” é um resultado importante para todas as mulheres que dão à luz e para os seus recém-nascidos, estabelecendo as bases para a melhoria da saúde e do bem-estar a curto e longo prazo. Uma experiência pós-natal positiva é definida como aquela em que as mulheres, pessoas que gestam, os recém-nascidos, os casais, os pais, os cuidadores e as famílias recebem informação consistente, garantia e apoio de profissionais de saúde motivados; e onde um sistema de saúde flexível e com recursos reconheça as necessidades das mulheres e dos bebês e respeite o seu contexto cultural.
Estas diretrizes consolidadas apresentam algumas recomendações novas e já bem fundamentadas sobre cuidados pós-natais de rotina para mulheres e neonatos que recebem cuidados no pós-parto em unidades de saúde ou na comunidade, independentemente dos recursos disponíveis.
É fornecido um conjunto abrangente de recomendações para cuidados durante o período puerperal, com ênfase nos cuidados essenciais que todas as mulheres e recém-nascidos devem receber, e com a devida atenção à qualidade dos cuidados; isto é, a entrega e a experiência do cuidado recebido. Estas diretrizes atualizam e ampliam as recomendações da OMS de 2014 sobre cuidados pós-natais da mãe e do recém-nascido e complementam as atuais diretrizes da OMS sobre a gestão de complicações pós-natais.
O estabelecimento da amamentação e o manejo das principais intercorrências é contemplada.
Recomendamos muito.
Vamos discutir essas recomendações no nosso curso de pós-graduação em Aleitamento no Instituto Ciclos.
Esta publicação só está disponível em inglês até o momento.
Prof. Marcus Renato de Carvalho
www.agostodourado.com
NVBDCP.pptx Nation vector borne disease control programSapna Thakur
NVBDCP was launched in 2003-2004 . Vector-Borne Disease: Disease that results from an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Examples of vector-borne diseases include Dengue fever, West Nile Virus, Lyme disease, and malaria.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HEALTHCARE.pdfAnujkumaranit
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. It encompasses tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. AI technologies are revolutionizing various fields, from healthcare to finance, by enabling machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
These simplified slides by Dr. Sidra Arshad present an overview of the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract.
Learning objectives:
1. Enlist the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract
2. Briefly explain how these functions are carried out
3. Discuss the significance of dead space
4. Differentiate between minute ventilation and alveolar ventilation
5. Describe the cough and sneeze reflexes
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 39, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 34, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 17, Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
4. Non-respiratory functions of the lungs https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/13/3/98/278874
Pulmonary Thromboembolism - etilogy, types, medical- Surgical and nursing man...VarunMahajani
Disruption of blood supply to lung alveoli due to blockage of one or more pulmonary blood vessels is called as Pulmonary thromboembolism. In this presentation we will discuss its causes, types and its management in depth.
Knee anatomy and clinical tests 2024.pdfvimalpl1234
This includes all relevant anatomy and clinical tests compiled from standard textbooks, Campbell,netter etc..It is comprehensive and best suited for orthopaedicians and orthopaedic residents.
Title: Sense of Taste
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the structure and function of taste buds.
Describe the relationship between the taste threshold and taste index of common substances.
Explain the chemical basis and signal transduction of taste perception for each type of primary taste sensation.
Recognize different abnormalities of taste perception and their causes.
Key Topics:
Significance of Taste Sensation:
Differentiation between pleasant and harmful food
Influence on behavior
Selection of food based on metabolic needs
Receptors of Taste:
Taste buds on the tongue
Influence of sense of smell, texture of food, and pain stimulation (e.g., by pepper)
Primary and Secondary Taste Sensations:
Primary taste sensations: Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Umami
Chemical basis and signal transduction mechanisms for each taste
Taste Threshold and Index:
Taste threshold values for Sweet (sucrose), Salty (NaCl), Sour (HCl), and Bitter (Quinine)
Taste index relationship: Inversely proportional to taste threshold
Taste Blindness:
Inability to taste certain substances, particularly thiourea compounds
Example: Phenylthiocarbamide
Structure and Function of Taste Buds:
Composition: Epithelial cells, Sustentacular/Supporting cells, Taste cells, Basal cells
Features: Taste pores, Taste hairs/microvilli, and Taste nerve fibers
Location of Taste Buds:
Found in papillae of the tongue (Fungiform, Circumvallate, Foliate)
Also present on the palate, tonsillar pillars, epiglottis, and proximal esophagus
Mechanism of Taste Stimulation:
Interaction of taste substances with receptors on microvilli
Signal transduction pathways for Umami, Sweet, Bitter, Sour, and Salty tastes
Taste Sensitivity and Adaptation:
Decrease in sensitivity with age
Rapid adaptation of taste sensation
Role of Saliva in Taste:
Dissolution of tastants to reach receptors
Washing away the stimulus
Taste Preferences and Aversions:
Mechanisms behind taste preference and aversion
Influence of receptors and neural pathways
Impact of Sensory Nerve Damage:
Degeneration of taste buds if the sensory nerve fiber is cut
Abnormalities of Taste Detection:
Conditions: Ageusia, Hypogeusia, Dysgeusia (parageusia)
Causes: Nerve damage, neurological disorders, infections, poor oral hygiene, adverse drug effects, deficiencies, aging, tobacco use, altered neurotransmitter levels
Neurotransmitters and Taste Threshold:
Effects of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) on taste sensitivity
Supertasters:
25% of the population with heightened sensitivity to taste, especially bitterness
Increased number of fungiform papillae
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Ve...kevinkariuki227
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Verified Chapters 1 - 19, Complete Newest Version.pdf
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Verified Chapters 1 - 19, Complete Newest Version.pdf
Explore natural remedies for syphilis treatment in Singapore. Discover alternative therapies, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes that may complement conventional treatments. Learn about holistic approaches to managing syphilis symptoms and supporting overall health.
Ethanol (CH3CH2OH), or beverage alcohol, is a two-carbon alcohol
that is rapidly distributed in the body and brain. Ethanol alters many
neurochemical systems and has rewarding and addictive properties. It
is the oldest recreational drug and likely contributes to more morbidity,
mortality, and public health costs than all illicit drugs combined. The
5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM-5) integrates alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence into a single
disorder called alcohol use disorder (AUD), with mild, moderate,
and severe subclassifications (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
In the DSM-5, all types of substance abuse and dependence have been
combined into a single substance use disorder (SUD) on a continuum
from mild to severe. A diagnosis of AUD requires that at least two of
the 11 DSM-5 behaviors be present within a 12-month period (mild
AUD: 2–3 criteria; moderate AUD: 4–5 criteria; severe AUD: 6–11 criteria).
The four main behavioral effects of AUD are impaired control over
drinking, negative social consequences, risky use, and altered physiological
effects (tolerance, withdrawal). This chapter presents an overview
of the prevalence and harmful consequences of AUD in the U.S.,
the systemic nature of the disease, neurocircuitry and stages of AUD,
comorbidities, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, genetic risk factors, and
pharmacotherapies for AUD.
New Drug Discovery and Development .....NEHA GUPTA
The "New Drug Discovery and Development" process involves the identification, design, testing, and manufacturing of novel pharmaceutical compounds with the aim of introducing new and improved treatments for various medical conditions. This comprehensive endeavor encompasses various stages, including target identification, preclinical studies, clinical trials, regulatory approval, and post-market surveillance. It involves multidisciplinary collaboration among scientists, researchers, clinicians, regulatory experts, and pharmaceutical companies to bring innovative therapies to market and address unmet medical needs.
Prix Galien International 2024 Forum ProgramLevi Shapiro
June 20, 2024, Prix Galien International and Jerusalem Ethics Forum in ROME. Detailed agenda including panels:
- ADVANCES IN CARDIOLOGY: A NEW PARADIGM IS COMING
- WOMEN’S HEALTH: FERTILITY PRESERVATION
- WHAT’S NEW IN THE TREATMENT OF INFECTIOUS,
ONCOLOGICAL AND INFLAMMATORY SKIN DISEASES?
- ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ETHICS
- GENE THERAPY
- BEYOND BORDERS: GLOBAL INITIATIVES FOR DEMOCRATIZING LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROMOTING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE
- ETHICAL CHALLENGES IN LIFE SCIENCES
- Prix Galien International Awards Ceremony
1. Delivery Methods and Dosing:
Making the most of your medicine
Medical Cannabis
and Harm Reduction
Presenter: Becky DeKeuster, M.Ed, Director of Education
Producer: Ben Gelassen, Digital Marketing Specialist
Potential for the treatment of addiction and
symptoms of withdrawal
2. What is harm reduction?
A public health philosophy and set of practices seeking
an overall decrease in the negative impacts of drug use
Harm reduction practices and policies seek to reduce
the harms associated with drug use*,
without requiring that consumption be reduced
*Harm reduction can be applied to non-drug-related aspects of life
LegalizationAbstinence
DRUG
POLICY
3. Assessing the impacts of use of various drugs
Self
Community
Society
Health
Social
Economic
4. General harm reduction strategies
Public health philosophy and set of practices seeking an overall
decrease in the negative impacts of drug use, including those
caused by drug control policies themselves
Other interventions
Advocacy for improved drug policies
HIV/AIDS-related interventions
Broader drug treatment options
Drug use management
5. Examples of harm reduction in history
Netherlands 1984: First needle exchange program
Late 50s-early 60s: Methadone programs begin in Canada, U.S.
1920s Britain: Rolleston Committee of physicians advocates for drug
maintenance programs for some problem drug users
Grew from the belief that the spread of HIV is more
harmful to individuals and society than is drug misuse
Today: Narcan for family members, friends, first responders
6. U.S. approaches to drug policy
Through most of our lifetimes, U.S.
stance on “illicit” drugs primarily
has been abstinence-based
Typically accomplished via
legislation, criminal penalties,
and stigmatizing consumers of
drugs considered illicit
Policies aim to reduce/eliminate
both supply and demand
Source: “CNN: The War on Drugs, 40 Years Later” (via YouTube)
7. Delivery Methods and Dosing:
Making the most of your medicineHow does cannabis fit into
a harm reduction approach
to the use of other
substances?
8. HR: So how does cannabis fit in?
Some would call for strategies (possibly including harm reduction
techniques) to reduce or eliminate marijuana supply and use.
Left: Nancy Reagan advocates for a “drug-free society” in the 1980s. Right: 2012 billboard in Portland, OR.
9. HR: So how does cannabis fit in?
Some would call medical and other cannabis laws part of a harm
reduction strategy for marijuana supply and use.
Source: Good to Know
Colorado, 2015
10. HR: So how does cannabis fit in?
Some would call medical and other cannabis laws part of a harm
reduction strategy for alcohol, opioid, and other drug supply and use.
2013 bus advertisement in Portland, ME.
11. Delivery Methods and Dosing:
Making the most of your medicine
What does modern
medicine and science say
about cannabis use as a
harm reduction tool?
12. NIDA on: Cannabis
Possible Health Effects
Short-term
Enhanced sensory perception and euphoria followed by drowsiness/relaxation;
slowed reaction time; problems with balance and coordination; increased heart
rate and appetite; problems with learning and memory; hallucinations; anxiety;
panic attacks; psychosis.
Long-term Mental health problems, chronic cough, frequent respiratory infections.
Other Health-related Issues
Youth: possible loss of IQ points when repeated use begins in adolescence.
Pregnancy: babies born with problems with attention, memory, and problem
solving.
In Combination with
Alcohol
Increased heart rate, blood pressure; further slowing of mental processing and
reaction time.
Withdrawal Symptoms Irritability, trouble sleeping, decreased appetite, anxiety.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/commonly-abused-drugs-charts
13. NIDA on: Alcohol
“People drink to socialize, celebrate, and relax. Alcohol often has a strong effect on people—and throughout
history, people have struggled to understand and manage alcohol’s power. Why does alcohol cause people to
act and feel differently? How much is too much? Why do some people become addicted while others do not?
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism is researching the answers to these and many other
questions about alcohol. Here’s what is known:
• Alcohol’s effects vary from person to person, depending on a variety of factors, including:
How much you drink; how often you drink; your age; your health status; your family history
• While drinking alcohol is itself not necessarily a problem—drinking too much can cause a range of
consequences, and increase your risk for a variety of problems.
For more information on alcohol’s effects on the body, please see the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism’s related web page describing alcohol’s effects on the body.”
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/commonly-abused-drugs-charts
14. NIAAA on: Alcohol
Source: National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism (NIAAA). https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body
Brain:
Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways, and can affect the way the brain looks and
works. These disruptions can change mood and behavior, and make it harder to think clearly and move with
coordination.
Heart:
Drinking a lot over a long time or too much on a single occasion can damage the heart, causing problems
including:
•Cardiomyopathy – Stretching and drooping of heart muscle
•Arrhythmias – Irregular heart beat
•Stroke
•High blood pressure
Research also shows that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol may protect healthy adults
from developing coronary heart disease.
15. NIAAA on: Alcohol
Liver:
Heavy drinking takes a toll on the liver, and can
lead to a variety of problems and liver
inflammations including:
•Steatosis, or fatty liver
•Alcoholic hepatitis
•Fibrosis
•Cirrhosis
Pancreas:
Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can eventually lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous
inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels in the pancreas that prevents proper digestion.
Source: National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism (NIAAA). https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body
Cancer:
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your
risk of developing certain cancers, including
cancers of the:
•Mouth
•Esophagus
•Throat
•Liver
•Breast
Immune System:
Drinking too much can weaken your immune system, making your body a much easier target for disease. Chronic
drinkers are more liable to contract diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis than people who do not drink too
much. Drinking a lot on a single occasion slows your body’s ability to ward off infections – even up to 24 hours after
getting drunk.
16. NIDA on: Prescription Opioids
Possible Health Effects
Short-term
Pain relief, drowsiness, nausea, constipation, euphoria,
confusion, slowed breathing, death.
Long-term Unknown.
Other Health-related Issues
Pregnancy: Miscarriage, low birth weight, neonatal abstinence
syndrome.
Older adults: higher risk of accidental misuse or abuse because
many older adults have multiple prescriptions, increasing the
risk of drug-drug interactions, and breakdown of drugs slows
with age; also, many older adults are treated with prescription
medications for pain.
Risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases from shared
needles.
In Combination with Alcohol
Dangerous slowing of heart rate and breathing leading to coma
or death.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/commonly-abused-drugs-charts
17. NIDA on: Prescription Opioids
Withdrawal Symptoms
Restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea,
vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps ("cold turkey"), leg
movements.
Treatment Options
Medications
•Methadone
•Buprenorphine
•Naltrexone (short- and long-acting)
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies that have helped treat addiction to heroin
may be useful in treating prescription opioid addiction.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/commonly-abused-drugs-charts
18. Cannabis substitution for alcohol
“Substituting cannabis for prescription drugs, alcohol and other substances among
medical cannabis patients.” Lucas P, Walsh Z, et al. Drug and Alcohol Review, May 2016
“Substituting cannabis for one or more of alcohol, illicit drugs or
prescription drugs was reported by 87% (n = 410) of respondents, with
80.3% reporting substitution for prescription drugs, 51.7% for alcohol,
and 32.6% for illicit substances. Respondents who reported substituting
cannabis for prescription drugs were more likely to report difficulty
affording sufficient quantities of cannabis, and patients under 40 years of
age were more likely to substitute cannabis for all three classes of
substance than older patients.”
19. Cannabis substitution/supplement for opioids
“Prescribing cannabis for harm reduction.” Collen M, Harm Reduction Journal, 2005
“…a number of articles have reported on interactions between
cannabinoid and opioid receptors which may result in enhanced analgesia
and a synergistic effect when CC is added to opioids... This may translate
into patients being able to reduce their opioid intake with adjuvant
cannabinoid therapy...”
“There is sufficient evidence of safety and efficacy for the use of
(therapeutic cannabis) in the treatment of nerve pain relative to opioids
and as Carter et al write, "From a pharmacological prospective,
cannabinoids are considerably safer than opioids..."”
20. The future of cannabis for HR
Legal
status
Social
approval
Increasing legalization of
cannabis = expanded
acceptance
Residual resistance to
positives associated with
any cannabis use
Longer-term data on social
benefits & costs
Opponent messaging
focused on risks
Medical, legal, and
treatment barriers
Positive individual
experiences with cannabis
as substitute/treatment
22. Sources & Resources
www.pubmed.comwww.drugpolicy.org www.harmreduction.org
Harm Reduction: National and International Perspectives. James A. Inciardi and Lana D. Harrison. SAGE
Publications, Oct 11, 1999.
Collen, Mark. Prescribing cannabis for harm reduction. Harm Reduction Journal 2012; 9: 1. Accessed July 5 2016
at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3295721/
Video: Cannabis as Substitute for Other Drugs. Amanda Reiman, PhD MSW. Webinar presented
September 12, 2013, Center for Behavioral Health Policy at the University of California at Berkeley.
Accessed July 5, 2016 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FPyZhNtHss
23. Delivery Methods and Dosing:
Making the most of your medicine
Thank you for your
time and attention!
What are your remaining
questions & concerns?
www.mainewellness.org
@wellconnectme
www.facebook.com/mainewellness
Instagram: @mainewellness
Editor's Notes
Introductions; how to submit questions. Also—HUGE topic, one hour = skimming the surface. But resources at the end to encourage your further research.
Abstinence: Prohibition. Goal of zero supply, zero demand. Enforced by criminal penalties for suppliers and for those who do not or cannot abstain. Legalization: Full acceptance and support of commerce in and use of drugs.
Crime; increase in transmission of disease; added health care costs; lost wages, etc. Also benefits – criminal justice system aside, do cannabis users require less law enforcement intervention? Have fewer episodes of domestic violence? In a legal adult-use framework, where cannabis users can safely access the product and education about it, and have safe spaces to consume, does teen use decline?
Advocacy to change drug policies: decriminalization, legalization, changes in paraphernalia laws, creation of alternatives to incarceration. HIV/AIDS interventions = needle exchanges, condom distribution & education, free testing/counseling/case management. Broader treatment options: methadone, suboxone (maintenance medicines), cannabis substitution, access to experimental treatments like PREP. Drug use management = supervised injection sites, counseling and case management. Other = support groups, group homes, advocacy groups to give drug consumers a voice.
This is in general—there are some harm reduction approaches used in the U.S., as we see in the increased availability of Narcan for example. But as we have seen in Maine, gaining approval for HR strategies may require intensive advocacy by stakeholders (substance users, law enforcement, treatment providers, the general public). Abstinence based = JUST SAY NO. Supply is people growing, producing and providing the substance; demand is people seeking to obtain the substance.
Go back to NIDA on Cannabis to compare
(Focused on treatment of neuropathic pain: Diabetic neuropathy, MS-related pain, post-stroke pain, phantom limb pain, HIV sensory neuropathy) Emphasis added
Medical: Schedule I; NIDA mission. Legal: State laws that do not allow addiction as a condition; drug courts treat all use as abuse. Treatment: abstinence-only treatment focus in US
Opioids effective for end of life care and post surgery pain, but are proven ineffective to treat chronic/intractable pain. Law goes into effect FRIDAY (tomorrow).
