OK, for those quasi-regular readers of this blog, and we know there are at least four of you out there, you’re already aware that many of our posts address how to effectively treat patients. What works. What doesn’t. What is known and what falls into the realm of the art Continue reading
Monthly Archives: February 2015
How often do acute opioids become chronic opioids?
Each individual who uses chronic opioids was at some point started for the first time on a prescription opioid. Often the problem was an episode of acute pain, such as a twisted ankle. Opioids may also have been newly started for a chronic pain problem, such as Continue reading
Beware broken heart syndrome
Valentine’s Day looms on the near horizon. A day for chocolate, roses, and smarmy greeting cards. A time to express undying affection for those we love. But you already know where this is headed, don’t you? While people everywhere prepare to give voice to Continue reading
One clinician’s perspective on how to get past denial in identifying alcohol abuse and dependence
Throughout my forty years as a practicing psychologist, I witnessed many shifts in opinion around assessing alcoholism, both in the therapy setting and in medicine in general. Back in the earliest days of my career in the 1970s, issues around alcoholism were rarely if Continue reading