Addicted Doctors Still Practice While in Rehab

Confidential programs criticized after reports of botched operations

SAN FRANCISCO - Troubling cases in which doctors were accused of botching operations while undergoing treatment for drugs or alcohol have led to criticism of rehab programs that allow thousands of U.S. physicians to keep their addictions hidden from their patients.

Nearly all states have confidential rehab programs that let doctors continue practicing as long as they stick with the treatment regimen. Nationwide, as many as 8,000 doctors may be in such programs, by one estimate.

These arrangements largely escaped public scrutiny until last summer, when California's medical board outraged physicians across the country by abolishing its 27-year-old program. A review concluded that the system failed to protect patients or help addicted doctors get better.

Full Article On Addicted Doctors

Fatal Heroin 'Overdose': A Review

The current paper examines critically the literature on deaths attributed to heroin overdose, and examines the characteristics and circumstances of such deaths. In particular, the dominance of the widely held belief that heroin-related fatalities are a consequence of overdose is challenged. Deaths attributed to overdose represented in the literature are typically older, heroin-dependent males not in drug treatment at the time of death. Fatalities involving only heroin appear to form a minority of overdose occasions, the presence of other drugs (primarily central nervous system depressants such as alcohol and benzodiazepines) being commonly detected at autopsy. Furthermore, deaths attributed to overdose are likely to have morphine levels no higher than those who survive, or heroin users who die from other causes. It is concluded that the term overdose is, in many cases, a misleading term, since it implies the same mechanism of death in all cases, an implication that is neither clinically useful nor consistent with published data. Implications for the prevention of heroin-related deaths are discussed.

Full Article on Fatal Heroin Overdose & Study

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Truer words were never spoken, especially about drug abuse and drug dependency.  This on-line presentation is designed specifically for drug abuse prevention.  Surely it makes good sense to invest a little time reviewing this material to hopefully avoid the problems of drug dependency rather than spend thousands of dollars on a treatment that may not be effective.

Thousands of young people are seeking or will seek treatment for their drug dependency.  However, not many of us want to know about the dangers of drug abuse until it is too late.  If you are feeling peer pressure to use or are thinking of experimenting with illegal drugs, you need the information contained on this website.

Drug abuse prevention is much easier, more successful, and much cheaper than drug dependency treatment.  We feel that if every “at risk” person could view the Drugs and Death presentation, there would be a meaningful decrease in the drug abuse problem.

Drugs and Death is presented in a graphic and easily understood manner.  Written by forensic pathologist and medical examiner, Joseph C. Rupp, M.D., Ph.D., the material is based on drug-related deaths from medical examiner case files.  Photographs from the scenes and autopsies of these deaths are used to show the effects of illegal drug use on the human body.

The presentation is divided into five topic segments covering heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens and psychedelics, inhalants, and marijuana.  Use the navigation links at upper left to review each topic.

Visit Dr Rupp's Website   (I used some of Dr. Rupp's photos in the video)

Science of the Heart - Endorphins

Endorphins are what makes us come back to love again and again. They're what makes love feel so good and why we long for it. Endorphins are neurotransmitters released by the brain that make us feel terrific. They are our own little rewards system and have addictive characteristics.
     
Unlike caffeine, nicotine, or cocaine, these chemicals are the rewards our bodies treat us to when we are doing something good for ourselves: exercising, laughing, having sex, falling in love. And, they are the reason why exercise can bring us out of a funk, laughing can become contagious, sex can seem can be better than chocolate, and we go back to love even after our hearts are broken. The endorphin fix is hard to shake, because they are not only addictive but they make us happy, energized, feeling strong and alive.

More on This Article About Endorphins

Top 10 Heroin-Inspired Songs

I used Neil Young's "The Needle and the Damage Done" full-length version in my video. To me it was the most infamous song on the subject. I find it interesting the other songs the website below has on its list. I will give you 2 excerpts and if you like you can see the rest. I personally don't care to drudge up the past by reviewing and checking out this list. Some of the bands I detest and think they glorify heroin, although in the end they lose at it too. Nevertheless, look at the list if you must. Link Below:

#09 - "Fire and Rain" [1969] James Taylor
According to an urban legend, "Fire and Rain" deals with a girlfriend of Taylor's who died in a plane crash. In actuality, the "Suzanne" of the song was actually an acquaintance of Taylor's who committed suicide. The rest of "Fire and Rain" focuses on Taylor's efforts to kick his heroin addiction. "Won't you look down upon me, Jesus/You've got to help me make a stand/You've just got to see me through another day/My body's aching and my time is at hand/And I won't make it any other way . . ."

Top Ten Heroin Songs

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