Thanks to NAADAC Govt. Relations Intern Mara Gray for guest-blogging this article!

There is so much media coverage of addiction-related stories that it can be difficult to keep up. But these stories, one by one, help contribute to the way that the public understands the disease of addiction. Here are some notable articles from the past few weeks that you might have missed but are worth checking out:

Alcoholism Drug Not an Easy Sell
By Todd Wallack
The Boston Globe
March 23, 2009

Summary:
For over 60 years, drug companies have been searching for ways to relieve alcohol addiction. So far, none have seen widespread success. Alkermes Inc. believes it has found a solution though in the form of Vivitrol, an injection drug that satiates drug cravings. As opposed to other FDA-approved anti-alcohol drugs, Vivitrol is administered only once a month, which helps alleviate concerns about treatment adherence. However, the drug does not alleviate any financial burdens – it costs around $800 a month, or $9,600 a year. Many doctors and those who have received this drug therapy are strong proponents of it, but others warn that it may not be for everyone. As Dr. Kim Davis put it, “The irony is that [alcohol abusers] are willing to take drugs that harm them, but they have all sorts of fears about drugs that might help them.” There are other physicians who are worried about replacing one drug habit with another, although Vivitrol has not been found to have any addictive qualities. Alkermes Inc. has made it clear that they will continue to work towards encouraging the use of Vivitrol in clinically appropriate situations.

Brain Researchers Open Door to Editing Memory
Benedict Carey
The New York Times
April 5, 2009

Summary:
Some recent neurology research has focused on a certain molecule of the brain – a molecule that allows us to retain memories. More importantly, they have been experimenting with a drug that can block a substance the brain uses to retain memories, and therefore prevent or possibly remove memories themselves. With use of this drug, people afflicted with addiction would be able to “clear” their memories of drug use and potentially erase them from their behavioral repertoire. However, as the article asks, could this possibly promote more experimental use by those already prone to drug addiction? If it is easy to forget, will we be inclined to experiment again? Will we be more likely to try new drugs if we know addiction can easily be avoided? The door always swings both ways when tampering with memory. As research progresses in this area, we will see whether memory adjustment has any future in addiction treatment.

Beyond Addiction: Hurting at Home
William Moyers
Bend Weekly
April 6, 2009

Summary:
Drug addiction does not only apply to alcohol and illegal narcotics. Drug addiction does not only happen to those of legal age. William Cope Moyer points out to us in his commentary that drug addiction can lurk in many places – including behind your sink cabinet. For example, a sixteen-year-old tells Mr. Moyer of his struggles with addiction, and it has somehow gone unnoticed for many years. He wasn’t on the streets buying and selling drugs. He wasn’t shoulder tapping outside of the local grocery store. No, he was at home in his safe, quiet community. Mr. Moyer reminds us that drug addiction is not just what the media hypes it to be. He brings to our attention that there are many out there who suffer from addiction under the false facade that these drugs are good for you, they’re there to help. However, as Mr. Moyer alludes to, too much of a good thing can often lead to a bad outcome.

Exposure to Substance Use Prevention Messages and Substance Use among Adolescents: 2002 to 2007

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

April 2, 2009

Summary:
Between 2002 and 2007, it appears as though fewer and fewer adolescents are encountering drug and alcohol prevention messages. However, there are some encouraging trends as well – more children are receiving anti-drug messages from at least one of their parents. It appears these conversations with parents are the most common among younger adolescents, which is good because we know the younger children get drug education the less likely they are to experiment. Also, it appears that young people who receive anti-drug messages in the past year were less likely to use tobacco, alcohol or other illicit drugs than their counterparts who were not anti-drug educated.