Category Archives: Substance Abuse

What we know about mindfulness meditation in substance use disorders

Substance use disorders refer to conditions arising from the abuse of alcohol and psychoactive drugs.

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin in Madison reviewed the existing evidence for using mindfulness meditation — the practice of directing your full attention to the present. Continue reading What we know about mindfulness meditation in substance use disorders

Where is the evidence for acupuncture to treat substance abuse?

The article starts by asserting, “There is increasing clinical acceptance of acupuncture as a treatment of substance-related disorders.” That’s why these researchers compared it to — of all things — “aromatherapy in reducing the duration and severity of symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.”

But where’s the evidence?

Continue reading Where is the evidence for acupuncture to treat substance abuse?

Study disputes the role of marijuana on subsequent drug abuse

The “gateway theory” says that each type of drug is associated with certain specific risk factors that can lead to subsequent drug abuse. For example, cigarettes or alcohol lead to marijuana, which leads to cocaine, etc.

A study by Dr. Ralph Tarter from the University of Pittsburgh suggests that environmental factors have a stronger influence on which type of substance is used. For example, if it’s easier for a teens to get marijuana than beer, then they will be more likely to smoke pot.

Continue reading Study disputes the role of marijuana on subsequent drug abuse

Trying to document the effects of Johrei

Johrei (pronounced Jo-ray) is a non-touch healing method similar to reiki. It involves channeling of “universal healing energy” to influence the health of another person. Three studies in the past 15 months have attempted to correlate subjective changes with other objective outcomes.

Here’s a quick review.

Continue reading Trying to document the effects of Johrei