Addiction Rehab: Project ECHO: A Model for Complex, Chronic Care in the Pacific Northwest Region of the United States.

Project ECHO: a model for complex, chronic care in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

Filed under: Addiction Rehab

J Telemed Telecare. 2012 Dec 3;
Scott JD, Unruh KT, Catlin MC, Merrill JO, Tauben DJ, Rosenblatt R, Buchwald D, Doorenbos A, Towle C, Ramers CB, Spacha DH

The Pacific Northwest of the US is a large, sparsely populated region. A telehealth programme called Project ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) was tested in this region in 2009. Weekly videoconferences were held in the areas of hepatitis C, chronic pain, integrated addictions and psychiatry, and HIV/AIDS. Rural clinicians presented cases to a panel of experts at an academic medical centre and received management advice and access to best practices. During the trial, more than 900 clinicians participated, and more than 700 patient cases were presented. At the end of June 2012, a total of 23 videoconference clinics for hepatitis C had been held, 16 clinics in addiction and psychiatry, 97 in chronic pain and 13 in HIV/AIDS. The Project ECHO model improves access to health care. It may provide a way to bring specialist care to rural areas in developing countries.
HubMed – addiction

 

Synaptic Targets of ?9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in the Central Nervous System.

Filed under: Addiction Rehab

Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2012 Dec 3;
Hoffman AF, Lupica CR

The availability of potent synthetic agonists for cannabinoid receptors has facilitated our understanding of cannabinoid actions on synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. Moreover, the ability of these compounds to inhibit neurotransmitter release at many central synapses is thought to underlie most of the behavioral effects of cannabinoid agonists. However, despite the widespread use and misuse of marijuana, and recognition of its potential adverse psychological effects in humans, comparatively few studies have examined the actions of its primary psychoactive constituent, ?(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), at well-defined synaptic pathways. Here we examine the recent literature describing the effects of acute and repeated THC exposure on synaptic function in several brain regions and explore the importance of these neurobiological actions of THC in drug addiction.
HubMed – addiction

 

Formulation and evaluation of thienorphine hydrochloride sublingual delivery system.

Filed under: Addiction Rehab

Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2012; 60(12): 1479-86
Liu F, Zhao Y, Sun J, Gao Y, Zhang Z

Thienorphine hydrochloride (ThH) is a highly insoluble and readily metabolized partial-opioid agonist. It is used for the treatment of pain and heroin addiction. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate sublingual delivery systems containing ThH. Dimethyl-?-cyclodextrin (DM-?-CD) can enhance the solubility and permeability of hydrophobic drugs. In this paper, ThH cyclodextrin inclusion complexes were prepared and administrated sublingually with the objective of improving the drug’s aqueous solubility, in vitro permeation rate, and in vivo absorption rate. The formulation was prepared with DM-?-CD using the freeze-dried method and characterized using phase solubility, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray and NMR analyses. The results of each test indicated the formation of dynamic inclusion complexes between ThH and DM-?-CD. The inclusion complexes also showed significant increases in in vitro aqueous solubility and mucosal permeability. According to the pharmacokinetic study of the complex in rats, the AUC and C(max) values of the sublingual delivery group were 40 and 46 times higher than those of the gastrointestinal group, whereas t(max) was shorter, which proved that in vivo absorption and metabolism had been improved. It can therefore be concluded that the inclusion technology and sublingual delivery system were suitable for ThH development.
HubMed – addiction

 


 

Clarity Way: Music Therapy Feature – Clarity Way was featured on WGAL8 discussing the state-of-the-art recording studio at the facility, built with help from Blind Melon guitarist, Christopher Thorn. The recording studio assists clients in their addiction recovery process. The clinic has also launched its own Record Label, Iron Ridge Recordings. Clarity Way works with MusicCares which helps recording artists struggling with addiction.

 

More Addiction Rehab Information…