MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'groups'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:55:46 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182234&cid=t_119694_136_f&fid=39025&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Feverythingchangesbook%2F%7E3%2FlpUQP0csuow%2Fthyroid-cancer-patients By Jackie B-F Thyroid cancer is referred to as the “good cancer” to have.  Treatment generally involves surgery followed by radioactive iodine, and cure rates for the disease are incredibly high.  After surgery, the only drugs I took were my daily hormones and a lonely round of radioactive iodine. Less than a month after learning I was in remission, I joined a young adult cancer support group where almost everyone but me had been treated with a stem cell transplant.  My week and a half of radioactive quarantine paled in comparison to their experiences, and I felt that I wasn’t part of “the cancer club.”  I was reminded both how lucky I was and how alone I still felt, even among other young adults with cancer. Since then, I have become active with a few young adult cancer advo... Everything Changes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182234 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:05:20 +0100 5182234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130665&cid=t_119694_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F15%2Fperinatal-mental-health-of-black-and-minority-ethnic-women-a-review-of-current-provision-in-england-scotland-and-wales%2F This report aims to: map current/ proposed perinatal mental health provision for BME women identify gaps in provision identify and share good practice. Publisher: DH Size: 63p. Published: 08/02/11 Filed under: Ooops Missed Category! Tagged: African people, Asian people, Black people, Depression, Ethnic Groups, Ethnic minorities, Grey Literature, Maternity care, Mixed race people, Postnatal Care, Postnatal depression, West Indian people (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130665 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:12:56 +0100 5130665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107901&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2F12-steps-for-young-women%2F Hazelden Study Signals Importance of Twelve Step Meeting Attendance for Young Women in Early RecoveryThe frequency of attending Twelve Step mutual support meetings following addiction treatment can help predict success in early recovery for young women, according to a data analysis study.Meeting attendance frequency predicted both abstinence from substance use and number of drinking days at six months post-treatment for young women studied, reports Audrey A. Klein.Analysis focused on 139 young women, age 17-23, attending Twelve Step-based residential treatment for a substance use disorder. They were statistically compared to a sample of 237 young men who attended the same treatment program during the same time period. The analysis showed young women were as likely as young men to attend Tw... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107901 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:10:01 +0100 5107901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107902&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2F12-step-and-mutual-help-programs%2F Twelve-Step and Mutual-Help Programs for Addictive DisordersThis important statement was made after an extensive review of outcomes research on addiction treatment. It reflects the conclusions of recent scientific reviews that alcohol and other drug addictions are chronic, relapsing diseases of the brain.The Minnesota Model, which throughout the 1980s featured 28 days of intensive inpatient and residential treatment, has more recently evolved to a longer continuum of care and greater reliance on outpatient treatment. Brief detoxification establishes abstinence, and patients move to successively less intensive levels of care from inpatient, to partial, to intensive outpatient, to less frequent outpatient visits. The model of chronic illness, which O’Brien and McLellan used in comparin... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107902 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:37:18 +0100 5107902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028454&cid=t_119694_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F13%2Fapproaches-to-knowledge-2-interview-with-nathaniel-b-jones%2F This is the second article of a two-part interview with Dr. Brian Jones.  Dr. Jones has a PhD in exercise science and is a full-time professor at the University of Louisville where he teaches both undergrad and graduate courses.  He approaches his classes from a scientific standpoint with an emphasis on critical thinking. In a nutshell, what is science?  Does science really prove anything? Science is a process. It is a system for evaluating information based on formulating a hypothesis, carefully testing that hypothesis through data collection and analysis, and revising the hypothesis. If the hypothesis withstands the researcher’s attempt to falsify it then it tentatively stands supported by the research. Nothing in science is ever truly “proven” correct. Scientific fa... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028454 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:25:51 +0100 5028454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984499&cid=t_119694_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F29%2Ffamilies-affected-by-mental-illness-feel-little-support-from-churches%2F A new study conducted at Baylor University indicated that families with a mentally ill member would like their congregation to offer more assistance. The study, published in the journal “Mental Health, Religion and Culture,” was the first to look at how mental illness of a family member influences an individual’s relationship with the church. “Families with mental illness stand to benefit from their involvement with a congregation, but our findings suggest that faith communities fail to adequately engage these families because they lack awareness of the issues and understanding of the important ways that they can help,” said Diana Garland, Ph.D., dean of Baylor’s School of Social Work and co-author of the Baylor study. The study surveyed nearly 6,000 participant... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984499 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:11:12 +0100 4984499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953371&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FhXi3b_bpH4s%2F CONCLUSIONS: S/R promotes the use of post-treatment self-regulation skills that, in turn, directly contribute to ongoing 12-step self-help group involvement.Authors: Carrico AW, Gifford EV, Moos RH. Spirituality/religiosity promotes acceptance-based responding and 12-step involvement. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2007 Jun 15;89(1):66-73Regular news feed free subscription.NEWYou Can Help an Alcoholic (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953371 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 03:49:24 +0100 4953371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902485&cid=t_119694_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F05%2Fhow-is-your-happiness-challenge-going%2F Unbelievable as this is, the year 2011 is half over. If you’ve joined the 2011 Happiness Challenge, how are you doing? If you’ve managed successfully to keep even one resolution, give yourself a big gold star. It’s hard to make change; it takes mindfulness, self-knowledge, and self-mastery. I’m often surprised by how hard it is to make even a change that’s pleasant, like my resolutions to Read more or to Jump. Why is it so hard to push myself to do something that I like doing? And yet it is. Have you followed any resolutions that have made a particular difference to your happiness? I’m always so curious to hear what people have tried, and what has worked. For instance, to my surprise, one of the resolutions I most often hear mentioned is… Make your be... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902485 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 15:58:19 +0100 4902485 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4876421&cid=t_119694_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F28%2Fhelping-others-is-good-for-your-health-an-interview-with-stephen-g-post-phd%2F Mahatma Gandhi once said that “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” I have benefited from that advice, for sure, especially in the months that I was crawling out of a very severe depression. An expert on the perks that come with helping others is bestselling author Stephen G. Post, author of The Hidden Gifts of Helping: How the Power of Giving, Compassion, and Hope Can Get us Through Hard Times (Jossey-Bass, 2011). He is Professor of Preventive Medicine, Heard of the Division of Medicine in Society, and Director of the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care and Bioethics at Stony Brook University. Visit him on his website at www.stephengpost.com/hiddengifts. I have the privilege of conducting an exclusive interview with him for... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4876421 Sat, 28 May 2011 10:07:20 +0100 4876421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828856&cid=t_119694_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FRs9Wy_iJqXs%2F By John SamplesThe Internal Revenue Service is investigating campaign donations to groups incorporated under 501(c)(4) of the tax code. Some in the IRS apparently hope to apply gift taxes to the contributions. Higher taxes on an activity would generally lead to less of that activity, especially if a good substitute exists that is not taxed. In this case, donors could give money to 527 groups. Such donations are exempt from taxation. But 527 groups are subject to disclosure of donors. The IRS investigations involve tax provisions “that had rarely, if ever, been enforced.” Why now? We do not know. But 501(c)(4) groups played in a important part in the 2010 campaign. As you know, the party in power lost control of the House of Representatives in 2010.  With the president’... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828856 Mon, 16 May 2011 14:53:51 +0100 4828856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775432&cid=t_119694_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F02%2Fmental-health-needs-of-older-americans%2F As the baby boomers age here in the U.S., they are going to swell the ranks of seniors. And senior care — especially mental health care — is one of the most ignored in America. We act as though seniors don’t matter much, and few health care and mental health care professionals go into specializations, such as geriatric psychology, that can help senior citizens. Perhaps that will change, with more attention and focus provided on this group of people. Because as we age, we often face many of the same difficulties as we did earlier in life. Except these difficulties are often amplified, because of the loss of social support — our friends — and isolation — most often from our own family. The New York Times profiles Marc E. Agronin, M.D., a geriatric psychiat... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775432 Mon, 02 May 2011 13:50:19 +0100 4775432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4723945&cid=t_119694_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F17%2Funderstanding-research-methodology-3-goals-of-scientific-research%2F Broadly speaking, science is interested in answering questions and acquiring knowledge concerning the observable universe.  Various research methods are used in an attempt to satisfy these interests. In future articles I’ll present a discussion of different research designs.  But, before discussing the various designs used by researchers it is important to identify the goals of scientific research. Goals of Scientific Research Many researchers agree that the goals of scientific research are: description, prediction, and explanation/understanding.  Some individuals add control and application to the list of goals.  For now, I am going to focus on discussing description, prediction and explanation/understanding. Description Description refers to the procedures used to define, clas... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4723945 Sun, 17 Apr 2011 12:19:22 +0100 4723945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4643002&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fsetting-the-standard-for-recovery%2F Image via WikipediaSetting the standard for recovery: physicians’ health programs.US physician health programmes demonstrate that long-term intensive monitoring of substance use allied with swift and certain sanctions and abstinence-based mutual aid and treatment can enable seriously dependent individuals to stop using psychoactive substances.Original abstract; Physician health programmes offer drug- and alcohol-using physicians the opportunity, motivation, and support to achieve long-term recovery, using monitoring through drug and alcohol testing, treatment, and 12-step programmes. In return, physicians sign contracts, typically for five years, to adhere to the programme, including completing treatment and submitting to frequent random drug testing to ensure abstinence. Each workin... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4643002 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:24:00 +0100 4643002 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592699&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fharm-reduction-and-the-12-steps%2F Conclusion: Complementary conceptualizations of harm reduction and 12-step approaches have the potential to broaden the range of options available to people experiencing substance use problems.Posted online on March 11, 2011. (doi:10.3109/10826084.2010.548435) Heather Sophia Lee, Malitta Engstrom, and Scott R. PetersenRelated articlesAA & 12-Step Treatment (twelvestepfacilitation.com)12-Step Treatment More Effective than Alternative (recoveryissexy.com)Women & the 12 Steps of AA (recoveryissexy.com)The 12 Steps and Catholicism (recoveryissexy.com)Alcohol Use and Unsafe Sex by People with HIV (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592699 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:00:00 +0100 4592699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4552152&cid=t_119694_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2011%2F03%2Fsolving-the-puzzle-of-henry-viii.html ScienceDaily (Mar. 3, 2011) — Blood group incompatibility between Henry VIII and his wives could have driven the Tudor king's reproductive woes, and a genetic condition related to his suspected blood group could also explain Henry's dramatic mid-life transformation into a physically and mentally-impaired tyrant who executed two of his wives. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110303153114.htm# Fascinating medical history article!  The Kell blood group system is probably the third most important blood group system (after ABO and Rh) because Kell antigens are highly immunogenic and Kell antibodies can cause hemolytic transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of newborn.  Fortunately, only about 9% of whites and 2% of blacks are K positive; so although K an... The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4552152 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 14:23:00 +0100 4552152 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512619&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Ffacilitating-mutual-support-group-participation%2F If a healthcare or social service provider suspects that a patient or client has a substance use disorder (SUD), the provider should ensure that the client receives formal treatment. Once the client receives formal treatment—or if he or she refuses or cannot afford treatment— the provider’s next step is to facilitate involvement in a mutual support group.Matching clients to treatment based solely on gender, motivation, cognitive impairment, or other such characteristics has not been proved to be effective.Clients who are “philosophically well matched” to a mutual support group are more likely to actively participate in that group. Thus, the best way to help a client benefit from mutual support groups is to encourage increased participation in his or her chosen group.Professional ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512619 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:43:00 +0100 4512619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489675&cid=t_119694_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Foutpatient-cardiology-services-and-an-out-for-hospitals%2F2011.02.16 It’s no surprise that hospitals are acquiring cardiology and primary care groups groups in droves lately. It seems there’s a signficant financial incentive to do so for now, but doctors (and especially cardiologists) should read the tea leaves ahead. From Becker’s Hospital Review: While hospitals are limited to paying fair market value for practices, they can gain an edge over competing hospitals by offering longer employment contract terms or better electronic medical record systems and management services. If hospitals move forward with a transaction, Ms. Kaplan suggests they limit employment contracts to no more than two years if possible and rebase compensation annually based on productivity. “In healthcare you shouldn’t assume anything is permanent,&#8221... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489675 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4489675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4478164&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fresearch-confirms-aa-effectiveness%2F Science Validates Long Held Beliefs About AAThere have been many studies extolling the benefits of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) participation. Indeed, 12-Step therapy (TS) is the prevailing alcohol treatment model in the United States. The focus of current research has now shifted from whether TS is beneficial to those with alcohol-related problems to questions of why and how TS is successful.Research presented at a symposium in 2001 indicates that AA participation directly affects abstinence and affects abstinence indirectly through lifestyle changes.Researchers confirmed that those with support from AA members were more likely to remain abstinent than those whose support came only from non-AA members or those with no support at all.The results of another study suggest that even in partner-i... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4478164 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:52:00 +0100 4478164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411678&cid=t_119694_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fseek-a-support-group-for-breast-cancer%2F I was talking with a group of people who were discussing how difficult it is to get a man to go to a support group. Men benefit as much as women by attending a group, and we were specifically talking about support groups for prostate cancer. My husband had radiation therapy for prostate cancer with no residual problems or side effects, so he didn’t even review the information about support groups that his doctor gave him. Sister is big on support groups; she attends one for women who tested positive for the BRCA breast cancer mutation. She has attended others for various reasons and also participates online in one or two more. I am beginning to think of her as a support-group junkie. Seriously though, Sister is so great about seeking support when she needs it. On the other hand, I am a ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411678 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 19:17:48 +0100 4411678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4394692&cid=t_119694_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fstrategies-for-survival-after-breast-cancer%2F Once we are diagnosed with breast cancer, there is a plan for treatment. Once we survive the treatment, there really isn’t a plan for our continued survival. We are not sent home with a warranty and no one assures us that the cancer won’t spread or come back. So a plan for continued health and survival isn’t a bad idea. This month, I committed to making my health a priority starting with my routine visit to my oncologist. From there, my plan is to follow up with annual tests and a colonoscopy. Next month I plan to go to my eye doctor and the dentist. In addition, my new plan needs to include my commitment to more exercise, and of course, better eating habits. However, my main focus is to find additional support through alternative medicine, perhaps herbal supplements, and massage the... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4394692 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:43:08 +0100 4394692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389350&cid=t_119694_140_f&fid=34844&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheicarusproject.net%2Flocal-groups%2Fmad-stories-and-wild-songs-open-mic-night Share your stories of mental health/illness, experiences with the mental health industry, tools for individual and community healing, and dreams of liberation. Bring songs, poems, stories, friends. Laughing Horse Books 12 NE 10th Portland, Oregon This event is the kick-off for a new icarus project, a weekly radical mental support group. If you're interested in being part of that but can't make this event, e-mail River at gaias.eye@gmail.com or Julia at julia.smedley2@gmail.com Art: Christy. C. Roadread more (Source: The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness) The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389350 Sun, 23 Jan 2011 12:10:03 +0100 4389350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4377612&cid=t_119694_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F20%2Fskeptic-insights%2F The skeptic movement is alive and well.  In my home state of Kentucky, skeptic groups are becoming ever more prevalent.  What is a skeptic group?  Why do they exist?  Those are just a couple of questions I asked one of the founding members, Frank Lovell, of Kentucky’s first (and still active) skeptic group, Kentucky Association of Science Educators and Skeptics. What is the mission statement of the KASES? The mission of the Kentucky Association of Science Educators and Skeptics is the same as the mission of the national organization of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (which publishes the Bimonthly magazine Skeptical Inquirer), and that is to promote scientific inquiry, critical investigation, and the use of reason and objective evidence in examining controversial and extraordinar... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4377612 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 19:59:16 +0100 4377612 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4352853&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fare-12-step-programs-for-teens-effective%2F Image by beachblogger42 via FlickrAre 12-Step Programs for Teens Effective? Research shows that these types of programs are beneficial for teens. One particular study tracked the progress of 160 youngsters with an average age of 16, over the course of four and six week treatments based on AA’s 12-Step Program. The teens were re-evaluated six months after their treatment finished and again after the first, second, fourth, sixth and eighth year following treatment.What researchers found was that even small amounts of treatment were beneficial, even if teens decided to quit attending treatments after awhile. It appears after considering all factors, that for each meeting that youth attended, they gained two additional days of sobriety. Those who received the greatest benefit, however, wer... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4352853 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 09:33:24 +0100 4352853 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4343290&cid=t_119694_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FPnQDlTl2ZeA%2F Image via Wikipedia Book club is tonight — I actually believe that I have not been to book club since A. S. Byatt‘s Possession was the topic, and that was right after it was published. 1990. Tonight’s subject: David Mitchell‘s The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet. I am halfway through — had chosen to read it before Liz invited me back to book club two days ago. This is not a pastoral book, nor a post-modern item with all of the conflict bred out of it and putting fancy word-play above plot in importance. We have story, and we have characters. These are major compliments for me. Another compliment: I haven’t thrown it out yet. Jacob belongs to two worlds: Dutch and Japanese. He is exiled from one and can never belong to the other. Add to this some culture clash... white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4343290 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 23:31:42 +0100 4343290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4330997&cid=t_119694_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FtxU1OBOowuU%2F By Andrew J. CoulsonIn today’s Washington Post, Robert Samuelson argues that the performance of U.S. public schools is at least adequate, and that the relatively low achievement of black and Hispanic students is to be attributed to history and culture rather than to our education system. These claims are not new, and I might well have ignored them if he hadn’t got my Irish up with the off-hand comment that “what we face is not an engineering problem.” (More on that in a second.) First, let’s dispatch the claim that public schooling is off the hook for the poor performance of low-income minority children. I’m currently undertaking a statistical study of the performance of 78 separate charter school networks in California, relative to one another and to th... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4330997 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:50:02 +0100 4330997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309858&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FFVR8l7VtyuQ%2F A researcher studying the influence of spirituality on sobriety encourages recovering alcoholics to nourish their spiritual needs through praying, taking a course in meditation, or simply walking in the woods.“While people’s actual beliefs don’t seem to change during recovery, the extent [to which] they have spiritual experiences and are open to spirituality in their lives does change,” said Elizabeth Robinson, Ph.D., a research assistant professor at the Addiction Research Center at the University of Michigan’s Department of Psychiatry.While anecdotal evidence indicates that spirituality plays a role in alcohol recovery, until recently there were few hard data to prove if and how it impacts sobriety.Now a team of researchers at the University of Michigan Addi... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309858 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 02:04:08 +0100 4309858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287579&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F7_ZP5JnI2VY%2F CONCLUSIONS: Promoting self-help group involvement appears to improve posttreatment outcomes while reducing the costs of continuing care. Even cost offsets that somewhat diminish over the long term can yield substantial savings.Actively promoting self-help group involvement may therefore be a useful clinical practice for helping addicted patients recover in a time of constrained fiscal resources.Humphreys K, Moos RH. Encouraging posttreatment self-help group involvement to reduce demand for continuing care services: two-year clinical and utilization outcomes. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2007 Jan;31(1):64-8.Random ArticlesDeveloping Willingness to ChangeMedical Training About AA WorksHealing through social and spiritual affiliationBrief-TSF DescriptionAffiliation with Alcoholics Anonymous (Source... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287579 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 02:04:35 +0100 4287579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245611&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F__9cHlGPOJA%2F This article first explains the conceptual framework and plan of a naturalistic, multisite evaluation of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) substance abuse treatment programs. It then examines the effectiveness of an index episode of inpatient treatment and the effectiveness of continuing outpatient care and participation in self-help groups. The study was conducted among 3018 patients from 15 VA programs that emphasized 12-Step, cognitive-behavioral (CB), or eclectic treatment. Casemix-adjusted 1-year outcomes showed that patients in 12-Step programs were the most likely to be abstinent, free of substance abuse problems, and employed at the 1-year follow-up. Patients who obtained more regular and more intensive outpatient mental health care, and those who participated more in 12-Step sel... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245611 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 20:38:56 +0100 4245611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220462&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FAkreI4Vn5yg%2F Phases of Alcoholism RecoveryThe recovery process in Alcoholics Anonymous includes several general phases that people may pass through. These are not time related but are usually dependent on the persons particular circumstances.Initial SobrietySurrenders to alcohol – accepts alcoholismBegins humble search for selfRestoration of physical health beginsRestoration of memory beginsRestoration of mental functions beginsBegins to practice self-honestyIs pre-occupied with sobrietyGrowth of open-mindednessLessening of needless guiltFreely discusses alcohol and its problemsMild depression and anxiety lessensMental functions are more alertLearning SobrietyAccepts and owns their alcoholismLoss of freedom acknowledged and acceptedAlibis replaced by sound reasons for sobrietySocial pressures to ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220462 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 19:56:20 +0100 4220462 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220464&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FY6OqkALBvcs%2F What They Want: Motivation and Treatment Choice in Non-treatment-Seeking Substance AbusersAlthough a variety of therapies exist for the treatment of substance use disorders, little emphasis is placed on allowing individuals to choose their own treatment trajectories. Considering the preference of a person for the type of substance abuse treatment; he or she would want to be made to feel important and in allowing the person to feel autonomous, which may impact the overall motivation for substance abuse behavior change.The investigators assessed 51 country detention facility inmates recently arrested on drug-related or alcohol-related charges, examining the motivational factors and treatment preference when presented with 2 hypothetical treatments.The findings showed that the group was relat... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220464 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 23:55:00 +0100 4220464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190528&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fmaking-alcoholics-anonymous-easier%2F Effectiveness of Making Alcoholics Anonymous EasierMost treatment programs recommend clients attend 12-step groups, but many drop out posttreatment. The effectiveness of Making Alcoholics Anonymous [AA] Easier (MAAEZ ), a manual-guided intervention designed to help clients connect with individuals encountered in AA, was tested using an "OFF/ON" design (n = 508). MAAEZ effectiveness was determined by comparing abstinence rates of participants recruited during ON and OFF conditions and by studying the effect of the number of MAAEZ sessions attended.At 12 months, more clients in the ON condition (vs. OFF) reported past 30-dayabstinence from alcohol (p = .012),drugs (p = .009), andboth alcohol and drugs (p = .045).In multivariate analyses, ON condition participants had significantly ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190528 Sat, 20 Nov 2010 15:17:16 +0100 4190528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4187055&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F6_fstvQOMSg%2F In this study, researchers assessed participation in AA, abstinence, and other alcohol outcomes over 5 years among 349 patients who entered treatment at baseline and attended AA at least once during follow-up.Four patterns of AA attendance emerged:low (mainly during the year following treatment entry);medium (about 60 meetings per year with a slight increase by year 5);high (over 200 meetings per year with a slight decrease by year 5); anddeclining (almost 200 meetings the year following treatment entry and about 6 meetings in year 5).Abstinence (past 30 days) in year 5 significantly differed across groups:79 percent of patients with high attendance reported abstinence, followed by73 percent with medium attendance,61 percent with declining attendance, and43 percent with low attendance.Pati... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4187055 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:29:05 +0100 4187055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152157&cid=t_119694_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdo-breast-cancer-survivors-really-want-another-fight%2F The big midterm elections are over. With the economy here in Michigan in distress — as in so many other states — we all had big expectations. But one outcome I wasn’t counting on was the vengeance with which the Republican Party steamed into power targeting the recent health-care reform bill. I for one am completely blindsided. Weren’t they all running on the issue of creating jobs and rebuilding the economy? Are we now going to have the debate about health care all over again — why didn’t they participate when they had the chance? In my household we have two cancer survivors and a 22-year-old son. The new law would really make a difference in easing our fears about health care. Now we find out that the only thing this new Congress wants to achieve will affect my family in the ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152157 Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:02:45 +0100 4152157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152279&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2F10-things-known-about-addiction%2F . If you were asked: ‘What are the most important things we know about addiction?’ what would you say? This paper brings together a body of knowledge across multiple domains and arranged as a list of 10 things known about addiction, as a response to such a question. Editors note; These things apply equally to addiction, alcoholism, compulsive gambling, co-dependency and all such afflictions. The 10 things are: addiction is fundamentally about compulsive behaviour; compulsive drug seeking is initiated outside of consciousness; addiction is about 50% heritable and complexity abounds; most people with addictions who present for help have other psychiatric problems as well; addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder in the majority of people who present for help; different psychoth... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152279 Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:58:03 +0100 4152279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139484&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FIkDYwjni9c0%2F This study examined the influence of comorbid MDD among patients with SUDs on 12-Step self-help group involvement and its relation to treatment outcome. A total of 2,161 male patients were recruited during inpatient SUD treatment, 110 of whom had a comorbid MDD diagnosis (SUD-MDD) and 2,051 without psychiatric comorbidity (SUD-only). A quasi-experimental, prospective, intact group design was used with assessments completed during treatment, and 1 and 2 years postdischarge. SUD-MDD patients were initially less socially involved in and derived progressively less benefit from 12-Step groups over time compared to the SUD-only group. However, substance use outcomes did not differ by diagnostic cohort. In contrast, despite using substantially more professional outpatient services, the SUDD-MDD c... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139484 Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:31:36 +0100 4139484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139488&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FjZag1xg42EA%2F CONCLUSIONS: Promoting self-help group involvement appears to improve posttreatment outcomes while reducing the costs of continuing care. Even cost offsets that somewhat diminish over the long term can yield substantial savings. Actively promoting self-help group involvement may therefore be a useful clinical practice for helping addicted patients recover in a time of constrained fiscal resources. Humphreys K, Moos RH. Encouraging posttreatment self-help group involvement to reduce demand for continuing care services: two-year clinical and utilization outcomes. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2007 Jan;31(1):64-8. Brief-TSF is designed to encourage 12-Step involvement. Random ArticlesReferral To 12-Step GroupsTARGET POPULATIONSMinority Disparities in Alcohol Use and TreatmentCommunity Helping and A... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139488 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:53:54 +0100 4139488 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119078&cid=t_119694_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F29%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-october-29-2010%2F You know what I’ve been thinking about lately? The ghosts of Halloween’s past. The heat from a plastic Strawberry Shortcake mask, the discomfort of being herded with groups of children, the shame of begging for sweets and the sickening feeling from eating too much candy. Funny how recalling those memories actually make me happy. Watching mom dig through my winnings, tasting what seemed like every single one, made me feel comforted. And even though walking around in a costume felt silly and uncomfortable, there was something exciting about dressing up and being anonymous for one night. When did Halloween get so complicated? Yep, there are rules now about age limitations for Halloween and questions about what kids should and should not wear. But at least for me, I’d love to... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119078 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:43:29 +0100 4119078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119080&cid=t_119694_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F28%2Fhow-does-that-make-you-feel-five-myths-about-psychology%2F Walk into any bookstore and you will find racks and racks of books claiming to cure any number of major psychological problems with easy solutions. Want to lose weight? Try hypnosis. Want to get rich? Just visualize your goals and eventually you will achieve whatever you want. The truth is that the mind is an incredibly powerful and complex instrument and we are only beginning to learn its the true potential. Although psychology may assist in explaining our rational decision-making and emotional makeup, there is still plenty of guesswork out there. Below are five commonly believed myths about psychology. 5 Psychology Myths Subliminal Advertisements Work. While advertisers everywhere would like to believe this is true, there is no scientific data to back up the theory that split-second m... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119080 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 11:54:17 +0100 4119080 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098391&cid=t_119694_140_f&fid=34844&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheicarusproject.net%2Fcommunity%2Fmad-gifts-art-show The Icarus Project is curating a Northeast regional art show at Small World Coffee in Princeton, NJ for the month of November.  flyer by TheAntisocialite ->   read more (Source: The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness) The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098391 Sat, 23 Oct 2010 02:05:20 +0100 4098391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4065626&cid=t_119694_177_f&fid=38133&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTubalReversalBlog%2F%7E3%2F3TZsT6bJU5U%2Ftubal-ligation-reversal-what-other-women-want-you-to-know.html This blog article shares important advice from patients about tubal ligation reversal and the journey in the quest for conception after tubal reversal. Readers considering sterilization reversal or trying to get pregnant after tubal reversal will find this information extremely helpful while on their quest. Those with helpful insight are invited to leave advice for the benefit of others who may follow. (Source: Tubal Reversal Blog) Tubal Reversal Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4065626 Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:41:30 +0100 4065626 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031508&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Faa-na-help-youth-sobriety%2F CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that, similar to findings comparing adult outpatients to inpatients, AA/NA participation is less common among less severe adolescent outpatients. Nonetheless, attendance appears to strengthen and extend the benefits of typical community outpatient treatment. Given the dramatic increase in rates of substance use among same-aged peers in the population at this life-stage, and the relative dearth of abstainers and recovery-specific supports, these resources may provide a concentrated cost-effective social recovery resource for young people. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2010 Jul 1;110(1-2):117-25. Epub 2010 Mar 24. Can 12-step group participation strengthen and extend the benefits of adolescent addiction treatment? A prospective analysis. Kelly JF, Dow SJ, Yeterian JD, Kah... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031508 Sat, 02 Oct 2010 15:02:00 +0100 4031508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4013483&cid=t_119694_140_f&fid=34844&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheicarusproject.net%2Flocal-groups%2Fevergreen-college-icarus-new-zine Check out the new zine by Evergreen State College Icarus in Olympia Washington!read more (Source: The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness) The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4013483 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:30:07 +0100 4013483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025783&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F8ZVc_aHzUf8%2F : Prevalence, predictors, and counteracting treatment influences The prevalence, predictors, and treatment-related factors affecting dropout from 12-step self-help groups in the first year following professional substance abuse treatment were assessed in 2,778 male patients. The patients were asked to complete an inventory at baseline, at discharge, and 1 year after discharge. Attendance at 12-step groups either in the 90 days before treatment or during treatment was reported by 91% (2,518). Forty percent had dropped out at the 1-year follow-up. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of having used substances by the time of the 1-year follow-up were almost three times higher for those who had dropped out of 12-step self-help groups than for those who had continued attendance (... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025783 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 06:16:06 +0100 4025783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025784&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FZXD5mgtm6f8%2F Is it Beneficial to have an Alcoholics Anonymous Sponsor? A sponsor is an AA peer with longer experience of the 12 Steps and recovery who guides and shares their own experience, strength and hope with a newcomer. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) attendance is predictive of increased abstinence for many alcoholics and treatment referral to AA is common. Strong encouragement to acquire an AA sponsor is likewise typical, and findings about the benefits associated with social support for abstinence in AA support this practice, at least indirectly. Despite this widespread practice, however, potential tests of the unique contribution of having an AA sponsor are lacking. This prospective study investigated the contribution of acquiring an AA sponsor using a methodologically rigorous design that isola... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025784 Sun, 26 Sep 2010 11:43:45 +0100 4025784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999301&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FztLKozK0Jug%2F Conclusions: Promoting self-help group involvement appears to improve post-treatment outcomes while reducing the costs of continuing care. Even cost offsets that somewhat diminish over the long term can yield substantial savings. Actively promoting self-help group involvement may therefore be a useful clinical practice for helping addicted patients recover in a time of constrained fiscal resources. Research; Keith Humphreys, and Rudolf H. Moos Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 2007; 31(1):64-68) – 1 This computation is in 2006 dollars, to which we converted for comparative purposes our prior findings, which had been originally reported in 1999 dollars (Humphreys and Moos, 2001). Regular news feed free subscription. Random ArticlesAlcoholics Have Trouble Identifying ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999301 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 03:59:33 +0100 3999301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965718&cid=t_119694_160_f&fid=36189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinmdblog.com%2F273%2Fprotect-your-skin-with-ayurvedic-skin-care%2F Today the world is rapidly developing day by day and so are the people trying to merge with the only constant thing in the world that is change. They are mostly devoted to improve their appearance through skin treatment. There is an old thought that face is the mirror of one’s mind so the people are giving more emphasis on facial therapy so as to look more attractive. Clothes don’t make a man so there is no much use of wearing expensive clothes rather than taking care of the skin and body. Skin care has become an inevitable part of the modern life. There are several products available in the market for all age groups. A person aged 40 should not try the ones which are applicable on a 20 year old. Rather the mid aged person must use products like anti aging cream that will turn you look... Skin MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965718 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:14:05 +0100 3965718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3920924&cid=t_119694_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Finfertile-man-comic-book-on-male.html Open publication - Free publishing - More infertility (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3920924 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:20:00 +0100 3920924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3914998&cid=t_119694_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcharitable-hospitals-being-sold-to-for-profits-to-survive%2F2010.08.30 More than one-fifth of hospitals are government-owned, but states and counties are out of cash to keep them open. So, charitable hospitals are being sold to for-profit groups or facing closures. Rising costs and more uninsured patients run smack into falling Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. When bonds come due, there’s little chance of states and counties paying them back. And the facilities are often standalones, and they can’t fall back on corporate backing. This year, 53 hospitals have been sold in 25 arrangements. While the deals often stipulate that care for the poor continues, no one is certain exactly how or even whether such services will continue. That said, other charitable hospitals are making big profits. What are they doing differently? First, they’re co... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3914998 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0100 3914998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3921082&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FeXHDJMWfu1M%2F This study surveyed clients (N = 101) and clinicians (N = 102) in outpatient treatment programs to examine 12-step-related attitudes and to identify potential obstacles to participation. Data collection was conducted between May 2001 and January 2002 in New York City. Both client and clinician samples were primarily African-American and Hispanic; 32% of clients reported substance use in the previous month, with crack and marijuana cited most frequently as the primary drug problem. On average, clinicians had worked in the treatment field for 8 years. Both staff and clients viewed 12-step groups as a helpful recovery resource. Major obstacles to participation centered on motivation and readiness for change and on perceived need for help, rather than on aspects of the 12-step program often ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3921082 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:39:14 +0100 3921082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3921083&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FQ0qslBlqfPk%2F After Introduction in Outpatient Treatment. Abstract; Treatment for alcohol dependence is often provided in outpatient settings, and often includes introduction to the 12-Step fellowship Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Relatively little is known about subsequent AA utilization. Analyses of survey data collected from 72 clients of an outpatient treatment center introduced to AA revealed that, 6 months following intake, a large portion of the responding sample of 55 were still attending AA meetings. Principal components analysis of self-reports of the frequencies of 12 AA-related behaviors found three dimensions of AA utilization: fellowship or social involvement, meeting attendance and participation, and involvement in bureaucratic functioning and meeting production. Results suggest it is imp... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3921083 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:12:26 +0100 3921083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3921084&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2Fqa4Z9k65vgY%2F as a Bridge to AA Brief Intervention Is Insufficient for Medical Inpatients With Unhealthy Drinking Data show that brief intervention reduces consumption and consequences among outpatients with unhealthy, but not dependent, alcohol use. To assess whether brief interventions work among medical inpatients with unhealthy drinking,* researchers randomized 341 of such patients to a 30-minute session of motivational counseling in the hospital or to usual care. Most subjects had alcohol dependence, were unemployed during the previous 3 months, used other drugs, and had substantial psychiatric symptoms. Almost half were hospitalized for an alcohol-related medical diagnosis. At 3 months among subjects with alcohol dependence, similar proportions of the intervention and control groups received alco... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3921084 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:52:08 +0100 3921084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899641&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FeOsY1JP9UaU%2F If you continue to attend AA and not drop out you have nearly double chance of remaining abstinent. Estimated Alcoholics Anonymous Membership 1991-1992 New members during past year – 0.9 million On-going members – 1.5 million Total membership – 2.4 million Continuation Rate in Alcoholics Anonymous In 1991-1992 4.8 million respondents reported ever attending an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting, for reasons related to their drinking, prior to the last 12 months and 31% reported continued AA attendance during the last 12 months. Rate of continued AA attendance was associated with years since first AA meeting 1-4 years since first AA meeting – 36% remained 5-9 years since first AA meeting – 30% remained 10-19 years since first AA meeting – 29% remained ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899641 Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:06:06 +0100 3899641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3896071&cid=t_119694_140_f&fid=34844&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheicarusproject.net%2Ffiles%2FMadGiftsEntryForm.pdf *Currently seeking submissions!* The Icarus Project is curating a Northeast regional art show at Small World Coffee in Princeton, NJ for the month of November. Read on for guidelines, submission steps, and additional info. read more (Source: The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness) The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3896071 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 02:05:20 +0100 3896071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3854588&cid=t_119694_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Frisks-and-complications-of-ivf.html Open publication - Free publishing - More infertility (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3854588 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:34:00 +0100 3854588 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3746807&cid=t_119694_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2F12%2Ffeeling-low-or-down-online-research-study%2F This study is conducted entirely online. It will involve you either joining an online support group or completing an expressive writing activity (minimum 5 minutes every two weeks) as well as filling in questionnaires about how you are feeling. Psych Central has no direct affiliation or connection with this study. We do not get anything if you sign up for this research (other than the hope that the researchers will prove or disprove their hypotheses). If this might be of interest to you, you can learn more about the study and enroll on their website. (Source: World of Psychology) World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3746807 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:39:23 +0100 3746807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3742286&cid=t_119694_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2F10%2Fwhy-we-like-to-keep-busy%2F Do people like to keep busy for no reason? Or is being idle okay with most of us? Psychological researchers (Ysee et al., 2010) set to find out. In two experiments with college students, researchers discovered that we can be happy doing nothing at all and remaining idle. But given even the slimmest of reasons to be busy doing something, and most people will opt for doing something over nothing. The researchers also found that people were happier when they were busy, even if they were forced into busyness. How can people be happy being busy, if that busyness serves no purpose? In the first experiment, researchers had 98 students fill out surveys individually, and then gave them a choice before filling out a second survey 15 minutes after completing the first — they could drop off the... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3742286 Sat, 10 Jul 2010 10:30:19 +0100 3742286 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740830&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FC4nu_NVoPqI%2F AA utilization after introduction in outpatient treatment Treatment for alcohol dependence is often provided in outpatient settings, and often includes introduction to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Relatively little is known about subsequent AA utilization. Analyses of survey data collected from 72 clients of an outpatient treatment center introduced to AA revealed that, 6 months following intake, a large portion of the responding sample of 55 were still attending AA meetings. 76% were still attending AA after 6 months. Principal components analysis of self-reports of the frequencies of 12 AA-related behaviors found three dimensions of AA utilization: fellowship or social involvement, meeting attendance and participation, and involvement in bureaucratic functioning and meeting production... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740830 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:15:26 +0100 3740830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740832&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FhmYMQNkg5n8%2F   By Mary Cook, MA Whether clients or counselors, students or teachers, we are all imperfect human beings. We are here because we have a yearning to grow. And the strongest motivator for growth is pain. When we are significantly harmed or deprived mentally, emotionally or physically and have no safe people or role models to help us understand and rebound or heal, our mind creates defense mechanisms and coping strategies to hide our real pain and vulnerability. This may serve us well over a short time period, but backfires in a longer time frame. When we become habituated to our means to hide painful reality, we forget our true self behind the fabrications. More at; Anonymous One website See also; TWELVE STEPS TO RECOVERY FROM BURNOUT Emotional Sobriety Share/Save Random Ar... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740832 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 09:44:30 +0100 3740832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740835&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FlA30b9IHODk%2F Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) The recovery from alcoholism: Twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. AA is a self-help, volunteer organization begun in the mid-1930s that views alcoholism as a disease, not a defect of will. Its founders, themselves alcoholics, maintained that persons with the disease should completely stop drinking, but they did not concern those who could handle alcohol. This position contrasted with the premises of most temperance advocates, who saw drinking as a moral choice and opposed any alcohol use by anyone. The Twelve Steps embody the wisdom of the founders of AA about pursuing ongoing recovery from alcoholism. The procedure they describe has evolved into one of the most successful programs for helping alcoholics. Many drug treatment programs also have based themselves o... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740835 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 08:58:06 +0100 3740835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740836&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FVANTRWNfLc0%2F Social network variables in alcoholics anonymous : A literature review Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the most commonly used program for substance abuse recovery and one of the few models to demonstrate positive abstinence outcomes. Although little is known regarding the underlying mechanisms that make this program effective, one frequently cited aspect is social support. In order to gain insight into the processes at work in AA, this paper reviewed 24 papers examining the relationship between AA and social network variables. Various types of social support were included in the review such as structural support, functional support, general support, alcohol-specific support, and recovery helping. Overall, this review found that AA involvement is related to a variety of positive qualitative ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740836 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:51:54 +0100 3740836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3707001&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F1D4C4lEiIL8%2F This study of the everyday ethics of AA members argues that AA’s unique role in the history of popular ethical practices can be traced to several original features. First, AA incorporates elements of the disease model of alcoholism while remaining fundamentally a spiritual programme, thus mapping an important hybrid terrain often ignored by students of medicalisation. Secondly, AA was able to steer away from the political controversies about temperance, prohibition, and control of alcoholic beverages that had made the old temperance movement founder. Thirdly and most importantly, AA uniquely managed to combine the once-in-a-lifetime experience of total transformation that is characteristic of religious conversion with the development of a series of slogans and mental techniques for ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3707001 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 08:24:24 +0100 3707001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3701810&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-safe-way-to-send-e-mails%2F A friend sent me this recently and I thought it is particularly applicable for people in recovery who value their anonymity. I subscribe to several internet recovery chat groups and from time to time there occurs ‘spamming’ of e-mail addresses. However, this message applies to all of us who send e-mails to anyone. Do you really know how to safely forward e-mails? Some of us do; some do not.  Do you wonder why you get viruses or junk mail? Every time you forward an e-mail there is information left over from the people who got the message before you, and those who sent you the message; namely their e-mail addresses & names. As the message gets forwarded along, the list of addresses builds, and builds, and builds, and all it takes is for someone down the road to get a virus, an... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3701810 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 16:26:00 +0100 3701810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3699705&cid=t_119694_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FRuhuV7m-ktM%2F In a move to strengthen standards and burnish images, the trade group for Europe’s drugmakers has released a new ‘leadership statement on ethical practices‘ that calls for limiting samples, tougher guidelines for sales reps, new standards for industry sponsorship of medical meetings so that science is not “overshadowed,” greater disclosure of relationships with patient advocacy organizations and create ethics councils for oversight. High on the list is sampling. The members of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations agreed to limit the practice by creating a “four by two” plan - four packets per doctor and for no longer than two years after the launch of a new drug. Unlike in the US, where samples are often doled out t... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3699705 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:33:03 +0100 3699705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683880&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Ffamily-groups-for-addiction%2F The NarAnon Family Groups are a worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. As a Twelve Step Program, we offer our help by sharing our experience, strength, and hope. NarAnon’s Purpose Nar-Anon is a twelve-step program designed to help relatives and friends of addicts recover from the effects of living with an addicted relative or friend. Nar-Naranon’s program of recovery uses Nar-Naranon’s Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. The only requirement to be a member and attend Nar-Anon meetings is that there is a problem of drugs or addiction in a relative or friend. Nar-Anon is not affiliated with any other organization or outside entity. NarAnon’s Twelve Steps We admitted we were powerless over the Addict — that our lives have become unmanage... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683880 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:35:00 +0100 3683880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695816&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FwGcjgnP8eZI%2F Women and the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous: A Gendered Narrative This paper examines how women “work” the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) from a gendered perspective. Feminist critics of AA have challenged the language of AA’s Twelve Steps, the spiritual nature of the steps, and the male-dominated culture of the Twelve-Step program. This paper offers insight into how women in AA approach, interpret, and utilize the Twelve Steps to recover from alcoholism. Through survey and narrative data, findings suggests that women working AA’s Twelve Steps become empowered and change for the better in spite of the male-dominated culture and language of the Twelve Steps and regardless of the difficulty they may have encountered in completing these steps. In ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695816 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 06:46:26 +0100 3695816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3672042&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F3tMC2Gcwpe8%2F 12 Step Programs Offer Broad Benefits, Study Says A study of Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step oriented self-help programs finds that they can help most people recover from alcoholism, even those who are not religious or have mental-health problems. The Pacific Institute on Research and Education (PIRE) reported that researchers tracked a group of 227 alcoholics over three years and found that those who had attended AA or other self-help programs after treatment had higher rates of abstinence, and drank less if they did relapse. The results cut across gender and religious lines and held regardless of psychiatric history or whether the patient had previously attended AA or other similar programs. "Here’s a widespread, chronic disorder that seems to respond well to an inex... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3672042 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 05:36:45 +0100 3672042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3672046&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FLeuf2o8UETw%2F Conclusions; The intensive referral intervention was associated with improved 12-step group attendance and involvement and substance use outcomes. To most benefit patients, SUD treatment providers should focus 12-step referral procedures on encouraging broad 12-step group involvement, such as reading 12-step literature, doing service at meetings, and gaining self-identity as a SHG member. Christine Timko and Anna DeBenedetti. A randomized controlled trial of intensive referral to 12-step self-help groups: One-year outcomes. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, Volume 90, Issues 2-3, 8 October 2007, Pages 270-279 Brief-TSF trains healthcare workers to maximize these procedures. Random ArticlesAlcoholics Anonymous Program in IndiaTSF Training Popular ArticlesAlcohol Brief Intervention in Primary P... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3672046 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 14:43:24 +0100 3672046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648492&cid=t_119694_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2Fk43srFIr_lg%2F By Archelle Georgiou. Every week, after the Fox segment, viewers can “click on the yellow chat bar” and ask me questions online. They can ask any health related question they want, even if its unrelated to the topic I covered on the air. So, what do people ask a TV doctor? Since my blogs topics have been a little heavy lately…I thought I’d lighten it up a little by sharing the ten funniest or most interesting questions I’ve received over the last two years. A preamble…. • I am not disclosing confidential patient information. These conversations occur in an online, open chat room. • The viewers’ chats are verbatim….including the spelling. • I try to respond to every single question online with evidence-based information. But, in the spirit of brevity, I didn’t includ... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648492 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:57:49 +0100 3648492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3672049&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F82xe_O6xDY8%2F CONCLUSIONS: Both ICBT and TSF produce improvements in self-efficacy, and these changes are related to substance use outcomes for depressed substance abusers. In TSF, intervention-specific changes in TSA occur during the course of treatment and are related to substance use outcomes. Research; J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2007 Sep;68(5):663-72. Mechanisms of action in integrated cognitive-behavioral treatment versus twelve-step facilitation for substance-dependent adults with comorbid major depression. Glasner-Edwards S, Tate SR, McQuaid JR, Cummins K, Granholm E, Brown SA. Longer AA Attendance Predicts ChangeElderly Tend to Drink Too MuchBuy Brief-TSFMedical students’ knowledge about alcohol and drug problems12 Step Involvement and Peer Helping (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3672049 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:35:40 +0100 3672049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3644752&cid=t_119694_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FWBw82ZUYbjI%2F By Neal McCluskeyLook no further than Representatives David Obey (D-WI) and George Miller (D-CA), who gladly scream “fire” when there clearly is none to get $23 billion to politically precious special interest groups. Bankrupting shamelessness, thy name is Washington. (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3644752 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:16:09 +0100 3644752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3640989&cid=t_119694_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Feco-friendly-travel-europes-trashiest-hotel-literally%2F photo from Inhabitat You’ve probably stayed in some pretty seedy places in your lifetime. A Bates-esque motel off of the highway with roaches? Perhaps a gem in the middle of nowhere that reeked of B.O.? No matter how disgusting your travel accommodations have been, we guarantee you’ve never stayed anywhere as trashy as the eco-friendly Save the Beach Hotel in Europe. This Rome hotel is made from 12,000 kilograms (about 2,645 pounds) of garbage that was collected from Europe’s beaches. It’s part of a campaign from an environmental group called Save the Beach, and it’s trying to give beach-goers a look at what their shores will soon look like if they don’t stop littering on them. While we don’t plan on booking a room anytime soon, we do love the ide... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3640989 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 22:53:14 +0100 3640989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3617894&cid=t_119694_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F06%2F01%2Fhow-to-see-yourself-through-others-eyes%2F You and I can talk, we can reach out and touch each other on the arm and we can see each other, but we can never know exactly what’s going on in the other’s head. It’s why psychological science is so hard and it’s why understanding others can sometimes be so hard. It’s also why understanding how we are viewed by others is so hard. Even the least narcissistic of us spend some time trying to work out how others view us: Do they find us attractive, intelligent, trustworthy, funny? The news may not always be good, but it still would be fascinating to know. Research shows that we normally try to work out how we are viewed by others by thinking about how we view ourselves, then extrapolating from that. The problem with this approach is that to varying degrees we a... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3617894 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:44:02 +0100 3617894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3603876&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fadolescents-12-step-group-participation%2F Conclusions Results suggest that, similar to findings comparing adult outpatients to inpatients, AA/NA participation is less common among less severe adolescent outpatients. Nonetheless, attendance appears to strengthen and extend the benefits of typical community outpatient treatment. Given the dramatic increase in rates of substance use among same-aged peers in the population at this life-stage, and the relative dearth of abstainers and recovery-specific supports, these resources may provide a concentrated cost-effective social recovery resource for young people. Can 12-step group participation strengthen and extend the benefits of adolescent addiction treatment? A prospective analysis. John F. Kelly, Sarah J. Dow, Julie D. Yeterian and Christopher W. Kahle. Drug and Alcohol Dependence S... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3603876 Wed, 26 May 2010 11:24:02 +0100 3603876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3599750&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FH2iyZ4VAO8c%2F is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from their addiction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. There are no dues or fees for membership; we are fully self supporting through our own contributions. We are not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution. We do not wish to engage in any controversy and we neither endorse nor oppose any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay free from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, and to help others achieve the same freedom. We use the Twelve Step Recovery Program, because it has already been proven that the Twelve... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3599750 Sat, 22 May 2010 10:02:31 +0100 3599750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3599751&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FTHR4XDGYQjk%2F Alcohol Drug Counseling and the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous By Chris Fajardo Alcohol/drug counseling is not the application of general counseling theories and treatment methods adapted to specific alcohol/drug theory and research. The indiscriminate application of these theories and methods is just as ineffective today as ever. The professional field of alcohol and drug counseling was born of the experience of recovering alcoholics and of committed professionals and paraprofessionals. Society has attempted to "treat" or control alcohol and drug problems since recorded history, with notable efforts such as the Washingtonians in 1840 and Prohibition in 1919. The most important development in this century pertaining to the treatment of alcohol and drug problems occurred in 1935... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3599751 Fri, 21 May 2010 09:58:41 +0100 3599751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577633&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FT-pK2_-BZos%2F Alcoholics Anonymous is not organized in the formal or political sense. There are no governing officers, no rules or regulations, no fees or dues. The need for certain services to alcoholics and their families throughout the world has, however, been apparent from the beginning of the Fellowship. Inquiries have to be answered. Literature has to be written, printed, and distributed. Requests for help are followed up. There are two operating bodies: 1. A.A. worldwide services, directed by A.A. World Services, Inc., are centered in the General Service Office in New York City, where 79 workers keep in touch with local groups, with A.A. groups in treatment and correctional facilities, with members and groups overseas, and with the thousands of “outsiders” who turn to A.A. each year ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577633 Tue, 18 May 2010 09:30:12 +0100 3577633 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577636&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FFJxWvhugthQ%2F Conclusion This study provides important points of reference for alcohol and drug service workers and community healthcare professionals, casting light on the abstinence process and providing a basis for intervention or rehabilitation services. An ongoing process: A qualitative study of how the alcohol-dependent free themselves of addiction through progressive abstinence Mei-Yu Yeh, Hui-Lian Che and Shu-Mei Wu BMC Psychiatry 2009, 9:76doi:10.1186/1471-244X-9-76. Click file below to download full report. AA in Taiwan.pdf Medical students’ knowledge about alcohol and drug problemsKoreans Drink ExcessivelyAlcohol Brief Intervention in Primary PracticeAA and SpiritualityThe Experiences of Alcohol Dependence (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577636 Fri, 14 May 2010 08:58:47 +0100 3577636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577637&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FDT4XIt3VeKA%2F This study (1) assessed attributes that may influence 12-step attendance and affiliation; (2) tested whether 12-step affiliation in the first 3 months posttreatment possessed unique predictive power above that attributable to attendance alone; and (3) examined the extent to which motivation, coping and self-efficacy measured at 3 months mediated the relation between 12-step affiliation and substance use outcome in the ensuing 3 months. Adolescent inpatients (N = 74, 62% female), who were aged 14-18 years (mean [SD] ? 15.9 [1.19] years), were interviewed during treatment and at 3 and 6 months post-discharge. More severely substance-involved youth were more motivated for abstinence and more likely to attend and affiliate with 12-step groups. A high degree of collinearity between 12-step a... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577637 Thu, 13 May 2010 08:47:26 +0100 3577637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556297&cid=t_119694_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fdiabetes-blog-week-my-biggest-supporters.html Karen over at Bitter-Sweet blog has proclaimed this “Diabetes Blog Week.” For those who haven’t run into it yet, the idea is that the hundreds of us now blogging about diabetes participate in sort of an online rally.  With seven pre-defined topics to post about, we all “get a variety of unique insights on a [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556297 Wed, 12 May 2010 13:00:48 +0100 3556297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577638&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FSJ3gGT4VMCA%2F CONCLUSION:. The results of the 5-year outcome are modest. More patients coming from distant places and those with health workers in their localities remained completely abstinent suggesting the possible role of the individual’s motivation and the need for continued community support in maintaining sobriety. Research; Kuruvilla PK, Jacob KS. Five-year follow up for sobriety in a cohort of men who had attended an Alcoholics Anonymous programme in India. Natl Med J India. 2007 Sep-Oct;20(5):234-6. See also; Twelve Step Facilitation is designed to support people returning to their community Brief-TSF can assist patients cease alcohol consumption. Random Articles10 Things Known about AddictionCost-Effectiveness of Home Visits for AlcoholismSelf-help reduces costs and promotes sobrietyI... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577638 Wed, 12 May 2010 08:36:46 +0100 3577638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549308&cid=t_119694_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdoes-group-health%25e2%2580%2599s-medical-home-leave-the-poor-behind%2F2010.05.10 Group Health has published two papers recently, one in Health Affairs and the other in JAMA, both extolling the virtues of its Medical Home. These follow their brief report last fall in the NEJM and the lengthy description of their model in the American Journal of Managed Care. Their model has been promoted by the Commonwealth Fund, and it is cited in the currrent issue of Lancet. The big news is that costs were a full 2% lower than conventional care, hardly a great success –- it wasn’t even statistically significant. But was even this small difference due to the Medical Home, or was it because the Medical Home patients were less likely to consume care? (more…) *This blog post was originally published at PHYSICIANS and HEALTH CARE REFORM Commentaries and Controversies*... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549308 Mon, 10 May 2010 12:00:57 +0100 3549308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577641&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FnSnVqw4D-fg%2F AA has demonstrated success in steadily increasing membership, with no loss of the proportion of those with over 5 years of sobriety. It has been recognized as effective long-term treatment for alcoholism by psychiatrists and psychoanalysts experienced in treatment of the addictions. The triennial membership surveys of AA have shown stability in A 50% dropout rate within the first 3 months of starting AA. Only 41% of those in the first year will remain in the Fellowship for another year. Roughly equal numbers of those with less than 1 year, 1 to 5 years, and over 5 years of sobriety, with an average length of sobriety of about 4 years. Members having a sponsor (85%) and belonging to a home group (88%). Attendance by members of about three meetings a week, regardless of duration of sobrie... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577641 Sun, 09 May 2010 08:06:46 +0100 3577641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3546917&cid=t_119694_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Funderstanding-your-medicines-what-every.html Open publication - Free publishing - More infertility (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3546917 Sun, 09 May 2010 04:37:00 +0100 3546917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3547011&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FSJ_WwCuyuAI%2F CONCLUSION: Medical students are knowledge-deficient around key learning objectives in addictions. The deficiencies were in areas of basic knowledge that could be learnt with little difficulty. Research report; Kahan M, Midmer D, Wilson L, Borsoi D. Medical students’ knowledge about alcohol and drug problems: results of the medical council of Canada examination. Subst Abus. 2006 Dec;27(4):1-7. Brief-TSF includes training, as well as other matters, in taking an alcohol inventory and knowledge of Alcoholics Anonymous. Alcohol Brief Intervention in Primary PracticeBuy Brief-TSFElderly Tend to Drink Too MuchLonger AA Attendance Predicts ChangeStricter Sobriety Standards for California Health Professionals (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3547011 Thu, 06 May 2010 07:38:38 +0100 3547011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3547012&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F3poJiymIxh4%2F This study compares peer helping and 12-step involvement among participants receiving chemical dependency treatment at day hospital (N = 503) and residential (N = 230) programs, and examines relationships between both variables and outcomes. Findings show that residential (vs. day hospital) participants reported significantly more peer helping and 12-step involvement during treatment, and marginally more 12-step involvement at 6 months. Both peer helping and 12-step involvement predicted higher odds of sobriety across follow-ups; helping showed an indirect effect on sobriety via 12-step involvement. Results contribute to the 12-step facilitation literature (TSF); confirm prior results regarding benefits of mutual aid; and highlight methodological issues in helping research. Research report... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3547012 Wed, 05 May 2010 07:32:13 +0100 3547012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3547013&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FgluO7X5_ONw%2F · A.A.’s 12-Step Recovery Program · Al-Anon Offers New Life · Alcohol and Anxiety · Alcohol Problems Database · Alcoholic Defence Mechanisms · Alcoholics Anonymous and Nursing · An Introduction to Medication for Alcohol Dependence · Anti-Craving Drugs · Binge Drinking & Brain Damage · Brain Damage & Cirrhosis · Brief-TSF Description · Brief-TSF Learning Objectives · Buy Brief-TSF Random ArticlesManaging Addiction as a Chronic ConditionAlcohol use by healthcare professionals.Integrating Primary Medical Care With Addiction TreatmentStrategies for Dealing with Common ProblemsCharacteristics of Children of Alcoholics (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3547013 Tue, 04 May 2010 07:27:33 +0100 3547013 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3547014&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FnS1HbAGx0yg%2F Rinse dirty water Using Imagery and Storytelling to Educate Outpatients about 12-Step Programs and Improve Their Participation in Community-based Programs The longer a patient remains engaged in recovery activities the greater the success of long-term abstinence. Self-help community programs that use the 12-steps such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are known in the addictions field to contribute to sustained abstinence. Connecting patients to 12-step programs in early stages of recovery increases the chance of prolonged involvement. A nurse working in an outpatient substance abuse clinic developed a unique method to inform and educate patients about the 12-step process. A story and image metaphorically describe this journey. The cleaning of a vessel and subsequen... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3547014 Mon, 03 May 2010 07:16:47 +0100 3547014 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3522825&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FGfTJBtACRLc%2F The twelve-step recovery model of AA: a voluntary mutual help association Alcoholism treatment has evolved to mean professionalized, scientifically based rehabilitation. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is not a treatment method; it is far better understood as a Twelve-Step Recovery Program within a voluntary self-help/mutual aid organization of self-defined alcoholics. The Twelve-Step Recovery Model is elaborated in three sections, patterned on the AA logo (a triangle within a circle): The triangle’s legs represent recovery, service, and unity; The circle represents the reinforcing effect of the three legs upon each other as well as the “technology” of the sharing circle and the fellowship. The first leg of the triangle, recovery, refers to the journey of individuals to abstin... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3522825 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 06:49:56 +0100 3522825 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3522827&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FhyenDfORCLE%2F CONCLUSIONS: Promoting self-help group involvement appears to improve post-treatment outcomes while reducing the costs of continuing care. Even cost offsets that somewhat diminish over the long term can yield substantial savings. Actively promoting self-help group involvement may therefore be a useful clinical practice for helping addicted patients recover in a time of constrained fiscal resources. Humphreys K, Moos RH. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2007 Jan;31(1):64-8. Encouraging posttreatment self-help group involvement to reduce demand for continuing care services: two-year clinical and utilization outcomes. See also; Twelve Step Facilitation Brief-TSF can assist patients cease alcohol consumption. Random ArticlesIntake Symptomatology and AA ParticipationLesbians’ Process of Recovery f... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3522827 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 06:38:05 +0100 3522827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3522831&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FgDG0Cy-PGuQ%2F AA & 12-Step Treatment AA Assists Alcoholics Avoid Alcohol AA Can Help Most Alcoholics AA Fact File AA’s 12-Step Recovery Program Al-Anon offers new life Alcohol and Anxiety Alcohol Problems Database Alcoholic Defense Mechanisms Alcoholics Anonymous and Nursing Alcoholics Anonymous Program in India Alcoholics can benefit from Al-Anon Alcoholics Have Trouble Identifying Emotions Alcoholism / Addiction Treatment Saves Money Alcoholism in women Alcoholism Treatment in a Nursing Home Altruism helps AA members stay sober An Introduction to Medication for Alcohol Dependence Anti-craving Drugs Attendance at Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings Binge Drinking & Brain Damage Brain Damage & Cirrhosis Brief Intervention in Emergency Room Effective Brief-TSF Descrip... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3522831 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 05:54:31 +0100 3522831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494349&cid=t_119694_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F04%2F22%2Falcoholism-family-and-the-limits-of-love%2F On April 25th, Hallmark Hall of Fame will broadcast the movie “When Love Is Not Enough — The Lois Wilson Story,” starring Winona Ryder and Barry Pepper (CBS, 9:00 pm ET). The movie, which portrays the life of Lois Wilson, co-founder of Al-Anon Family Groups and wife of Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill Wilson, is based on William G. Borchert’s 2005 book, The Lois Wilson Story: When Love Is Not Enough. Borchert’s earlier screenplay was the basis of the acclaimed movie My Name is Bill W. which starred James Woods, James Garner, and JoBeth Williams. The premiere of the movie also falls during the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.’s (NCADD) 24th Annual Alcohol Awareness Month with its theme, “When Love Is Not Enough: Helping Families Coping With Alco... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494349 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:16:15 +0100 3494349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479745&cid=t_119694_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2FTIfnuNteMbQ%2F This article explains treating and understanding a spinal cord injury.           The spinal cord is the major bundle of nerves carrying nerve impulses to and from the brain to the rest of the body.  Rings of bone called vertebrae surround the spinal cord.  These bones constitute the spinal column (back bones).  Spinal cord damage results in a loss of function, such as mobility or feeling.  In most people who have spinal cord injury, the spinal cord is intact.  Spinal cord injury is not the same as back injury, which might result from causes such as pinched nerves or ruptured disks.  Even when a person sustains a break in a vertebra or vertebrae, there might not be any spinal cord injury if the spinal cord itself is not affected.  There are two kinds of spinal cord injury &... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479745 Sat, 17 Apr 2010 15:18:59 +0100 3479745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3472053&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fb5s98eaCK6I%2F Online AA Offers Digital Assistance for Recovery Many things can prevent people in early recovery from attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings in person, from disability to lack of transportation to a sheer case of the nerves. Now, those unable to attend face-to-face AA meetings can do so virtually, thanks to computer technology and the Internet, the Canadian Press reported June 10. Daily online chats and weekly discussion groups are part of the web of AA Internet services. “I can no longer cope with noise, people, pressure, stress, anxiety, fatigue, speaking to more than one person at a time,” said Carol O., a 53-year-old Ottawa resident now in recovery from alcoholism. “I don’t know how I would be coping if I didn’t have AA available online.” AA organizer... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3472053 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:17:49 +0100 3472053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479901&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FK2Au62rzF1s%2F Principles of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous Sgt. Bill S., used a one word summary to describe the basic principle (as he saw it) behind each of the 12 Steps, when he was giving talks to military personnel about alcoholism at Lackland in San Antonio, Texas, during the 1950’s and later on in California. In the following, quoted from Sgt. Bill S., ‘On the Military Firing Line in the Alcoholism Treatment Program’, Chapter 18, "Recovery through the Twelve Steps" The twelve steps lead people through a necessary therapeutic sequence involving; insight, surrender, positive goals, introspection, confession, submission humility, amendment, restitution, reorganization, spirituality, and love The 12-Steps and principles are therefore; INSIGHT: We admitted we w... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479901 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 03:59:13 +0100 3479901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479902&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FFEZTHei8aho%2F This article examines the history of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the goals of the 12 steps, research on AA, and common issues reported by clients about this approach and offers suggestions for addressing these issues. AA was developed by two severe alcoholics in the 1930s in an effort to provide holistic treatment of addictive disorders. Twelve-step programs and the related disease concept of addiction have heavily influenced inpatient and outpatient treatment. The 12-step approach emphasizes a comprehensive approach for the disease of addiction, addressing mental, physical, and spiritual components, and participation in each other’s treatment is critical to sustained sobriety. With intensive work in the program, the 12-step approach offers management of the addictive behavior as well... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479902 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 03:51:05 +0100 3479902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479905&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FbxdbGPWJjCw%2F Conclusions: For dually-diagnosed individuals, continued participation in dual recovery self-help groups plays a significant role in the recovery process, particularly in the area of substance use. Implications for Policy, Delivery or Practice: Participation in dual-recovery self-help groups, both during and after formal treatment, should be encouraged as part of an integrated lifelong recovery plan for dually-diagnosed individuals. Research; One-Year Outcomes among Members of a Dual-Recovery Self-Help Program. Laudet A, Magura S, Vogel H, Knight E, Staines G; Abstr Acad Health Serv Res Health Policy Meet. 2000; 17. More at; Double Trouble in Recovery See also; 12-Step Treatment More Effective than Alternative AA and Treatment Work Better Together Subscribe to Twelve Step Facilitation by ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479905 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 03:28:24 +0100 3479905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479906&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FkW3taFhU3Fo%2F Conclusions: Greater awareness of this resource for mental health and substance misuse fields could enhance practice. Mutual aid groups in psychiatry and substance misuse. Alex Baldacchino;  Woody Caan; Carol Munn-Giddings. Mental Health and Substance Use: dual diagnosis, Volume 1, Issue 2 June 2008 , pages 104 – 117 See also; 12-Step Treatment More Effective than Alternative AA Offers Recovery Not Religion Brief-TSF can assist patients cease alcohol consumption. Subscribe to Twelve Step Facilitation by e-Mail           The Self-Help Sourcebook: Finding & Forming Mutual Aid Self-Help Groups Amazon Books; Read more about this title… Share/SaveDouble Trouble in RecoveryAlcohol Brief Intervention in Primary Pr... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479906 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 03:13:12 +0100 3479906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3437904&cid=t_119694_140_f&fid=34844&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheicarusproject.net%2Fadvocacy-rights-politics%2Ficarus-joins-effort-to-end-forced-drugging-wisconsin  http://theicarusproject.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=19133&highlight=john+wood Wisconsin Icarista Christin Light writes: Last week, the Wisconsin State Supreme Court upheld a forced treatment order for a man named John Wood who is currently in Mendota Mental Health Institute.  His lawyer was questioning the constitutionality of a statute because "it violates due process by allowing involuntary medication without finding if a person is a danger and fails to require a periodic review."  2 justices agreed with this but ultimately, it was a 5/2 vote in maintaining his forced medication and the statute. read more (Source: The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness) The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3437904 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:34:15 +0100 3437904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3437934&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FDv6kR4q59nk%2F This study describes the spiritual experiences, beliefs, and practices of New Zealanders entering intensive treatment for alcohol/ other drug dependence, and seeks to determine factors that influence spirituality in a clinical population. Ninety clients entering three residential treatment programs for alcohol and/or cannabis dependence were interviewed about their spiritual beliefs, behaviors, and experiences, using a broad selection of accepted measures. A number of associations between aspects of spirituality and gender, ethnicity, age, employment, severity of dependence, and depression were found. In particular, the more religiously active participants were less severely alcohol/other drug dependent, and depression was negatively associated with beliefs and activity related to 12-step ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3437934 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:08:28 +0100 3437934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3437935&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FGQFkdlfJjZc%2F   A study of Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step oriented self-help programs finds that they can help most people recover from alcoholism, even those who are not religious or have mental-health problems. The Pacific Institute on Research and Education (PIRE) reported that researchers tracked a group of 227 alcoholics over three years and found that those who had attended AA or other self-help programs after treatment had higher rates of abstinence, and drank less if they did relapse. The results cut across gender and religious lines and held regardless of psychiatric history or whether the patient had previously attended AA or other similar programs. “Here’s a widespread, chronic disorder that seems to respond well to an inexpensive resource — mutual-help groups s... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3437935 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:03:39 +0100 3437935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3437936&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F7X2M2PZuyuY%2F This article reports on follow-up interviews conducted with a representative sample of 722 people who had entered treatment about a year earlier in public and private programs, including publicly-funded social model detoxification and residential programs, and clinical model programs in hospitals and HMO clinics. higher levels of 12-step program involvement during follow-up, which strongly predicted an absence of alcohol problems Social model clients came to treatment with more severe legal and employment problems, whereas those seeking treatment at clinical programs reported more severe family problems. At follow-up, clients at both types of programs reported attending a similar number of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, but social model clients reported going to more Narcotics Anon... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3437936 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 01:58:30 +0100 3437936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3437939&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F6q7CdAJutjI%2F CONCLUSIONS: The data confirm the important relations between per capita consumption measures and suicide mortality rates. Additionally, the results for AA membership rates are consistent with the hypothesis that AA membership can exert beneficial effects observable at the population level. Mann RE, Zalcman RF, Rush BR, Smart RG, Rhodes AE. Can J Psychiatry. 2008 Apr;53(4):243-51. Alcohol factors in suicide mortality rates in Manitoba. see also; 12-Step Treatment More Effective than Alternative AA Offers Recovery Not Religion Brief-TSF can assist patients cease alcohol consumption. Subscribe to Twelve Step Facilitation by e-Mail Understanding and Counselling the Alcoholic by Howard J. Clinebell Amazon books; Read more about this title… Share/SaveRandom ArticlesRecover... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3437939 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:36:55 +0100 3437939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3399200&cid=t_119694_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F24%2Fefficiency-pain-management%2F I can’t remember a time when people working in health were told ‘Go and spend as much as you like to help people get well’ – in fact, in over 20 years I can only recall being told ‘there is less money in the kitty, we need to look for efficiencies, tighten your belts’! So it’s no surprise to me that once again, no matter where you look in the world, health professionals are being told to look at ways to be more efficient.   I don’t have a problem with this – if I’m a patient I want to know I can be treated quickly and effectively so I can get back to being a person and not a patient.  What I do have a problem with is when, in the urgency to save money, problems in health care are given a quick fix solution without taking a look... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3399200 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:32:54 +0100 3399200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378688&cid=t_119694_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fchemotherapy-shows-us-at-our-worst%2F The only thing more challenging than living with a teenager is living with a college kid home for spring break. Like most parents I get to see a side of my son that no one else does. If you were to meet the Big Guy you would tell me that I had a polite, charming, intelligent and sensitive young man and congratulate me for raising such a great kid, most people do. If you do meet that kid, please send him home because I think I got the wrong one. Actually though, I need to cut him some slack since he is cranky because of the pain he is experiencing from his recovering knee injury. I can relate to that. When I was going through chemotherapy there were times when I was a little cranky too. Trying to handle chemotherapy and the world at the same time can be a little overwhelming. We are run dow... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378688 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:08:47 +0100 3378688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3385556&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F4krst9RF1eM%2F facilitates patients’ active participation in the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. TSF regards such active involvement as the primary factor responsible for sustained sobriety (recovery) and therefore as the desired outcome of participation in this treatment program. This therapy is grounded in the concept of alcoholism as a spiritual and medical disease. TSF consists of a brief, structured, and manual-driven approach to facilitating early recovery from alcohol abuse/alcoholism and other drug abuse/addiction. It is intended to be implemented on an individual basis in 12 to 15 sessions and is based in behavioral, spiritual, and cognitive principles that form the core of 12-step fellowships such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). It is suitable for problem ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3385556 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:21:14 +0100 3385556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370674&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FNYwsLgFAPac%2F Alcohol dependence is a chronic, relapsing bio-behavioral disease mediated by various parts of the brain, including reward systems, memory circuits, and the prefrontal cortex. It is characterized by loss of the ability to drink alcohol in moderation and continued drinking despite negative consequences. The alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a common but not universal diagnostic feature of alcohol dependence. Benzodiazepine assisted detoxification of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome prevents the development of withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens, and makes patients more comfortable, which promotes engagement in treatment. Symptom-triggered dosing, based on a withdrawal rating scale such as the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale, Revised, is optimal for minimizing the ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370674 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:57:57 +0100 3370674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370675&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FM-070nxmOqA%2F Conclusions  AA attendance was associated both concurrently and predictively with improved alcohol outcomes. Although AA attendance was associated additionally with subsequent improvements in depression, it did not predict such improvements over and above concurrent alcohol use. AA appears to lead both to improvements in alcohol use and psychological and emotional wellbeing which, in turn, may reinforce further abstinence and recovery-related change. Research; John F. Kelly, Robert L. Stout, Molly Magill, J. Scott Tonigan & Maria E. Pagano, Addiction, Volume 105 Issue 4, Pages 626 – 636 See also Disturbing Denial Strategies for Dealing With Denial Addiction & Recovery Books The Dual Disorders Recovery Book Acceptance and Surrender Related Reading: Share/SaveCos... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370675 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:39:00 +0100 3370675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370677&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FkXIaRSwPvyA%2F AA and 12 step alcoholism treatment programs The author of this report notes that AA self-help groups are the most commonly accessed component of treatment for alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. Additionally, the concepts and approaches of AA have significantly influenced other twelve-step programs in professional treatment. Research has indicated that participation in AA or other 12-step programs results in reductions in substance abuse and also in psychiatric problems, reducing health care costs over time. Section headings in this book chapter include: nature and prevalence of AA; nature and prevalence of 12-step treatment programs; evaluations of community-based AA groups; evaluation research on 12-step oriented professional treatment programs potential future research directio... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370677 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:36:56 +0100 3370677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370678&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2Ff5BcIM7OKIs%2F   We evaluates the gender matching hypothesis in Project MATCH, which states that women will benefit more from Cognitive-Behavioral Coping Skills Therapy (CBT) than from Twelve Step Facilitation (TSF). CBT was expected to address the ancillary problems (e.g., external stressors, negative mood) that are more prevalent among female alcoholics; at the same time, TSF, which would encourage women to attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, was expected to increase guilt and undermine self-esteem and assertion. Tests of the matching contrasts failed to provide support for the hypothesis in either arm of the trial. Gender did produce significant prognostic effects in analyses of the aftercare arm, with women reporting a higher proportion of abstinent days and fewer drinks per occasion than... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370678 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:17:59 +0100 3370678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350573&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2Fzqfsn0xoK5U%2F Conclusions; Findings support the helper therapy principle and clarify the process of 12-step affiliation. Research report; Sarah E. Zemore, Lee Ann Kaskutas & Lyndsay N. Ammon, In 12-step groups, helping helps the helper. Addiction; March 2004 Peer Support in Action: From Bystanding to Standing By Related Reading: Share/SaveRandom ArticlesQuery Patients About Past Drug ProblemsResearch Support for TSFThe 12-Steps Promote Acceptance of AddictionBrief-TSF ASSESSMENTAsking about drinking (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350573 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:28:28 +0100 3350573 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302639&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FtcGQ5nUZ44o%2F A closer look at the role of a spiritual approach in addictions treatment. Twelve Step Programs such as AA play a major role in addictions treatment, and their members are increasingly accepting of psychotherapy and medication. However, many clinicians question the role of an approach defined by these Programs as spiritual. This paper explores the nature, indications, and limitations of a spiritual approach to addiction and the implications for collaboration with mental health professionals. It suggests that Twelve Step Programs not only provide accessible group support and a clear ideology regarding addiction but address individuals’ needs for identity, integrity, an inner life and interdependence within a larger social and moral, or spiritual context. It examines the ways in which... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302639 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:55:51 +0100 3302639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302641&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FCyH8aIUsNBE%2F The 1956 General Service Conference of A.A. adopted unanimously the following statement of “A.A.’s Public Information Policy”: In all public relationships, A.A.’s sole objective is to help the still suffering alcoholic. Always mindful of the importance of personal anonymity, we believe this can be done by making known to him, and to those who may be interested in his problem, our own experience as individuals and as a fellowship in learning to live without alcohol. We believe that our experience should be made available freely to all who express sincere interest. We believe further that all our efforts in this field should always reflect our gratitude for the gift of sobriety and our awareness that many outside A.A. are equally concerned with the serious problem o... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302641 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:40:29 +0100 3302641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302647&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FLtq6bB33DwM%2F The role of 12-step programs and 12-step-oriented treatments for dually diagnosed individuals (DDI) remains unclear. Here are presented the results of a pilot study in a target population of 10 seriously mentally ill patients received an adjunctive modified 12-step facilitation (TSF) therapy emphasizing engagement of DDI in a specialized 12-step program for DDI. Participants significantly increased their 12-step attendance and decreased their substance use during the 12 weeks of treatment. Larger and longer-term studies are needed to assess the efficacy of modified TSF for DDI relative to other treatments, and to determine what forms of TSF are most effective in this population. Research; Bogenschutz MP. Tucker NE Specialized 12-step programs and 12-step facilitation for the dually diag... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302647 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:18:41 +0100 3302647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3275794&cid=t_119694_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FkvBhQsNLEUI%2F Disruptive Women’s Wendy Grossman interviewed Lindsay Avner, founder of Bright Pink. Lindsay Avner’s name might sound familiar to you — the 27-year-old made national news four years ago when she was one of the youngest women to have an elective double mastectomy to prevent breast cancer. So many women responded to Lindsay’s story, that three years ago she started Bright Pink, a new, fun, breast cancer education, awareness and support group that has grown to 10 chapters nationwide. Instead of hosting sad support group meetings in dank church basements, bright pink girls take yoga classes or belly dance together. Bright pink sends out monthly text messages reminding women to feel themselves up. Next month, they’re hostessing a burlesque show demonstrating self-exam... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3275794 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:09:11 +0100 3275794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302648&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FY2xUouVzCas%2F CONCLUSIONS: S/R promotes the use of post-treatment self-regulation skills that, in turn, directly contribute to ongoing 12-step self-help group involvement. Research report; Carrico AW, Gifford EV, Moos RH. Spirituality/religiosity promotes acceptance-based responding and 12-step involvement. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2007 Jun 15;89(1):66-73. Epub 2007 Jan 16. Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spiritualityby Donald Miller Read more about this title… Related Reading: Share/SaveRandom ArticlesAbstinence Solves Thinking ProblemsAmerican Dental AssociationElderly Tend to Drink Too MuchAA and SpiritualityBrain Damage & Cirrhosis (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302648 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:02:49 +0100 3302648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3273083&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fp8bs4QOTL6Y%2F Sex goes on Many people in recovery are in the older age groups. Either starting recovery or well along the road sexual activity and responses can be different to what they remember or may have a different spiritual meaning. By understanding age changes one can accommodate new experiences rather than be confused or disheartened. Sexual Desire May Never Stop Women and men have the capacity for sexual desire and sexual activity throughout their lives. There is no reason why one cannot express one’s sexuality well beyond the “reproductive years” (the ages during which men and women are fertile). In fact, women and men who have been sexually active throughout their adult lives seem to be more sexually responsive in old age than those who have not. The key to maintaining sexual function ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3273083 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 01:48:00 +0100 3273083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3267185&cid=t_119694_140_f&fid=34844&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheicarusproject.net%2Fevents%2Fsocial-forum-icarus Icaristas from near and far will be gathering at the US Social Forum in Detroit this summer, June 22-26. Join in the planning  discussion on the forums!read more (Source: The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness) The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3267185 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:13:44 +0100 3267185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3246855&cid=t_119694_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F06%2Fjournal-of-medical-screening-2009-volume-16-no-4%2F Contents Page Fade Fave: Perceived barriers to flexible sigmoidoscopy screening for colorectal cancer among UK ethnic minority groups: a qualitative study Fade Skinny: Evidence from existing UK screening programmes indicates disparities in uptake rates between UK ethnic minorities and the white majority population. Looks at beliefs about bowel cancer, perceived barriers to the test and ideas about ways to increase uptake. Finds most barriers were shared by all ethnic groups but health educators should supplement approaches designed for the majority to incorporate the specific needs of individual minority groups to ensure equitable access. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Colorectal C... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3246855 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:50:04 +0100 3246855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3243740&cid=t_119694_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F05%2Fgiving-children-a-healthy-start%2F Title: Giving children a healthy start Skinny: Assesses the local implementation of national policy from 1999 to 2009 on the health of children from birth to five years of age in England.    It considers local service planning and delivery, including priority setting, and how local bodies can improve service delivery and access for vulnerable groups such as black and minority ethnic (BME) communities, lone and teenage parents.  The impact of government funding on health outcomes for the under-fives; how effectively local bodies manage their resources; and the extent to which they are providing good value for money are also considered. Publisher: Audit Commission Size of Publication: 60p Published: 03/02/2010 Filed under: Children, Grey Literature, NHS, Quality, Strategic Planning, Young... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3243740 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:15:01 +0100 3243740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3231103&cid=t_119694_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2010%2F02%2Fmicrobial-phylogenetics-conserved.html Comparative analysis of genome sequences is leading to discovery of large numbers of novel molecular markers that are proving very helpful in understanding many important aspects of microbial phylogeny. Of these molecular markers, the conserved inserts or deletions (indels) in protein sequences provide particularly useful means for identifying different groups of microbes in clear molecular terms and for understanding how they have branched off from a common ancestor. Conserved indels and other novel molecular markers (viz. lineage-specific proteins) can be useful for understanding microbial phylogeny at different phylogenetic depths. Genetic and biochemical studies of these markers should also lead to identification of novel properties that are unique to different groups of microbes read ... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3231103 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:37:00 +0100 3231103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3216639&cid=t_119694_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2F28%2F7-tips-for-making-the-most-of-online-support-groups%2F Online support groups can be a great source of emotional support and valuable health information you won’t find on any website from the National Institute of Mental Health or others. Some people are a little leery of joining an online support group, however. Others don’t quite understand what benefit they may gain from joining one. Still others understand a support group’s benefits, but feel like they still don’t gain as much from joining one as they had hoped. Your experience in an online support group will inevitably vary. But these tips may help you get the most from your experience, and keep your expectations in check. 1. Take what you need, leave the rest. Many people come into an online support group with their story, asking a specific question about treatment... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3216639 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:01:20 +0100 3216639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201900&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FlFfGCE7iHbg%2F Conclusion: Results are consistent with previous studies showing that shorter-term outcomes are likely to be maintained, and that baseline characteristics and treatment factors account less for outcomes over longer terms. Research; Maria C. Bodin & Anders Romelsjö. Predictors of 2-Year Drinking Outcomes in a Swedish Treatment Sample. European Addiction Research 2007;13:136-143 Related Reading: Share/Save (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201900 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:30:11 +0100 3201900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201901&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2Fb-Di6vSrMb8%2F A.A. is concerned solely with the personal recovery and continued sobriety of individual alcoholics who turn to the Fellowship for help. Alcoholics Anonymous does not engage in the fields of alcoholism research, medical or psychiatric treatment, education, or propaganda in any form, although members may participate in such activities as individuals. The Fellowship has adopted a policy of “cooperation but not affiliation” with other organizations concerned with the problem of alcoholism. Traditionally, Alcoholics Anonymous does not accept or seek financial support from outside sources, and members preserve personal anonymity in print and broadcast media and otherwise at the public level. A.A. experience has always been made available freely to all who sought it — business... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201901 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:04:36 +0100 3201901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201905&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FrYom-hwXcNs%2F 2005 Because A.A. has never attempted to keep formal membership lists, it is extremely difficult to obtain completely accurate figures on total membership at any given time. Some local groups are not listed with the General Service Office. Others do not provide membership data, thus are not recorded on the G.S.O. computer records. The membership figures listed below are based on reports to the General Service Office as of January 1, 2005, plus an average allowance for groups that have not reported their membership. Estimated A.A. Membership and Group Information Groups in U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52,651 Members in U.S. . . . . . . . . . . .. . 1,190,637 Groups in Canada . . . . . . . . . . .. 4,872 Members in Canada . . . . . . . . . . 95,984 Groups Outside of U.S./Canada . . 45,... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201905 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 09:50:11 +0100 3201905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3156429&cid=t_119694_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F08%2Fannals-of-clinical-biochemistry-2010-volume-47-number-1%2F Contents Page Title: Apolipoproteins in diabetes dyslipidaemia in South Asians with young adult-onset diabetes: distribution, associations and patterns Fade Skinny: Apolipoproteins B (apoB) and AI (apoAI) are strong predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Describes apolipoprotein distributions and their associations with lipids and diabetes subtype in diabetic young adult South Asians. It finds a large proportion of young adult Sri Lankan patients with type 2 diabetes has a low LDLC:apoB and high apoB and/or TG, suggesting that these patients are at increased risk of CVD. (Requires NHS Athens Password) Posted in Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Apolipoproteins, Athens Password, Biochemistry, Current Awareness, Diabetes, E-Journals, Ethnic Groups, Heart Diseases... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3156429 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:02:41 +0100 3156429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153633&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FtkopFm6tewM%2F 7-year trajectories of Alcoholics Anonymous attendance and associations with treatment Although many members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are introduced to AA during treatment, the relationship between treatment and AA attendance over time is unknown. This paper describes four latent classes of AA attendance among 586 dependent alcoholics interviewed by telephone 1, 3, 5 and 7 years after baseline, and models the relationship between treatment exposure and AA attendance in each class. There was; a low AA group (averaging fewer than 5 meetings at most follow-ups), a medium AA group (about 50 meetings a year at each follow-up), a descending AA group (about 150 meetings year 1, then decreasing steeply), and a high AA group (about 200 meetings at 1 year, then decreasing gradually by year 7). ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153633 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 06:24:59 +0100 3153633 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153636&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FY6XjBU-1asI%2F This study could not separate the motivation inherent in seeking help from the therapeutic effects of help received. However, help seeking—regardless of the patient’s level of readiness—should be encouraged.  Research Reference: Dawson DA, Grant BF, Stinson FS, et al. Estimating the effect of help-seeking on achieving recovery from alcohol dependence. Addiction. 2006;101(6):824–834. Brief-TSF can assist patients cease alcohol consumption. Related Reading: Share/Save (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153636 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:51:08 +0100 3153636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153641&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FachG3wXkFnA%2F Conclusions. The present results suggest that, relative to their more humble counterparts, recovering alcoholics who lack humility (ie., high narcissists) do not have more difficulty surrendering to the idea they are powerless over their drinking problem. However, recovering alcoholics who lack authority-related humility do show a marked lack of faith in the proposition that “God” offers a viable solution to their alcohol problem. Consequently, they are quite reluctant to surrender their willfulness, and thereby accept help from a Higher Power. Given that faith in the existence, availability or efficacy of a Higher Power is difficult for this subsample of individuals, it seems likely that – in the context of 12-step recovery – deficits in humility may serve to in... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153641 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 04:43:57 +0100 3153641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3126553&cid=t_119694_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F29%2Fnew-horizons-the-next-stage-of-mental-health-policy%2F Title: New Horizons: the next stage of mental health policy The Skinny: Summarises the key points of New Horizons, and focuses on what the strategy means for the NHS.  Key points: New Horizons establishes the Government’s vision for improving mental well-being and improving adult mental health services in England. No new targets for public services or commitments on future funding. Focus on public mental health initiatives include targeting young people, tackling stigma and improving employment and housing outcomes. Identifies need to improve quality and efficiency, and focus on recovery. The need to improve access for vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups, such as veterans, is key. Identifies need to improve transitions and early intervention. Publisher: NHS Confederation Size of Publi... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3126553 Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:11:07 +0100 3126553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3129671&cid=t_119694_140_f&fid=34844&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheicarusproject.net%2Fcommunity%2Fpackedcrowdicarusbenefitbrooklyn Icarus-NYC local and Icarus intergalactic organized a showcase of creativity in Brooklyn to benefit Icarus efforts - more than 150 people showed up for a fun evening of poetry art and music. Check out the photos, video, and audio from this memorable occasion... Michael Gennarelli spins >>     read more (Source: The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness) The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3129671 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:36:23 +0100 3129671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3120617&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2F12-step-involvement-and-peer-helping%2F This study compares peer helping and 12-step involvement among participants receiving chemical dependency treatment at day hospital (N = 503) and residential (N = 230) programs, and examines relationships between both variables and outcomes. Findings show that residential (vs. day hospital) participants reported significantly more peer helping and 12-step involvement during treatment, and marginally more 12-step involvement at 6 months. Both peer helping and 12-step involvement predicted higher odds of sobriety across follow-ups; helping showed an indirect effect on sobriety via 12-step involvement. Results contribute to the 12-step facilitation literature (TSF); confirm prior results regarding benefits of mutual aid; and highlight methodological issues in helping research. Research report... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3120617 Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:53:00 +0100 3120617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3104974&cid=t_119694_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F19%2Fheart-2010-vol-96-no-1%2F Contents page Fade Fave: Epidemiology: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in South Asian and white populations in London: database evaluation of characteristics and outcome Fade Skinny: Compares out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) characteristics in white and South Asian populations within Greater London. Supports the emerging view that South Asians’ high mortality from coronary heart disease reflects higher incidence rather than higher case fatality. South Asians had an OOHCA at a significantly younger age. The study demonstrates the importance of ethnic coding within the emergency services. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Epidemiology, Ethnic Groups, H... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3104974 Sat, 19 Dec 2009 05:56:53 +0100 3104974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092937&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Ftwelve-step-facilitation-tsf-reduces-substance-abuse%2F CONCLUSIONS: Both ICBT and TSF produce improvements in self-efficacy, and these changes are related to substance use outcomes for depressed substance abusers. In TSF, intervention-specific changes in TSA occur during the course of treatment and are related to substance use outcomes. Research; J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2007 Sep;68(5):663-72. Mechanisms of action in integrated cognitive-behavioral treatment versus twelve-step facilitation for substance-dependent adults with comorbid major depression. Glasner-Edwards S, Tate SR, McQuaid JR, Cummins K, Granholm E, Brown SA. Related Reading: Share/Save (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092937 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:11:00 +0100 3092937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3106898&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F2ZxIiLZnRp4%2F Online AA Offers Digital Assistance for Recovery Many things can prevent people in early recovery from attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings in person, from disability to lack of transportation to a sheer case of the nerves. Now, those unable to attend face-to-face AA meetings can do so virtually, thanks to computer technology and the Internet, the [...] (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3106898 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:58:36 +0100 3106898 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092938&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fanalysts-describe-the-aa-recovery-program-as-complex-implicitly-grounded-in-sound-psychological-principles-and-more-sophisticated-than-is-typically-understood%2F The twelve-step recovery model of AA: a voluntary mutual help association Alcoholism treatment has evolved to mean professionalized, scientifically based rehabilitation. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is not a treatment method; it is far better understood as a Twelve-Step Recovery Program within a voluntary self-help/mutual aid organization of self-defined alcoholics. The Twelve-Step Recovery Model is elaborated in three sections, patterned on the AA logo (a triangle within a circle): The triangle’s legs represent recovery, service, and unity; The circle represents the reinforcing effect of the three legs upon each other as well as the “technology” of the sharing circle and the fellowship. The first leg of the triangle, recovery, refers to the journey of individuals to abstin... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092938 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:08:00 +0100 3092938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3079585&cid=t_119694_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fbrief-intervention%2F as a Bridge to AA Brief Intervention Is Insufficient for Medical Inpatients With Unhealthy Drinking Data show that brief intervention reduces consumption and consequences among outpatients with unhealthy, but not dependent, alcohol use. To assess whether brief interventions work among medical inpatients with unhealthy drinking,* researchers randomized 341 of such patients to a 30-minute session of motivational counseling in the hospital or to usual care. Most subjects had alcohol dependence, were unemployed during the previous 3 months, used other drugs, and had substantial psychiatric symptoms. Almost half were hospitalized for an alcohol-related medical diagnosis. At 3 months among subjects with alcohol dependence, similar proportions of the intervention and control groups received alco... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3079585 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:29:00 +0100 3079585 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3067312&cid=t_119694_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FVaK7NxxlzzY%2F As part of an ongoing probe into conflicts of interest, the Senate Finance Committee’s Chuck Grassley has sent letters to the American Medical Association, the American Cancer Society and 31 other medical advocacy groups for details about the money they and their board members received from drug and device makers, The New York Times reports. Such funding is often considered proprietary, but critics contend the influence leads them to lobby on behalf of industry, the Times writes. An AMA spokesman tells the paper industry funding comprised less than 2 percent of its budget (see AMA letter) and an American Cancer Society spokesman wrote the Times to say it “holds itself to the highest standards of transparency and public accountability, and we look forward to working with Senator Gra... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3067312 Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:19:02 +0100 3067312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3048330&cid=t_119694_140_f&fid=34844&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheicarusproject.net%2Fcommunity%2Ficarusneedsyoutobecomeasustainer-winter2009membershipswarming To our supporters, collaborators and fellow visionaries! We are asking our community to help keep us going into the future by becoming an Icarus sustainer. You can design a monthly donation package for yourself by clicking here: http://www.tinyurl.com/donate2icarus   The Icarus Project is now 7 years old, and a brilliant spark that began as just an idea has caught fire. Today we are a thriving community from around the world...read more (Source: The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness) The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3048330 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:37:20 +0100 3048330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3056860&cid=t_119694_140_f&fid=34844&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheicarusproject.net%2Ffamily%2Ficarusstudentcoopgatheringnasco Angel Adeyoha writes: I was happy to attend the annual NASCO (North American Students of Cooperation) Institute as a representative of TIP. I presented a workshop on "Radical Mental Health on Campus and in the Community through an Anti-Oppression Lens" I have been considering so much lately how my work organizing in explicit anti-oppression circles around topics of race, gender and class converge with my work as a coordinator for TIP. This weekend and this workshop really merged those parallel lines for me.read more (Source: The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness) The Icarus Project - Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3056860 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:39:37 +0100 3056860