First reactions to news that Erie residents suffer from a high rate of depression might be to either dismiss the findings or jest about the results. After all, many of us have so much affection for our hometown that thousands of people flocked to a new Facebook group, "You might be from Erie Pa IF," to share fond memories about Erie's special foods, beautiful peninsula, quirky characters and endearing traits. » More

Author: Jerrilyn Zavada, jzavada@mywebtimes.com, 815-673-6371
When Jennifer, Jake and Jordan Shepard died in a rural Streator fire recently, the ripples were felt throughout the community. After authorities said the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide and the mother had been under a doctor's care for an undisclosed mental illness, friends, neighbors and strangers were in shock and a state of collective grief. » More

By Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.; From Dr. Schwartz's Weblog, MentalHealth.net
Why is recovery from an addiction so very difficult for people? Despite all the efforts made by families and treatment procedures, too many people relapse. In fact, they go through many relapses and other people end up blaming the person out of frustration and anger. The fact it that addictions are extremely complicated and involve more than just ending the use of a substance. They do not occur in a vacuum. » More

I was able to stop using codeine after returning home and to my job in the operating room.  I dodged a bullet– or so it seemed.  I continued to drink wine, beer, and the occasional margarita, but I had convinced myself that drinking was an isolated vice that was necessary given the stress of my job.  Yes, the AA and NA people said that alcohol would take me back to my ‘drug of choice’, but they didn’t understand my special situation, and didn’t know how smart I was.  The scary incident in the Bahamas faded from my memory.  Looking back, it wasn’t that big of a deal. » More

Drug Seeking Behavior in ER Doubles, Feeds Growing Addiction to Pain Pills -- Emergency rooms continue to become a major resource for pain medication addicts; By MIKAELA CONLEY, ABC News Medical Unit -- Oct. 28, 2010 » More

Patients treated for pain conditions often receive an opioid analgesic and also take other prescription or non-Rx drugs, which can lead to opioid-drug interactions that have potential for adverse effects or even fatal outcomes. To avoid problems, prescribers need to be aware of all medications and other substances their patients are taking and the likelihood of toxicity resulting from their interaction. » More