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an independent selection of sites for psychiatrists, by psychiatrists

Substance use disorders

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Introduction top

Since the  1960s, public mental health policy in the Netherlands, as in many other countries, has been to treat people with alcohol and drug problems in specialised facilities. This led to the largely separate treatment in separate  establishments within the same health care area. This trend is now reversing as  ever more research indicates that integrated treatment of comorbidity yields better results.

The Netherlands has generally been flexible in its drug policies, and  prepared to invest in research into a variety of addiction areas, including such large-scale projects as Detoxification under narcosis, Heroin by prescription, and Higher methadon dosage.

Coverage of substance related disorders on Psychiatrynet.eu is thus indispensable.  The internet offers a large choice of  resources, with great differences in quality. We wish to provide a balanced selection regarding the substances themselves, the consequences and the treatment of addiction, and the complexity inherent in psychiatric and addiction  comorbidity.


Help us improve this site!top

All feedback is appreciated. Did we forget websites or usefull online information? Are we right in our comments? (Or not..) Mail the editors: geert.dom@skynet.be or b.van.der.hoorn@palier.nl


Substance use disorders: General topicstop


Substance use disorders: General topics - Neurosciencetop

  • The Neurobiology of Drug Addiction

    One of the many interesting sites of the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) containing lots of information regarding substance use disorders. Here you will find complete slideshows adressing the neurobiology of addiction.


Substance use disorders: General topics - Diagnostic and general treatment issuestop

  • Prochaska and DiClementi challenged

    The "stages of change" model of Prochaska and DiClementi has dominated addiction practice for many years. However, its scientific validity has always been questioned. Recently, Callaghan et al. challenge this model based upon new data.

  • General Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment

    A NIDA (USA) publication dated 1998.

    "To share the results of this extensive body of research and foster more widespread use of scientifically based treatment components, the National Institute on Drug Abuse held the National Conference on Drug Addiction Treatment: From Research to Practice in April 1998 and prepared this guide."

  • Criteria for Substance Dependence Diagnosis

    ICD10 and DSM criteria. Self-explanatory.

  • August 2005 edition of the American Journal of Psychiatry

    Addiction was the theme of this edition of the journal. The first article "What Do We Know About Drug Addiction?" was written by Nora Volkow, director NIDA. Ten studies in this issue explore the current state of the art. 

  • American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)

    "The American Society of Addiction Medicine is an association of physicians dedicated to improving the treatment of alcoholism and other addictions, educating physicians and medical students, promoting research and prevention, and enlightening and informing the medical community and the public about these issues. "

    Amongst a lot of interesting topics on their site you will find addition-specific treatment, diagnostic and educational issues. Their expertise in alcohol related disorders is well established. The practice guideline regarding the pharmacological management of alcohol withdrawal (Reprint JAMA 1997) is considered "standard operating procedure". A (paid) membership is necessary to benefit from all of the services they provide. This link will direct you to their index page.


Substance use disorders: General topics - Pharmacotherapytop

  • APA Practice Guidelines: Substance use disorders

    The work group on substance use disorders within the American Psychiatric Association published (in May 2006) their "Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Substance Use Disorders". This extensive document (276 pages) provides guidelines regarding nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and opioid use disorders. Free download in PDF format.

  • BAP Guidelines (British Association for Psychopharmacology)

    The BAP aims to advance education and research in the field of psychopharmacology.  It is one of the largest psychopharmacology associations in the world. In 2004 they published their "Evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological management of substance misuse, addiction and comorbidity." It is based on the available evidence and presented as recommendations for practitioners.

    These 334 pages provide up-to-date, evidence-based, and practical pharmacological guidelines.Free PDF format download.

  • A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach (CBT)

    A non-pharmacological intervention for cocaine addiction. Published on the NIDA website, this approach can be used for other forms of addiction as well.


Substance use disorders: General topics - Policy (governmental, national, or rural)top


Substance use disorders: General topics - Educationtop

  • Alcohol Medical Scholars Program, free PowerPoint presentations

    "The mission of the Alcohol Medical Scholars Program (AMSP) is to promote optimal education (..)" Their site (and this link) includes PowerPoint presentations, mostly on the subject of alcohol related disorders. The presentations, which are free to download, were made under the supervision of UCLA and the Research Alcohol Association.

    NB: Depending on your internet connection, download times may vary.


  • Mission statement of the SAMHSA on reducing substance use problems

    On this site you will find the mission and policy statement of the SAMHSA regarding reduction of substance use problems in society.

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Samhsa)

    The SAMHSA is a US Federal initiative. Its mission statement includes: ``The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has established a clear vision for its work -- a life in the community for everyone. To realize this vision, the Agency has sharply focused its mission on building resilience and facilitating recovery for people with or at risk for mental or substance use disorders. SAMHSA is gearing all of its resources -- programs, policies and grants -- toward that outcome.``The SAMHSA website is a rich source of information on a variety of topics related to psychiatry and addiction.

  • European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction

    The EMCDDA is the central reference point for drug information in the European Union. It publishers an annual report on "the state of the drugs problem in Europe".

  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

    American organization on drug abuse. "NIDA's mission is to lead the Nation in bringing the power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction." (Source: NIDA website. Mission statement)

    With Nora D. Volkow as their director, the NIDA is one of the leading institutes on drug abuse.

  • Trimbos institute

    Dutch Institute of Mental Health and Addiction. Their mission: "to create knowledge on mental health and apply it to mental health care, addiction care and social work policy and practice." (Source website Trimbos)

    Their website contains extensive and up-to-date information about Dutch mental health care and drug policies. Most of it is in Dutch, some in English.

  • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

    A highly informative site on the subject of alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Their mission is to "provide leadership in the national effort to reduce alcohol-related problems (..)" The comprehensive website contains lots of information about their publications, epidemiologic data, their own clinical trials and treatment of alcohol related disorders in general. Various manuals and (treatment) guides can be found under publications and professional educational materials. Manuals can also be ordered by mail.

  • American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP)

    Their membership brochure states that the AAAP "is an international professional membership organization founded in 1985 with approximately 1000 members in the United States and around the world." Their mission is to improve treatment quality in addiction psychiatry, educate the public, and influence public policy regarding addictive illness and to encourage research in the field of addiction psychiatry.

    Membership requires an annual fee but a lot of information can be accessed for free on their website.

  • Society for the Study of Addiction to Alcohol and Other Drugs (SSA)

    The SSA is "a learned society that promotes the coming together of professionals in the field of the addictions to share their knowledge, skills, and friendships. Our aims are to support, facilitate, and enhance the work of our members for the mutual benefit of all concerned with the study of addiction."

    The SSA publishes the journals 'Addiction' and 'Addiction Biology', both leading journals in this field. Access to articles though is not free.

  • International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM)

    The ISAM is an international fellowship of physicians founded in 1998. Their vision and main activities are clearly stated on the index page.

  • World Psychiatric Association (WPA): Addiction Psychiatry Section

    Link to the addiction section of the WPA, and self-explanatory. Not a very informative website, for it contains very little about their (current or planned) activities.


Substance use disorders: Substance specifictop


Substance use disorders: Substance specific - Opiatestop

  • Wikipedia on "opiates"

    Wikipedia is a well-known multilingual, web-based and free content encyclopaedia. Articles are written (and modified) by volunteers all around the world. Links guide the user to associated articles, often with additional information.

    Warning: Their website states ("What is Wikipedia not....") that "anyone reading Wikipedia can edit an article and the changes are displayed instantaneously without any checking to ensure appropriateness (..)". Information found on Wikipedia is therefore not censored and not vetted scientifically.

  • General: National Policy on Methadone Treatment

    This publication (149kb, 37 pages) was produced under the auspices of Australia’s National Drug Strategy and is intended to serve as a general guide for medical practitioners, allied health professionals, and others involved in the provision of methadone treatment services. Although dated 1998, it gives quite an accurate description on the basic principles of methadone maintenance treatment. Psychiatric comorbidity is not mentioned however.

  • Druginfo on "methadone" (Australian)

    Druginfo is an official Australian government website on drug issues. Part of their website is a portal site where relevant links are assembled. The links on methadone treatment are commented, with lots of information on the subject.

     


Substance use disorders: Substance specific - Alcoholtop


Substance use disorders: Substance specific - Cocainetop

  • Wikipedia on "cocaine"

    Wikipedia is a well-known multilingual, web-based and free content encyclopaedia. Articles are written (and modified) by volunteers all around the world. Links guide the user to associated articles, often with additional information.

    Warning: Their website states ("What Wikipedia is not....") that "anyone reading Wikipedia can edit an article and the changes are displayed instantaneously without any checking to ensure appropriateness (..)". Information found on Wikipedia is therefore not censored and not vetted scientifically.


Substance use disorders: Substance specific - Cannabistop

  • Wikipedia on "cannabis"

    Wikipedia is a well-known multilingual, web-based and free content encyclopaedia. Articles are written (and modified) by volunteers all around the world. Links guide the user to associated articles, often with additional information.

    Warning: Their website states ("What Wikipedia is not....") that "anyone reading Wikipedia can edit an article and the changes are displayed instantaneously without any checking to ensure appropriateness (..)". Information found on Wikipedia is therefore not censored and not vetted scientifically.

  • Pharmacology and effects of cannabis: a brief review

    Ashton, C.H. (2001). Pharmacology and effects of cannabis: a brief review. British Journal of Psychiatry, 178, 101-106.
    The abstract of this article can be viewed for free. Subscribers have access to the complete text.

  • Therapeutic aspects of cannabis and cannabinoids

    Robson, P. (2001). Therapeutic aspects of cannabis and cannabinoids. British Journal of Psychiatry, 178, 107-115.
    The abstract of this article can be viewed for free. Subscribers have access to the complete text..

  • Psychiatric effects of cannabis

    Johns, A. (2001). Psychiatric effects of cannabis. British Journal of Psychiatry, 178, 116-122.
    The abstract of this article can be viewed for free. Subscribers have access to the complete text.


Substance use disorders: Substance specific - Prescription or over-the-counter-drugstop

  • Wikipedia on "benzodiazepine"

    Wikipedia is a well-known multilingual, web-based and free content encyclopaedia. Articles are written (and modified) by volunteers all around the world. Links guide the user to associated articles, often with additional information.

    Warning: Their website states ("What wikipedia is not....") that "anyone reading Wikipedia can edit an article and the changes are displayed instantaneously without any checking to ensure appropriateness (..)". Information found on Wikipedia is therefore not censored and not vetted scientifically.

  • General: Manual for the Benzodiazepine Dependence Questionnaire (BDEPQ)

    Provides a good overview of benzodiazepine, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment.


Substance use disorders: Substance specific - Others (poylysubstance, party drugs)top

  • Wikipedia on "MDMA"
    Wikipedia is a well-known multilingual, web-based and free content encyclopaedia. Articles are written (and modified) by volunteers all around the world. Links guide the user to associated articles, often with additional information.

    Warning: Their website states ("What Wikipedia is not....") that "anyone reading Wikipedia can edit an article and the changes are displayed instantaneously without any checking to ensure appropriateness (..)". Information found on Wikipedia is therefore not censored and not vetted scientifically.

  • Club Drugs.org

    Site created by de National Institute on Drug Abuse, with a lot of practical, useful information about drugs used in the "party scene", including accessible slide presentations with explanations about the effects and risks.

  • Effects of Ecstasy (MDMA) on the Brain in Abstinent Users

    Reneman, L., Majoie, C.B.L.M., Habraken, J.B.A. & Heeten, G.J. den (2001) Effects of Ecstasy (MDMA) on the Brain in Abstinent Users: Initial Observations with Diffusion and Perfusion MR Imaging. Radiology, 220, 611-617.
    The globus pallidus seems particularly sensitive to ecstasy.

  • MAPS Updated Literature Review site

    The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) doesn't only sponsor research about the effects of various substances. It provides a fairly complete bibliography. This link is about ecstasy.


Dual diagnosis: General topicstop


Dual diagnosis: General topics - Epidemiologytop

  • Comorbidity of mental disorders with alcohol and other drug abuse

    Regier, D.A., Farmer, M.E., Rae, D.S., Locke, B.Z., Keith, S.J., Judd, L.L.,& Goodwin, F.K. (1990). Comorbidity of mental disorders with alcohol and other drug abuse. Results from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) Study. JAMA, 264, 2511-2518.
    Article about prevalence. Abstract.

  • Substance use disorder in hospitalized severely mentally ill psychiatric patients

    Mueser, K.T., Yarnold, P.R., Rosenberg, S.D., Swett, C. Jr, Miles, K.M. & Hill, D. (2000). Substance use disorder in hospitalized severely mentally ill psychiatric patients: prevalence, correlates, and subgroups. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 26, 179-192.
    Alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine are the substances most frequently used by patients with severe mental illness. Abstract.


Dual diagnosis: General topics - Assessmenttop

  • The Addiction Severity Index (ASI)

    McLellan, A.T., Luborsky, L., Woody, G.E. & O'Brien, C.P. (1980). An improved diagnostic evaluation instrument for substance abuse patients. The Addiction Severity Index. Journal of Nervous Mental Disorders, 168, 26-33.
    The severity of addiction problems among various client groups.  Extensive index. More assessment than screener. Abstract.

  • ASI in the Netherlands

    Hendriks, V.M., Kaplan, C.D., Van Limbeek, J. & Geerlings, P. (1989) The Addiction Severity Index: reliability and validity in a Dutch addict population. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 6, 133-141.
    The applicability of the ASI for Dutch patient populations. Abstract.

  • CAGE adapted to include drugs (CAGE-AID)

    Breakey, W.R., Calabrese, L., Rosenblatt, A. & Crum, R.M. (1998). Detecting alcohol use disorders in the severely mentally ill. Community Mental Health Journal, 34, 165-174.
    Four-item instrument based on the CAGE, which originally only included alcohol. Easily modified, Consists of four questions. (The Dutch translation has not yet been validated.)


Dual diagnosis: General topics - Treatmenttop

  • Co-Occurring Disorders: Integrated Treatment Toolkit, SAMSHA

    Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment is for people who have co-occurring disorders, mental illness and a substance abuse addiction. This treatment approach helps people recover by offering both mental health and substance abuse services at the same time and in one setting. In this SAMSHA Toolkit you will find a full version of an integrated treatment manual.

  • Integrated treatment Fidelity Scale

    With this scale, developed as part of the SAMHSA Toolkit for Integrated Treatment for Co-Occuring Disorders, you can evaluate the degree to which a treatment program succeeds according to the principles of integrated treatment. Free download of both the scale and scoring forms.

  • Monograph on double diagnosis

    Download  Treatment of Drug-Dependent Individuals With Comorbid Mental Disorders: NIDA Research Monograph, Number 172, a very interesting monograph for psychiatrists

  • Treatment Improvement Protocol

    Recently published Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP 42) for treating patients with addiction and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. This is a very complete, practical, and usable overview of this complex issue.  This consensus document, published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), was written by well-known (American) specialists in the field.  Free downloadable PDF.


Ongoing studies and research centrestop