sexual health

Here's a list of all the articles in the Sexual Health section of my site:

1. Sexual Health Home

2. Learn How To Love Yourself

3. Your Sexual Health and Attitude

4. Make Peace With Your Sexuality

5. Opening Up To Sex

back to: Psychology of Sex Sitemap

Thoughtful quotes about risk, taking risks and taking unnecessary risks.

Words of Wisdom

"Half the failures in life arise from pulling in one's horse as he is leaping." (Julius and Augustus Hare, Guesses at Truth)

"Without risk, you don't experience life." (author unknown)

"There is no security on this earth, there is only opportunity." (Douglas Macarthur)

"I tore myself away from the safe comfort of certainties through my love of truth; and the truth rewarded me." (Simone De Beauvoir)

"One doesn't discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time." (Andre Gide)

"Fortune sides with those who dare." (Virgil)

next:Spirituality/God

A Primer on Depression and Bipolar Disorder

II. MOOD DISORDERS AS PHYSICAL ILLNESSES

E. Impact of Depression and Bipolar Disorder on Others

Mood disorders affect not only the lives of the victims themselves, but also the entire social setting in which he/she moves: marriage, family, friends, job, society at large. The root cause of all these impacts is the degraded ability the victim has to "perform" in these different areas of his/her life. Thus a seriously depressed person will become morose, incommunicative, withdrawn, and unable to participate actively in what is going on. He/she will often become a "wet blanket", sapping out whatever joy there might be in any occasion, and most will agree that they don't enjoy having this person around. It, therefore, can become a rather heavy burden upon family and friends to have to compensate, on the one hand, for the loss of the "social'' contribution that would customarily be expected from the victim in the normal family setting, while at the same time making an extra input of care, encouragement, supervision, and listening to him/her. A manic person is the opposite: he/she will be obtrusive, aggressive, argumentative, convinced of his/her infallibility, vain, arrogant, and quick to give orders to others. Such people can be a real pain to be around. In the family setting a manic person is often rocking the boat: causing arguments, being peremptory, making irresponsible expenditures and commitments, and unilaterally breaking agreements.

It is impossible even to estimate the amount of emotional pain, stress, and loss family members experience in trying to deal with, ultimately to help, a mentally ill person in the household. In many cases their lives are seriously disrupted, becoming a kind of living hell. Perhaps nothing is more awful than to see, day in and day out, someone you love severely degraded by an illness you don't fully understand, to do everything you can think of to help, and have none of it work. And in addition to have to deal with the stigma associated with such illness, not only by society at large, but also in your own mind, however far back you may have pushed it. And thanks to the outrageously inadequate framework provided in our society for mentally ill persons and their families, you won't get much institutional help, short of hospitalization, which ought to be only the last resort.

As the illness becomes more serious, degraded performance shades into incapacity. Thus the depressive will linger in bed, begin to be routinely late for work, be unable to make decisions or handle the workload on the job, and eventually will be perceived as an unsatisfactory employee. Likewise the manic will make quick but bad decisions based on little or no knowledge or data, will take serious risks with business assets, become insubordinate or otherwise disrupt the normal chain of command, and will be perceived as unreliable, though energetic, and therefore an unacceptable risk.

The loss of a permanent, well-paying job is one of the worst things that can happen to someone with mental illness. First, it means direct loss of income, perhaps the main source of income in the family. Second, it may mean loss of medical insurance, which may be badly needed in the weeks and months ahead. Third, it means an unsatisfactory performance rating in one's personnel file, which may come back to haunt the victim again and again as he/she tries to find further employment. Fourth, it is a serious blow to the self-esteem of a depressive, whereas a manic may not even consider the loss worth notice. Most people do not have sufficient savings to face a prolonged period without income, and available funds are usually quickly exhausted. All too quickly the rent or mortgage becomes overdue, and eviction follows. These difficulties are all magnified and accelerated if the victim is the principal wage-earner for a family. In such cases the role and value of the victim as an effective spouse or parent erodes quickly, and a separation or divorce often ensues. To make matters worse, there is almost no effective public assistance available to a seriously mentally ill person and his/her family. To obtain, for instance, Social Security disability status can take months or even a year (I don't know why so long), and the benefit, once it starts, is minimal -- adequate if the ill person is the "guest" of another family member, but totally inadequate for even bare survival of an individual. This downward spiral is the reason so many mentally ill people end up as street people in our big cities, unable to help themselves in any way that will lead to improvement or remission of the illness.

It is impossible to even guess the tremendous amount of hardship, stress, pain, and despair that our current system produces for people having the misfortune to become mentally ill. One of the most important things that can be done within the existing system is to learn how to recognize mood disorders in an early stage, before the grim scenario given above has a chance to unfold. Once recognized, the illness urgently needs prompt, effective treatment. I stress again that "mere" mood disorders can be life-threatening. If necessary, the victim should be hospitalized, and thus placed in an environment where daily needs can be met, safety can be assured, and optimal treatment given. The expense for such treatment in a private hospital can be very large, and can rapidly exhaust one's insurance. The quality of treatment in free public hospitals may be seriously substandard. These are issues of public policy; we address them briefly below.

next: Grace
~ back to Manic Depression Primer homepage
~ bipolar disorder library
~ all bipolar disorder articles

Want to know how to avoid a gift-giving blunder? To help you develop gift-giving savvy, when you give a gift during the holiday season or on any other occasion, make it a gift of the heart.

A gift of the heart is a gift we give to our friends and relatives that they want and need. A gift is defined as something freely given from one heart to another with no strings attached. A gift with strings is a gift of the ego.

The value of the gift itself is not as important as its presentation and the thoughtfulness behind the giving. Giving gifts that will benefit the recipient is a meaningful gesture. Good gifts move the recipient because they have been chosen with a thoughtful heart.

Giving gifts, while fun and enjoyable in theory, offers endless potential for frustration; thronging crowds, ransacked stores, confusion, indecision, cash depletion and, finally, the belated knowledge that you bought the wrong thing. The task of giving the right gift can be made much easier with a little bit of pre-thought.

Begin now to think and plan ahead. Listen for clues. Comments like, "Wow! That would be great in the family room!" or "It sure would be nice to not have to (fill in the blank)!" or "Oh, I love that, but it's a little more than I want to pay!" That's your cue to make a mental note and add it to your gift list.

When you give gifts people want and need, whether it is money, time, talent, advice, Love or other tangible gifts, you will begin to receive back to you what you want. Your friends and relatives will kiss the "returns counter" good-bye and reduce return trips to the mall. The last-minute, rush to the store to find a gift tells a story about you.

A gift given with the thought, "What will I get in return for this," is a gift of the ego. Why bother? It's a gift we give because we want to give it rather than a gift that fulfills a need or want. Gifts given from ego are seldom appreciated.

Giving a gift of the heart anticipates desire; what you are offering is wanted and is appropriate. Simple, well chosen gifts unite the recipient and the giver, are appreciated and are often treasured the most. Gifts of the heart light up our friends and relatives with happiness and joy beyond our wildest imaginings.

continue story below

Thoughtless, inappropriate gifts cause more attention to be given to the giver. Desire for attention is better requested, in a direct way, not with gifts. A gift given of the heart is for giving attention, not requesting it.

What to give?

We can learn everyday a little more about gift-giving by "being" with the people we love so that we know what they want and need. Proper thought, feeling and inquiry must go into the gift selection. A certain quality of attention is often absent in gift-giving. Brief consideration does not create a considerate gift. Gift must be real and given from the heart to be appreciated.

Gifts should be a symbol of being related rather than a bid for reassurance that we are loved.

The manner in which it is given is worth more than the gift - Lynn Johnsto

next: The Romantic Kiss

8. How does drug addiction treatment help reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases?

Many drug addicts, such as heroin addicts or cocaine addicts and particularly injection drug users, are at increased risk for HIV/AIDS as well as other infectious diseases like hepatitis, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted infections. For these individuals and the community at large, drug addiction treatment is disease prevention.

Drug Addiction Treatment Is Disease Prevention.

Drug injectors who do not enter treatment are up to six times more likely to become infected with HIV than injectors who enter and remain in treatment. Drug users who enter and continue in treatment reduce activities that can spread disease, such as sharing injection equipment and engaging in unprotected sexual activity. Participation in treatment also presents opportunities for screening, drug addiction counseling, and referral for additional services. The best drug abuse treatment programs provide HIV counseling and offer HIV testing to their patients.

Source: National Institute of Drug Abuse, "Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research Based Guide."

next: FAQ: 12-Step, Self-Help Programs for Drug Addiction
~ all articles on Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment
~ addictions library articles
~ all addictions articles

Kava kava is an herbal remedy for treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and related nervous disorders. Learn about the usage, dosage, side-effects of Kava kava.

Botanical Name:Piper methysticum
Common Names:Awa, Kava 

• Overview
• Plant Description
• What's It Made Of?
• Available Forms
• How to Take It
• Precautions
• Possible Interactions
• References

Overview

Kava kava (Piper methysticum) has been used as a ceremonial beverage in the Pacific Islands for thousands of years. The roots are chewed or ground into a pulp and added to cold water. The resulting thick brew, which has been compared to the social equivalent of wine in France, is typically offered to guests and dignitaries visiting the Pacific Islands.

In addition to its ceremonial purposes, kava is perhaps best known for its relaxing qualities. Kava is said to elevate mood, well-being, and contentment, and produce a feeling of relaxation. Several studies have found that kava may be useful in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and related nervous disorders.

However, new reports linking kava with severe liver damage has prompted regulatory agencies in Europe and Canada to warn consumers of the potential risks associated with this herb and even remove kava-containing products from the market. Based on these and other reports in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a consumer advisory in March of 2002 regarding the "rare," but potential risk of liver failure associated with kava-containing products. Be sure to visit the Precautions section for further information about the potential dangers associated with kava.

Due to these potential dangers, kava should be used only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Kava has been extensively studied, however, and evidence suggests that (under proper supervision) it may be helpful for the following health problems:

Kava for Anxiety
In a recent review of seven scientific studies, researchers concluded that kava extract is significantly more effective than placebo in treating anxiety. One study found that kava substantially improved symptoms after only one week of treatment. Results of clinical studies and the experiences of people using kava suggest that this herb may be as effective as certain anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. In fact, according to one recent study, kava and diazepam (a medication frequently used for anxiety) cause matching changes in brain wave activity, suggesting that they may work very similarly to calm the mind.

Some experts suggest that kava be considered for use when anxiety and/or stress accompany certain medical illnesses. For example, such feelings are not uncommon when being treated for cancer. In one recent survey, as many as 25% of prostate cancer patients felt depressed or anxious. The authors of this particular survey suggested that kava be considered to help relieve the feelings of such men with prostate cancer.

Kava for Insomnia
Short-term studies suggest that kava is effective for insomnia, particularly in terms of improving sleep quality and decreasing the amount of time needed to fall asleep.

Other
In addition to its anxiety-reducing (anxiolytic) and sedative properties, active compounds in kava are reputed to help prevent seizures and relieve muscle spasms. Although kava has not been studied for these purposes, some professional herbalists may recommend this herb to help relieve these and related health problems.

Plant Description

Kava root (which is used in medicinal preparations) comes from a tall shrub that grows in the islands of the Pacific Ocean. This shrub produces large, green, heart-shaped leaves that grow thickly on the branches. Long, slender flowers grow where the branches meet the stems. The roots look like bundles of woody, hairy branches.

What's It Made Of?

The main active ingredients in kava root are called kava pyrones (or kava lactones). The primary kava pyrones (including kawain and methysticum) have been extensively studied in laboratory and animal studies. These substances have been found to reduce convulsions, promote sleep, and relax muscles in animals. They also have pain-relieving properties, which explains why chewing kava root tends to cause a temporary numbness and tingling sensation on the tongue.

Available Forms

In some parts of the world, whole kava roots are chewed for their medicinal value. Kava is also available in liquid form, as tinctures or extracts, and powdered or crushed in capsules or tablets.

How to Take It

It is important to note that some people have developed severe liver damage, even liver failure, after ingesting kava. See Precautions section for more details. Under no circumstances should this herb be taken without the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Pediatric
There are no known scientific reports on the pediatric use of kava. Therefore, it is not currently recommended for children.

Adult
If your health care provider has recommended kava, make sure you read the label to look for kava products that are standardized to contain a 70% kava lactone content.

For the relief of anxiety and insomnia, and to reduce stress, follow your provider's instructions. A commonly recommended kava dose is 2.0 to 4.0 grams as a decoction (a preparation made by boiling down the herb in water) up to three times daily. Another typical dose is 60 to 600 milligrams kava lactones daily of standardized formulas.

Length of treatment varies.

It may take four weeks before you notice improvement. Kava should not be taken for more than three months.

Precautions

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine. This is particularly true for kava, given its potentially serious side effects.

In recent years, several reports in the United States and abroad have linked kava ingestion with severe liver problems. Kava-containing products have been associated with at least 25 reports of liver-related injuries (including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure). In one case report, a 50-year-old man developed hepatitis after taking three to four kava extracts daily for two months. His condition quickly deteriorated and a liver transplant became necessary.

Liver-related risks associated with the use of kava have prompted regulatory agencies in other countries, including those in Germany, Switzerland, France, Canada, and the United Kingdom, to warn consumers about the potential risks associated with kava use and to remove kava-containing products from the marketplace.

Largely driven by the policies of these other countries as well as reports of adverse effects in the United States, the FDA issued an advisory in March of 2002 regarding the "rare," but potential risk of liver failure associated with kava-containing products. The advisory cautions individuals with liver disease or liver problems as well as those taking products (medications, herbs, or supplements) that affect the liver, to consult a physician before taking kava-containing products. If you have taken kava and are experiencing symptoms of liver damage (such as yellow skin [jaundice], fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and joint pain), seek immediate medical attention.

Other side effects associated with kava appear to be mild and infrequent. Some reported adverse effects include allergic skin reactions (such as contact dermatitis), dizziness, drowsiness, restlessness, stomach upset, and tremors. Long term use at high doses may cause flaky, dry, and yellowish discoloration of the skin, hair loss (alopecia), partial loss of hearing, and loss of appetite. Like alcohol, kava may also have intoxicating effects and should not be taken before driving. In addition, when taken together with kava, alcohol increases the risk of toxicity from this herb.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take kava. Those undergoing surgery should also not take this herb as it may interfere with drugs used to induce anesthesia and prolong the effect of anesthesia. Kava should be stopped at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled surgery.

Possible Interactions

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use kava without first talking to your healthcare provider:

Kava and Anticonvulsants
Kava may exaggerate the effects of medications used to treat seizures.

Kava and Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants
Kava may enhance the effects of CNS depressants such as benzodiazepines used for sleep disturbances or anxiety (particularly alprazolam) and barbiturates used for sleep disorders and seizures (such as pentobarbital). In fact, there has been one report of someone going into a coma from the combination of kava and alprazolam.

Kava and Antipsychotic medications
Kava may increase the risk of unpleasant side effects associated with phenothiazine medications (often used for the treatment of schizophrenia), such as chlorpromazine and promethazine.

Kava and Levodopa
There has been at least one report that kava may reduce the effectiveness of levodopa, a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. Therefore, you should not take this herb if you are taking any medications containing levodopa.

back to: Herbal Treatments Homepage

Supporting Research

Almeida JC, Grimsley EW. Coma from the health food store: interaction between kava and alprazolam. Ann Intern Med. 1996;125:940-941.

Ang-Lee M, Moss J, Yuan C. Herbal medicines and perioperative care. JAMA. 2001;286(2):208-216.

Attele AS, Xie JT, Yuan CS. Treatment of insomnia: an alternative approach. Altern Med Rev. 2000;5(3):249-259.

Beaubrun G, Gray GE. A review of herbal medicines for psychiatric disorders. [review]. Psychiatr Serv. 2000;51(9):1130-1134.

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:221-225.

Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, Ore: Eclectic Medical; 1998:88-89.

Cauffield JS, Forbes HJ. Dietary supplements used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. [review]. Lippincotts Prim Care Pract. 1999;3(3):290-304.

Cropley M, Cave Z, Ellis J, Middleton RW. Effect of Kava and Valerian on human physiological and psychological responses to mental stress assessed under laboratory conditions. Phytother Res. 2002;16(1):23-27.

Davies LP, Drew CA, Duffield P. Kava pyrones and resin: studies on GABA A, GABA B, and benzodiazepine binding sites in the rodent brain. Pharmacol Toxicol. 1992;71:120-126.

Ernst E. Adverse effects of herbal drugs in dermatology. [Review]. Br J Dermatol. 2000;143(5):923-929.

Ernst E. The risk-benefit profile of commonly used herbal therapies: Ginkgo, St. John's Wort, Ginseng, Echinacea, Saw Palmetto, and Kava. [Review]. Ann Intern Med. 2002;136(1):42-53.

Escher M, Desmeules J, Giostra E, Mentha G. Hepatitis associated with kava, a herbal remedy for anxiety. BMJ. 2001;322:139.

Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal. 4th ed. New York: The Haworth Herbal Press; 1999:229-231.

Fugh-Berman A, Cott JM. Dietary supplements and natural products as psychotherapeutic agents. Psychosom Med. 1999;61(5):712-728.

Gyllenhaal C, Merritt SL, Peterson SD, Block KI, Gochenour T. Efficacy and safety of herbal stimulants and sedatives in sleep disorders. Sleep Med Rev. 2000;4(2):1-24.

Heiligenstein E, Guenther RN. Over-the-counter psychotropics: a review of melatonin, St. John's wort, valerian, and kava kava. J Am Coll Health. 1998;46:271-276.

Jamieson DD, Duffield PH. Positive interactions of ethanol and kava resin in mice. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 1990;17:509-514.

Larkin M. Surgery patients at risk for herb-anaesthesia interactions. Lancet. 1999;354(9187):1362.

Miller LG. Herbal medicinals: selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions. Arch Intern Med. 1998;158(20):2200-2211.

Moyad MA, Hathaway S, Ni HS. Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and other alternative medicines for prostate cancer: an introduction and the need for more research. [Review]. Semin Urol Oncol. 1999;17(2):103-110.

Pittler MH, Ernst E. Efficacy of kava extract for treating anxiety: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2000;20(1):84-89.

Rotblatt M, Ziment I. Evidence-Based Herbal Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Hanley & Belfus, Inc; 2002:245-248.

Schelosky L, Raffauf C, Jendroska K, et al. Kava and dopamine antagonism. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1995;58(5):639-640.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Letter to healthcare professionals: FDA issues consumer advisory that kava products may be associated with severe liver injury. March 25, 2002. Accessed at: http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm085482.htm.

Volz HP, Kieser M. Kava-kava extract WS 1490 versus placebo in anxiety disorders a randomized placebo-controlled 25-week outpatient trial. Pharmacopsychiat. 1997;30:1-5.

Wheatley D. Kava and valerian in the treatment of stress-induced insomnia. PhytotherRes. 2001;15(6):549-551.

Wong AH, Smith M, Boon HS. Herbal remedies in psychiatric practice. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1998; 55(11):1033-1044.

The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.

back to: Herbal Treatments Homepage

Detailed info on employee drug testing - how long drugs stay in your system, types of drug tests, false-positives on a drug test.

As a condition of employment, many people have to submit to pre-employment drug  screening or random drug testing once they're on the job.

The pre-employment check that many fear most is the pre-employment drug screening--and rightly so. A strong note of caution: if you have in the past or are presently using illegal drugs, you are strongly advised to stop using them--immediately! The day before--or even the week before—the drug test will likely be too late to achieve "clean" results. But if you make a commitment to steer clear far enough in advance, you may give your body enough time to detoxify and flush out. While many substances can clear in under a week, there are some that will stay with you much longer. For instance, some marijuana users can quit 31 days in advance and still fail the drug test.

How long do drugs stay in your system?

 There is no simple answer as to how long drugs will remain in your system, since the answer is influenced by the specific drug half-life, intensity of the usage, method of usage, length of usage, tolerance, fluid intake, body size, body fat, metabolism and (most important) the specific range which the drug testing lab uses to signify a "positive" for drug use. But the following table provides some general guidelines for the amount of time a drug can be detected by most standard drug tests:

• Alcohol 6-24 hours
• Amphetamines 2-3 days
• Barbituates 1 day to 3 weeks
• Benzodiazepines 3-7 days
• Cocaine 2-5 days
• Codeine 3-5 days
• Euphorics (MDMA, Ecstasy) 1-3 days
• LSD 1-4 days
• Marijuana (THC) 7-30 days
• Methadone 3-5 days
• Methaqualone 14 days
• Opiates 1-4 days
• Phencyclidine (PCP) 2-4 days
• Steroids (anabolic) 14-30 days

Keep in mind that detection time listed above does not mean that the drug is fully expelled from your body within that amount of time just that it has dissipated enough that it can no longer be accurately detected--or at least is not high enough to register a "positive" on a drug test. Most drugs are treated by the body as toxins which take time to eliminate. Rather than allow the toxins to potentially affect vital organs, they are often stored in fat cells, making them typically difficult to release or detoxify from the body.

Types of drug tests

The basic drug test used by most corporate drug testing programs is called a "Five-Screen" (or "NIDA-5" or "SAMHSA-5") which is testing for five types of drugs:

1. Cannabinoids (Marijuana, Hashish)
2. Cocaine (Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Benzoylecognine)
3. Opiates (Heroin, Opium, Codeine, Morphine)
4. Amphetamines (Amphetamines, Methamphetamines, Speed)
5. Phencyclidine (PCP, Angel Dust)

Many drug testing firms now offer a "Ten-Screen" which expands to include five additional drugs:

1. Barbituates (Phenobarbital, Secobarbitol, Pentobarbital, Butalbital, Amobarbital)
2. Methaqualone (Qualuudes)
3. Benzodiazepines (Tranquilizers--, , Librium, Ativan, Xanax, Clonopin, Serax, Halcion, Rohypnol)
4. Methadone Propoxyphene (Darvon compounds)

Other drugs that can be included in drug tests include:

• Ethanol (alcohol)
• LSD Hallucinogens (Psilocybin, Mescaline, MDMA, MDA, MDE)
• Inhalents (Toluene, Xylene, Benzene)

A good general rule of thumb: if there is a drug out there, there is a drug test for it.

Second-hand exposure

How about one more thing to worry about? Second-hand smoke from marijuana and crack cocaine can be absorbed into your hair. Problem? Some companies are now using hair testing to determine drug usage. Answer? Don't even hang around others who are doing drugs. It can still be absorbed into your system and produce a positive test result. "I didn't inhale..." is not a valid response. And sufficient second-hand smoke exposure can also cause failure of standard urine drug tests. You could fail both a primary and secondary test, with no recourse other than saying that it was someone else.

If you are not a drug user and you fail the drug screening (it does happen), be as straightforward with the employer as possible, let them know that you are not a drug user and ask them if they would please do a confirmation test. Recent estimates from the Journal of Analytic Toxicology showed error rates of 5 to 14% on this initial test. Following is a list of over-the-counter medications which have been known to cause false positives in drug testing:

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) Midol Nuprin Sudafed Vicks Nasal Spray Neosynephren Ephedra and Ephedrine-based products (often used in diet products) Detromethorphan Vicks 44.

False-positives on a drug test

There are more, but suffice to say that not every drug test is accurate. That's why almost all drug testing companies ask you in advance what medications you are presently taking or have taken in the last 30 days. Make sure you list them all, even over-the-counter medications. Most reputable drug testing companies will either have a doctor (or other medical professional) personally interview those who fail a drug test to determine if there was a potential false positive.

If you do receive a failing grade (actually referred to as a "positive" on your drug test--this is one test you do NOT want a positive--you want all negatives) on your drug test, ask to be retested with a confirmation or secondary test. Most employers do not automatically perform the confirmation test since it is significantly more expensive than the initial test. However, if they are unwilling to offer retesting due to the expense, offer to pay the expense on your own and then use a different testing service--ideally a secondary testing provider recommended by the employer so that you won't have a credibility problem with the second test. If you are turned down in your request or you have additional problems, you may want to seek the advice of a competent attorney.

Sources:

• Craig Medical Diagnositics
• Journal of Analytic Toxicology
• NORML (National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws)
• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (Workplace Issues)

next: How Casual Drug Use Leads to Addiction
~ addictions library articles
~ all addictions articles

HELP IS AVAILABLE!!

Infidelity Online:

An Effective Guide to Rebuild your Relationship After a Cyberaffair.

This exclusive informational step-by-step guide and interactive workbook is specially designed to help you and your partner rebuild your relationship after a cyberaffair. The guide provides you with proven techniques to help save your relationship from virtual adultery. This invaluable book is not available in stores - so by ordering now, you will learn:

• The Seven Warning Signs of a Cyberaffair
• Five Common Reactions to Virtual Adultery
• Four Steps to Avoid Being an Enabler
• How to Communicate with your Partner
• How to Repair the Broken Trust
• How to Rekindle the Love and Passion
• How to Seek Marriage Counseling - This section is especially important if your partner is reluctant to enter therapy.
• How to Deal with Cybersexual Addiction

If your marriage or relationship has been damaged by a cyberaffair then read Caught in the Net to find the help you need. This book outlines the trauma of being a cyberwidow and shows you proven strategies on how to communicate with your partner to save your relationship.

Click here to order Caught in the Net.

next: Dealing with a Cyberaffair
~ all center for online addiction articles
~ all articles on addictions

The Benefits of Alcohol

Journal Articles and Book Chapters

• Peele, S. (1993), The conflict between public health goals and the temperance mentality.American Journal of Public Health, 83, 805-810.
• Peele, S. & A. Brodsky (1996), The antidote to alcohol abuse: Sensible drinking messages. In Wine in Context: Nutrition, Physiology, Policy, Davis, CA: American Society for Enology and Viticulture, pp. 66-70.
• Peele, S. (1999), Promoting positive drinking: Alcohol, necessary evil or positive good? In: S. Peele & M. Grant (Eds.), Alcohol and pleasure: A health perspective, Philadelphia: Brunner/Mazel, pp. 375-389.

next: The Implications and Limitations of Genetic Models of Alcoholism and Other Addictions
~ all Stanton Peele articles
~ addictions library articles
~ all addictions articles

Dual diagnosis is the relationship between substance abuse and mental illness; where people self-medicate using drugs or alcohol to cope with their psychiatric disorder.

Using Drugs or Alcohol to Mask the Symptoms of a Mood Disorder or other Psychiatric Condition

Sometimes people may use alcohol or use drugs to help cover up or mask symptoms of a mood disorder. For example, if a person's mind is racing because of mania, a drink of alcohol may slow it down. If a person has intense sadness or hopelessness because of depression, a drug may help him or her feel happy or hopeful for a period of time. This "self-medication" may appear to help, but it actually makes things worse. After the temporary effects of the alcohol or drugs wear off, a person's symptoms are often worse than ever. Self-medication can cause a person's mood disorder to stay undiagnosed for a long time.

To get better, someone with a dual diagnosis must treat both conditions. First, the person must go for a period of time without using alcohol or drugs. This is called detoxification. The next step is rehabilitation for the substance problem and treatment for the mental disorder. This step might include medicines, support groups and talk therapy.

Sources:

• Depression Bipolar Support Alliance

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