Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Inpatient Care Best For Suicidal Addicts
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FRIDAY, Sept. 16 (HealthDay News) -- Helping suicidal substance abusers kick their addiction on an inpatient basis works best, a new study shows. Reporting in the September issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, investigators at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System in California tracked outcomes for nearly 1,300 veterans taking part in 51 VA substance abuse treatment programs. Fifty-three (4 percent) of the veterans reported having attempted suicide within the previous 30 days. According to the researchers, suicidal veterans who received inpatient treatment for addiction were much more likely to abstain from drugs and alcohol six months after treatment than those who received outpatient care. Inpatient care included acute treatment in hospitals (average stay of 23 days); treatment in residential centers (average stay of 48 days); and domiciliary treatment that emphasized patient participation and skills development (average stay of 72 days). Outpatient care involved either day treatment and partial hospitalization programs (average of 38 days) or less intensive standard outpatient treatment lasting an average of 135 days. The study findings likely reflect a combination of factors, the study authors noted. "Research suggests that substance abusers who report a recent suicide attempt are more likely to report aggressive, impulsive personality styles and more depression," the authors wrote. They suggested that a structured inpatient environment may help suicidal substance abusers who have poor control of their emotions and impulses to understand the link between substance use and an impulsive suicide attempt. More information The U.S. National Mental Health Association has more about suicide.
Last Updated: Sept. 16, 2005 |