Substance Abuse

(Newser) - The media loves to publish experts' diagnoses of Britney Spears, but assessing a patient's mental condition from gossip columns is irresponsible—and it's giving therapists a bad rep, concluded some professionals at an American Psychoanalytic Association summit. "Brains don't have a checkbox," one analyst told the AP, but some media outlets say such opinions are essential to coverage. More »

(Newser) - Records of post-traumatic stress disorder go as far back as The Odyssey, and Iraq veterans are adding to the list. Combat trauma has been repeatedly linked with rates of unemployment, substance abuse, domestic violence and criminality above the national average. Yet  PTSD victims aren't getting the treatment they need, and often end up behind bars, the New York Times reports. More »

(Newser) - More than 3 million Americans, some as young as 12, have used over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to induce hallucinations, out-of-body experiences and other effects, a US government survey has found. The study uncovered high levels of abuse of 140 drugs containing the cough suppressant DXM, reports MSNBC. More »

(Newser) - Embattled running back Ricky Williams was reinstated to the NFL after an 18-month absence caused by his fourth violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. Miami coach Cam Cameron has not indicated whether the 0-9 Dolphins would reactivate Williams. Even if the team chooses not to use Williams this year, they could trade him in the offseason, reports the Miami Herald . More »

(Newser) - Several days after a fiery car wreck in Houston, the man in an SUV hit by a train was identified yesterday as Eddie Griffin, a former first-round NBA draft pick whose career was short-circuited by alcohol. The Houston Chronicle reports Griffin's body was so badly burned that dental records were needed to confirm his identity. More »

(Newser) - Lindsay Lohan checked into a luxe Utah rehab facility over the weekend, the Insider reports, on the heels of an arrest for drunk driving and drug possession. Boasting a battery of therapies and a price tag of at least $30K, the Cirque Lodge is rumored to have hosted celebs David Hasselhoff and Mary-Kate Olsen. More »

(Newser) - Levels of dopamine—a brain chemical associated with movement and emotion—may explain the occurrence of attention deficit and hyperactivity, two studies published yesterday concluded. The studies found decreased dopamine activity in the brains of individuals, both children and adults, diagnosed with ADHD. Doctors say these decreased levels could have an effect on cognition. More »

(Newser) - Al Gore III pleaded guilty to four drug charges today and elected to enter a rehab program to avoid prison time, People reports. The ex-VP's 24-year-old youngest child was busted with marijuana and prescription drugs—including Vicodin, Xanax and Valium—after being pulled over in southern California for speeding in his Prius. More »

(Newser) - The debauched lifestyles of celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears are turning substance-abuse rehab into a punch line, making light of a process that helps thousands of people each year, say experts. Lohan was arrested on suspicion of DUI this week just days after finishing rehab; in February, Spears checked into rehab three times—in one week. More »

(Newser) - Al Gore III has posted bail and returned to rehab. A day after the ex-VP's son was busted for drugs, the 24-year-old magazine publisher "is getting treatment," his father said today. In his first public reaction, he appeared on the "Today" show and said, "We love him very much," adding, "We are going to leave it as a private matter." More »

(Newser) - Rod Beck, a closer with the Giants, Cubs, Red Sox, and Padres who nailed down 286 saves, died yesterday in his home in Phoenix at 38. Police do not suspect foul play. Beck led a colorful life, drinking and carousing with fans after games; his final season was cut short by rehabilitation for substance abuse. More »

(Newser) - Australia will ban alcohol and pornography in some Aboriginal areas in an attempt to tackle widespread child sex abuse. A report last week blamed booze and poverty for the high levels of abuse in Aboriginal communities throughout the Northern Territory. "Exceptional measures are required to deal with an exceptionally tragic situation," says PM John Howard. More »

(Newser) - Lindsay Lohan had a run-in with a curb on Sunset Boulevard early this morning, leading to hospitalization for apparently minor injuries and an arrest for possible DUI.  Cocaine was found on one of the two passengers in her convertible, the AP reports. More »

(Newser) - Britney Spears is doing time in rehab, but she's not toeing the line on why she's there. Spies at the pricey Promises clinic tell US Weekly that she caved to pressure from her family and manager to check herself in, but she's not copping to a substance abuse problem. More »