Plus: Publix Pharmacy rolls out medication disposal kiosks; The Purpose of Recovery offers grief support; and SAMHSA releases its annual survey
By Darya Daneshmand
New & Next: Industry
Remembering Aaron T. Beck
Called “the father of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,” Aaron T. Beck, MD, died on Nov. 1 at age 100. Beck and his daughter, Judith Beck, PhD (also pictured above), founded the Beck Institute in 1994 with the mission of advancing the field of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The Beck Institute honors him as someone who committed his life to treating people with mental health challenges through CBT.
Prescription Medication Disposal
Publix Pharmacy has announced the installation of drug disposal kiosks for unused medications at select pharmacies in five states. (Find a kiosk here.) Free drug disposal packets that render medications inactive upon mixing with water in prescription bottles are also available to customers. Unused prescription drugs are considered a key contributor to diversion and misuse.
New & Next: Community
Grief While in Recovery Support Group
The Purpose of Recovery is hosting the Grief While in Recovery Virtual Support Group every first and third Saturday of the month from noon to 1:20 p.m. EST. For those who have experienced a personal loss that may have negatively impacted their addiction recovery, or who could benefit from the support of others while moving through their grief journey, Grief While in Recovery provides a space for sharing and solidarity.
Anyone in recovery is welcome to join through this Zoom meeting link. The Purpose of Recovery offers a number of other support outlets, such as a DUI support group and community coaching. Register here to join the Nov. 6 meeting or a later session.
Hazelden Graduate School Open House
The Graduate School Virtual Open House, hosted by Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. EST on Nov.11, will provide a space to explore the opportunities provided by Hazelden’s integrated master’s degree programs. Hear from faculty, staff and current students about their experiences, as well as from alumni who will talk about their post-graduation career paths. The open house also will cover financial opportunities, scholarships and application guidelines. Register here.
Restrictive Intake Virtual Support
Eating Disorder Therapy LA is offering a free Virtual Adult ARFID Support Group for people in California who are seeking support in recovering from avoidant restrictive intake disorder (ARFID). The meetings are designed to help you understand and address your disorder. To reserve a spot and receive a meeting link, contact lmuhlheim@eatingdisordertherapyla.com or call 323-743-1122.
Eating Disorder Therapy LA utilizes various tools, including:
- An exposure-based approach to treatment for those with fear of aversive consequences
- Exercises and help with establishing regular eating schedules
- Help with developing preferred and target food lists, as well as food preparation tips
New & Next: Research
National Survey on Drug Use and Health
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently released its annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), with national, state and sub-state data estimates of substance use and mental health among different groups. The new data tracks trends and identifies treatment needs. Among the findings:
- Approximately 25.9 million past-year alcohol users and 10.9 million past-year drug users reported using substances “a little more to much more” compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic
- Among people of mixed ethnicity and adolescents between ages 12 and 17, rates of serious suicidal thoughts were substantially higher than those of other populations
- Cost was cited as the primary reason for people 18 and over not receiving care for mental illness
Photo: Beck Institute
