An Addiction Science Network Resource

ASNet Discussion Forum
A Guide to Commentaries and Discussion Topics

The ASNet Discussion Forum is an open, unmoderated discussion forum for the Addiction Science Network, promoting free and open exchange of evidence-based information and promoting scientific analysis of drug addiction and related topics.

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The Discussion Forum interface can be difficult to navigate, so this page has been added to help guide the reader through the 'blog fog.' The entries are listed below under various categorization schemes. Suggestions for other themes are appreciated and can be e-mailed to webmaster@AddictionScience.net.

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Listing by Popularity
Listing by Reverse Chronological Order
Listing by Design
Mini Tutorials
Open Discussions
Position Statements General Commentaries
Listing by Forum Category

Listing by Popularity
(most popular first)

E=mc(2) and the Science of Addiction
Laymen and professionals alike often ask for a quick synopsis of what causes addiction—a succinct summary resolved down to 25 words or less. The problem is that addiction, like many behaviors, is far too complex for such a simple rendering that is easily understood beyond its most superficial context...
Editorial comment: Frustrated by people demanding a simple explanation about the causes of drug abuse and addiction? Refer them to this editorial commentary.

Drug Addiction as a "Disease"

Does considering drug addiction as a "disease" help or hinder a better understanding about the nature, cause, and treatment of this 'disorder?'

Editorial comment: Be sure to read the last reply from "the Professor" to view the ASNet position on this issue.

Dr. Phil's "Addiction"
Dr. Phil and other tele-psychologists promote fundamental misunderstandings about addiction. The inflicted guest is usually told how the problem is easily solved ...
Editorial comment: This commentary 'takes on' the tele-psychologists such as "Dr. Phil" who pander to their audiences at the expense of addicts. Using the 'in-your-face' approach characteristic of these programs, a few of the obvious faults are discussed in an attempt to mitigate the negative influence these programs have on the science of addiction.

Proposed Regulation of Salvia Divinorum
Salvia Divinorum and its concentrated extracts are enjoying unrestricted trade on the Internet and in most states throughout the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is currently considering whether this substance (including its concentrated extracts and synthetic analogues) should be “scheduled” and placed on the controlled substance list. Because there are no medicinal uses...
Editorial comment: "Get it while you can," the DEA is close to regulating this popular recreational substance.

Recreational Drug Use: Do People Living in a Free Society have the Right to use Psychotropic Substances "Recreationally"?
This post was actually planned for a later date after the groundwork was laid by exploring basic topics regarding drug abuse and addiction on the ASNet Discussion Forum. However, the recent post on Salvia Divinorum (and to a lesser extent the medical marijuana post) propels this topic to the forefront...
Editorial comment: This 'thread' was initiated for reader input and remains open for discussion.

Listing by Reverse Chronological Order
(newest first, oldest last; see above for brief descriptions of the most popular)

Click on the individual topics below or click here to peruse the most recent commentaries.

E=mc(2) and the Science of Addiction
ASNet Updates 09D11

Recreational Drug Use: Do People Living in a Free Society have the Right to use Psychotropic Substances "Recreationally"?
Recreational” Drug Use: A New Discussion Category on the ASNet Forum

Proposed Regulation of Salvia Divinorum
Why Distinguishing between Drug Dependence and Drug Addiction is Important

Dr. Phil's "Addiction"
The Power of the Blog: We did It—Medical Marijuana is Almost Here!
Oops, we already endorsed medical marijuana years ago!
ASNet Updates via RSS/Atom Feeds
Why Distinguishing between Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction is Important
Position Statement on Medical Marijuana
Drug Addiction as a "Disease"
A New Addiction Science Network Resource -- Welcome to the "Blog!"

Listing by Design
(e.g., mini tutorial, open discussion)

Entires are listed in this section by "design" (i.e., the intended purpose of the commentary) -- mini tutorials, open discussions, general commentaries, or position statements. Mini tutorials are designed to provide a short introduction to specific topics and to emphasize subthemes within the study of addiction and drug abuse. Open Discussions specifically invite comment from readers. Position Statements provide explicit presentation of ASNet's 'opinion' on special topics such as "medical marijuana." And General Discussions provide a catchpot for the remaining individual entries not classified according to the other three schemes.

Mini Tutorials

Open Discussions

Position Statements

Position Statement on Medical Marijuana

General Commentaries

Listing by Forum Category

Each commentary is grouped under a primary and sometimes secondary category in the ASNet Discussion Forum. Click here to view the Forum categories.



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