Finding Addiction Treatment Information

Trying to locate appropriate treatments for a loved one, especially finding a program tailored to the particular needs of an individual is a difficult process. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is an accessible resource and maintains a Web site (www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov) that shows the location of residential, outpatient and hospital inpatient programs for drug addiction and alcoholism throughout the country.

Treatment Gap

The treatment gap is massive among those who need treatment for a substance use disorder and do not receive it. In 2007, 23.2 million people aged 12 or older required treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem, but only 3.9 million received treatment at a specialty substance abuse facility. Reducing this gap requires a multipronged approach. Strategies include increasing access to effective treatment, achieving insurance parity, and reducing stigmas and raising awareness among both patients and health care professionals.

Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease includes gallstones and inflammation or infection of the gallbladder. Gallstones are clusters of solid material that form in the gallbladder. These clusters consist of mostly of cholesterol and can cause abdominal pain, especially after consuming fatty foods. The pain may be sharp or dull.
Overweight people have a higher risk for developing gallbladder disease. Overweight people may produce more cholesterol, a fatty substance found in the body, and heighten the risk for gallstones. Sometimes overweight people may have an enlarged gallbladder, which may not work properly.
Fast weight loss of more than three pounds per week or large weight loss can actually increase the chance of developing gallstones. Modest, slow weight loss of about one half to two pounds a week is less likely to cause gallstones. Achieving a healthy weight may lower the risk for developing gallstones.