Reid Finlayson

Study highlights consequences of chronic benzodiazepine use

The lived experience of colleagues who took benzodiazepines and experienced distressing effects inspired a recent study that found the depressant is linked to nervous system injury and negative life effects during and after use.

Integrated, multidisciplinary approach key to opioid fight: panel

No single approach will end the epidemic of fatal overdoses caused by addiction to opioid painkillers and heroin that is ravaging this country, the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health, Adm. Brett Giroir, MD, warned Tuesday during a panel discussion in a packed lecture hall at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Gift supports addiction medicine training program

The 2016 Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health, “Facing Addiction in America,” leaves little question about the growing problem of addiction.

VUMC symposium to explore risks, impact of opioids

The risks of taking opioids during pregnancy or to manage chronic pain, and the impact this frequently prescribed class of pain relievers has on the adolescent brain will be discussed Wednesday, July 13, during a “bedside-to-bench” symposium at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Study examines factors that boost suicide risk for doctors

A retrospective analysis of Tennessee physicians who underwent fitness-for-duty evaluations by Vanderbilt found an “astoundingly” high rate of suicide among physicians who were found unfit to practice, were in solo practice, or if they were taking anti-anxiety drugs.

Study examines physician behaviors

A study of 381 non-Vanderbilt physicians referred to the Vanderbilt Comprehensive Assessment Program has shown that those referred for mental health, substance abuse and improper sexual boundary issues are less likely to receive a fit for duty recommendation than those referred for disruptive behavior.