Malingering, deceptive, or disruptive patients: what do you do when you encounter a patient who is resistant to discharge yet does not exhibit a clinical need for continued inpatient care? In this article, we review the key steps of the administrative discharge process.

It was once thought that moderate alcohol intake was protective against cardiovascular disease. However, new research has revealed flaws in the methodology of these old studies and instead finds that even in moderation, alcohol does not have health benefits and can increase mortality at lower doses than once thought, particularly for women.

Urine drug screens are frequently ordered for patients receiving addiction treatment. However, the results of these everyday tests can have outsized consequences for patients involved in the legal system. Here, we provide an overview of how drug testing is used in the legal system and how you can be an advocate for your patient.

Dr. Johnson tells us all about Child Protective Services and how they work with pregnant patients who use substances. In this interview, she reviews the role of medical and mental health providers in the care of pregnant patients with addictive disorders and their legal obligations. She also provides tips for discussing these sensitive matters with your patients.

Many of your patients with substance use disorders will become involved with the legal system over the course of their work with you, and one of the most common avenues is through the drug
court system. Here, we provide the basics of how drug courts function and review how best to work with these courts when they request information.

A survey of gun ownership and gun purchasing plans found that individuals with depressive symptoms were significantly more likely to purchase a gun, or plan to purchase a gun, compared to non-depressed individuals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.