TRENDS IN SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT, PARTI

In this issue, which is the first part ofa two-part exploration of the area of substance abuse treatment throughout the world, subject matter experts will examine the evolution ofand trends in this ever-changing field. Substance abuse, as a health, economic, and societal concern, is a serious challenge on multiple levels. Substance abuse treatment, as a necessary outcome, is a complicated issue that is shrouded in controversy. However, there is no doubt that treatment is ofvital importance to the individual and society in general. Therefore, this edition of the Journal will focus on the issues related to this topic, and on the various substance abuse treatment modalities and approaches used around the world. The issue ofmedical marijuana use in patients enrolled in substance abuse treatment is examined in an article that looks at the prevalence of its use and how this use relates to treatment. The author reports on a study conducted in Colorado, a state where medical marijuana is legal Also included in this issue, is an examination of the use ofexercise as a treatment for the abuse ofnicotine, alcohol, and other substances, suggesting that exercise may be a beneficial treatment for substance abuse. There are two commentary pieces included in this issue. In the first, the author discusses how Communication Skills Training (CS1) enhances substance abuse treatment programs. The San Patrignano therapeutic community in Italy, from the perspective ofa drug-free approach to treatment, is the subject of the 2nd commentary piece. The Journal ofGlobal Drug Policy and Practice, a joint effort of the Institute on Global Drug Policy and the International Scientific and Medical Forum on Drug Abuse, is an international, open access, peer-reviewed, online journal with the goal ofbridging the information gap on drug policy issues between the medical/scientific community, policymakers, and the concerned lay public