Substance use disorders (SUDs) are associated with depression and anxiety, with the latter being one of the major factors in substance-seeking and relapse. Due to dose-dependent sedative side effects there is limited efficacy of baclofen treatment for SUDs. Here we suggest the use of a novel combination of opipramol and baclofen (O/B) which is known to attenuate anxiety and depression, for the facilitation of recovery from SUDs. Since both opipramol and baclofen have a common downstream signal transduction, their individual doses could be reduced while still maintaining the benefits of the combination. We tested the O/B combination in both animals and patients. Rats treated with O/B showed significant attenuation in craving behavior and in relapse rate during withdrawal from cocaine. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, conducted in a residential detoxification center, 14 males and 3 females, aged 28–60 years were assigned to a study (n = 6) and a placebo (n = 11) group (placebo group: 40 ± 10.5 years; O/B group 40 ± 10.8 years). The participants completed scales measuring depression, anxiety and craving symptoms and provided saliva samples for stress hormone examination [cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S)]. Participants with polysubstance use disorder (PsUD) treated with O/B showed a reduction in cravings and depression and an increase in DHEA-S and in the DHEA-S/cortisol ratio. Our findings indicate a beneficial effect of O/B treatment. This study suggests a novel candidate for pharmacological treatment of patients with SUD and comorbid mood/anxiety disorders that may facilitate their rehabilitation.

Orchestras all over the world have concert programs in various formats for children, including some designed for preschoolers. Presenting concerts to children in kindergartens and schools is a long-standing tradition in Israel. The uniqueness of these programs and their main innovation is the preparatory work and process through which the children are prepared for the concert—which is the culmination of the whole process. This case study focuses on the first 10 years (2005–15) of one of these programs—“Beat”—implemented in Israeli kindergartens. We aim to characterize the development of the various stages of this program, and to describe its integration into kindergarten life. The data were collected from semi-structured interviews with 26 program participants over the years (kindergarten teachers, music teachers in kindergartens, musicians, etc.), as well as documents (concert programs, preparation booklets, etc.) from its collaborating bodies. The main findings show the importance and impact of the cooperation between kindergarten teachers and music teachers during the preparatory stages, making music a part of daily life in kindergarten.