Addiction medicine is a specialized field of healthcare dedicated to preventing, diagnosing, and treating substance use disorders through evidence-based, patient-centered care. Recognizing addiction as a chronic but treatable medical condition, addiction medicine combines medications, behavioral therapies, mental health care, and long-term recovery support to address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of the disease. Rather … Read more
Mobile addiction treatment programs are expanding access to evidence-based care by delivering healthcare services directly to people in their communities. Operating from specially equipped vans or mobile clinics, these programs offer medical assessments, medications for opioid use disorder, counseling, mental health screenings, overdose prevention education, and referrals to additional health and social services. By overcoming … Read more
Nitazenes are a group of highly potent synthetic opioids that have emerged as a growing public health concern due to their increasing presence in the illicit drug supply. Originally developed decades ago for research purposes but never approved for medical use, these substances can be significantly more potent than fentanyl, depending on the specific compound. … Read more
GLP-1 receptor agonists, including medications such as semaglutide and liraglutide, have transformed the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity by improving blood sugar control and promoting weight loss. More recently, researchers have begun exploring their effects on the brain, particularly in areas involved in reward processing, impulse control, emotional regulation, and decision-making. Early studies … Read more
Psychedelic-assisted therapy has emerged as one of the most closely studied innovations in mental health treatment for people living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Researchers are investigating whether medications such as psilocybin and MDMA, when administered in carefully controlled clinical settings alongside psychotherapy, can help individuals process traumatic experiences, reduce depressive symptoms, and … Read more
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and food addiction are complex conditions that share many similarities in brain function, behavior, and emotional regulation. Although food addiction is not currently recognized as an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), research suggests that some highly processed foods rich in sugar, refined carbohydrates, fat, … Read more
The illicit drug supply continues to evolve, creating new dangers for individuals with opioid use disorder and for the healthcare professionals who treat them. One emerging concern is the presence of medetomidine, a potent veterinary sedative, mixed with illegally manufactured fentanyl. Like xylazine, medetomidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that is not approved for human … Read more
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) are closely connected conditions that often occur together and can have profound effects on a person’s physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. PTSD develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as military combat, childhood abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, serious … Read more
Trauma and addiction are closely connected, with many individuals using alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with the emotional pain caused by adverse life experiences. Trauma may result from childhood abuse or neglect, domestic violence, sexual assault, military combat, serious accidents, natural disasters, community violence, or the loss of a loved one. These … Read more
Suicide is a major public health concern that affects individuals, families, and communities across the world. While immediate crisis intervention is essential, long-term recovery often requires practical skills, ongoing support, and meaningful connections with others. Project Life Force (PLF) is an evidence-based, group-based suicide prevention program that builds upon the use of individualized suicide safety … Read more