Jenny Metz 
Kratom has emerged as one of the fastest-growing substances of concern in addiction medicine due to its increasing availability, widespread marketing as a natural herbal product, and growing use for pain relief, increased energy, anxiety management, and opioid withdrawal symptoms. Derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia, kratom contains … Read more
The ongoing opioid crisis has driven researchers to explore innovative ways to prevent fentanyl-related overdoses and improve outcomes for individuals living with opioid use disorder. One promising area of research is the development of an experimental fentanyl vaccine. Unlike traditional vaccines that protect against infectious diseases, a fentanyl vaccine is designed to stimulate the immune … Read more
Insurance continuity is an essential component of effective addiction care because recovery from substance use disorders often requires long-term access to healthcare services, counseling, medication-assisted treatment, mental health support, and recovery programs. Many individuals recovering from addiction face challenges such as financial hardship, unemployment, housing instability, and co-occurring mental health conditions, all of which can … Read more
Psychotropic polypharmacy—the use of two or more psychiatric medications at the same time—is becoming more common in addiction treatment because many individuals with substance use disorders also have co-occurring mental health conditions. Disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Schizophrenia often require ongoing psychiatric care and, in some cases, a … Read more
Methamphetamine use disorder is a complex and growing public health issue that affects mental, physical, and social well-being. People recovering from methamphetamine addiction often face persistent cravings, depression, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and emotional instability, all of which can make maintaining long-term recovery difficult. Because there are few approved medications specifically for treating stimulant use disorder, … Read more
Addiction recovery involves more than overcoming physical dependence on substances—it also requires emotional healing, personal growth, and the development of healthier coping skills. Many individuals struggling with substance use disorders experience anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and difficulty expressing emotions. As a result, creative therapies such as art and music therapy have become increasingly recognized as … Read more
Vaping addiction has become an increasing public health concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults who may underestimate the addictive effects of nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes. Although many individuals attempt to quit vaping, cravings, stress, emotional triggers, and habitual behaviors often make long-term cessation difficult. As a result, interest in complementary and alternative approaches to addiction … Read more
Finding effective addiction treatment is one of the most important decisions a person can make on the path to recovery. Because substance use disorder is a chronic but treatable medical condition, successful treatment involves much more than simply stopping drug or alcohol use. Effective care addresses the physical, emotional, psychological, and social factors that contribute … Read more
Spotting the early signs of drug abuse in children and adolescents is one of the most effective ways to prevent substance use from developing into a more serious disorder. Drug use often begins with subtle changes in behavior, emotions, academic performance, physical health, or social relationships that may be mistaken for normal developmental challenges. While … Read more
Old addiction memories and cravings are a common and often unexpected part of the recovery journey. Even after prolonged periods of sobriety, certain thoughts, emotions, or environments can trigger vivid recollections of past substance use, sometimes accompanied by strong urges. These experiences are rooted in the brain’s ability to form lasting associations between substances and … Read more