About Addiction disease
The new treatment paradigm targeting brain circuitry in substance use disorders reflects a shift toward addressing addiction as a brain-based condition. It is driven by the need for more effective, precise interventions amid rising overdoses and the limits of traditional care. While promising, this approach faces challenges like high costs, limited access, and ethical concerns … Read more
Junk food, especially ultra-processed foods high in sugar, fat, and salt, can be addictive by overstimulating brain reward pathways and triggering compulsive eating. Managing this addiction involves behavioral treatments, self-management strategies, and strong family, community, and policy support. Families can use conversational guidelines and role-play scenarios to provide empathy and reduce shame. Community programs and … Read more
Medetomidine is a powerful veterinary sedative found in illicit drugs, often mixed with fentanyl to intensify and prolong its effects. As an alpha-2 agonist, it causes deep sedation and respiratory depression. Its presence poses serious health risks, especially since standard toxicology screens often miss it, making overdose treatment difficult. Combined with fentanyl, it greatly increases … Read more
Cognitive dissonance is the internal conflict that arises when actions contradict personal beliefs or values. In addiction therapy, it can motivate change but also cause guilt, shame, or relapse if not managed well. Ethical concerns include emotional harm and perceived manipulation. To cope, individuals can use self-management skills like self-awareness, emotion regulation, and value clarification … Read more
People with addiction remain in denial, often unaware of the severity of their condition due to both psychological defenses and brain changes that affect judgment and self-awareness. This denial can lead to blaming others and resisting help. Breaking through it requires self-management, supportive family involvement, and access to community resources like support groups and outreach … Read more
Sexual transition can be emotionally challenging, and can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms like addiction. Mindfulness, healthy coping techniques, and family support are key in managing this process. Community resources, such as LGBTQ+ support groups, gender-affirming healthcare, and addiction recovery services, offer vital guidance and emotional support, helping reduce the risk of substance abuse and … Read more
Abandonment trauma can lead to addiction as individuals turn to substances to cope with feelings of rejection and insecurity. This manifests physically as stress and cravings, and emotionally as depression or isolation. Without healthy coping strategies, the risk of addiction increases. However, recovery is possible through self-management, family support, and community resources that foster resilience, … Read more
Addiction disrupts brain development, affecting memory, decision-making, and impulse control. It also causes withdrawal and mood swings. Prevention involves government policies, self-management, family support, and community resources, helping youths build resilience and make healthy choices. How Teen Addiction Disrupts Brain Development Adolescence is a crucial period for brain development, with key regions still maturing well … Read more
Benzodiazepine addiction can develop from prolonged use, especially when mixed with alcohol or opioids. While effective short-term, they lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal. Prevention involves proper use, non-drug treatments, and stress management. Family support and community resources, including education and mental health services, play a key role in safe management. Understanding Benzodiazepine Dependency: Risks, … Read more
Science-based addiction treatment uses medical, psychological, and behavioral approaches like MAT and CBT to support recovery. While effective, it raises ethical concerns about autonomy, privacy, and access, alongside challenges like high costs and medication dependence. Success also relies on self-management, family support, and community resources to promote long-term sobriety. The Science Behind Effective Addiction Treatment … Read more