Types of addiction treatment
Extended-release (XR) medications for substance use disorders (SUDs) can significantly improve outcomes for individuals in or recently released from the criminal justice system (CJS) by promoting treatment adherence, reducing substance use, and lowering recidivism. These long-acting options reduce the burden of daily dosing, but also present challenges like high costs, limited access, side effects, and … Read more
Denying MAT access is seen as both negligent and a civil rights violation under laws like the ADA. Facilities may face consequences for restricting or withholding MAT. Families can advocate through legal action and support networks, with help from legal aid and peer advocates. The High Cost of Denying MAT: Why Withholding Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment … Read more
Tianeptine, sold under names like ZaZa or Tianna Red, is a highly addictive drug with opioid-like effects. Though marketed as a supplement, it can cause tolerance, withdrawal, and overdose, with symptoms like sedation, slowed breathing, and seizures. Addiction develops through repeated use and brain changes similar to opioid dependency. Treatment includes naloxone, supportive care, and … Read more
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
Access to opioid reversal medications like naloxone and nalmefene remains limited due to regulatory barriers, stigma, and uneven policy implementation. This restricted access leads to preventable overdose deaths and missed opportunities for treatment. While some government efforts have improved naloxone availability, newer medications remain underutilized. Stigma—both systemic and individual—continues to hinder access and acceptance. To … 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
Naltrexone and Ozempic take different approaches to treating alcohol use disorder (AUD). Naltrexone is FDA-approved, affordable, and well-studied; Ozempic is promising but off-label, costly, and less researched. Ethical concerns include access, safety, and informed consent. Both have side effects, and choosing between them reflects the trade-off between innovation and proven care. Naltrexone vs. Ozempic: Comparing … Read more
Repurposing existing drugs for addiction offers faster, low-cost treatment options but faces challenges like limited evidence, safety risks, low industry interest, and ethical concerns. Government agencies help guide regulation, research, and access. Repurposed Medications for Addiction Treatment Repurposing existing medications—originally developed for other health conditions—is a promising and efficient strategy in addiction treatment. Since many … Read more
Many ERs face barriers to treating opioid use disorder (OUD), due to lack of protocols, limited training, and poor care coordination. While hospitals work to improve systems, patients and families can take action now. Using clear self-advocacy and family support strategies, they can request evidence-based care—like buprenorphine—and improve access to treatment during ER visits. Why … Read more
Family relationships are key to lasting recovery from addiction, offering vital emotional support and accountability. While healthy involvement can strengthen sobriety, dysfunctional dynamics, enabling behaviors, and unresolved trauma may hinder progress. Ethical challenges—such as respecting autonomy and maintaining confidentiality—often arise. To balance these factors, recovery plans should integrate families through clear boundaries, education, and therapy, … Read more