About alcoholism disease and treatments
Opvee (nalmefene) is a nasal spray used to reverse opioid overdoses by blocking mu-opioid receptors in the brain, restoring breathing and consciousness. It lasts longer than naloxone, making it useful for potent opioids like fentanyl. Side effects may include nausea, headache, and withdrawal symptoms. While effective, Opvee is currently more expensive and less widely available … Read more
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
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
Alcohol treatment in the U.S. has evolved from institutional care to personalized approaches like therapy, medication, and digital tools. While offering more options, these come with challenges such as high costs, access gaps, and ethical concerns. The best treatment depends on individual readiness, health, values, and support for a truly effective recovery. From Asylums to … Read more
A dry drunk is someone who has stopped drinking but still displays the negative behaviors and mindset of active addiction, such as anger, denial, and emotional immaturity. In contrast, a functional alcoholic continues to drink while appearing to manage daily responsibilities, often hiding their dependence. While functional alcoholics need help stopping alcohol use through detox, … 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
Functioning alcoholism masks the struggle with excessive drinking. Signs include hangovers, mood swings, secrecy, and denial. Identifying it requires recognizing performance declines and emotional instability. Prevention and recovery rely on self-management, family support, and community resources like counseling and support groups. Early intervention is crucial for long-term health. The Hidden Struggle of a Functioning Alcoholic … 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
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
Screening teens for addiction and mental health enables early intervention and prevention. It helps detect behavioral, emotional, and physical warning signs before they escalate. Self-management strategies, like stress management, along with family support and community resources, provide crucial guidance and care. A combined approach ensures better mental health and addiction prevention for teens. The Importance … Read more