About alcoholism disease and treatments
Alcohol has a history that spans thousands of years, from the earliest fermented brews of ancient civilizations to today’s sophisticated distilleries. It has played a role in religious rituals, traditional medicine, social gatherings, and even political events, reflecting cultural shifts and innovations along the way. This guide delves into alcohol’s fascinating journey, exploring how a … Read more
During addiction recovery, triggers like stress, emotions, or environments can spark cravings and relapse. Effective management combines self-skills, family support, and community resources, helping individuals cope with stress, avoid triggers, and build lasting sobriety. Understanding and Managing Triggers in Addiction Recovery In addiction recovery, triggers are people, places, things, emotions, or situations that spark cravings … Read more
Non-alcoholic drinks may seem safe for people in recovery, but they can trigger relapse by mimicking alcohol’s taste, look, and rituals. They’re often used to fit in socially, manage cravings, or test control, yet even small alcohol traces or familiar cues can reactivate addiction pathways. A solid relapse prevention plan should set clear boundaries, provide … Read more
Tideglusib, a GSK-3β inhibitor initially developed for neurodegenerative diseases, is now being explored as a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Early research suggests it may reduce chronic alcohol intake by targeting brain pathways linked to addiction. Potential advantages include reduced relapse risk and non-daily dosing. However, disadvantages include limited human trial data and possible … Read more
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 lessen 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 also come with challenges, including high costs, access gaps, and ethical concerns. The best treatment depends on individual readiness, health, values, and support for a genuinely 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