About food addiction
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have transformed the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity by improving blood glucose control, promoting weight loss, and reducing appetite. Medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are also being studied for their potential effects on the brain’s reward system, with early research suggesting they may reduce cravings and … Read more
The bupropion-naltrexone combination (Contrave®) has attracted growing interest in addiction medicine because of its potential to influence the brain’s reward and craving pathways. Contrave combines bupropion, which increases dopamine and norepinephrine activity, with naltrexone, an opioid receptor blocker that reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol and opioids. Although Contrave® is FDA-approved for chronic weight management … Read more
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study has transformed our understanding of how childhood trauma can influence physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and the risk of substance use disorders throughout life. Although adverse childhood experiences can increase the likelihood of future health challenges, they do not determine a person’s destiny. Self-management strategies empower individuals to recognize … Read more
Mental health conditions and substance use disorders affect millions of people worldwide, yet many individuals struggle to obtain the medications that could significantly improve their health, stability, and quality of life. Effective treatments are available for conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcohol use disorder, and opioid use disorder, but access is often … Read more
Addiction medicine is a specialized field of healthcare dedicated to preventing, diagnosing, and treating substance use disorders through evidence-based, patient-centered care. Recognizing addiction as a chronic but treatable medical condition, addiction medicine combines medications, behavioral therapies, mental health care, and long-term recovery support to address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of the disease. Rather … Read more
Mobile addiction treatment programs are expanding access to evidence-based care by delivering healthcare services directly to people in their communities. Operating from specially equipped vans or mobile clinics, these programs offer medical assessments, medications for opioid use disorder, counseling, mental health screenings, overdose prevention education, and referrals to additional health and social services. By overcoming … Read more
GLP-1 receptor agonists, including medications such as semaglutide and liraglutide, have transformed the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity by improving blood sugar control and promoting weight loss. More recently, researchers have begun exploring their effects on the brain, particularly in areas involved in reward processing, impulse control, emotional regulation, and decision-making. Early studies … Read more
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and food addiction are complex conditions that share many similarities in brain function, behavior, and emotional regulation. Although food addiction is not currently recognized as an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), research suggests that some highly processed foods rich in sugar, refined carbohydrates, fat, … Read more
Trauma and addiction are closely connected, with many individuals using alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with the emotional pain caused by adverse life experiences. Trauma may result from childhood abuse or neglect, domestic violence, sexual assault, military combat, serious accidents, natural disasters, community violence, or the loss of a loved one. These … Read more
Addiction recovery facilities for mothers with children provide a unique, family-centered approach to treating substance use disorders by addressing the needs of both the mother and her children. Many women delay or avoid seeking treatment because they fear being separated from their children, losing custody, or being unable to meet their parenting responsibilities while receiving … Read more