About mental illness and addiction
Whitney Houston was one of the most celebrated singers in music history, admired for her extraordinary voice, record-breaking career, and lasting influence on popular music. Despite her remarkable success, she struggled for many years with substance use disorder, a chronic medical condition that affected her health, relationships, and career. On February 11, 2012, Houston died … Read more
Amy Winehouse was a Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter whose powerful voice, soulful lyrics, and unique musical style made her one of the most influential artists of her generation. Despite her remarkable success, she struggled publicly with alcohol use disorder and other substance-related challenges. Her battle with addiction was compounded by personal stress, intense media … Read more
Philip Seymour Hoffman was an Academy Award-winning actor celebrated for his extraordinary talent and acclaimed performances. Although he achieved remarkable professional success, he also lived with substance use disorder, a chronic medical condition that can affect individuals regardless of their background or accomplishments. After maintaining sobriety for more than 20 years, Hoffman experienced a relapse … Read more
The change of eligible medical marijuana products to Schedule III status under the federal Controlled Substances Act represents a historic shift in U.S. drug policy and reflects evolving scientific understanding of cannabis and its potential medical uses. For decades, marijuana was classified as a Schedule I substance, indicating a high potential for abuse and no … 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
Unused medications are often overlooked, yet they pose a significant and preventable risk in the development of substance misuse and addiction. Leftover prescriptions—especially opioids and other controlled substances—can remain easily accessible in homes, increasing the likelihood of accidental use, sharing, or intentional misuse. Because these medications were originally prescribed, they are often perceived as safe, … Read more
Newborn opioid withdrawal, medically known as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, is a condition that affects infants exposed to opioids before birth. As these substances pass through the placenta, the developing baby can become physically dependent, leading to withdrawal symptoms after delivery when exposure suddenly stops. This condition has become an increasing concern alongside rising rates of … 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
Matthew Perry’s life brought worldwide attention to the challenges of living with both a substance use disorder and mental health concerns, a condition commonly known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. Throughout his career, Perry openly discussed his struggles with addiction, recovery, and the emotional difficulties he experienced, helping reduce stigma and encouraging others to … Read more
The growing popularity of Ozempic has sparked interest not only for its effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss, but also for its surprising effects on the brain. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Ozempic works by mimicking a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. Researchers are now discovering that … Read more