About mental illness and addiction
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
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
Medicaid plays a vital role in the United States healthcare system by providing access to essential mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services for millions of individuals. Mental illness and addiction can significantly impact a person’s physical health, relationships, employment, and overall quality of life, making access to affordable treatment critically important. As one … 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