Different issues during recovery
Spiritual strategies for sobriety have become an important part of recovery for many individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Addiction often affects not only physical health but also emotional wellbeing, relationships, and a person’s sense of purpose and identity. Spiritual approaches to recovery focus on helping individuals find meaning, hope, inner peace, and emotional healing … Read more
The Matrix Model is an evidence-based treatment approach designed specifically to address stimulant use disorders involving substances such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Stimulant addiction can significantly affect physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, and daily functioning, making recovery a complex and ongoing process. Developed as a structured outpatient program, the Matrix Model combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, relapse … Read more
Housing-First is an evidence-based approach that has become increasingly valuable in supporting people with substance use disorders (SUDs) who are experiencing homelessness or unstable housing. Unlike traditional treatment models that often require individuals to achieve sobriety before qualifying for permanent housing, the Housing-First approach provides safe, stable housing as the first step in recovery. Once … Read more
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have transformed the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity by improving blood sugar control, promoting weight loss, and reducing the risk of certain cardiovascular complications. More recently, researchers have discovered that these medications may also influence the brain’s reward and motivation pathways, leading to growing interest in their potential … Read more
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly valuable tool in addiction recovery by expanding access to education, self-management resources, and personalized support. AI can help individuals better understand addiction, recognize relapse triggers, develop coping strategies, monitor recovery progress, and reinforce healthy daily habits at any time of the day. However, while technology can improve access … Read more
The idea that sound waves can “detox” addiction has gained attention through social media, wellness programs, and alternative health practices. While sound-based therapies—including music therapy, singing bowls, binaural beats, vibroacoustic therapy, and guided sound meditation—may promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve emotional well-being, there is currently no scientific evidence that sound waves remove drugs or … Read more
Kratom has emerged as one of the fastest-growing substances of concern in addiction medicine due to its increasing availability, widespread marketing as a natural herbal product, and growing use for pain relief, increased energy, anxiety management, and opioid withdrawal symptoms. Derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia, kratom contains … Read more
The ongoing opioid crisis has driven researchers to explore innovative ways to prevent fentanyl-related overdoses and improve outcomes for individuals living with opioid use disorder. One promising area of research is the development of an experimental fentanyl vaccine. Unlike traditional vaccines that protect against infectious diseases, a fentanyl vaccine is designed to stimulate the immune … Read more
Insurance continuity is an essential component of effective addiction care because recovery from substance use disorders often requires long-term access to healthcare services, counseling, medication-assisted treatment, mental health support, and recovery programs. Many individuals recovering from addiction face challenges such as financial hardship, unemployment, housing instability, and co-occurring mental health conditions, all of which can … Read more
Psychotropic polypharmacy—the use of two or more psychiatric medications at the same time—is becoming more common in addiction treatment because many individuals with substance use disorders also have co-occurring mental health conditions. Disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Schizophrenia often require ongoing psychiatric care and, in some cases, a … Read more