Different issues during recovery
Outpatient care is a vital component of addiction recovery, offering flexible, structured treatment that allows individuals to continue living at home while receiving ongoing support. This level of care meets the needs of those who may not require residential treatment but still benefit from regular therapy, medical management, and skill-building. Successful recovery in an outpatient … Read more
Tapering off benzodiazepines slowly is essential due to the drug’s strong effects on the central nervous system and the serious risks of abrupt withdrawal, including seizures, panic attacks, and rebound anxiety. A gradual reduction allows the brain to readjust safely while minimizing withdrawal symptoms. However, this process is not without its disadvantages—it can be prolonged, … 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 reduce the burden of daily dosing, but also present challenges like high costs, limited access, side effects, and … Read more
Denying MAT access is seen as both negligent and a civil rights violation under laws like the ADA. Facilities may face consequences for restricting or withholding MAT. Families can advocate through legal action and support networks, with help from legal aid and peer advocates. The High Cost of Denying MAT: Why Withholding Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment … Read more
The new treatment paradigm targeting brain circuitry in substance use disorders reflects a shift toward addressing addiction as a brain-based condition. It is driven by the need for more effective, precise interventions amid rising overdoses and the limits of traditional care. While promising, this approach faces challenges like high costs, limited access, and ethical concerns … Read more
Junk food, especially ultra-processed foods high in sugar, fat, and salt, can be addictive by overstimulating brain reward pathways and triggering compulsive eating. Managing this addiction involves behavioral treatments, self-management strategies, and strong family, community, and policy support. Families can use conversational guidelines and role-play scenarios to provide empathy and reduce shame. Community programs and … Read more
Access to opioid reversal medications like naloxone and nalmefene remains limited due to regulatory barriers, stigma, and uneven policy implementation. This restricted access leads to preventable overdose deaths and missed opportunities for treatment. While some government efforts have improved naloxone availability, newer medications remain underutilized. Stigma—both systemic and individual—continues to hinder access and acceptance. To … Read more
Cognitive dissonance is the internal conflict that arises when actions contradict personal beliefs or values. In addiction therapy, it can motivate change but also cause guilt, shame, or relapse if not managed well. Ethical concerns include emotional harm and perceived manipulation. To cope, individuals can use self-management skills like self-awareness, emotion regulation, and value clarification … 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 come with challenges such as high costs, access gaps, and ethical concerns. The best treatment depends on individual readiness, health, values, and support for a truly effective recovery. From Asylums to … Read more