Medetomidine is a powerful veterinary sedative found in illicit drugs, often mixed with fentanyl to intensify and prolong its effects. As an alpha-2 agonist, it causes deep sedation and respiratory depression. Its presence poses serious health risks, especially since standard toxicology screens often miss it, making overdose treatment difficult. Combined with fentanyl, it greatly increases … 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
Repurposing existing drugs for addiction offers faster, low-cost treatment options but faces challenges like limited evidence, safety risks, low industry interest, and ethical concerns. Government agencies help guide regulation, research, and access. Repurposed Medications for Addiction Treatment Repurposing existing medications—originally developed for other health conditions—is a promising and efficient strategy in addiction treatment. Since many … Read more
As addiction treatment policy shifts under the Trump administration, there is a growing emphasis on state control, reduced federal funding, and a law enforcement-focused approach over public health. These changes may limit access to evidence-based care, especially for vulnerable groups relying on Medicaid or community services. In response, stakeholders must advocate for treatment access, equitable … Read more
Many ERs face barriers to treating opioid use disorder (OUD), due to lack of protocols, limited training, and poor care coordination. While hospitals work to improve systems, patients and families can take action now. Using clear self-advocacy and family support strategies, they can request evidence-based care—like buprenorphine—and improve access to treatment during ER visits. Why … 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
Family relationships are key to lasting recovery from addiction, offering vital emotional support and accountability. While healthy involvement can strengthen sobriety, dysfunctional dynamics, enabling behaviors, and unresolved trauma may hinder progress. Ethical challenges—such as respecting autonomy and maintaining confidentiality—often arise. To balance these factors, recovery plans should integrate families through clear boundaries, education, and therapy, … Read more
A dry drunk is someone who has stopped drinking but still displays the negative behaviors and mindset of active addiction, such as anger, denial, and emotional immaturity. In contrast, a functional alcoholic continues to drink while appearing to manage daily responsibilities, often hiding their dependence. While functional alcoholics need help stopping alcohol use through detox, … Read more
People with addiction remain in denial, often unaware of the severity of their condition due to both psychological defenses and brain changes that affect judgment and self-awareness. This denial can lead to blaming others and resisting help. Breaking through it requires self-management, supportive family involvement, and access to community resources like support groups and outreach … Read more