Addiction Blog

  In a world where addiction continues to devastate countless lives, a new, innovative tool has emerged from a university-based startup, promising to revolutionize the way we approach drug addiction treatment. This tool leverages the power of virtual reality (VR) to create immersive, therapeutic experiences that help individuals combat addiction. As technology and medicine continue…

The war on opioids has been waged for years, leaving countless lives shattered and families torn apart. But there’s hope on the horizon! Suboxone, a medication-assisted treatment (MAT), has been a game-changer in the fight against opioid addiction. However, myths and misconceptions surrounding Suboxone have led to confusion and hesitation among those who need it…

Imagine struggling with opioid misuse. Shame and fear might prevent you from seeking help. But what if the solution could be as simple as scheduling an appointment with your regular doctor? A recent study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) revealed a crucial disconnect: most Americans are unaware that primary care physicians (PCPs) can…

San Francisco attributes a decrease in drug overdose deaths to giving addicts small doses (microdosing) of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid addiction. Here’s a breakdown of the key points: Problem: San Francisco, like many places, faces a serious problem with drug overdoses, particularly from fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. New Approach: The city’s…

Psychedelic therapy is a new frontier in addiction treatment, showing promise but also carrying some risks. Here’s a breakdown of both: Benefits: Reduced Cravings: Studies suggest psychedelics like psilocybin (magic mushrooms) can significantly reduce cravings for addictive substances like alcohol and tobacco [3]. Shifting Perspective: The psychedelic experience can lead to profound insights and a…

New Jersey’s addiction recovery industry, intended to be a lifeline for those battling substance abuse, has come under fire following a scathing report by the State Commission of Investigation (SCI). The report, titled “The Dirty Business Behind Getting Clean: Fraud, Ethical Misconduct and Corruption in the Addiction Rehabilitation Industry,” paints a grim picture of an…

Portugal decriminalized drug use and invested in treatment options. Police in Portugal view users as needing medical attention, not punishment. This approach led to a significant reduction in overdose deaths. In the U.S., drug use is criminalized and users are often incarcerated. This approach has not been effective in reducing overdose deaths. Other aspects of…

  Brain stimulation is a developing field with exciting possibilities for treating drug addiction. Here’s a breakdown of how it works: The Reward System and Addiction: Addiction disrupts the brain’s reward system, particularly the nucleus accumbens. This area lights up with pleasurable feelings when we engage in rewarding activities. Drugs hijack this system, creating intense…

The prevailing standard for addiction treatment typically encompasses three crucial elements: (1) engaging in psychotherapy, commonly referred to as “talk therapy”; (2) utilizing medications like buprenorphine for opioid use disorder or acamprosate for alcohol use disorder; and (3) receiving support through meetings (NA, SMART, AA, etc.), mentors, sober houses, and similar avenues. However, the superior…

Choosing between inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol treatment is a critical decision, and the best choice depends on individual needs and circumstances. Here’s a comparison to help you understand the key differences: Structure and Environment: Inpatient: Offers a structured, 24/7 environment with limited access to outside influences. Individuals live in a facility and participate in therapy, group sessions, and…

Gerald A. Hill Sr. of Baltimore is known for providing wound care kits to those addicted to opioids using a harm reduction van.   For a while now, Baltimore’s harm reduction vans have served as a drop-off point where individuals can exchange used syringes with clean or sterile ones. However, over the past few months,…

A study highlighting a significant gap in care revealed that only 25% of residential treatment centers catering to teenagers offer the recommended medication for opioid addiction. That is approximately 1 in about every 4 residential treatment centers.   Researchers conducted an experiment where they pretended to be an aunt or uncle seeking help for a…

Ozempic and Wegovy, originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity, respectively, have gained popularity as remedies for addictive tendencies. They’re both GLP-1 receptor agonists containing the active compound semaglutide. Semaglutide has grown in popularity, with patients sharing other positive effects other than appetite suppression. Reports indicate that Ozempic and Wegovy have helped a…

Ketamine therapy, also known as ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), is a relatively new treatment approach for addiction that has shown promising results for alcohol and cocaine addictions. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used for decades in the medical field for various purposes, including anesthesia and pain relief. However, in recent years, researchers have…

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recently announced the results of a groundbreaking study that could lead to improved treatments for drug addiction. The study, which was conducted by a team of scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), revealed shared genetic markers that underlie substance use disorders. The study involved analyzing genetic…