Naloxone is a medication that temporarily stops heroin and other opioid substances from reaching the brain. When used promptly, it can help stop a person from dying from an opioid overdose. In recent years, public health officials and researchers have sought to increase the availability of naloxone and make the drug easier to administer in …
Intranasal Naloxone on Fast Track for Opioid Overdose Read More »
The Food and Drug Administration has fast-tracked a nasal spray application of naloxone, a highly effective medicine that helps save the lives of addicts in the midst of a heroin overdose. Faced with an alarming rise in the abuse of opiates such as heroin and prescription painkillers, the FDA moved to accelerate the approval process of …
Naloxone Nasal Device New Way to Treat Heroin Overdose Read More »
The late Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams was among the most effective public figures at de-stigmatizing mental illness and addiction by baring his own lifelong struggles with both. Williams, whose confessional brand of stand-up comedy was a form of “sharing his story” by coating anguish with humor, was found dead at his home Aug. …
Will Robin Williams’ Tragic Death Save the Lives of Others? Read More »
As researchers continue to uncover the secrets of addiction, we are beginning to learn more about how to treat this terrible disease. One of the biggest advancements in addiction research and treatment in recent years is the use of medications. Addiction has too long been treated without being informed by research. Today we know that …
Tailor Drug Treatment to Phase of Addiction, Researchers Say Read More »
Oh they showed all the signs of alcohol intoxication — the weaving, the poky movement. That was before the worms had brain surgery. By tweaking a molecular channel in the tiny animal’s brain, neurologists have found a way to genetically alter a worm so it doesn’t get drunk after consuming alcohol, a potentially promising finding …
Mutant Worms That Don’t Get Drunk Provide Promise for Alcohol Treatment Read More »
Alcoholism and drug addiction are complex conditions that plague millions of people. Recovering from them requires a comprehensive treatment plan. For many recovering addicts and alcoholics, that plan typically includes talk therapy, support groups, and, if warranted, medication. However, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, particularly meditation, can provide a vital source of additional support …
Meditation for Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Recovery Read More »
Developing close and loving bonds between family members is important to a child’s well-being and development. It seems obvious that a loving relationship between parent and child creates a healthy and happy environment, but the latest research is telling us just how important this can be for a child’s future. Being loved and shown affection …
‘Love Hormone’ May Help Those Battling Addiction Read More »
The family’s first-born son was away at college when he became a heroin addict. He was 21 and in the throes of detox at a long-term residential treatment center when his parents learned this sobering news: their medical insurance would not pay the $8,000 bill. “I used the savings bonds I inherited from my grandma …
People affected by substance use disorders commonly receive treatment from healthcare professionals trained as general physicians (GPs), psychiatrists or addiction services specialists. Whatever the details of their training, these professionals contribute a critical element to successful treatment by committing themselves to their work as fully as possible. However, not all professionals involved in the field …
Doctors’ Views on Drug Abuse Affect Outcomes for Addicts Read More »
Quetiapine (Seroquel) is a medication designed to treat the symptoms of psychosis in people affected by schizophrenia, as well as the symptoms associated with depression and bipolar disorder. Previous studies have also indicated that the medication may have usefulness in the treatment of certain disorders related to substance abuse, including a condition called cannabis withdrawal. …
Can the Antipsychotic Quetiapine Ease the Effects of Cannabis Withdrawal? Read More »