food addiction

Early use of drugs for kids with ADHD may not be as benign as thought; other thoughts on the pill epidemic; also the shape of the brain may affect the Stop Switch works; strange addictions, and chocolate (for Valentines Day.) PODCAST.

A look at some different aspects of addiction: is Celebrity Rehab yet another addictive reality-TV show? Is it actually causing harm, and not promoting a positive view of treatment? Gamers, it seem, have larger reward hubs ... expanding the dopamine pathway ... are their brains wired differently ... rats once addicted to junk food, will die rather than switch to a healthy diet. And a new name for our latest set of addictions: digital attention disorder.

Dopamine is a key brain chemical involved in the reward/reinforcement response - which is so strongly tied to addictions … addictions of all kinds. A new report by Dr Nora Volkow, head of NIDA, focuses on the relationship between dopamine and addiction to food. We continue with a discussion of the way that dopamine functions and why its so powerful.

Downers especially oxycontin and vicodin are becoming the new drugs of choice for young people, and increasingly, suburbanites. Viewed as less dangerous than heroin, though they are in fact becoming the new gateway TO heroin.

Why do we see ever-increasing problems with food excesses, to the point of addiction and serious health issues? How do the functions of the brain impact these obsessions? Should food addiction be included in the new DSM.