What is Addiction?
The recent interview with Columbia psychology professor Dr Carl Hart launched us off into a lively and wide-ranging discussion of – what is an addictive drug, and how do we define addiction. LSD is being studied again as a treatment tool for a number of psychological condition including anxiety. Marijuana stories continue, with more on super-potent forms, like “wax” and also more about the key medicinal component of pot, the CBD molecule. And more about heroin, and the super-powerful designer version, based on the pharmaceutical Fentanyl.
25i-N-BOMe, Relieving Emotion Pain – Not Getting High, GABA and Craving
A new designer psychedelic hitting the street, and other designer drugs and their impacts. A new study suggests addicts might be seeking relief from emotional pain, rather than euphoric highs … reduced drug craving with drugs that impact the GABA system, the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter. Flavored cigs, and the troubles of Toronto’s mayor. PODCAST
Celebrity death highlights combining alcohol with downers
The death of celebrites drives home facts about addiction – like the dangers of combining downer drugs with alcohol. The recent death of Corey Monteith is an example. Corey was recently in treatment recently – highlighting the importance of treatment followup and aftercare. When someone relapses and returns to his drug of choice at the same dosage level as before, they are at a high risk for OD. We chat about the 12-Step program, in the context of treatment, and new research in brain functions and addiction. PODCAST.
OxyContin pulled in Canada
Canada has ordered OxyContin removed from pharmacies, in response to the continuing abuse of this powerful opioid. Many groups, including First Nations members with high numbers of addicted persons among them, are warning that the move will push people to more dangerous drugs such as heroin. We look at the OxyNeo replacement drug, what its implications are, and related aspects, including whether doctors are under- or over- prescribing powerful and highly addictive pain medications.
Update on Prescription Opioid Use
New statistics from the DEA show a six-fold (600%) increase in the use of opioids, primarily oxycontin and vicodin, over the last ten years. We discuss this trend which we have reported, and the relationship to pain management.
An App for Craving, Inhalable Caffeine & More on Pain Meds
A smartphone app to monitor cravings– a new tool for relapse prevention? Also the newest legal drug – inhalable caffeine … and more on prescription drug use debate (updated.)