Dopamine and Addictions
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.
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.
Yoga as a part of Treatment – Dr Marzilli Pt. 2
In part two of our talk with Dr Lisa Marzilli, we discuss her explorations of yoga as a powerful component in recovery treatment, helping the body return to a more balanced state without drugs.
Designer Drugs – interview with Dr Lisa Marzilli
The New Face of Drugs & Addiction is the name of an ongoing lecture series by Dr Lisa Marzilli, … she and Darryl discuss the rapid evolution of designer drugs over the last few years, particularly the pseudo-cannabinoids, and the stimulant “bath salts” which have become widspread because they are often not illegal, and hard to test for; unfortunately, they can also be much strong then the marijuana and cocaine they mimic, sending a significant numbers of users to the ER.
Behavioral Addictions: Is everyone addicted ?
Inspired by a recent Huffington Post article, we look at whether there is a trend to “medicalize normality out of existence” — with the inclusion of behavioral addictions in the new psychiatry handbook (DSM-5.) Gambling is the first topic in our wide-ranging discussion of addiction.
Evolving Treatment Medicines and Models
We look at addiction treatment models, Alcoholics Anonymous’ 12-Step Program and other non-12 Steps models as well as the increased use of opioid antagonist drugs – nalaxone and nalmefene, for countering opiate overdoses, and with the potential to block craving for many addictions