Adderall Dangers, Binge Drinking, Oreo addiction, Mollys and Krokodils
Adderall has been called America’s favorite amphetamine, especially among college students …. Its abuse is widespread among young adults, with the capacity to markedly change one’s personality. Binge drinking is also rampant among the college- aged, and has its own set of dangers… Oreo cookies activate the same reward centers in the brain as cocaine. More news about mollys, which can actually be any number of drugs, and the heroin substitute known as krokodil … now making landfall in the US, with harrowing effects. PODCAST.
Brain Immune System and Addiction, VA Prescription Cocktails, Food Addiction
New research is finding that the brain’s immune system may be involved in the addiction process. The VA and the Army are contributing to the pill addiction problem prescribing a variety of drugs The VA often gives “drug cocktails,” a combination of sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medication, an anti-depressant, and an anti-psychotic. And more on food addiction with news that many boys have bulimia. PODCAST.
Which is more toxic – MJ or Alcohol, Food and Sex Addictions, Pharmacies in the News
An Oregon pharmacist, with a glowing work record, is suing Wal-Mart Oregon for wrongful termination because he has had addiction issues … CVS Pharmacy chain is refusing to fill prescriptions for doctors which IT believes are over-prescribing … the continuing debate on whether marijuana is less harmful than alcohol, and more on whether food and sex addictions are really addictions. PODCAST.
ADHD and Prescription Drugs, Brain Shape and Stop Switch, Strange Addictions, and Chocolate
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.
Addicted to Reality TV, Games, Junk Food, Technology?
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 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.