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.
Will new stronger hydrocodone add to opiates/heroin epidemic? The VA and Pain Mgmt, Nicotine as medicine, Tylenol tied to ADHD
Several treatment professionals are so worried about Zohydro, the newly released much stronger opiate, that they are petitioning the FDA to pull it. Also is the VA making more opioid addicts with its approach to pain treatment for soldiers? Some interesting new studies are showing that nicotine can be valuable as a treatment for such conditions as Alzheimers, Parkinsons, ADHD and learning problems. Seminars for marijuana entrepreneur are cropping up, discussing marketing and local laws as well as new extract methods like “wax” which also has the DEA’s attention – its the the latest form of super-powerful THC extract. And one girl scout with a bit of entrepreneurial spirit set up her Girl Scout cooke table outside a medical marijuana dispensary. Her success story went viral!
Celebrities and Heroin ODs, CVS Stops Selling Cigarettes, 3rd Hand Smoke
Celebrity deaths increase the general recognition of drug problems, which lately have been heroin and prescription painkillers overdoses and deaths. Oscar and Tony-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman’ s overdose death is the most recent in a long list celebrity drug death. Hoffman probably died of heroin mixed with some form of fentanyl, an extreme powerful opioid. Also the pharmacy chain CVS made news by announcing it would no longer sell cigarettes, with other large pharmacy chains like Walgreens saying they may follow suit. And the dangers of 3rd hand smoke are highlighted in a new study.
Heroin, Energy Drink Ban, Fingertip Drug Testing, AA vs Addiction Docs
Heroin is at epidemic levels in Vermont and a major concern, says its governor … Vermont and other small states have a greater per capita heroin problem than big cities, and overdose deaths have increased dramatically. Also, calls for banning of Monster Energy Drink, following a 19 year old’s death, and increased emergency room caffeine poisonings cases. Using the sweat from fingertips is the latest innovation in drug testing. And a discussion on the ongoing conflict between subscribers to the AA model of recovery vs. addiction doctors and their adherents. Also “amnesty boxes in Denver airport for MJ, and more on e-cigarettes, which have been banned in some places.
Stop Switch, more on ADHD Drug Effects, Zohydro and Buprenorphine
New research has located the “Stop Switch” which when damaged, can lead to craving and addiction issues. Another study is showing use of ADHD drugs by young people can make them more susceptible to cocaine addiction. And a discussion of the new 10x more powerful hydrocodone – Zohydro, and the opiate addiction medication buprenorphine. PODCAST
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