Athlete’s long-term relation with pain meds & Stop switch
Professional athlete’s high use/abuse of pain medications often continues long after they retire. Also a new study of the brain’s “Stop” switch and damage to it caused by early drug use, especially nicotine, can lead to a greater susceptibility to addictions in general.
Prescription Drugs & Crime
The high street value of prescription drugs like Vicodin and OxyContin, which can selling for $80 for one high dose pill, is creating new white-collar criminals out of regular people, often seniors seeking too supplement their fixed income. Dr Inaba shares his thoughts.
Chronic pain, drugs and regulation
Pain is considered an unpleasant experience, and a protection mechanism again potential tissue damage. It is the most common reason for people to see a doctor, and is also significant in addiction, lately with OxyContin and Vicodin. Darvon, a classic pain drug was recently removed from the US market by the FDA order because of heart related side effects. We discuss the drug, its history and usage, the nociceptor pain receptors and the perception of pain, and its impact on society.
More on prescription drug abuse & dopamine sensitivity of progeny
Our reward/reinforcement control center can be changed and passed to our progeny by just one or two episodes of drug use, heightening their chances of having addiction issues, according to new research. Also more on the increasing number of deaths and ER visits resulting from misuse of prescription drugs.
Recovery without abstinence
The Rolling Stone and “sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll” somehow seem to go together. Guitarist Keith Richards chronicles his life experience in a new autobiography, which talks alot about his passion — music, and how that helped him overcome his addictions without quitting all drugs and drinking. Dr Inaba comments.
Downers and dopamine
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.