The business of addiction
Addiction, treatment and recovery are spawning more profitable businesses, from high-end treatment to a variety of media with tv series, and this week, a brand new website, by-for-and-of the addiction community. Also news on the cocaine vaccine, and how another state is readying a pseudoephedrine restriction to combat meth.
A Model of Treatment – Fr. Greg Boyle of Homeboy Industries
Homeboy Industries began in 1988, in one of the toughest neighborhoods of central Los Angeles. It has become one of the premier models for creating viable, successful alternatives to some of our most vexing social problems – in this case gangs and gang violence. Father Boyle and Dr Darryl Inaba chat about the history and philosophy.
Coping with Holiday Blues
Winter holiday time can be hard for those working toward recovery from addiction. And updates on the status of alcoholic energy drinks, and the proposed national Institute of Addictions.
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.
Advances in addiction treatment medications
As our understanding of the reward-reinforcement systems and other brain’s functions increases, more medications are being developed for the treatment of addictions, and they hold promise for more than just drug addiction. Dr Inaba comments.
Alcohol studies focus on gene networks, also relapse interventions
Gene networks, not single genes, likely play a significant role in whether a person develops alcohol use disorder, as does a person’s level of response to alcohol, their initial tolerance. Also the roles of the amino acid glutamate and the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and insights on craving and relapse.