All articles tagged with #addiction treatment
The article discusses the rising overdose crisis in Flathead County, Montana, driven by fentanyl and poly-drug use, highlighting personal stories like Riley McConnell's, and emphasizing the need for increased awareness, resources, and community intervention to combat the growing opioid epidemic.
Country singer Jelly Roll lost over 270 pounds by treating his overeating as an addiction, similar to his past struggles with substance abuse, which significantly improved his mental health and overall lifestyle.
The Pride Institute, a longstanding LGBTQ+ focused addiction treatment center in Minnesota, is closing its inpatient program due to financial challenges and changes in the treatment landscape, leading to layoffs and concerns about reduced access to specialized care for vulnerable LGBTQ+ individuals.
Overdose deaths in the U.S. are declining due to expanded access to medications, telehealth, and community programs, but this progress is at risk if Congress does not act to preserve and expand these policies in 2026.
Research suggests that blockbuster obesity drugs like semaglutide may have potential in treating addiction by acting on brain pathways related to reward and craving, with ongoing clinical trials exploring their efficacy for alcohol, nicotine, and opioid dependence, potentially revolutionizing addiction medicine.
Recent research suggests that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic not only aid weight loss but also reduce alcohol cravings and alter alcohol processing in the body by slowing gastric emptying, which delays alcohol absorption and effects. This could have implications for addiction treatment, though further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms involved.
Scientists have found that GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic slow alcohol absorption and reduce intoxication, potentially lowering alcohol's addictive potential by delaying its entry into the bloodstream, which could have implications for treating alcohol use disorder.
Research from Virginia Tech suggests that weight loss drugs, specifically GLP-1 agonists, delay alcohol absorption, reducing the immediate effects and potentially helping people cut back on drinking, which could be beneficial for alcohol use disorder treatment.
A study funded by NIH found that adults who quit smoking are more likely to recover from other substance use disorders, highlighting the importance of integrating smoking cessation into addiction treatment programs.
Gallatin County, Montana, known as the 'drunkest county in America,' faces a severe substance abuse crisis with high rates of heavy drinking, increasing alcohol-related deaths, and strained addiction resources, reflecting a culture that heavily relies on chemical dependency as a coping mechanism.
GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs like Ozempic, initially used for weight loss, are showing potential in reducing cravings for alcohol and other substances. Studies indicate that these drugs may lower the risk of alcohol use disorder and reduce nicotine and opioid overuse by influencing dopamine pathways in the brain. While not yet approved for treating substance use disorders, these drugs could revolutionize addiction treatment if further research supports their efficacy. Experts are hopeful that GLP-1 drugs could become a major tool in addiction therapy, similar to how SSRIs transformed depression treatment.
Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, advocates for shifting U.S. drug policy from criminalization to treatment-focused approaches, particularly for incarcerated individuals. She emphasizes the need for medication-assisted treatment to combat the opioid crisis and reduce recidivism, highlighting the public health and safety benefits. Volkow criticizes the current system for exacerbating inequalities and calls for proactive measures to address addiction and mental health needs.
The Biden administration is shifting federal addiction treatment policies to acknowledge that while total abstinence is ideal, reducing drug use can also significantly lower risks and improve outcomes. This approach aligns with harm reduction strategies and aims to support patients who may not achieve complete abstinence but can still benefit from reduced use. Key federal agencies, including NIDA, SAMHSA, and the FDA, are updating guidelines and regulations to reflect this more flexible and pragmatic stance on addiction treatment.
A study suggests that semaglutide, a medication used for type 2 diabetes and weight management, may reduce the risk of developing and relapsing into cannabis use disorder. The research, published in Molecular Psychiatry, utilized a large electronic health record database and found that semaglutide was associated with a reduced risk of new cannabis use disorder cases and a decreased likelihood of recurrence. While the study shows promise, further research, including randomized clinical trials, is needed to validate these findings and understand the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Oregon's Governor Tina Kotek signed a bill into law that recriminalizes the possession of small amounts of drugs, reversing a 2020 voter-approved measure that decriminalized personal use possession. The new law makes possession a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail but also encourages diversion to addiction and mental health services instead of the criminal justice system. The shift comes after implementation issues with the previous decriminalization law, including slow distribution of funds for addiction services and a rise in deadly overdoses amid the fentanyl crisis.