Dopamine, often called the “feel-good” chemical, plays a central role in the brain’s reward system. It regulates pleasure, motivation, and habit formation. Drugs and alcohol artificially stimulate dopamine release and create an intense sense of reward, leading to compulsive use. Understanding dopamine’s role in addiction helps us see why recovering… Read More

Addiction is a chronic disease that affects the brain’s reward center. Understanding the neurobiological impacts of addiction in and on the brain helps make treatment more successful and reduces the stigma around the disease. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of… Read More

Addiction is a chronic condition that can have serious negative impacts on individuals, families and society. Addiction can significantly impact your physical and mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. It is a complex medical disorder, ultimately caused by a change in brain chemistry. Addiction falls into two categories:Substance… Read More

Understanding "Drinksgiving" and Its Impact on Holiday Travel as this unofficial holiday has become more popular. As the holiday season approaches, a significant trend known as "Drinksgiving" or "Blackout Wednesday" is emerging. This event occurs the day before Thanksgiving and has become a popular occasion for college students to reunite with hometown friends over drinks before spending time with family. Key Points: Holiday Travel Surge: This year is anticipated to be the busiest holiday travel season ever, with 80 million people traveling for Thanksgiving. Rise in Alcohol Consumption: On "Drinksgiving," alcohol sales have been reported to increase by 70% compared to other Wednesdays, highlighting its growing popularity. Safety Concerns: The increase in social drinking raises concerns about potential negative consequences such as driving under the influence, which remains a critical issue. The legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.08% in both Alabama and Georgia. Community Awareness: Experts like Sarah Church, CEO of Wholeview Wellness, emphasize the importance of enjoying social gatherings responsibly to avoid regrettable actions and ensure safety during the holiday celebrations. Conclusion While "Drinksgiving" offers an opportunity for socialization and reunion, it is crucial to prioritize safety and responsibility, particularly regarding drinking and driving. Enjoy the festivities but remain aware of the potential risks involved. Read More

This year, more people are leaving alcohol out of their holiday celebrations. After years of debate over the healthiness of drinking, overwhelming research suggests that less is more. That has doctors are recommending no drinking over drinking in moderation.Then, a bombshell cancer study came along. Dr. Sarah Church, who’s treated substance use for 20 years, says it debunks the myth of moderate drinking. “The heavier your alcohol use, the higher your cancer risk is and that’s for everything in the whole the digestive tract, so that’s everything from mouth and head and neck cancers to esophageal cancers, intestinal and colon cancer, all the way through,” Church said. “Breast cancer is actually associated with alcohol use, so that’s something people don’t necessarily know but it’s becoming more and more known throughout the research.” Read More

A popular drink on college campuses is typically consumed during parties, also known as “darties.” Wholeview’s Dr. Sarah Church explains the dangers. (Story starts at 1:20:15) Read More

Blackout rage gallon, made of vodka or other distilled alcohol, water, a sweetener or water enhancer, and an electrolyte powder or drink, is popular with Gen Z’ers. Wholeview’s Dr. Sarah Church explains the risks. Read More

Studies show that alcohol consumption over the holiday continues to rise. Dr. Sarah Church offers a few tips if you choose to partake in alcohol consumption on one of the biggest days of the year. Read More