Resources
Dopamine, often called the “feel-good” chemical, plays a central role in the brain’s reward system. It regulates pleasure, motivation, and the formation of habits. 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… 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
By combining individual behavioral changes with community-based initiatives and evidence-based treatments like naltrexone we can address the complex challenges posed by binge and high-intensity drinking effectively. Read More
After abstaining from alcohol for a month, your tolerance for alcohol will be lower, so it will take less alcohol than it used to for you to feel the effects. So go slow and try to be mindful of how you are feeling, so you don’t overdo it. You want to gradually introduce alcohol back into your routines. Read More
When most people think about addiction treatment, they immediately think of detox and inpatient rehabilitation programs (a/k/a “rehab”). They might also think of peer support that can be accessed through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other 12-step programs. Read More
Traditionally, most of the alcohol and substance use treatment centers in the United States have focused on abstinence-based approaches, many of which follow a 12-step model. Their guiding philosophy reflects a belief in the disease model of addiction. Read More
Once you’ve decided to stop drinking, take a deep breath and congratulate yourself! That was a big step. Then, create a plan to quit. If you’ve tried to stop before and found it to be hard to do, consider seeking professional guidance (e.g., a psychologist, social worker, or psychiatrist who has expertise in this area). Read More
When the pandemic began spreading across the U.S. in March, stores, restaurants and schools closed down. But liquor stores in many parts of the U.S. were deemed essential and stayed open. Alcohol sales have ticked up during the pandemic. Read More