Resources
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a recognized medical condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorder, 5th edition (DSM-5). It describes cannabis use that causes harm or distress related to the inability to control or stop use.CUD is often misunderstood because it is seen as less severe… Read More
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a mental condition that causes a person to use substances even in the face of negative consequences. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, substance use disorder affects a person’s brain function and behavior, making them unable to control how they use substances (legal… Read More
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