There are organizations in place to measure drug usage in local areas and across regions and nations. It is also helpful to have a broad understanding of global trends in drug use and its consequences for the global population.
A new book by a professor at Johns Hopkins University explains why addiction is a brain disease, and not a moral issue of self-control. In The Compass of Pleasure, neuroscientist Dr. David Linden explains how neurons in the brain control the experience of pleasure, and how drugs and alcohol can actually rewire and change the [...]
As the understanding of the brain’s functioning in response to alcohol consumption is growing, there is an increasing interest in treating alcoholism with medication. Although there have been many tests conducted to determine the effectiveness of drug treatments, there has not been significant success with any particular drug.
By Meghan Vivo After four years of research and consultations with 80 addiction experts, clinicians and scientists, the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s long-awaited definition of addiction has arrived. But is it a change in the right direction? The new definition has garnered the support of many experts in the field as well as its [...]
Dr. Thomas Kosten has spent nearly 20 years on a major breakthrough to help addicts with their drug dependence. Kosten is a professor at Baylor in the College of Medicine and has several vaccines in the workings with the intent to be therapeutic in treatment for drug addicts or those who’ve suffered from drug abuse.
Experts disagree with the question of what to do or call people who want to have sex around-the-clock. People whose sex drive is on overdrive may not receive a formal diagnosis as having a sexual addiction, but they may still need professional treatment to overcome the compulsive thoughts. In many cases, frequent episodes of sexual [...]
Khat is a plant that contains cathinone, a natural stimulant similar to amphetamine; chewing on khat leaves is known to lead to a sense of euphoria, excitement,, and decreased appetite. While the substance is controlled or banned in many countries, it is still legal in several others.
Those seeking assistance for substance abuse problems like an alcohol use disorder often find effective support in groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The benefit of working together in a support group is often pivotal to a major change in choices related to alcohol use.
To understand behavioral pathologies in humans, the scientific world often turns to animals. One area where this is extremely beneficial is in the examination of behaviors relating to alcohol or drugs. Understanding how humans make decisions about alcohol is important in preventing alcohol abuse. A recent study looked at the behaviors of drosophila flies when [...]
