latest research on addiction recovery

Here's What a Massive New NIH Addiction Study Found

Community interventions preventing opioid overdoses failed, but don't panic yet..

Posted June 21, 2024 | Reviewed by Tyler Woods

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• Find a therapist to overcome addiction
• A Healing Communities study identified 19 evidence-based recovery strategies to implement in the U.S.
• Follow-up studies should be more positive: 483 deaths were averted in intervention arm, compared to control.
• Until cures are found, long-term methadone treatment with 5-year outcomes need support and reporting.
• Prevention is an underfunded and complementary addiction strategy.

Discouragingly, an ambitious study recently reported in the New England Journal of Medicine did not prove evidence-based interventions like distributing naloxone (Narcan) and providing access to medication -assisted treatments (MATs) significantly curbed opioid deaths. Likely reasons for these findings start with the opioid epidemic as a moving target. False dichotomy either/or thinking is another issue, as both prevention and harm reduction are crucial to saving lives. Trying to end or delay use is also an unacknowledged but viable strategy.

Child and adolescent psychiatrist Sarah Vinson, M.D., Chair, Morehouse School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, said, “The opioid crisis is driven by many factors that cannot be easily factored into any study, such as despair, poverty, genes , gene expression linked to secondhand drug or trauma exposure, housing, mental illness, involvement in the criminal legal system, other social determinants, and global drug manufacturing, distribution and selling entrepreneurship. Bottom line is primary prevention of drug use is underutilized and very poorly funded.”

Dr. Vinson noted the age of first use of a substance is key. “It is clear substance use disorders starting in 10-year-olds or teens need very different interventions and treatments than SUDs in physician addicts in their 30s.”

Considering the Study

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded $344 million to fund the HEALing Communities study. The focus was on overdose education , naloxone distribution, and medications treating opioid use disorder (OUD). This historic effort, launched in April 2018, was touted to reduce opioid deaths by 40 percent, boost addiction medicine, and create an infrastructure to coordinate responses to OUD.

Sadly, the study found rates of opioid-related overdose deaths did not differ compared to the control group. However, much was learned in this program implementing evidence-based treatment approaches, coalitions, and health system delivery building. While the headline now is failure of harm reduction, the data will continue to be evaluated, interventions modified/eliminated, and more positive findings reported. Still, I think longer-term implementation could have created better results.

Reflections on Study Outcomes and What Works

Naloxone distribution and encouraging medication-assisted treatments are life-saving. They are often the last resort compared to prevention or interventions. Said National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) director Nora Volkow, M.D., “This study brought researchers, providers, and communities together to break down barriers and promote the use of evidence-based strategies that we know are effective.” She added, “It’s clear we need to continue developing new tools and approaches for addressing the overdose crisis…”

Possible Reasons for Study Outcomes

Why did communities implementing public health strategies not see a statistically significant reduction in opioid overdose deaths?

The opioid overdose crisis: A moving target. The opioid crisis is a moving target, quickly making public health approaches obsolete. For example, counterfeit fentanyl-containing pills and heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, as well as xylazine combined with lab-made fentanyl, escalated death rates. Consequently, a death rescue strategy built for heroin overdoses, with patients treated with low doses of naloxone delivered intranasally in the community, was behind the curve once fentanyl dominated the former heroin user market. Fentanyl is uniquely dangerous, addicting, and anhedonia -inducing alone, challenging harm-reduction efforts.

Harm reduction doesn’t equal prevention or cure. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing, long-term disease, often ending with premature death. Harm reduction is important but not a cure, as more than 20 percent of all opioid overdose decedents received naloxone but died anyway. NIDA has funded new treatment development and research on overdose, psychedelics, brain neuromodulation, neurosurgery , immunological treatment, and vaccines . Focusing on at least five years of methadone treatment makes harm reduction and treatment sense.

Looking back. When tobacco use peaked in the mid-1960s, more than 40 percent of adults in the U.S. smoked cigarettes. Stigmatizing cigarette smokers was an important means of ending the tobacco epidemic. The tobacco smoking epidemic was reversed not by new treatments for nicotine use disorders, but public anti-smoking campaigns, legislation, and hefty taxation. Anti-tobacco campaigns made tobacco dangerous and changed social norms.

Imagine if the tobacco harm reduction approach had persisted. In that case, we might still have tobacco addiction deniers, smoking at work and in restaurants, and cheap cigarettes everywhere.

We must reduce stigma to get folks into treatment and ensure they aren’t ostracized. Inadvertently, we stopped raising the alarm about the dangers of drugs when what we need to do is stigmatize the drugs themselves .

An either-or dichotomy: MATs or prevention. Billions of federal dollars have been spent saving many lives from overdose. The current fentanyl death crisis is a speedballing and poly -drug zombie era. Nowadays, prevention is unrelated to stopping physicians from writing too many opioid prescriptions. We need new prevention ideas, targets, and tactics. I remember Dr. Dave Smith’s terse but effective motto: “Speed Kills,” and the anti-use impact of Len Bias ’s and John Belushi’s deaths.

With support, Anne Milgram’s “One Pill Can Kill” could be an effective preventive message. Programs like the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s Drug-Free Communities, which have proven success reducing youth substance use, should be part of community evidence-based solutions.

There has been almost no new investment in stopping or delaying drug use in the first place—the most cost-effective way to reduce the number of new people entering pathways leading to overdose and death.

Many teens today choose not to use alcohol , cannabis, and other drugs. We need to support teens with prevention initiatives, in addition to providing overdose reversal, MAT treatment, and years-long continuation of addiction treatment.

We have decades of experience evaluating and treating physicians and other health providers with OUDs and SUDs. At the five-year follow-up, 80 percent of these resource-rich patients are in recovery and at work. I wish such treatment were available to everyone who wanted it.

In his book The New Addiction Treatment , David Patterson Silver Wolf reported patients refusing treatment and others repeatedly treated with the same treatment. In his paper , relapsing OUD was blamed on the patient—rather than the limited treatments available.

While not finding the reduced deaths expected, this harm reduction study facilitated remarkable community engagement, best practices and treatment system building. More good news from the study will likely come in the future. Strategies focusing exclusively on people already using drugs—rather than also investing in stopping or delaying use among youth and young adults—may explain the ever-changing continuous drug death tragedy in the U.S.

HEALing Communities Study Consortium; Samet JH, et. Al. Community-Based Cluster-Randomized Trial to Reduce Opioid Overdose Deaths. N Engl J Med. 2024 Jun 16. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2401177. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38884347.

Kosten TR. Vaccines as Immunotherapies for Substance Use Disorders. Am J Psychiatry. 2024 May 1;181(5):362-371. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20230828. PMID: 38706331.

DuPont RL, McLellan AT, White WL, Merlo LJ, Gold MS. Setting the standard for recovery: Physicians' Health Programs. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2009 Mar;36(2):159-71. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2008.01.004. PMID: 19161896.

Patterson Silver Wolf DA, Gold M. Treatment resistant opioid use disorder (TROUD): Definition, rationale, and recommendations. J Neurol Sci. 2020 Apr 15;411:116718. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.116718. Epub 2020 Feb 5. PMID: 32078842.

Mark S. Gold, M.D., is a pioneering researcher, professor, and chairman of psychiatry at Yale, the University of Florida, and Washington University in St Louis. His theories have changed the field, stimulated additional research, and led to new understanding and treatments for opioid use disorders, cocaine use disorders, overeating, smoking, and depression.

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Psychologists are innovating to tackle substance use by building new alliances in treatment efforts

New interventions are improving chances of recovery from addictions

Vol. 55 No. 1 Print version: page 68

• Substance Use, Abuse, and Addiction

[ This article is part of the 2024 Trends Report ]

The latest trends in the United States for both illicit and legalized substances are sounding alarm bells for experts who track the harmful consequences of addiction . In 2022, more than 109,000 people in the nation died of drug overdoses—an estimated 54% jump from 2019, according to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ( National Center for Health Statistics, 2023 ). Roughly two-thirds of these deaths involved illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin ( Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report , CDC, Vol. 72, No. 26, 2023 ).

Illicit drug makers are also increasingly mixing other substances with fentanyl, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or xylazine, a sedative used in veterinary medicine. These combinations are creating a perfect storm of responses in the body that increases the risk of death, said Nora Volkow, MD, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

“The recreational drugs today are much more dangerous than what was available on the market 10 years ago, and we are seeing a dramatic increase in mortality,” Volkow said. “As we come out of the pandemic, there is also still a significant amount of distress in the population, and this increases the risk of substance use disorders.”

She is also concerned about the surge in regular cannabis consumption, especially as the availability of products with high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the main psychoactive compound in cannabis—continues to increase. Daily use in 2022 reached the highest level ever reported for young adults in NIDA’s Monitoring the Future survey (PDF, 1.45MB) . Eleven percent of the respondents ages 19–30 reported using cannabis daily, and regular consumption of higher-content THC products can increase the risk of developing psychosis, cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (repeated and severe bouts of vomiting), suicidal ideation, and other conditions.

Although the statistics are alarming, psychologists are forging new pathways not only to offer support to more people who are misusing substances but also to improve the chances that they will successfully recover from substance use disorders. The strategies range from including probation officers in treatment efforts to advocating for programs that reward positive behavior.

The researchers pioneering this work are optimistic the innovations will help to slow or reverse worrisome trends, but societal biases have impeded progress. “There is remarkable stigma associated with substance use disorders in regulatory agencies, law enforcement, and health care, and psychologists need to use their position to develop and advocate for the programs that can assist patients,” said Rosemarie Martin, PhD, an experimental psychologist at Brown University and a principal investigator in the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative . “Increasing access to care for people struggling with substance use issues is a matter of social justice,” she said. NIH has invested $2.5 billion in more than 1,000 HEAL projects nationwide.

Building new alliances

As an investigator for HEAL’s Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network, Martin is leading a program that equips probation officers to collaborate with community treatment providers. “Historically, treatment providers have not shared information with probation staff,” Martin said. “They are concerned about violating the patient’s privacy and that probation workers are looking for reasons to send people back to jail.”

Martin’s team recently invited probation staff and community health providers in Rhode Island to collaborate to identify gaps in care. They recognized that courts often do not mandate substance use treatment to reduce the number of restrictive conditions for probation. As a result, individuals misusing opioids were not accessing the care they needed. Now, probation workers in Rhode Island are screening individuals for opioid use at the outset of parole or probation. The community treatment providers are also communicating openly with probation officers when patients are struggling with opioid misuse. “If someone is going through a rough time, the probation officer can meet with the individual more often to provide referrals or other forms of support,” Martin said. She helped launch similar collaboration programs in Philadelphia and North Carolina.

Family members are another invaluable, often overlooked, resource in efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, said Marc Fishman, MD, medical director of Maryland Treatment Centers and a psychiatrist at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “When we think about any other subspeciality in health care, it is natural to involve family members if someone is ill,” he said. “With substance use disorders, loved ones are unsure what to do and there is a sense of shame and stigma.” He developed the Youth Opioid Recovery Support (YORS) intervention, in which one or more family members learn how to become allies who ensure youth in the program receive their monthly injections of medication for opioid use disorder—such as buprenorphine or naltrexone—to reduce cravings and block the effects of opioids. Family members also learn how to maintain the patient’s confidentiality and when to call the treatment team with concerns.

The program also uses an “assertive outreach” approach, which involves frequent communication with patients and family members about reminders, progress check-ins, and scheduling. “We are not passively waiting for the patient because motivation can fluctuate,” said Fishman. The medication is also delivered directly to the patient’s house. In the pilot study, nearly 50% of YORS patients did not relapse after 6 months, compared with 5% for the controls. The controls received treatment as usual, which included one dose of medication and an appointment to return to the clinic for subsequent doses ( Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment , Vol. 125, 2021 ).

Novel medications for withdrawal

New pharmacological treatments are also showing promise as a strategy to help people reduce drug use. For years, scientists have struggled to develop medications to treat cannabis use disorder, which occurs in about 1 in 5 cannabis consumers. One approach was blocking the specific cannabinoid receptors that are associated with the “high” caused by THC. But this method inhibits naturally occurring endogenous cannabinoids in the body, which leads to harmful side effects such as depression and suicidal ideation as well as withdrawal in individuals with cannabis use disorder. Recently, researchers discovered a drug currently called AEF0117 that inhibits only a subset of intracellular activity resulting from THC activation of the receptor. This medication does not produce negative side effects or withdrawal symptoms.

In a recent study, Margaret Haney, PhD, a professor of neurobiology at Columbia University Medical Center and director of the school’s Cannabis Research Laboratory, found that people who received the medication consumed less cannabis over a period of 4 days than those who did not receive the medication ( Nature Medicine , Vol. 29, No. 6, 2023 ). For Haney, one of the major advantages of this new pharmacological treatment is that it could help people who are interested in either abstaining or reducing their cannabis intake. “Many people are not open to quitting and want to control their use,” she said. “This is the first time we have found a medication that will help people use less by decreasing the high without side effects.”

Psychologists have also recently seen the benefits of a new pharmacological treatment that reduces a common withdrawal symptom: insomnia. People in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) often report that insomnia continues long after other withdrawal symptoms subside, but sedative medications typically used to treat insomnia are not recommended for people with OUD because these drugs can create a “high” sensation. Andrew Huhn, PhD, an associate professor in behavioral pharmacology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, recently found that a drug called suvorexant—which inhibits wakefulness rather than promoting sedation—reduced insomnia in participants with OUD. The medication also helped to reduce other withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting and cravings ( Science Translational Medicine , Vol. 14, No. 650, 2022 ).

Monetary incentives for sobriety

There are also signs that contingency management—or rewarding people for positive behavior—may be available to more patients soon. With this method, patients receive financial incentives such as gift cards as a reward for negative drug urine tests or other outcome measures, and there is overwhelming evidence that this strategy is highly effective in helping people recover from stimulant use disorders. But contingency management has not been used widely because the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has been unwilling to fund these programs, said Stephen Higgins, PhD, a behavioral pharmacology professor at the University of Vermont and founder of voucher-based contingency management for substance use disorders. “Regulators are concerned about fraud, such as providers who use the vouchers to draw people to a clinic who do not need treatment,” Higgins said. “But these programs can be designed to include safeguards that prevent this.”

In 2021, California became the first state to receive a waiver from CMS allowing regulatory approval to use a contingency management program for recovery from stimulants. In 2023, Washington state received a similar waiver. Michael McDonell, PhD, a professor in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health at Washington State University, has advocated for these programs, and he is encouraged by the increased openness to this evidence-based approach to treating addiction. “States are responding to the struggles that their citizens are having, and psychologists are leading the way to advocate for this strategy,” McDonell said.

Resources for healthy coping

Researchers are also working to address the underlying psychological and social conditions that perpetuate problematic drug use. Katie Witkiewitz, PhD, director of the University of New Mexico Center on Alcohol, Substance Use, and Addictions, believes it is critical to depathologize substance use behaviors. “If we recognize that people experience something positive when using these products, we can help them see the negative consequences and find different ways of getting their needs met,” she said.

Witkiewitz has been studying mindfulness-based treatment programs for people with alcohol use disorders. In 2022, rates of binge drinking in adults 35–50 reached an all-time high of 29%, according to the Monitoring the Future survey. For all age groups, the gaps are narrowing between males and females in consumption and related harms, such as emergency department visits and deaths.

Witkiewitz recently launched an online mindfulness group therapy program, known as THRIVE, that helps people with alcohol use disorder learn general life skills to cope with stress. In 60-minute virtual group meetings, participants explore how to feel stress and discomfort without trying to alter these emotions with alcohol, how to be mindful when things are going well, and how to savor moments. She plans to follow the participants for three years to track alcohol use and well-being.

[ Related: Resources for families and significant others affected by opioid addiction ]

Although new interventions like this hold promise, people who could benefit from them are missing opportunities for help because many clinicians do not screen patients for substance use, said Witkiewitz. “Most psychologists lack training in addiction medicine, and as a result, too many patients are treated solely for mental health conditions without receiving support for substance use disorders,” she said.

Volkow believes consistent screening will not only increase the chances of identifying people who are suffering from addictions but also help more individuals avoid substance use disorders altogether. “By screening more people, psychologists are in a unique position to do an intervention that can prevent patients from escalating to more frequent use,” she said. “It starts with telling patients how dangerous certain substances can be.”

New book helps children process a loss to drug overdose

Further reading

Contingency management for patients receiving medication for opioid use disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis Bolívar, H. A., et al., JAMA Psychiatry , 2021

Gender differences in the epidemiology of alcohol use and related harms in the United States White, A. M., Alcohol Research: Current Reviews , 2020

Post-incareration outcomes of a comprehensive statewide correctional MUD program: A retropective cohort study Martin, R. A., et al., The Lancet Regional Health—Americas , 2022

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How Exercise Influences Addiction Recovery Focus of Research Efforts at UB

By Ellen Goldbaum

Published August 29, 2024

Panayotis “Peter” K. Thanos, PhD

A UB neuroscientist whose focus is the brain’s reward system and its role in addiction is helping to illuminate how exercise can aid the brain in addiction recovery. Over the past year, this research has revealed that because exercise acts on the same areas of the brain that addiction does, it has the potential to become an important treatment tool for people with substance use disorder.

Panayotis “Peter” K. Thanos, PhD , senior research scientist in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology  at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB, is a lead or senior author on publications that describe his work that ranges from looking at sex differences in addiction and exercise in Clinics and Practice to how exercise can address alcohol use disorder in Psychology Research and Behavior Management.

Thanos, who also is director of the Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory in UB’s Clinical and Research Institute on Addictions , spoke with UBNow about the potential of exercise as a treatment for substance use disorders.

How did you get interested in studying the relationship between exercise and addictive behaviors? What was the first thing that made you think, ‘OK, there’s definitely something here that needs to be studied?’

About 15 years ago I became aware of several recovery running programs in New York City and Philadelphia that were showing improved success in maintaining sobriety and reduced risk for relapse. This led me to look into the mechanism of this clinical observation using animal models. The first results from this research were very supportive of the potential of exercise in curbing drug preference as a powerful adjunct tool to aid in recovery and to reduce the risk of relapse.

What are the challenges in understanding the connections between exercise and the brain?

The effects of exercise must be better characterized and understood. For instance, we don’t yet understand the complexities of exercise and the individual differences in response to different types of exercise regimens. We also don’t yet fully understand the concept of exercise dose: How much exercise is needed to have the desired effect? All exercise is not created equal and does not yield the same effects on all people in terms of brain signaling and behavior.

What are you working on now and are you collaborating on any clinical trials?

Yes, in collaboration with Western University of Health Sciences, we are involved in clinical research to assess exercise dose and relapse risk. We hope to have some pilot data by next spring that we will use to apply for NIH (National Institutes of Health) funding. In preclinical research, we are looking at how exercise impacts endocannabinoid brain signaling, as well as brain functional connectivity.

What does this research say about how effective exercise could be in treating addictive behaviors and, possibly, in enhancing mental health in general? What would you like people and policymakers and funders to know about the potential of exercise as a treatment?

More research on understanding exercise dose and regimens is needed. We cannot generalize and say that all exercise is the same in order to properly assess its impact in medicine. We must also better understand how exercise is impacted by our individual genomic differences, similar to what we know happens with pharmacogenomics. Funding more research to better understand how exercise could be applied in medicine will provide tremendous opportunity to improve public health.

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18 Best TED Talks for Addiction & Recovery

18 of the best TED Talks for addiction and recovery by healthcare professionals, athletes, a Fortune 500 entrepreneur, a former Miss USA, and more.

The best TED Talks for addiction and recovery , along with other powerful YouTube videos to play for clients in a treatment setting – or for yourself or for anyone who desires to learn more about substance use.

The following best TED Talks for addiction are entertaining, insightful, and though-provoking.

1. The 12 Steps According to Russell Brand (2018)

A 10-minute clip of Russell Brand’s interpretation of the 12 Steps . Humorous and honest.

2. Addiction: A Story of Stigma, A Story of Hope | Scott McFadden (2020)

This 18-minute talk delivered by Scott McFadden is one of the best TED Talks for addiction as it addresses stigma and sends a message of hope.

Excerpt: Scott McFadden is a Licensed Addictions Counselor, who also identifies as a person in long term recovery from heroin and other drugs. He shares a harrowing story of incarceration and a long journey to recovery while explaining the dynamics of addiction and the labels, shame, and stigma which have become the greatest obstacles to turning around the opioid epidemic.

He shows us the need to talk to one another to overcome the secret places where shame resides. This is a story of vulnerability and hope!

5. Addiction Neuroscience 101 (2018)

Approximately 25 minutes, an overview of the neurobiology of addiction.

4. Chris Herren Speaking on His Addiction Recovery Story | PeaceLove (2015)

A 17-minute motivational speech delivered by Chris Herren.

Excerpt: Hear former professional basketball player and motivational speaker Chris Herren speaking about his recovery from drug addiction. Since August of 2008, Herren has been drug-free and alcohol-free, and has refocused his life to put his sobriety and family above all other things.

5. Disconnected Brains: How Isolation Fuels Opioid Addiction | Rachel Wurzman (2018)

This fascinating 19-minute video clip from Rachel Wurzman is one of the best TED Talks for addiction as a biopsychosocial disorder.

Excerpt: Addiction to opioids is now officially a national emergency. But why are addiction rates spiking and what can we do about it? Neuroscientist Rachel Wurzman shares new research about how the brain reacts to opioids, replacing the sense of community and belonging human beings are losing. We are beginning to understand that solving the opioid epidemic will require us to focus on social factors surrounding those addicted.

6. Do You Have More Heart Than Scars? | Zackary Paben (2017)

A 17-minute inspirational talk by Zackary Paben.

Excerpt: How can resilience and interdependence impact the arch of our personal narrative to transcend from victim to hero? Since 1991, Zack has been empowering adolescents and adults as a mental health/recovery professional in a variety of modalities, including wilderness and residential.

As he continues to face his own visible and invisible scars, he innately has to acknowledge the wounds of others and encourage them in their own healing process.

7. Everything You Think You Know About Addiction Is Wrong | Johann Hari (2015)

A 15-minute video from Johann Hari. This piece is somewhat controversial because it suggests that addiction is a social/environmental issue while failing to address the impact of trauma, genetics, brain chemistry, etc. This clip is an excellent tool for generating discussions and is one of the best TED Talks for addiction.

Excerpt: What really causes addiction — to everything from cocaine to smart-phones? And how can we overcome it? Johann Hari has seen our current methods fail firsthand, as he has watched loved ones struggle to manage their addictions. He started to wonder why we treat addicts the way we do — and if there might be a better way.

As he shares in this deeply personal talk, his questions took him around the world, and unearthed some surprising and hopeful ways of thinking about an age-old problem.

8. Great Leaders Do What Drug Addicts Do | Michael Brody-Waite (2018)

An 19-minute talk from Michael Brody-Waite, entrepreneur and addict in recovery.

Excerpt: This is my story from drug addiction and homelessness to founding and leading a company on the Inc 500 list. There are 3 principles that saved me from death and set me apart as a leader. They are small enough to fit in your pocket, yet big enough to change your life. The best part is that anyone can take these principles and immediately implement them after watching this talk.

9. The Harm Reduction Model of Drug Addiction Treatment | Mark Tyndall (2017)

This 17-minute video from Mark Tyndall about harm reduction and recovery is one of the best TED Talks for addiction treatment.

Excerpt: Why do we still think that drug use is a law-enforcement issue? Making drugs illegal does nothing to stop people from using them, says public health expert Mark Tyndall. So, what might work?

Tyndall shares community-based research that shows how harm-reduction strategies, like safe-injection sites, are working to address the drug overdose crisis.

10. How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime | Nadine Burke Harris (2015)

16-minute talk by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris on the impact of trauma.

Excerpt: Childhood trauma isn’t something you just get over as you grow up. Pediatrician Nadine Burke Harris explains that the repeated stress of abuse, neglect and parents struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues has real, tangible effects on the development of the brain.

This unfolds across a lifetime, to the point where those who’ve experienced high levels of trauma are at triple the risk for heart disease and lung cancer.

11. Let’s Quit Abusing Drug Users (2015)

19-minute video clip about addiction and recovery reform from Dr. Carl Hart. He discusses drug use in the context of poverty, social injustice, and ignorance. An excellent video for generating discussion and one of the best TED Talks for addiction and policy reform.

Excerpt: Carl Hart, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at Columbia University, offers a provocative, evidence-based view of addiction and discusses how it should impact drug policy.

12. The Merits of Harm Reduction | Melissa Byers (2019)

14-minute video clip from Melissa Byers about addiction, harm reduction, and recovery.

Excerpt: Melissa shares her family’s personal story of addiction and how harm reduction plays a much more significant role to recovery than people realize.

13. Nuggets (2015)

A 5-minute cartoon clip of a kiwi bird who tastes a golden “nugget.” This simple animation doesn’t require words to send a powerful message about addiction. Hauntingly accurate.

14. The Power of Addiction and The Addiction of Power | Gabor Maté (2012)

This 19-minute speech delivered by Gabor Maté is one of the best TED Talks for addiction.

Excerpt: Canadian physician Gabor Maté is a specialist in terminal illnesses, chemical dependents, and HIV positive patients. Dr. Maté is a renowned author of books and columnist known for his knowledge about attention deficit disorder, stress, chronic illness and parental relations.

15. Recover Out Loud | Tara Conner (2017)

One of the best TED Talks for addiction, this 10-minute video clip from former Miss USA, Tara Conner, is all about her personal experience with substance use.

Excerpt: Tara Conner, Miss USA 2006, shares her life-long struggle with addiction and what she has learned from 10 years of sobriety. Addicts are not bad people that need to get good, but sick people that need to get well.

In this challenging and at times humorous talk, she calls for a different response to the addiction crisis.

16. Revitalize | Living With Addiction | Amber Valletta (2015)

16-minute inspirational talk delivered by Amber Valletta.

Excerpt: Supermodel, actress, and fashion icon Amber Valletta opens up for the first time about her daily struggle of living with addiction.

17. Rewriting the Story of My Addiction | Jo Harvey Weatherford (2015)

10-minute video clip from Jo Harvey Weatherford about her personal recovery journey.

Excerpt: Jo Harvey Weatherford develops and implements drug and alcohol prevention programs on the campus of The University of Nevada. In this candid talk she discusses the importance of the stories we tell ourselves about our behavior, and how she rewrote her own story of addiction to alcohol.

18. The Stigma of Addiction | Tony Hoffman (2018)

This 15-minute video from Tony Hoffman is one of the best TED Talks for addiction. He shares about his substance use and stigma.

Excerpt: There is a stigma which many assign to drug addicts, even long after they have overcome their addiction. Tony discusses how his first time smoking marijuana led to his eventual drug addiction, homelessness, prison, and finally redemption.

For Families – The Island of Insanity: Navigating Through Loved Ones’ Addictions | Karen Perlmutter (2022)

A powerful 13-minute video for anyone who is traumatized by the addiction of a loved one.

Excerpt: With a master’s degree in clinical social work, Karen has seen first-hand that addiction is a tragedy with a profound effect on the family. She has ideas on how we can support families in combatting the devastating effects of this disease After earning her undergraduate degree through the University of South Carolina in 2003, Karen began working with teens and families through a therapeutic foster care agency. She pursued higher education in the field, earning her Master’s in Clinical Social Work at the University of North Carolina (Wilmington) in 2007, and continuing on to becoming a Licensed Independent Social Worker.

Karen has over a decade of experience working as a therapist with individuals, couples, and families. She specializes in the treatment of substance abuse and mental illness, and has developed a particular interest in supporting the holistic needs of families who are affected by these struggles.

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Medical breakthrough offers hope to those fighting addiction.

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Wendy Komac CEO and cofounder of Bryleos, a company dedicated to making significant advancements in ... [+] the treatment of complex, multifactorial chronic diseases.

With overdoses soaring in the U.S., more tools are needed in the toolbox to help people with drug and alcohol addiction. Narcon , an overdose-reversal drug used by paramedics and hospitals for decades, was recently approved for over-the-counter sale.

A new drug that helps people with a substance dependency detoxification —in five days—from opioids and alcohol without painful withdrawal symptoms recently completed a proof-of-concept clinical trial. Wendy Komac is bringing it to market. She has dealt with substance abuse, has been sober for nearly 40 years, and is an advocate for others fighting addiction.

Komac’s company, Bryleos, has completed the research and raised $5 million to bring the drug treatment to market.

The Challenges Of Detoxing From Substance Abuse

In the U.S., nearly 20 million people battle a substance disorder . Almost three-quarters of adults with a substance dependency struggle with alcohol use disorder and about 38% battle illicit drug use disorder.

Detoxing from substance misuse is a challenging yet essential step for those in recovery. Depending on the type and severity of addiction, detox can take a few days to several weeks. Physical, psychological, and cognitive symptoms often accompany it. These include sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, and headaches on the physical side; anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings on the psychological side; and difficulty concentrating or making decisions on the cognitive side.

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Komac, CEO and cofounder at Bryleos, understands firsthand what a difficult journey it is. “I was an addict and alcoholic at the age of 15,” sighed Komac. ”Most days, I drank about two bottles of vodka with a little cocaine chaser to keep me awake.”

Twelve years later, in 1986, when Komac sobered up, the general practice for recovery was being anonymous. Addiction was viewed with stigma and discrimination, making it difficult for addicts to seek help. Treatment options were limited, resulting in a fear of relapsing. All these factors contributed to the general practice of keeping one's addiction anonymous—out of shame, guilt, and a fear of judgment. However, times have changed, and more options for treatment and support are available to those struggling with addiction.

Komac didn’t want anonymity. “There's nothing worse than being as optionless and hopeless as I was for over a decade,” groaned Komac. “I never want anybody else to feel that way if there was a potential for me to help.” She became an advocate for helping others fighting addiction, is an addiction coach, and has served as the executive director of an addiction recovery center.

Still, she wanted to help with the difficult and painful detox stage. It is an essential step for individuals with a substance use disorder as it addresses the physical dependence on a substance, making it possible to proceed with the psychological and behavioral aspects of recovery.

Breakthrough Oral Treatment Addresses Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms

Komac had a successful career in private equity, mergers and acquisitions, roll-ups, and distressed assets and wanted to address the need for more innovation in the substance use disorder (SUD) space.

“We've known for quite some time that there's a neurological component,” said Komac. “I always say it's a biological brain hijacking that's taking place. And we don't really see anything in the space designed to address that biological brain hijacking. Addressing it needs to be done at the very outset of the process.”

In 2022, nearly 110,000 people died from drug overdoses in the United States—a new high —fueled by synthetic opioids. Dealing with withdrawal is traumatic. “Imagine the worst case of the flu you have ever had and multiply by 100,” exclaimed Komac. Detoxing is the number one barrier to people not getting into treatment.

Bryleos aims to create a therapeutic tool that mitigates withdrawal symptoms: not just opiate but methamphetamine, alcohol, and combinations of substances.

The active primary ingredient in Bryleos’ formulation is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is a pivotal molecule governing crucial functions, such as enzyme activity, DNA repair, oxidative stress, inflammation, and many costly chronic diseases.

IV NAD+ has been an effective way to break free from addiction for years—but it's not ideal. High doses are needed and administered over 10 days in the form of a painful intravenous injection that can be cost-prohibitive.

Komac decided to formulate an oral treatment. Bryleos' innovative patent-pending oral composition of NAD+ offers a more accessible solution, enabling individuals to treat their addiction from home without needing an IV or a hefty price tag.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled BNAD101 Proof-Of-Concept (POC) trial conducted among 60 people at the Institute for Systems Biology validated the potential of BNAD101, an oral treatment, in reducing withdrawal symptoms within just five days. This revolutionary breakthrough could make an invaluable difference in millions suffering from substance dependence. “Our next phase will be our Phase One study once our IND [Investigational New Drug] is filed with the FDA," said Komac.

“The biggest challenge has been that the Food and Drug Administration is just really backed up,” said Komac. If she could wave a magic wand, she would speed up how therapeutics are approved and develop a more collaborative relationship with the FDA. Working more closely with the FDA to accelerate approval processes was done in developing treatments for Covid-19. However, stigma remains around treating substance abuse.

Clearly, the government must take more concrete action to address substance use disorder and withdrawal. The same strategies have been employed for over two decades, yet the problem has only worsened. More funding should be allocated towards this sector to develop innovative solutions.

As successful as Komac was in her career, it was in financial industries not substance abuse treatment. She surrounded herself with pragmatic advisors. “I know my executive style and know when I'm a good match for people,” said Komac. She met several of her advisors when she went through one of Springboard Enterprises’ accelerator programs. It is a nonprofit with the mission to accelerate the growth of entrepreneurial technology and life sciences companies led by women through access to essential resources and a global community of experts. Its network helped Komac hone its message, protect Bryleos' intellectual property, and solve challenges that arise.

How are you leveraging your life experiences to develop products and services?

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Addiction Recovery Research Center

Insert your title here, addiction recovery research center.

About the Addiction Recovery Research Center

Addiction undermines health and safety, sometimes with fatal consequences. It damages families, friendships and livelihoods. At the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, researchers work at the intersection of behavioral study and neuroscience to target the impaired decision-making processes of people with addictive behaviors to understand their self-control deficits. 

• Addiction Recovery Research Center Director: Warren Bickel, Ph.D.
• Addiction Recovery Research Center Senior Administrative Assistant: Patsy Marshall

Scientific Approaches to Decoding Addiction

Behavioral Economics  - A new field in the scientific world that unites the behavior analysis subfield of psychology with economic models of purchasing and consumption. This provides powerful tools for predicting and manipulating health-related and drug abuse behaviors.

Biometrics -  Confirmation of self-report is frequently combined with quickly administered biometrics such as Carbon Monoxide or alcohol levels in the breath, and Cotinine present in urine. Heart rate and blood pressure may also be used to determine cue reactivity and monitor ongoing participant safety. 

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)-  fMRI measures changes in the properties of blood throughout the brain. In general, the more a brain area is being used, the more oxygen it needs for energy. As hemoglobin in the blood releases oxygen for energy, an indirect measure of brain activity is obtained. Measuring these functional changes during various types of tasks, together with structural MRI data, can reveal compromised brain function in important brain areas related to addiction.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) , also known as diffusion MRI, measures the movement of molecules, mainly water, throughout the body. In the brain, water movement can serve as an indirect measure of tissue integrity.

Bar Laboratory -  Pioneered by Dr. James MacKillop, this laboratory space replicates the look and feel of a small private bar. Participants are monitored as they self-administer alcohol within a controlled but realistic environment. This transforms predicted behavior from modeled theory to real world observation of live exhibited behavior. 

Smoking Laboratory  - A negative air-flow room with behavioral booths that allows for participants to self-administer nicotine containing products including cigarettes while taking behavioral assessments. Much like the bar lab, the smoking lab allows observation of real time consumption behaviors.

Remote Survey  - Tools like Amazon’s Mechanical Turk or our own Quit and Recovery Registry can help rapidly administer surveys to a broad and widespread sample. The Registry focuses on studying people who have recovered from drug abuse habits and hopes to shed light on factors that contribute towards success in that process.  

Brain Stimulation Approaches -  Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)- uses electromagnetic induction to increase or decrease brain activity in specific cortical areas. Understanding natural functional processes can help guide TMS stimulation parameters in effort to establish or reestablish healthy brain function in individuals suffering from addiction. TMS is currently FDA approved as a treatment for depression and anxiety. Our lab utilizes cutting edge TMS procedures pioneered by Dr. Coleen Hanlon.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) -  tDCS works by sending constant, low direct current through the electrodes positioned on the surface of the head. This current flow can either increase or decrease neuronal excitability and alter brain activity.

Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) -  Similar to tDCS, tACS passes current between electrodes positioned outside the head. In this case, however, the alternating current applied is sinusoidal.

Understanding Recovery

Why do some people overcome addiction while others relapse? To gain insights into recovery, we launched the  International Quit & Recovery Registry , which taps the wisdom and experiences of those in recovery from an addiction. With their help, the Addiction Recovery Research Center will advance the science of recovery and translate these insights into new treatments.

International Quit & Recovery Registry

A great deal of research has focused on understanding addiction and developing more effective addiction treatments, yielding a wealth of new knowledge in these areas. However, very little research has been directed towards those people who are in recovery from an addiction, particularly towards those people who quit engaging in their addiction on their own without professional treatment. The  International Quit & Recovery Registry  enables those who have recovered from an addiction to share their stories and make themselves available to be contacted for future research on individuals in recovery.

Would you like to participate in a research study? 

The Addiction Recovery Research Center at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC conducts human studies of addiction to target the impaired decision-making processes of people with addictive behaviors to understand their self-control deficits. Research participants contribute to science and help scientists understand human health and decision-making. Volunteers also learn about the research process. Your willingness to participate is a testament to your commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and potentially improving the lives of millions of people with health problems.

ADDICTION RECOVERY RESEARCH CENTER TEAM  

Research Coordinator

Research Programmer

Virginia Tech Carilion Research Professor; Director of the Addiction Recovery Research Center and the Center for Health Behaviors Research

Graduate Student, Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health

Postdoctoral Associate

Research Assistant

Integrated Health Sciences Research Student, Clinical Neuroscience

Undergraduate Student, Clinical Neuroscience

Research Assistant and Programs Coordinator

Assistant Professor

Program Manager

Research Program Coordinator, Addiction Recovery Research Center

Undergraduate Student, New River Community College

Visiting Student Intern, Psychology, Universidade de Rio Verde

Research Associate Professor

ADDICTION RECOVERY RESEARCH CENTER NEWS

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Roberta Freitas-Lemos of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute received a career development grant to examine socioeconomic cancer disparities of tobacco policy.

The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute’s International Quit & Recovery Registry has become a rich network to study success in quitting alcohol, tobacco, and other substances.

BEAM Diagnostics Inc., a behavioral health company that sprung from research from Virginia Tech’s Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, has been awarded a $1.84 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to commercialize its technology to improve assessment of opioid use disorder in outpatient medical clinics.

Since its founding in 2010, the research institute has become a focal point for biomedical research across Virginia Tech. It now has more than 450 faculty, staff, and students in Roanoke and Washington, D.C., supporting research fueled by $173.7 million in external grants.

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute launches the 12th season of the Pioneers in Biomedical Research Seminar Series on Sept. 8.

Warren Bickel and Stephen LaConte at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute hope the study will inform demand and cravings for a substance involved in nearly one in five overdose deaths

Scientists with Virginia Tech’s Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC are leading a five-year, $3.5 million study that has potential to deliver research-based health policy guidance for new tobacco regulations as well as evaluate the health consequences of people’s economic choices.

With a National Institutes of Health grant, researchers seek to provide a scientific understanding of recovery from substance use as well as to identify ways to prevent relapses.

The full slate features 29 experts sharing leading discoveries in cardiovascular science, cancer research, neuroscience, biomedical imaging, addiction, and health behaviors.

Jeremy Myslowski, a doctoral student working in the lab of Stephen LaConte at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, will use the award to study new ways to quantify severity of alcohol use disorder with neuroimaging and to test whether this disorder also impairs brain regulation.

Warren Bickel and Alexandra DiFeliceantonio are world-leading researchers in the science of healthy decision-making. This month they’ll share insights from their work in a free virtual seminar, “New Year, New Behaviors: The Science Behind Dysfunctional Decision-Making,” on Feb. 16.

Compiled by Clarivate, a global company that provides data and maintains the Web of Science, the annual list identified 6,600 researchers from across the globe who demonstrated significant influence in their chosen field or fields through the publication of multiple highly cited papers during the last decade.

In a study in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, Virginia Tech researchers at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC suggest that modifying the time perspective of people with alcohol use disorder may improve their recoveries.

With topics ranging from addiction, autism, and obesity to 3D silicon brains and the world’s fastest, deepest penetrating camera, the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC's Pioneers in Biomedical Research Seminar Series features 26 leaders from the frontiers of cardiovascular science, cancer research, neuroscience, biomedical imaging, and health behaviors.

The seminar series, presented virtually due to the ongoing pandemic, is intended primarily for an academic audience but is open to all members of the Virginia Tech community as well as the public. Events in the program, set for Friday at 11 a.m. of most weeks, offer the expertise of a wide range of scientists exploring frontiers in biomedical research.

New ways to help people resist the siren call of alcohol have not kept pace — which leaves health care providers stuck with the same intervention and rehabilitation options they have been using for decades. But now, Virginia Tech scientists are studying whether people battling alcohol use disorder might gain some relief by “pre-experiencing” the future.

The study will be carried out by a team of researchers led by Warren Bickel, a professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, the Virginia Tech Carilion Behavioral Health Research Professor, and a professor of psychology in the College of Science at Virginia Tech.

Addiction researcher Warren Bickel, the Virginia Tech Carilion Behavioral Health Research Professor, will receive the Scientific Translation Award from the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis on Saturday in Chicago, Illinois.

Collaborative teams of Virginia Tech and Carilion Clinic investigators are exploring the consequences of destructive health behavior in people struggling with poor adherence to breast cancer treatment regimes, opioid dependence, and cardiovascular disease.

People more recently diagnosed with cancer are more likely to drink alcohol, use tobacco, and frequent tanning beds than people in later stages of recovery, according to a research team from the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

September is addiction recovery month, and, in the midst of the current opioid epidemic, it’s an apt moment for addiction research experts to map the future path forward for a long-term recovery strategy for substance abuse.

The worlds of addiction research and artificial intelligence research are colliding for Warren Bickel, a professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute.

Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute scientists are focused on a new protocol to help curtail opioid overdoses. The project involves Virginia Commonwealth University and has been awarded $1 million in combined grant funding from the Virginia Biosciences Health Research Corp. and pharmaceuticals company Indivior.

Leonard Epstein, creator of the Traffic Light Diet, will deliver a guest lecture on Sept. 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute. The lecture, which is open to the public, will mark the opening of the Center for Transformative Research in Health Behaviors at VTCRI.

The conference participants study similar underlying principles of different chronic health conditions, such as obesity, or risky health behaviors, like not complying with medical advice. The meeting will be the first time many participants will have a chance to interact.

George Koob, the director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, will discuss the neurocircuitry of alcohol addiction at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute.

Warren Bickel says the country must start treating the substance use addiction as a legitimate medical problem deserving of treatment rather than a criminal one always deserving of prison.

Warren Bickel and his team will test four factors influencing a person’s choice between vaporized nicotine products and conventional cigarettes: nicotine dose, extra costs, smoke-free environments, and flavors.

The College on Problems of Drug Dependence selected Warren Bickel as the 2016 recipient of the Nathan B. Eddy Award.

Warren Bickel is the first Virginia Tech Carilion Behavioral Science Research Professor, and P. Read Montague is the first Virginia Tech Carilion Vernon Mountcastle Research Professor. 

Warren Bickel, a professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, recently received a $2.4 million grant to investigate and improve maladaptive decision-making that may contribute to Type 2 diabetes.

The Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research recently recognized Bickel and his work by selecting him as a fellow.

The Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute was recently awarded a grant to study social networking as an addiction recovery tool.

Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute scientists use computerized training to increase effectiveness of traditional therapy

Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute scientist earns grant to test feasibility of remote alcohol testing.

An analysis across addictions and across treatments suggests that a simple cognitive test may be able to predict a treatment’s success for individuals struggling with addiction, according to a study led by an addiction expert at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute.

Warren Bickel, an internationally recognized addiction expert at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, recently received a $3.2-million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse for research on improving self-control in smokers seeking to quit cigarettes.

The National Quit & Recovery Registry uses "crowdsourcing" to enhance scientists' understanding of addiction and to provide encouragement to those struggling with addiction

When a research team asked cocaine addicts to choose, hypothetically, between money now or cocaine of greater value later, preference was almost exclusively for the money now.

Warren Bickel of the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute is a 2012 American Psychological Association Distinguished Scientist Lecturer.

Addiction researcher Warren Bickel of the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute is optimistic about the effectiveness of the FDA's graphic warning labels that will go on cigarette packs in 2012.

Warren Bickel has received an award from the America Psychological Association for his work that spans basic and applied research.

Leading addiction researcher Warren Bickel will head the new Center for Substance Abuse at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute.

ADDICTION RECOVERY RESEARCH CENTER MEDIA COVERAGE  

• --> Redirect Item Financial News: Tobacco Firms: Preying on the Poor? , redirect Date: Jun 07, 2024 -->
• --> Redirect Item The Roanoke Star: VTC Researchers Find Flavor Restrictions Affect Tobacco Users Differently , redirect Date: Jun 07, 2024 -->
• --> Redirect Item Tobacco Reporter: Policies May Perpetuate Health Disparities , redirect Date: Jun 07, 2024 -->
• --> Redirect Item Mirage News Australia: Socioeconomic Status Impacts Flavor Ban Effect on Tobacco Buyers , redirect Date: Jun 07, 2024 -->

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Upcoming events.

Presented by the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and co-hosted by the Addiction Recovery Research Center

Sept. 6, 2024, 11:00 a.m. | Susan Carnell, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine | Co-Sponsored by the Center for Health Behaviors Research and the Addiction Recovery Research Center, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute

Oct. 25, 2024, 11:00 a.m. | Sahib Khalsa, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Louis Jolyon West Innovation Chair, Director of Anxiety Disorders Research, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles| Co-Sponsored by the Center for Health Behaviors Research and the Addiction Recovery Research Center, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute

Dec. 13, 2024, 11:00 a.m. | Ryan Vandrey, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine | Co-Sponsored by the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute Center for Health Behaviors Research and the Addiction Recovery Research Center

March 21, 2025, 11:00 a.m. | Dana M. Small, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Director, Modern Diet and Physiology Research Center, Yale School of Medicine | Co-Sponsored by the Center for Health Behaviors Research and the Addiction Recovery Research Center, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute

June 13, 2025, 11:00 a.m. | Paule Valery Joseph, CRNP, Ph.D., Lasker Clinical Research Scholar, Chief, Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism National Institutes of Health | Co-Sponsored by the Center for Health Behaviors Research and the Addiction Recovery Research Center, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute

Addiction and Recovery 2022: The Latest Findings from Neuroscience Research_01172023

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• January 17, 2023 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM CST CST
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Research in neuroscience provides an evidence-based and comprehensive understanding of addiction that fits well with the experiences of people needing, seeking, and in recovery. There are several insightful and well-articulated arguments challenging the disease conceptualization of addiction, but two important areas of research – epigenetics and psychoneuroimmunology – greatly advance awareness of how environmental stress creates vulnerability to addiction. This lecture reviews the most up-to-date science of addiction, the current arguments for and against addiction’s conceptualization as a disease, and how the principles of recovery management counter the pathophysiology of addiction and improve a recovering person’s chances of achieving long-term recovery.

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Increase knowledge regarding the neuroscience of addiction and recovery.

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Describe the latest neuroscientific explanations of substance use disorder pathophysiology and interpret Substance Use Disorder symptomology in light of this research.

Describe and analyze the arguments for and against the conceptualization of addiction as a brain disease.

Define psychoneuroimmunology and explain its connection to substance use disorder.

Define social determinants of health and explain their role in vulnerability to substance use disorder.

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Course meets the qualifications for hours of continuing education credit for LPCCs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. TPN.health is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LPCCs. TPN.health maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

Trusted Provider Network, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0220.

This course has been approved by TPN.health, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #198061, TPN.health is responsible for all aspects of the programming. Counselor Skill Group: Legal, Ethical and Professional Development.

TPN.health, #1766, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. TPN.health maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 03/31/2022 – 03/31/2025. Social workers completing this course receive 3 continuing education credits.

Course meets the qualifications for hours of continuing education credit for LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. TPN.health is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LCSWs. TPN.health maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

Trusted Provider Network, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0654.

Course meets the qualifications for hours of continuing education credit for LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. TPN.health is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs. TPN.health maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

Trusted Provider Network, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0097.

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Amedco LLC and TPN.Health. Amedco LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Amedco LLC designates this live activity for a maximum of 2.5 credits. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Amedco LLC designates this activity for a maximum of 2.5 ANCC contact hours.

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Dr. Kevin McCauley is a Senior Fellow at The Meadows of Wickenburg. He graduated from Drexel University medical school in 1992 and served as a Naval Flight Surgeon. Dr. McCauley operated a Level III Recovery Residence in Sandy, Utah and was the first president of the Utah Association of Recovery Residences. He wrote and directed two films: Memo to Self, about the concepts of recovery management, and Pleasure Unwoven, about the neuroscience of addiction, which won the 2010 Michael Q. Ford Award for Journalism from the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers.

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DENOVO RECOVERY

Contact us now, understanding addiction.

Are you or a loved one grappling with addiction? Understanding the biological, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to addiction is crucial. Recent scientific breakthroughs provide new insights that could change the way we approach prevention and treatment. This exploration into the science of addiction reveals how ongoing research is crucial in developing effective strategies to combat this complex condition.

The Biological Basis of Addiction

Far from being a simple failure of will or a moral flaw, addiction is a chronic condition deeply rooted in the brain’s structure and chemistry. Research has revealed that addiction hijacks the brain’s natural reward system, leading individuals to repeat unhealthy behaviors despite knowing the negative consequences. This insight helps us understand the powerful and enduring nature of addiction.

Genetics Play a Key Role

Genetics significantly influence the likelihood of developing an addiction, with about half the risk attributed to one’s genetic makeup. This underscores the importance of exploring genetic factors when considering addiction. Certain genes can affect how the brain processes dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward, making some people more susceptible to addictive behaviors.

The Impact of Neurotransmitters on Behavior

Dopamine is not just about feeling good; during drug use, its levels spike, reinforcing the addictive behavior by overloading the brain’s reward circuits. This makes everyday pleasures pale in comparison, pushing individuals toward substance use for those high dopamine levels—a shortcut to euphoria.

What Brain Imaging Tells Us

Brain imaging technology has been crucial in showing how substances and compulsive behaviors can alter brain pathways. These changes impact areas involved in judgment, decision-making, and behavior control, explaining why addiction is so hard to overcome and prone to relapse.

Innovations in Treatment Approaches

The landscape of addiction treatment is changing dramatically, offering new hope through personalized medicine. This approach fine-tunes treatment plans to fit an individual’s unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental influences. By tailoring therapy in this way, we can boost the effectiveness of well-established methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

The Role of Medication-Assisted Treatments (MATs)

Medication-assisted treatments (MATs) are transforming recovery processes by using medications alongside psychotherapy. Drugs such as buprenorphine and methadone are used not just to alleviate withdrawal symptoms but to rebalance brain chemistry. This can blunt the highs of alcohol and opioids, curb cravings, and help maintain bodily functions during recovery, building a steadier foundation for health.

Focusing on the Details: Targeted Therapies

Beyond general strategies, we’re now emphasizing targeted therapies that home in on specific challenges like impulse control and stress management. Techniques such as contingency management and motivational interviewing are gaining traction because they tailor the treatment experience even further, focusing on motivation and behavioral change to better manage the psychological aspects of addiction.

Digital Innovations Extend Reach and Support

Digital tools are also revolutionizing how support is delivered. Mobile apps and online therapy options are making it easier to access help and are essential for continuous support. These innovations provide real-time interventions and ongoing care, crucial for the long-term management of addiction.

Evolving with Science: Better Treatments on the Horizon

As we learn more about addiction, our treatments continue to evolve. Ongoing research is key to refining these approaches, ensuring they become more effective and sensitive to the needs of those they aim to help. This progress signals a shift toward more holistic and individualized care, offering better outcomes and more hope to those facing addiction.

Environmental and Psychological Triggers

It’s crucial to acknowledge the significant role that environmental and psychological factors play in addiction. Stressful life events, early exposure to drugs, and one’s social surroundings can profoundly increase the risk of developing addictive behaviors. Understanding these triggers is key to crafting preventative measures and robust support systems that help reduce the chance of a relapse.

Stress and Its Role in Relapse

Stress is a major trigger for relapse. The pressures of daily life, whether from work, relationships, or financial troubles, can push individuals towards substances as a coping mechanism. Therapy and support groups can provide healthy outlets for stress and strategies for managing it without resorting to substance use.

Impact of Early Drug Exposure

Exposure to drugs at a young age is particularly dangerous as it can set patterns of behavior that are hard to break in later life. Young brains are more malleable and more susceptible to the neurochemical changes caused by drugs, which can pave the way for addiction.

Social Influence and Peer Pressure

The influence of one’s social circle cannot be underestimated. Peer pressure can lead to initial substance use, and the desire to fit in can sustain these habits. On the flip side, a supportive social environment can play a critical role in recovery. Effective addiction treatment often includes building or rehabilitating healthier relationships and sometimes stepping away from those that encourage harmful behaviors.

Developing Effective Prevention Strategies

By identifying the environmental and psychological vulnerabilities that predispose individuals to addiction, we can develop targeted prevention strategies. Education programs that start in schools, community support initiatives, and early intervention plans are all vital in preventing the onset of addiction.

How Denovo Recovery Can Help

If you’re struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone. Denovo Recovery offers comprehensive treatment solutions designed to address the unique challenges of addiction. Our expert team uses the latest research and evidence-based practices to help you regain control. Contact us today to start your journey toward recovery.

FAQs About Addiction and Treatment

What is addiction.

Addiction is a chronic disease that affects the brain’s reward, motivation, and memory functions. It leads to compulsive behavior despite harmful consequences.

Are there genetic predictors of addiction?

Yes, genetics can play a significant role in addiction, influencing up to 50% of the risk associated with addictive behaviors.

What are the latest advances in addiction treatment?

Recent advances include personalized medicine, which uses an individual’s genetic profile to tailor treatment plans, and innovative behavioral therapies that address underlying psychological factors.

How does the environment affect addiction?

Environmental factors such as peer pressure, family dynamics, and early exposure to drugs can significantly impact the likelihood of developing addictive behaviors.

Can addiction be cured?

While addiction is considered a chronic disease, it can be managed successfully. Treatment involves managing the disease over a lifetime with a combination of therapies and ongoing support.

Understanding the science of addiction is key to developing more effective interventions and support systems. Through continued research and a compassionate approach, we can provide better outcomes for those affected by this challenging disease. Reach out to Denovo Recovery to discover how our tailored treatment programs can assist you or your loved one in navigating the path to recovery.

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What the Latest Research Tells Us About Breaking An Addiction

• Posted on January 13, 2021
• By sobarecovery
• In Addiction Treatment , Drug Addiction Treatment , Substance Abuse

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 19 million people in the United States had a substance use disorder in 2019. In fact, addiction is more common than most people think. Even though most people know that addiction exists, the average person probably doesn’t realize that almost 1 out of every 5 Americans has an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

When first consumed, addictive substances can make individuals feel energized and confident, euphoric and relaxed, or pain-free. But those effects are temporary, prompting users to compulsively consume the substances again and again. Unfortunately, prolonged use of drugs and alcohol can increase an individual’s risk of cancer, heart disease, infections, stroke, heart attacks, coma, respiratory problems, and neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Luckily, addiction is a treatable condition and individuals can recover. Thanks to news advancements in the field of addiction research, today’s addiction treatment programs have become more holistic, incorporate evidence-based brain science, and teach lifestyle practices that help reduce the risk of relapse.

What We Currently Know About Addiction And The Brain

Research has allowed scientists and behavioral health experts to understand much about the relationship between addiction and the brain. Doctors, therapists, counselors, and recovery professionals know that addiction is a complex brain condition defined by the continued consumption of addictive substances despite harmful consequences. People living with addiction challenges become so consumed by their substance of choice that drugs or alcohol seemingly control their lives. This happens because of the way addictive substances interact with the brain.

Simply put, drugs and alcohol interfere with the brain’s reward system. When consumed, addictive substances travel to areas of the brain that signal reward and generate pleasure. In response, the brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter, or brain messenger, commonly known as the “feel good chemical.”

Addictive substances like drugs and alcohol flood the brain with dopamine. Initially, this rush of the feel good chemical may create a sense of pleasure. But dopamine also plays an important role in learning and memory. Over time, this release of dopamine teaches the brain to rely on the substance for pleasure, which, in turn, hijacks the brain’s reward system.

In addition to that, dopamine interacts with glutamate, another neurotransmitter, which links activities needed for human survival with pleasure and reward. In short, dopamine and glutamate trick the brain into thinking the pleasure-evoking substance is needed for survival. That misinformation triggers the compulsive consumption associated with addiction.

The brain is neuroplastic, or capable of changing, as a result of habitual behavior. Because of neuroplasticity, drugs, alcohol, and addiction can:

• Change the structure of the brain
• Negatively impact the way the brain functions
• Alter the way neurons in the brain communicate
• Decrease volume in brain areas that regulate planning, logical thinking, problem solving, and self-control.

Recognizing Addiction

Research has also helped scientists better understand the signs and symptoms of addiction. Even though each person can have a different experience with addiction, substance use disorders typically include a similar cluster of signs and symptoms. Signs, which are observed by others, can be physical, behavioral, or emotional. Symptoms, which are experienced by individuals grappling with addiction, typically fall into four categories: impaired control, social problems, risky behavior, and drug effects.

Signs of Addiction

Common signs of addiction include:

• Physical indicators , such as red eyes, runny nose, pale skin, an undernourished body, unexplained weight loss or gain, unusual body odor, slurred speech, poor hygiene, a bleeding nose, consistent coughing, random scars, burns, rashes, or scabs, shortness of breath, shaking hands and feet, and constant nausea or vomiting.
• Behavioral manifestations , such as missing work or school, lying, constant deception or manipulation, relationship/marital problems, disrupted sleep patterns, desire for isolation, keeping secrets, financial problems, neglecting responsibilities, missing important engagements, and poor performance at work or school. You might also notice changes in social groups, new and unusual friends, odd phone calls, and repeated unexplained outings.
• Emotional clues , such as irritability, defensiveness, inability to deal with stress, irrational responses, sudden and unexplained mood changes, denial, rationalizing or making excuses for their behavior, blaming others, and changing the subject to avoid discussing drugs or alcohol.

Symptoms of Addiction

Some of the more common symptoms of addiction include:

• Impaired control such as strong cravings and urges to use a substance or failed attempts to cut down or control the consumption of drugs or alcohol.
• Social challenges such failure to complete work tasks, school assignments, or projects at home because of substance use. Usually, these problems cause strained personal relationships as well.
• High-risk behaviors such as using drugs or alcohol while driving and continuing to use drugs and alcohol despite known health problems caused by substance use.
• Displayed drug effects such as a need for larger amounts of the substance to get the same effect (tolerance), changes in energy levels, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which vary depending on the substance.

Luckily, addiction can be treated. Let’s take a look at what the latest research tells us about breaking an addiction.

What Recent Research Tells Us About Addiction Recovery

Prolonged exposure to addictive substances can cause nerve cells in the part of the brain responsible for planning and executing tasks to communicate in a way that associates liking something with wanting it. Instead of merely ‘enjoying’ the effects of drugs and alcohol, addictive substances trick the brain into wanting these harmful substances, motivating users to continue to use drugs and alcohol despite the consequences. The brain memorizes the pattern of behavior and changes (due to neuroplasticity) in order to adapt to this newly learned habit.

In short, recent research suggests that addiction may be the result of deep learning. Therefore, breaking an addiction should include brain science techniques and lifestyle practices that can help the brain ‘unlearn’ harmful patterns of behavior.

Technology Can Help Lessen The Brain’s Craving For Addictive Substances

Despite a wide range of medical therapies and rehabilitation support, addiction continues to remain a public health concern in the United States. In addition to a global pandemic, we’re in the middle of a nationwide opioid epidemic and overdose deaths continue to rise. High levels of stress and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increased reliance on drugs and alcohol. New therapies are needed to help treat addiction. Luckily, new research shows that technology like deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be an effective way to help reverse the brain’s reliance on addictive substances

What is Deep Brain Stimulation?

Deep brain stimulation is a neurosurgical procedure that works to regulate abnormal impulses in the brain. Traditionally, DBS requires the surgical insertion of electrodes into the brain to treat conditions like Parkinson’s disease, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), epilepsy, and dystonia. But new studies on mice have shown that a type of non-invasive deep brain stimulation may be able to help treat addiction challenges, though research is in its early phase.

How Can Brain Stimulation Help Treat Addiction?

Temporal interference (TI) is a non-invasive deep brain stimulation technique. Instead of using literal electrodes, TI uses two beams of high electrical frequency to alter the activity of neurons in the brain. Deep brain stimulation can help treat addiction by changing the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine, the “feel good chemical,” motivates individuals to continually seek out seemingly pleasurable substances like drugs and alcohol. By diminishing the amount of dopamine in the brain, temporal interference can help curb cravings caused by irregular levels of dopamine.

What Does the Research Suggest?

Scientists believe DBS and TI can help treat addiction by applying high-frequency stimulation to the following brain areas:

• The nucleus accumbens, which plays a central role in the brain’s reward circuitry, which may help reduce impulsive behavior
• Subthalamic nucleus (STN), a section of the brain which helps regulate impulse control
• Hippocampus, which plays an important role in what individuals memorize and learn

Research seems to show promising results. In recent animal studies , deep brain stimulation:

• Prevented rats from increasing their dose of self-administered heroin.
• Decreased rats’ motivation to obtain and consume heroin.

By inhibiting heroin use and decreasing the motivation to consume the substance, experts believe that deep brain stimulation could one day help diminish individuals’ desire for addictive substances, while subsequently increasing their self-control.

Deep brain stimulation and temporal interference may also help break the cycle of opioid addiction. According to an article published in Business Insider , deep brain stimulation is currently being used on an experimental basis to help a man who has been addicted to opioids for 18 years find sobriety.

Even though current animal studies have shown largely promising results, research is still ongoing. Further research is needed to see how well DBS and TI work during substance withdrawal and with different addictive substances.

Neurofeedback Can Help Individuals Learn Healthier Patterns of Behavior

Neurofeedback is another brain science technique gaining traction as an effective treatment for addiction recovery. This non-drug, reward-based training system, can help individuals overcome addiction by helping the brain ‘re-learn’ self-regulation.

What Is Neurofeedback?

Also referred to as EEG biofeedback or Neurotherapy, neurofeedback is a specialized treatment that uses advanced computer technology to “balance” the brain and improve the way your mind functions. Essentially, neurofeedback helps heal the brain from addictive, compulsive habits by teaching the mind to ‘learn’ new habits through non-invasive brain training exercises.

How Does Neurofeedback Work?

Neurofeedback works by using the brain’s ability to learn new things to retrain the mind. EEG sensors, typically placed on an individual’s forehead, monitor brainwaves as individuals play a game, listen to music, or watch a video. The stimulating game, music, or video operates smoothly when brainwaves function within an optimal range. When the brainwave activity reaches a non-optimal level, however, individuals receive negative feedback. Usually, the movie or game pauses, or the music stops playing. This feedback tells the brain that something is out of balance, causing the brain to “figure out” how to return to the stimulating entertainment. In time, the brain adapts to this feedback and learns self control, or how to function within an optimal range regardless of internal or external stimuli.

How Does Neurofeedback Help Addiction Recovery?

Scientists believe neurofeedback can help individuals break the cycle of addiction by training the brain to:

• Relearn impulse control
• Restore emotional regulation
• Relax and better manage stress
• Regain control of body movements
• Strengthen individuals’ ability to abstain from drugs and alcohol

Neurofeedback also helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression which may trigger cravings for drugs or alcohol.

What Does The Research Suggest?

Because neurofeedback uses individuals’ specific brainwaves, this type of evidence-based brain science can help produce treatment plans unique to each individual’s recovery needs. Neurofeedback can also help recovery experts further understand how certain drugs affect specific areas of the brain. Here’s what some of the latest research reveals about neurofeedback and addiction:

• According to a study published in the Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback journal, neurofeedback training may be more effective than pharmacotherapy alone in treating substance use and in promoting mental health .
• Another study suggests that neurofeedback could be a highly-effective way to help people who are developing alcohol problems before the consumption escalates into dependent drinking or alcoholism .
• According to a UCLA study, biofeedback treatment combined with a 12-step program could help individuals recovering from addiction better accept change and stabilize the brain, reducing the risk of relapse .
• A 2019 study even suggests that automated neurofeedback brain-training systems have demonstrated such efficacy and safety that they should and could be explored as a primary behavioral intervention and form of treatment for addiction recovery .

Contingency Management May Be Just As Effective as Behavioral Therapy

Contingency management is largely based on the idea that when people receive rewards for positive behavior, they are likely to repeat that behavior again. Although controversial, contingency management is an evidence-based technique used to modify behavior by motivating individuals to live without addictive substances.

What is Contingency Management?

Contingency management is a treatment method that rewards individuals for positive behavior such as abstinence. “Contingency” means that a reward is contingent, or based on, performing a desired act. “Management” is the art, science, or practices of arranging these rewards to shape or modify behavior. When combined together, the two concepts help rewire the brain which is especially helpful for individuals looking to overcome addiction challenges.

Contingency Management and Addiction

Also called motivational incentives, contingency management provides recovering addicts tangible rewards or monetary prizes in exchange for drug-free urine samples or alcohol-free tests. Participants can also receive incentive prizes after they attend a training, class, or job interview. Instead of relying on drugs and alcohol for pleasure and reward, contingency management provides individuals alternative, healthier rewards while individuals develop a capacity to resist drug and alcohol use. Many treatment programs prefer using behavioral therapy rather than contingency management in order to establish long-term change within their clients, but research continues into contingency programs.

What Makes Contingency Management Effective?

Clinical trials have shown that contingency management is especially beneficial for individuals recovering from alcohol, cocaine, opioid, marijuana, and stimulant addiction. This is because material rewards evoke pleasure and stimulate a healthier, alternative, and natural “high.” But this technique is also effective because contingency management:

• Encourages the continuation of treatment
• Helps prevent relapse
• Rewires the brain’s reward circuitry

What Does the Research Reveal?

Almost all the research conducted on contingency management before 2005 proved that contingency management is an effective technique in addition to standard addiction treatment. Here’s what recent research on contingency management reveals:

• A 2018 meta-analysis of 50 different clinical studies for cocaine and amphetamine addiction found that combining contingency management with a community reinforcement approach was effective .
• A 2019 study based in South Africa found that contingency management may be a useful component to boost methamphetamine abstinence .
• Another study revealed that home-based contingency management for marijuana use disorder increased rates of abstinence among adolescent users during treatment .

Helping Overcome Drug-Associated Memories May Help Reduce Future Cravings

Now that scientists realize the impact that addiction has on habit-forming areas of the brain, they’ve started studying the influence of memories on drug cravings. If drug cravings arise in part from memories associated with drug use, treating and helping individuals overcome these memories may help reduce future cravings and prevent relapse.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge continue to study the correlation between memories, cravings, and relapse. Ultimately, the goal is to selectively disrupt the formation of harmful memories which can help break the cycle of addiction.

Some of the more common ways recovery centers can help disrupt the impact of drug-associated memories include:

• Mindfulness breathing
• Mantra-based meditation
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR)

Mindfulness Meditation Can Help Rewire the Brain

Scientists have long studied the benefits of meditation. However, some of the latest research on meditation shows that the practice can actually help rewire brains negatively impacted by addiction.

What is Mindfulness Meditation?

Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present. When individuals are mindful, they are actively aware of where they are and what they’re doing. Mindful individuals are not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around them. The ultimate goal of mindfulness is to “wake up” the mind’s mental, emotional, and physical processes.

Meditation, simply put, is exploring inwardly. Meditation isn’t a fixed destination. Instead, meditation is the process of venturing into the mind via the exploration of the sensations we feel and the thoughts we think. Mindfulness meditation is the process of exploring the mind in order to become fully present.

Mindfulness and Addiction Recovery

Mindfulness meditation aids the recovery process in many ways . Historical research has revealed that mindfulness helps break the cycle of addiction by:

• Helping people feel better by slowing down
• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Easing symptoms of depression
• Quieting the mental chatter that can lead to substance use
• Helping you understand your reaction to stimuli

Newer research suggests that mindfulness meditation can help break the cycle of addiction by rewiring and changing the physical structure of brains changed by addiction.

There’s a growing amount of research that shows that training the brain to be mindful also changes the physical structure of the brain. According to research , new data, and various studies , meditation can:

• Increase grey matter which increases cognitive functioning and helps the brain function better
• Shrink the amygdala, which helps improve emotional regulation
• Enlarge the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for rational decision-making
• Thicken the hippocampus, which helps individuals memorize and learn new patterns of behavior

Perhaps more than anything, the latest research about addiction tells us that breaking an addiction requires holistic treatment. Detoxification and therapy are quite effective, but obtaining and maintaining long-term recovery requires holistic treatment customized to meet individuals’; specific needs. As such, breaking an addiction incorporates a blend of activities that work together to restore the brain to its optimal state of healthy functioning.

These activities can include:

• Evidence-based brain science
• Cognitive behavioral therapies such as dialectical behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization reprocessing, and rational emotive behavioral therapy
• Trauma therapy and the healing of disturbing memories
• Programs to treat mental health challenges such as dual diagnosis treatment
• Community and peer support groups such as 12-step programs
• Brain retraining activities and therapies
• Proper balanced nutrition such as the “brain diet” and “dopamine diet”
• Healthy coping skills such as exercising, journaling, positive self-talk, writing, and drawing
• Aftercare support that includes vocational, housing, and sober living support
• Alternative lifestyle practices that promote, support, and encourage recovery like acupuncture, chiropractic services, yoga, mindfulness, and meditation

That’s what we offer here at Soba Recovery — comprehensive treatment plans that incorporate all aspects of addiction recovery. Our unique recovery programs combine a wide range of techniques, therapies, and lifestyle practices that can help individuals fully recover from the effects of addiction. Contact us today if you or a loved one are working to break free of the cycle of addiction.

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What Is the Cycle of Addiction?

Key takeaways.

• Addiction is a chronic brain disorder with psychological and physiological dimensions involving compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences.
• Psychological factors such as stress, trauma, and mental health disorders are deeply intertwined with the development and perpetuation of addictive behaviors.
• Physiological dependence involves changes in the body’s systems due to substance use, leading to adaptations in brain chemistry and function.
• The addiction cycle typically unfolds in stages: experimentation, regular use and risky behavior, tolerance and dependence, addiction, and relapse.
• Breaking the cycle of addiction requires professional intervention, support, and personal commitment, with strategies including therapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
• A strong support system is essential for emotional, social, and practical support during recovery.
• Relapse prevention strategies include identifying triggers, stress management, and establishing support networks.

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is a multifaceted condition that extends beyond mere substance use, encompassing a wide array of psychological and physiological elements. 

It is recognized as a chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. Studies have identified features of addiction such as a strong desire for the addictive behavior or substance, loss of control over its use, and continued involvement with it despite harmful repercussions.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to biological, psychological, social, and spiritual manifestations. This is evident in individuals pathologically pursuing reward and relief through substance use and other behaviors. Psychological addiction involves the mental and emotional aspects, such as cravings and preoccupation with the substance, while physical addiction includes physiological changes and the development of tolerance.

What Are the Factors That Influence Addiction?

Understanding the psychological underpinnings of addiction is crucial in addressing the complexities of this condition. 

Research indicates that stress, trauma, and mental health disorders are deeply intertwined with the development and perpetuation of addictive behaviors. Notably, alcohol and other substances can activate biological stress pathways akin to those triggered by psychological stress and trauma, potentially exacerbating cravings and compulsive substance-seeking behaviors. 

Studies have identified that heightened stress reactivity, such as increased cortisol responses, may predispose individuals to mood disorders and substance use disorders, particularly alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Early trauma and adversity, such as heavy use or parental discord, are significant psychosocial stressors associated with an increased likelihood of substance misuse and the development of AUD. 

These experiences can impair emotional regulation, decision-making, and behavioral control, which are critical in managing alcohol intake. Furthermore, research has revealed sex differences in the impact of stress and trauma on substance use, with females experiencing higher rates of childhood heavy use and consequently higher risks of heavy drinking and AUD.

Co-occurring mental health disorders are common among those with substance use disorders. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently coexist with substance misuse, creating a complex interplay that can challenge recovery efforts. 

Understanding these psychological aspects is vital for developing effective therapeutic interventions and supporting individuals on their journey toward recovery. Resources for healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of recognizing and treating co-occurring conditions alongside AUD.

What Are the Physiological Effects That Addiction Causes?

Physiological dependence is a cornerstone of addiction, involving profound changes in the body’s systems as a result of substance use. 

The central nervous system, endocrine system, and other bodily systems undergo both acute and chronic transformations when exposed to addictive substances or behaviors. These adaptations can be structural, such as alterations in brain chemistry, or functional, affecting how the body operates daily. 

Chronic alcohol consumption, for example, can lead to a variety of non-neuronal physiological issues, contributing to serious comorbid conditions such as cancer and central nervous system disorders.

At the core of physiological dependence is the brain’s reward system, which is hijacked by addictive substances, leading to a rewiring of neural pathways that prioritize substance use over other life activities. 

The neurotransmitters and reward circuits involved in addiction are profoundly affected, with substances like alcohol altering GABAA and GABAB receptors, leading to tolerance and impacting treatments aimed at promoting abstinence. Dependence on substances can also be influenced by genetic factors, which, under certain internal and external conditions, can activate after exposure to addictive agents.

Understanding the physiological aspects of addiction is crucial for effective treatment strategies. It is not only about managing withdrawal symptoms but also about addressing the deep-seated changes in the body’s physiology that sustain addiction. This understanding can help tailor interventions that target the specific physiological adaptations unique to each individual’s experience with addiction.

What Are the Stages of the Addiction Cycle?

The addiction cycle is a complex process that typically unfolds in several stages, each characterized by specific patterns of behavior and psychological changes. 

While the exact number of stages may vary among different sources, a consensus identifies key phases in the development of addiction.

• Experimentation: The initial encounter with a substance or behavior, often driven by curiosity, peer pressure, or stress management.
• Regular Use and Risky Behavior: As use becomes more frequent, individuals may engage in hazardous activities, and tolerance may develop.
• Tolerance and Dependence: With regular use, the body adapts, requiring more of the substance to achieve the same effects, leading to physical or psychological dependence.
• Addiction: This stage is marked by a compulsion to seek and use the substance despite adverse consequences, often accompanied by an awareness of the heavy use.
• Relapse: Attempts to quit may result in relapse, characterized by intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This stage is a critical point where intervention can prevent a return to prior stages.

Understanding the Cycle of Addiction: An In-Depth Look

Understanding these stages is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment. Each stage presents unique challenges and requires tailored strategies for recovery. Recognizing the signs early can lead to more successful outcomes and help individuals avoid the severe consequences of advanced addiction.

Step One in the Cycle of Addiction: Experimentation

Experimentation is the first step in the cycle of addiction. It’s when a person first tries a substance or engages in a particular behavior (like gambling or excessive internet use). This often happens out of curiosity, to see what the experience is like. It can also be driven by peer pressure, where someone feels encouraged to fit in with a group, or as a way to cope with stress, emotions, or other challenges.

During this stage, the person may not have any intention of continuing the use. The experience might feel exciting, pleasurable, or like an escape. However, not everyone who experiments will continue to the next stages of addiction. It can depend on various factors, including personal vulnerability, environment, and the substance or behavior involved.

Step Two in the Cycle of Addiction: Regular Use

After experimentation, if the person continues to use the substance or engage in the behavior regularly, they enter this stage. Regular use doesn’t necessarily mean daily use; it could mean using on weekends, during social events, or as a regular part of their routine.

As the person uses more frequently, they might start to engage in risky behaviors. For example, they might drive under the influence, skip responsibilities like work or school, or mix substances to enhance effects. At this point, the person may also start to develop a tolerance, where they need more of the substance to feel the same effects. This stage is often where the line between casual use and dependency starts to blur.

Step Three in the Cycle of Addiction: Tolerance and Dependence 

Tolerance occurs when the body and brain get used to the substance or behavior, requiring more of it to achieve the same effects. Dependence happens when the body starts to rely on the substance to function normally, either physically or psychologically.

As tolerance builds, the person might find themselves using the substance more frequently or in larger amounts. If they try to cut back or stop, they might experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be physical (like headaches, nausea, or shaking) or psychological (like anxiety, irritability, or depression). At this point, the substance or behavior is no longer just a choice or habit—it becomes something the person feels they need to feel “normal.”

Step Four in the Cycle of Addiction: Addiction

Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing disorder characterized by a compulsive need to seek and use the substance or engage in the behavior, despite the negative consequences. This stage is marked by a loss of control over use and significant changes in behavior and brain function.

During this stage, the person might be fully aware of the harm the addiction is causing in their life—whether it’s damaging relationships, affecting their health, or leading to legal or financial problems—but they find it extremely difficult to stop. The substance or behavior takes over their thoughts, time, and energy. It’s no longer just about pleasure; it’s about avoiding the discomfort of not using. Addiction can lead to severe physical and mental health issues, and it can be very challenging to break out of this stage without help.

Step Five in the Cycle of Addiction: Relapse 

Relapse is when a person who has been trying to quit or has stopped using the substance or engaging in the behavior starts again. It’s a common part of the recovery process and doesn’t mean that the person has failed.

After a period of abstinence or reduced use, intense cravings, stress, or exposure to triggers (like certain environments or emotions) can lead to a relapse. This stage can bring about strong feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness, which might make the person feel like giving up on recovery. However, relapse is also a critical point where intervention, support, and learning from the experience can help the person get back on track. It’s important to address the reasons for the relapse and reinforce the strategies that help prevent future relapses.

Strategies for Breaking the Cycle of Addiction

Breaking the cycle of addiction is a multifaceted process that requires a combination of professional intervention, support, and personal commitment to recovery. 

Three of the most important strategies for breaking the cycle of addiction include therapy, medically assisted treatment, and the development of a support system. 

The Role of Therapy in Breaking the Cycle of Addiction 

Therapeutic interventions are essential in the treatment of addiction, offering a pathway to recovery that addresses both the psychological and physiological components of the condition. 

Among the most effective therapeutic strategies is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), widely used due to its strong empirical support. CBT helps individuals in addiction treatment to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and alter behaviors that contribute to their substance use. A survey of US treatment facilities found that 94% of program administrators report the use of CBT, underscoring its prevalence in addiction recovery programs.

Group therapy is another cornerstone of addiction treatment, providing a supportive environment where individuals can share experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. 

Research-supported group treatments, such as those involving contingency management and motivational interviewing, have shown efficacy in treating drug use disorders. The collaborative nature of group therapy fosters a sense of community and accountability, which can be particularly beneficial in sustaining long-term recovery.

As the landscape of addiction treatment evolves, integrating holistic approaches and expanding access to care remain priorities. The role of therapeutic interventions, particularly CBT and group therapy, continues to be a critical component of comprehensive addiction treatment plans, offering individuals the tools and support necessary for successful recovery.

The Role Medication-Assisted Treatment Breaking the Cycle of Addiction

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a critical component in the management and treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs), particularly opioid use disorder (OUD). 

MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat addiction, addressing both physical and psychological aspects of the disease. The primary goal of MAT is to stabilize patients, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and curb cravings, which can significantly improve recovery outcomes and reduce the risk of relapse.

Medications commonly used in MAT include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Methadone and buprenorphine work as opioid agonists to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and decrease cravings without producing the euphoria associated with opioid misuse. Naltrexone, on the other hand, is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids and reduces cravings, though it does not treat withdrawal symptoms.

Research has consistently shown that MAT can lead to better treatment retention rates and a decrease in illicit opioid use and overdose deaths. For example, patients with OUD receiving MAT are 50% less likely to die of an overdose compared to those receiving no treatment. Moreover, MAT has been associated with improved social functioning and a reduction in criminal activity among individuals with SUDs.

Despite its effectiveness, access to MAT has been limited by negative perceptions, lack of knowledge among healthcare providers, and regulatory barriers. However, recent policy changes, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, have expanded access to MAT by relaxing regulations and increasing the use of telemedicine for treatment initiation and follow-up care. These changes represent a significant shift towards a more integrated and holistic approach to addiction treatment.

As the opioid epidemic continues to challenge public health, MAT stands as a proven, evidence-based strategy that can save lives and support individuals on their path to recovery.

The Role of Support Systems in Breaking the Cycle of Addiction 

A robust support system is an integral part of the recovery process for individuals overcoming addiction. It includes a network of family, friends, support groups, and healthcare professionals that provide emotional, social, and sometimes financial support. Engaging with people who understand the challenges of recovery can significantly enhance the likelihood of sustained sobriety and overall well-being.

Support systems offer numerous benefits:

• A sense of belonging and connection, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Emotional support and encouragement are vital during difficult times.
• Accountability to stay on track with recovery goals.
• Practical assistance, such as help with attending appointments or managing daily tasks.
• Protection from toxic influences and environments that may trigger a relapse.

Building a strong support network often involves the following:

• Asking for help from loved ones without feeling shame or guilt.
• Identifying and engaging with individuals who genuinely care for one’s well-being and recovery success.
• Participating in group therapy or support groups for shared experiences and insights.
• Setting healthy boundaries to maintain mutual trust and respect.

Individuals in recovery must remember the value of a support system and actively cultivate it. Support networks can be tailored to individual needs and may include SAMHSA-approved recovery support groups or alternative programs. A support system’s presence and active involvement can make a transformative difference in the recovery journey.

Relapse Prevention Strategies for Sustained Recovery

Preventing relapse is a critical component of sustained recovery from addiction. Research emphasizes the importance of developing a comprehensive relapse prevention plan tailored to the individual’s needs. Such a plan includes identifying and managing triggers, adopting healthy habits, and utilizing stress management techniques. Key strategies for relapse prevention encompass:

• Identification of Triggers: Recognizing the situations, emotions, or people that can provoke a return to substance use is vital for maintaining sobriety.
• Relapse Prevention Planning: Crafting a personalized strategy to address high-risk situations and promote coping skills is essential for resilience in recovery.
• Stress Management: Implementing relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and healthy lifestyle choices can mitigate the likelihood of relapse during challenging times.
• Support Networks: Establishing a robust support system, including therapy, support groups, and family, offers a foundation for long-term success.
• Healthy Routines: Engaging in physical activities, maintaining a balanced diet, and practicing mindfulness can solidify recovery habits.
• Professional Assistance: Seeking therapy, counseling, and considering medication-assisted treatment options can provide additional support for preventing relapse.

Understanding the stages of relapse—emotional, mental, and physical—and intervening early in the process enhances the chances of successful recovery. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is highlighted as an effective tool for modifying negative thought patterns that may lead to substance use. By recognizing warning signs and addressing underlying causes of relapse, individuals can fortify their defenses against the challenges of addiction.

Break the Cycle of Addiction with Help from the Recovery Village

At The Recovery Village Rehab Centers, we take the extra steps to treat your addiction or mental health needs by offering a full continuum of care. From medical detox to rehab to aftercare, we are focused on supporting your recovery every step of the way. 

Our representatives can answer your questions and guide you toward treatment in your area . Your call will be confidential, and you don’t have to commit to a program to learn more about treatment options. Call today and find out how we can help you towards a healthier, happier future.

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

We can help answer your questions and talk through any concerns.

Psychedelic Therapy for Addiction Recovery: New Directions for Substance Use Treatment

Psychedelic therapy for addiction recovery may be the future. what will it look like for therapists learn the basics of this new framework..

It sounds counterintuitive to use psychedelic substances as a treatment for addiction recovery. People who struggle with substance use may be vulnerable to new dependencies, right? Yet the research (and funding) for psychedelic therapy as addiction treatment is growing. Addiction treatment centers and therapists may benefit from adding psychedelics to their toolbelt of treatments. Read on to learn about psychedelic therapy for addiction recovery. 

More than 20 million Americans are affected by a substance use disorder today. 1 According to the Substance Abuse Mental Health and Service Administration – many with addiction struggles before the pandemic leaned heavily on substances in 2020 and 2021. 2  

There are physical risks of being dependent on alcohol and other substances. But people with substance use disorder are also more at risk for thoughts of suicide. 2 Severe anxiety and depression are commonly co-morbid with substance use disorder. And they are much higher among addicts than in the general population. 3 The complexity of addiction  – as both a mental and physical illness – has historically made it difficult to meet the needs of these patients. 

The traditional treatment plan for substance addiction uses a combination of: 

• Inpatient rehabilitation 
• Psychiatric medications 
• Talk and group therapy 

Yet even after these intensive methods, it’s estimated that 40-60% of people relapse after addiction treatment. 4  

It’s clear that we need to serve these patients better. And in the last decades, psychedelics have emerged as a potential solution. Earlier this year, the National Institute on Drug Abuse gave a $2.7 million grant to research on psychedelics for addiction . 5 As these therapies move from research into clinical practice – it’s essential for more clinicians to be educated in the principles of psychedelic therapy . 

Are you a therapist treating patients with substance use? Then understanding psychedelic methods puts you in a pivotal position. It makes you an essential leader in bringing psychedelic therapy for substance addiction recovery. Several substances are moving towards FDA approval . So we’re closer than ever to integrating psychedelic therapy in mental health care systems. 

Psychedelic Support is a leading educator in entheogenic medicine. Psychoactive substances like:

• Psilocybin 

…may be an important pillar in the addiction treatment of the future. And we’ll need compassionate, educated psychedelic therapists (like you!) to bring these treatments to patients. 

If you’re just starting your educational journey – you’re in the right place. We’ve got tons of resources for therapists. Whether you’re just learning about psychedelics or you’re a seasoned provider, we’ve got you covered. Are you curious about these therapies? You probably have lots of questions to clear up before you invest your time and money into education. 

How does psychedelic therapy for addiction work? Let’s break down the process.

Psychedelic Therapy for Addiction Recovery: How it Works

If you’re already seeing patients for substance use – adding psychedelics into your therapeutic treatment plans may sound like an overhaul of your existing systems. But whether you work inpatient or outpatient, entheogenic care plans don’t have to completely change how you work with patients. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to substance use treatment with psychedelics:

• Acute Detox

Patients who present with substance use disorder need to detox before starting therapeutic interventions. This may take a few days to a week, and it’s often a physically and mentally painful process. Depending on the substance and use severity, inpatient treatment may be essential to keep patients safe during this phase. 

Follow your Curiosity

The therapist takes a back seat during this medical detoxification phase. Leaders of the medical psychiatric team evaluate a patient for a psychedelic therapy consult. Some patients may not be candidates for therapy because of their history. For instance, those with psychotic diagnoses and cardiac problems may not be appropriate. Psychedelic therapy isn’t a good solution for everyone. 

There is some early research that suggests that ketamine could be helpful for patients detoxing from opiates and alcohol withdrawal. And some studies also suggest a similar benefit for psilocybin. 6,7,8 This research is more early along than psychedelic therapy for addiction recovery, and patients are medically and psychologically vulnerable during this stage. So we might see these interventions implemented much later. 

• Laying The Groundwork for Therapy

Once patients are stabilized, you as the therapist start building therapeutic rapport. This looks like typical therapy intake sessions, with assessments of a person’s history of: 

• Psychiatric diagnoses
• Psychedelics use 

It’s essential for the patient to experience a foundation of safety during the rapport-building process. 

Along with trust-building, this phase is essential for educating the patient on what they may expect from psychedelics. Under harm reduction philosophies it’s essential for patients to make their own treatment plan decisions. This model demands that patients take an active role in their care. Not every patient may want to embark on this journey, and that’s okay. 

If the patient decides to continue with psychedelic therapy after understanding the benefits , side effects, and risks – it’s time to have their psychedelic sessions. 

• Therapeutic Psychedelic Sessions

Depending on the substance, patients may have between one and five psychedelic sessions per round of therapy. These are supervised by one or several members of the co-therapy team , and may last between three and eight hours. The patient is laying down during this time, with their eyes covered, and soft music playing. Set and setting are essential. They help the patient feel safe and have the most therapeutic experience possible. 

A therapist, nurse, and facilitator – or some combination of these – help the patient feel safe during these sessions. A medical supervisor may be on-call, supervising several sessions at once. This person may be a medical doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s associate. This person may also help lead the decision process for which psychedelic a patient may benefit the most from. 

Let’s briefly go over the psychedelics that have shown the best outcomes in treating addiction so far.

Research on Psychedelics for Addiction Treatment

• Ketamine is already being used in addiction treatment for alcohol, cocaine, opioids, and cannabis. It’s shown to help with abstinence and cravings across these substances. 9
• Psilocybin therapy has been effective for treating alcohol use disorder in trials when compared to placebo. 10 It’s also been studied in the treatment of tobacco addiction, and others. 11  
• MDMA has given helpful results in late-stage trials including patients with PTSD and substance dependency. 12  
• LSD has been researched to help patients with alcohol dependency, with good success. 13  
• Ibogaine has shown success in helping patients with opioid withdrawals and cessation over time. 14  

But the psychedelic experience is only a part of this new model for care. Integration therapy is interspersed with these psychedelic sessions. It’s essential that patients take the time to unpack their experiences. This helps them gain insights to continue building on. Let’s get into what this therapy looks like.  

• Integration Therapy

Integration therapy is essential for patients to fully explore the experiences they had while using psychedelics. These sessions may be challenging for patients. They may find themselves reliving trauma, or being forced to take a new perspective on their lives. It’s this phase of psychedelic therapy that helps patients integrate their psychedelic sessions into the reality of life. 

Experienced therapists are able to use their expertise in multiple therapy modalities to help patients integrate. And this process may not stop after patients have finished their round of psychedelic sessions. Let’s talk about the ongoing support that patients may need after initial addiction recovery. 

• Ongoing Addiction Recovery Support

As many patients will attest, addiction recovery doesn’t stop after the initial recovery period is over. Patients may need ongoing support from therapists and the co-therapy team. Many people who have been dependent on a substance for several years face medical problems as well as psychological ones. 

Patients who undergo psychedelic therapy for addiction recovery should have an ongoing relationship with a therapist afterwards. This may be a psychedelic therapist – but not all therapists want to participate in this form of therapy. At the least, therapists who do not want to offer psychedelic therapy to their patients should understand its indications. And they should be able to offer referral resources for appropriate patients.  Patients need your help to access psychedelic-assisted therapy for substance use. What should therapists like you do if you’re interested in starting your own educational journey?

• 06/30/2022, J. F. M. on. (n.d.). New research and insights into substance use disorder. New Research and Insights into Substance Use Disorder. Retrieved December 15, 2022, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/new-research-and-insights-into-substance-use-disorder
• Samhsa releases 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and health. SAMHSA. (2021, October 26). Retrieved December 15, 2022, from https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/202110260320
• Mohamed, I.I., Ahmad, H.E.K., Hassaan, S.H. et al. Assessment of anxiety and depression among substance use disorder patients: a case-control study. Middle East Curr Psychiatry 27, 22 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43045-020-00029-w
• Kabisa, E., Biracyaza, E., Habagusenga, J.d. et al. Determinants and prevalence of relapse among patients with substance use disorders: case of Icyizere Psychotherapeutic Centre. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 16, 13 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-021-00347-0
•  Null. (2022, June 6). $2.7m grant to find new addiction treatments related to psychedelics. news. Retrieved December 16, 2022 from https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/27m-grant-to-find-new-addiction-treatments-related-to-psychedelics/2022/05
• Jovaisa T, Laurinenas G, Vosylius S, Sipylaite J, Badaras R, Ivaskevicius J. Effects of ketamine on precipitated opiate withdrawal. Medicina (Kaunas). 2006;42(8):625-34. PMID: 16963828.
• Shah P, McDowell M, Ebisu R, Hanif T, Toerne T. Adjunctive Use of Ketamine for Benzodiazepine-Resistant Severe Alcohol Withdrawal: a Retrospective Evaluation. J Med Toxicol. 2018 Sep;14(3):229-236. doi: 10.1007/s13181-018-0662-8. Epub 2018 May 10. PMID: 29748926; PMCID: PMC6097970.
• Mendes, F. R., Costa, C. dos, Wiltenburg, V. D., Morales-Lima, G., Fernandes, J. A., & Filev, R. (2022). Classic and non‐classic psychedelics for substance use disorder: A review of their historic, past and current research. Addiction Neuroscience, 3, 100025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addicn.2022.100025
• Jones, J. L., Mateus, C. F., Malcolm, R. J., Brady, K. T., & Back, S. E. (2018). Efficacy of ketamine in the treatment of Substance Use Disorders: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00277
• Bogenschutz, M. P., Ross, S., Bhatt, S., Baron, T., Forcehimes, A. A., Laska, E., Mennenga, S. E., O’Donnell, K., Owens, L. T., Podrebarac, S., Rotrosen, J., Tonigan, J. S., & Worth, L. (2022). Percentage of heavy drinking days following psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy vs placebo in the treatment of adult patients with alcohol use disorder. JAMA Psychiatry, 79(10), 953. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.2096
• Garcia-Romeu A, Griffiths RR, Johnson MW. Psilocybin-occasioned mystical experiences in the treatment of tobacco addiction. Curr Drug Abuse Rev. 2014;7(3):157-64. doi: 10.2174/1874473708666150107121331. PMID: 25563443; PMCID: PMC4342293.
• Nicholas, C. R., Wang, J. B., Coker, A., Mitchell, J. M., Klaire, S. S., Yazar-Klosinski, B., Emerson, A., Brown, R. T., & Doblin, R. (2022). The effects of MDMA-assisted therapy on alcohol and substance use in a phase 3 trial for treatment of severe PTSD. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 233, 109356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109356
• Fuentes, J. J., Fonseca, F., Elices, M., Farré, M., & Torrens, M. (2020). Therapeutic use of LSD in psychiatry: A systematic review of randomized-controlled clinical trials. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00943
• Noller GE, Frampton CM, Yazar-Klosinski B. Ibogaine treatment outcomes for opioid dependence from a twelve-month follow-up observational study. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2018;44(1):37-46. doi: 10.1080/00952990.2017.1310218. Epub 2017 Apr 12. PMID: 28402682.

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What Does The Latest Research Tell Us About Addiction?

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What does the latest research on addiction tell us about treatment?

• By Manesy Ceja-Cevallos
• — May 21, 2018

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In this article, over the last couple of decades, there have been many advancements in the field of drug addiction research., what we already know about the brain and addiction.

Research already tells us much about addiction and the brain . The initial binding sites of drugs such as cocaine, heroin, nicotine, and amphetamine and their involvement with the brain’s reward system have been studied. This reward system also ties these drugs to chemical signals such as dopamine and to areas of the brain involved in emotion and motivation. In addition, the effects of chronic drug abuse have also been identified to contribute to a decline in mental ­­performance and brain activity. Continuous drug abuse, specifically cocaine addiction , has also shown to create long-term behavioral and genetic changes that could be passed on to following generations. Because these are all established findings from the past , this article will be focusing on current advancements being made about understanding drug addiction and finding better, more effective ways of treatment .

Future Treatment For Cravings

There has been a lot of current research done on other factors that could contribute to an individual’s vulnerability to drug addiction. A study conducted by the Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience Institute in Cambridge , focuses on the role of drug addiction in habit-learning areas of the brain. This study is researching the influence of memories on drug cravings. They hypothesize that some drug cravings may arise because of past memories that have become associated with drugs. These memories then trigger a craving for the drug whenever an individual is in the same situation as their memory. With memory-based addiction research, the goal is to selectively disrupt the formation of such memories and hopefully break the cycle of addiction . Other studies are focusing on the genetic component of drug addiction. There have been current findings that suggest there are genetic factors that could predict whether or not a person may be more vulnerable to addiction. Lastly, more research is being done to understand the relationship between stress and drug addiction.

Research On Recovery

Due to the increase in other variables that may be contributing to addiction, there are five major studies being conducted to advance addiction treatment techniques. In a study being done by Johns Hopkins University , researchers explored the rate of relapse in addicts. According to their study, the average length patients would take buprenorphine, medication prescribed to addicts to help them ween off of opioids, only lasted about 55 days. This is alarming when the recommended length of medically assisted treatment is months to years for patients who are trying to successfully overcome their addiction. Also, after the 55 days, a vast majority of the patients admitted to relapsing. This study is highlighting the importance for patients prescribed medication, such as buprenorphine or Suboxone , to continue with their prescription for the amount of time originally prescribed so they could have a real chance at recovery.

The second study, completed by Scripps Research Institute , tested heroin addicted rats and showed that these rats are less likely to increase their use of heroin if they receive electrical stimulation. The implications of the study, in regard to humans, can lead to the eventual application of this technique to human addicts to help treat heroin addiction. However, more research needs to be done to see if this is a viable technique for human subjects.

Another study conducted by Yale , researched patients who ended up in the emergency room of a hospital for detox treatment. Their findings showed that patients who were given medication to reduce drug cravings were increasingly likely to seek help after leaving the hospital. The researchers of this study compared recovering addicts who had been given a referral to addiction treatment services, with those who underwent an interview for discussing treatment options, and those who received a referral for medication. Patients who were given medicated assistance, were more likely to be a part of an addiction treatment program and had a greater reduction in opioid use. This study helps to support the need for medications that reduce cravings when treating opioid addiction.

A fourth study, compiled by the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment , explains the new treatment program, known as contingency management (CM). In CM, patients are given rewards as they complete different steps in their recovery process. A good thing about CM treatment is that it has spread to many outreach outlets such as smart phone apps and web-based platforms. However, this treatment has proven to be most successful in individuals with positive drug urine tests because they were more receptive than those with negative tests.

Transitioning To Home From Treatment

A final study, completed by the Services for the UnderServed, addresses the issues patients have to face when moving from inpatient or residential treatment back into their community . According to their research, 37-56% of patients who had residential treatment relapsed within their first year out of the program. This percentage can be drastically reduced if the patient continues to seek help, but less than half actually continued. The study also found that there were three common barriers faced by inpatient/residential treatment patients. About 62.5% experienced issues with meeting basic needs either financially or in their living situation. 46.9% felt they had no support network back inside of their communities, with an additional 40.6% stating that their friends at home were also struggling from addiction. And finally, 34.4% of patients complained that facilities lacked aftercare services, which are necessary for successful recovery. This research brings to light the necessity of aftercare assistance for patients who are leaving their inpatient programs to return back into their homes.

Addiction research has increased over the last few years because of the opioid epidemic that is rising throughout the United States. These current studies are helping to add more and more layers, investigating the causes of drug addiction so as to get a better understanding of why an individual becomes addicted and what is the best way of helping them recover . Research on drug addiction is vital in finally bringing an end to the opioid crisis; the more we understand the issue, the better we can fight it.

Manesy Ceja-Cevallos studied Integrative Biology with a minor in English at the University of California, Berkeley. She is a researcher at the Center for Research and Education on Aging (CREA). For Manesy, it is important that all individuals understand and have access to healthcare resources.

Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or app is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice. Workit Health, Inc. and its affiliated professional entities make no representations or warranties and expressly disclaim any and all liability concerning any treatment, action by, or effect on any person following the general information offered or provided within or through the blog, website, or app. If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified medical services provider.

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Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence in adults. Suboxone should not be taken by individuals who have been shown to be hypersensitive to buprenorphine or naloxone as serious adverse reactions, including anaphylactic shock, have been reported. Taking Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) with other opioid medicines, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants can cause breathing problems that can lead to coma and death. Other side effects may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, constipation, insomnia, pain, increased sweating, sleepiness, dizziness, coordination problems, physical dependence or abuse, and liver problems. For more information about Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) see Suboxone.com, the full Prescribing Information, and Medication Guide, or talk to your healthcare provider. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of drugs to the FDA. Visit  www.fda.gov/medwatch   or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

All clinical and medical services are provided by licensed physicians and clinicians who are practicing as employees or contractors of independently owned and operated professional medical practices that are owned by licensed physicians. These medical practices include Workit Health (MI), PLLC, Workit Health (CA), P.C., Workit Health (NJ), LLC, Workit Health (OH), LLC, and any other Workit Health professional entity that is established in the future.

Florida 4730 North Habana Ave Ste 206 Tampa, FL 33614 fax (HIPAA): (813) 200-2822

Michigan 3300 Washtenaw Ave Ste 280 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 fax (HIPAA): (855)716-4494

New Jersey 5 Greentree Center Ste 117 Marlton, NJ 08053 fax (HIPAA): (609) 855-5027

Ohio 6855 Spring Valley Dr Ste 110 Holland, OH 43528 fax (HIPAA): (513) 823-3247

Texas 8229 Shoal Creek Blvd Ste 105 Austin, TX 78757 fax (HIPAA): (737) 738-5046

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Florida 600 Heritage Dr. Ste 17 Jupiter, FL 33458 fax (HIPAA): (813) 200-2822

Texas 5373 W Alabama St Ste 204 Houston, TX 77056 fax (HIPAA): (737) 738-5046

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