MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'craving'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:12:00 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631650&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fmedical-marijuana%2F American Society of Addiction MedicinePublic Policy Statement on Medical MarijuanaBackgroundIn the last twenty years, both the scientific community and the public have become interested in the therapeutic potential of cannabis and cannabinoids. Scientific interest has been based in large part on the discovery and elucidation of the endocannabinoid receptor system. Popular interest has focused on state initiatives and other legislation decriminalizing the use of smoked cannabis for personal medical use.  Because of this legislation, herbal cannabis in various forms is now being distributed by dispensaries to large numbers of individuals with a wide variety of medical conditions. This cannabis is not, in most cases, standardized or quality-controlled; the dosage forms (smoked, vaporized, ba... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631650 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 04:20:22 +0100 4631650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3786277&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fm3pVKx7Ub5E%2F OA offers a spiritual solution to compulsive overeating “I did not enter my first meeting with hope,” recalls one member of Overeaters Anonymous. “I entered with despair. But I left with hope, because it was the first time in my life that I realized or heard that I was not morally imperfect, that I was not weak-willed, that I was not some defect. I had a disease—the disease of compulsive overeating.” These words capture some core principles of Overeaters Anonymous (OA). One is that its members have an abnormal relationship with food. Another is that no plan for healing this relationship can succeed when it’s based on personal willpower alone. As an alternative, OA suggests reliance on a “power greater than ourselves,” also referred to as God or a... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3786277 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:55:01 +0100 3786277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3641330&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F10-principles-of-addiction-and-recovery%2F Alcoholism and addiction have several common threads with reciprocal recovery principles. In their book, "Rethinking Substance Abuse,” editors William R. Miller and Kathleen M. Carroll to sum up what has been learned about the science of addiction. These are; Drug Use is Chosen Behavior in the Beginning – for experimenting, peer pressure or otherwise its chosen at first. Drug Problems Emerge Gradually – it takes time to become addicted. Once Well Established, Drug Problems Tend to Become Self-Perpetuating – once the brain alters it number of drug receptor cells drug craving demands more of the same. Motivation is Central to Prevention and Intervention – actively doing something toward change may be more important than the particular actions that are taken. Drug Us... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3641330 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 01:07:00 +0100 3641330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3547010&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FdvFS4xvABiI%2F This study was conducted to replicate previous findings on the predictive value of a German version of the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) by investigating 24-month treatment outcome in an outpatient setting. This was a prospective, observational study with 92 alcohol-dependent patients. The OCDS was used to assess craving at the end of treatment, and at the 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed. Of the 67 patients interviewed at the 24-month follow-up, 58% were abstinent and 79% improved. OCDS scores were higher in patients with a less favorable outcome. In line with previous findings, our results showed that the intensity of craving as measured by the OCDS may predict outcome in outpatient alcoholics. Michael Soyka,... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3547010 Fri, 07 May 2010 06:20:51 +0100 3547010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3385553&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FOrlbEkCK6-U%2F Drug commonly used for alcoholism craving curbs urges of pathological gamblers A drug commonly used to treat alcohol addiction has a similar effect on pathological gamblers – it curbs the urge to gamble and participate in gambling-related behavior, according to a new research at the University of Minnesota. Seventy-seven people participated in the double-blind, placebo controlled study. Fifty-eight men and women took 50, 100, or 150 milligrams of naltrexone every day for 18 weeks. Forty percent of the 49 participants who took the drug and completed the study, quit gambling for at least one month. Their urge to gamble also significantly dropped in intensity and frequency. The other 19 participants took a placebo. But, only 10.5 percent of those who took the placebo were able to a... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3385553 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:38:42 +0100 3385553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2999618&cid=t_156727_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2009%2F11%2F17%2Fchocolate-craving-and-the-menstrual-cycle%2F About chocolate craving: Research suggests that up to 97% of women and 68% of men experience food cravings. Chocolate is the most common one of the craved foods, typically high calorie. A number of situations have been shown to experimentally increase cravings of chocolate consumption. For example,chocolate abstinence, stress and exposure to chocolate cues increase urges to eat chocolate. A 15 min bout of brisk walking, equivalent to ‘fairly light’ intensity exercise, reduces chocolate cravings, with moderate effect sizes, during and for at least 10 min following exercise cessation. Higher intensity or longer bouts of physical activity may lead to compensatory dietary behavior and/or chocolate cravings. Cravings are generally more prevalent in women than men and decrease somewhat with... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2999618 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:29:09 +0100 2999618 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2985041&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faddiction-symptoms-video%2F Sarah Jessica ParkerA great video from Face the Issue about the effects of drugs narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker.This is an anonymous quote from a young addict trying to reclaim their life.“ok, so pot, is fine let’s not get into that….but whenever i hang out with my friends they’re always drinking, which i don’t do, because i’m on pills.lots of pills, pills to sleep, pills to wake up, pills to dull the pain, pills to be numb… it’s ok, i have a prescription….but for a while i got off them. because i ran outbut the other day i found some codiene and i took it, with other stuff… and in my spnish class it started kicking in…and i felt… complete…which is terrible because lately i’ve been hella down because coll... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2985041 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:38:00 +0100 2985041 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967539&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fsymptoms-of-alcoholism-video%2F The symptoms of alcoholism are graphically illustrated in this video narrated by Nicole Kidman.From; Facetheissue.com Related Reading: Share/Save (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967539 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:19:20 +0100 2967539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963338&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdopamine-and-addiction%2F A Molecule of Motivation, Dopamine Excels at Its Task – NYTimes.com.In the communal imagination, dopamine is about rewards, and feeling good, and wanting to feel good again, and if you don’t watch out, you’ll be hooked, a slave to the pleasure lines cruising through your brain. Hey, why do you think they call it dopamine?Related Reading: Share/Save (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963338 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:35:12 +0100 2963338 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2947143&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F6-signs-of-sex-addiction%2F Sex Addiction signs and SymptomsSex can be real problem for some people when sexual practices get out of control. Sex addiction has several symptoms that may be easily identified if you know what to look for. However, like all addiction one needs to be honest with oneself. This video explores the signs of sex addiction.If you think you may have a problem contact a specialist sex addiction counsellor or one of the organisations listed below. Sex Addicts AnonymousSex and Love Addicts Anonymous Sexaholics Anonymous Related Reading: Share/Save (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2947143 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:21:27 +0100 2947143 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741607&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fself-assessment-drinking%2F Individual drinking habits may be found on a process from responsible drinking through alcohol abuse to alcoholism, or physical dependence. There are many signs that may point to an alcohol problem. Drunkenness on its own or solitary drinking does not necessarily indicate alcoholism. The questionnaire will be meaningful to you only if you are honest with yourself when taking it. The important question is: Is your use of alcohol creating significant negative consequences in your life? Do you sometimes drink heavily after a setback or an argument, or when you receive a poor grade? When you experience trouble or are undergoing stress, do you always drink more heavily than usual? Can you handle more liquor now than you could when you first began drinking? Have you ever awakened the &quo... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741607 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:20:00 +0100 2741607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2090243&cid=t_156727_129_f&fid=36036&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Flife-with-crohns%2Fkelly%2Fnew-years-resolutions-and-crohns-disease%2F Happy New Year, all! Wow, I cannot believe that it is 2009 already. I hope that you took some time off during the holidays and were able to relax. I took almost two weeks off and for the first time in a few years, was able to relax and enjoy myself. Of course, a few nights my family had no dinner prepared for them because I was too busy playing video games and reading books (which usually never happen). But my family managed without the prepared food just fine (there is a lesson in here somewhere I think…). My sister and her family were here until the 29th and it was so great to see them and hang out (at our house for once!). We lived in Europe for the last 5.5 years but now that we have a house in the United States, it is easier for people to come and stay with us. We are very happy... Life with Crohn's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2090243 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:00:11 +0100 2090243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2074606&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35823&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FAddictionInbox%2F%7E3%2F497313801%2Fguest-post-food-for-thought-are-you.html This article is contributed by Sarah Scrafford, who regularly writes on the topic of Becoming an Ultrasound Technician. She invites your questions, comments and freelancing job inquiries at her email address: sarah.scrafford25@gmail.com.)Food is essential for life, but there are times when it becomes the reason for death. If you’ve heard of addictions, you’ll know what I’m talking about – addictions and substance dependence extend beyond the realm of drugs, nicotine and alcohol. There are times when it can become as simple, and as complicated, as being addicted to food. Some people have a sweet tooth and get their rush from sugar; others limit themselves to chocolate; but there are a few people who need to eat all the time – they eat when they’re sad and when they’re happy; t... Addiction Inbox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2074606 Sun, 28 Dec 2008 23:27:00 +0100 2074606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1964598&cid=t_156727_107_f&fid=36585&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FHighlightHEALTH%2F%7E3%2FBQ-_S2aYqZQ%2F Conclusion Well, what do you think? Have you made a decision? We’ve moved through each of the different attributes: needs, preferences, values and emotions. Did you find the articles interesting? Did you learn anything new? Was this a successful edition of Encephalon? I really enjoyed reading through each of the articles and learned quite a lot. My thanks to everyone that contributed articles — it’s been great hosting this edition of Encephalon. Be sure to take a moment and let your fellow bloggers know this issue is available so that everyone’s hard work can be appreciated and enjoyed by all. You can find both the hosting schedule and past editions at the Encephalon Archives & Calendar. The next edition of Encephalon will be at Ionian Enchantment on November 24th.... Highlight HEALTH blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1964598 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:20:10 +0100 1964598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1739370&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35823&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FAddictionInbox%2F%7E3%2F377199414%2Fquitting-when-youre-high.html Active smokers underestimate rigors of withdrawal.An alcoholic wraps his car around a tree in a drunken haze. He has "hit bottom" and vows never to drink again.A meth tweaker gets so high he becomes unruly and disoriented and is arrested. In jail, cranked to the gills on speed, she pledges to go sober, starting right now.A cigarette smoker stumbles to bed after a typical two-pack day, coughing, throat burning, reeking of tobacco, and swears that upon waking, his remaining cigarettes will go out with the trash and his life as a human ashtray is over.Each of these addicts has started off on exactly the wrong foot, and will very likely fail quickly in their quitting attempts, according to recent research on smoking cessation from the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. It... Addiction Inbox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1739370 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:49:00 +0100 1739370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1658226&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-best-part-of-wine%2F The Abstinent Approach to Healthy Wine Consumption In the Sober Kitchen by Recovering Chef Liz Scott No doubt since you put down that last drink, you have noticed that researchers are continually discovering good and healthy things about drinking, particularly red wine. Most recently, a compound called resveratrol, which is present in grape skins and seeds, has been pinpointed as the potentially key component in red wine that can contribute to good health. In addition to preventing damage to blood vessels, reducing bad cholesterol, and preventing blood clots, resveratrol may also help protect from obesity and diabetes. “…some studies have even shown that drinking red or purple grape juice provides the same heart-healthy benefits of red wine…” For sober folks an... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1658226 Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:54:36 +0100 1658226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1526457&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Falcoholism-drug-helps-gamblers%2F Drug commonly used for alcoholism craving curbs urges of pathological gamblers A drug commonly used to treat alcohol addiction has a similar effect on pathological gamblers – it curbs the urge to gamble and participate in gambling-related behavior, according to a new research at the University of Minnesota. Seventy-seven people participated in the double-blind, placebo controlled study. Fifty-eight men and women took 50, 100, or 150 milligrams of naltrexone every day for 18 weeks. Forty percent of the 49 participants who took the drug and completed the study, quit gambling for at least one month. Their urge to gamble also significantly dropped in intensity and frequency. The other 19 participants took a placebo. But, only 10.5 percent of those who took the placebo were able to abstai... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1526457 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:43:24 +0100 1526457 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1502795&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fmocktails-in-the-sober-kitchen%2F All About Mocktails: Drinks for Sober Celebrations There was a time when nondrinkers had very few choices when it came to specialty drinks. Shirley Temples and Virgin Marys were the typical options – otherwise a club soda or cola was the usual request for kids and abstemious adults alike. But times have certainly changed! Bartender extraordinaire Tony Abou-Ganim of Las Vegas recently designed a special “mocktail” for Paris Hilton’s birthday party, and alcohol-free pomegranate spritzers were served on an episode of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. With more and more folks abstaining from the hard stuff, hosts need to offer mocktails as well as soft drinks when they entertain if they hope to throw a memorable party for their alcohol-shunning guests. So, what makes a grea... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1502795 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:37:54 +0100 1502795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1436835&cid=t_156727_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F05%2F12%2Fwomen-and-men-react-differently-to-stress%2F New research which should come as a surprise to few of us suggests that men and women react differently to stress. When women are stressed-out, they get depressed or anxious. When men are stressed-out, they drink: As part of a larger study, the researchers exposed 54 healthy adult social drinkers (27 women, 27 men) to three types of imagery scripts — stressful, alcohol-related, and neutral/relaxing — in separate sessions, on separate days and in random order. Chaplin and her colleagues then assessed participants’ subjective emotions, behavioral/bodily responses, cardiovascular arousal as indicated by heart rate and blood pressure, and self-reported alcohol craving. “After listening to the stressful story, women reported more sadness and anxiety than men,” said Chaplin,... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1436835 Mon, 12 May 2008 19:13:08 +0100 1436835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1404247&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdownside-for-anti-craving-drugs%2F Side Effects Imperil Addiction Drugs Reports of increased risk of depression and suicide are dimming the future prospects of drugs designed to treat addictions to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, the Associated Press reported. Development of anti-addiction drugs has gained increased attention from pharmaceutical companies in recent years, but problems associated with drugs like the antismoking medication Chantix — a Pfizer drug linked to numerous suicide attempts — has led to concerns that the drugs block feelings of pleasure as well as craving for drugs. One possible solution would be to limit prescriptions of these drugs to patients who have no history of depression. The FDA says a link between Chantix and depression is “increasingly likely,” but Pfizer offici... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1404247 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:08:50 +0100 1404247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1373675&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35823&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FAddictionInbox%2F%7E3%2F270959071%2Ffood-addiction-and-dopamine.html Why your brain likes sweetsThe brain's ability to sniff out calories in the form of sugar depends upon sugar's drug-like effect on the dopamine-rich reward center known as the nucleus accumbens, according to a study published in the March 27 issue of Neuron. This tiny structure in the mid-brain is also the locus of reward activity for all addictive drugs.In the study, Ivan de Araujo and colleagues at Duke University and the Universidade do Porto in Portugal demonstrated that lab mice lacking the ability to taste sweet foods still preferred sugary water to regular water. The genetically altered mice, lacking functional taste receptor cells for bitter and sweet, consistently chose to consume sugar water--even though they could not sense the sugar. (The lab animals were also prevented from sm... Addiction Inbox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1373675 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:24:00 +0100 1373675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1304998&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35823&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FAddictionInbox%2F%7E3%2F251761152%2Fblocking-nk1-receptor-may-curb-alcohol.html Stress, drugs, and the brain’s “fear center”A brain receptor for a neurotransmitter involved in stress and anxiety responses has become a primary target in the scientific war on alcoholism—the only kind of drug war that really matters.Researchers at the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), working with colleagues at Lilly Research Laboratories and University College in London, announced that a drug that blocks the so-called NK1 receptor (NK1R) reduced alcohol cravings in a study of 25 detoxified alcoholic inpatients. The drug “suppressed spontaneous alcohol cravings, improved overall well-being, blunted cravings induced by a challenge procedure, and attenuated concomitant cortisol responses.” The study, published in the current issue of Science magazine, ... Addiction Inbox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1304998 Sat, 15 Mar 2008 03:02:00 +0100 1304998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1297873&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35823&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FAddictionInbox%2F%7E3%2F250214268%2Fdrug-addiction-and-dissociation.html Where does the “self” go during active addiction? Where does the everyday self go during active cycles of addiction? It is not a simple case of amnesia, or sleepwalking. It is more like a waking trance, or autohypnosis. Psychologically, it is a state of dissociation. The sense of self becomes impaired through the processes of intoxication, denial, neuroadaption, withdrawal, and craving. This impaired sense of self causes behavior that is baldly contradictory to the addict's core beliefs and values. Honest men and women will lie and steal in order to get drugs.Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary defines dissociation, rather vaguely, as “the splitting off of certain mental processes from the main body of consciousness, with varying degrees of autonomy resulting.” How autonomous were yo... Addiction Inbox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1297873 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:19:00 +0100 1297873 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1231950&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35823&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FAddictionInbox%2F%7E3%2F235042637%2Ffighting-fire-with-fire.html An introduction to anti-craving drugs The early neurobehavioral research on addiction has been vindicated by the development of anti-craving drugs and new drugs for depression.On the other hand, the psychopharmacology of addiction is not much studied in med school, and all but unknown among the general populace. Even the treatments now in existence are woefully underutilized. Moreover, there are good reasons to question whether these drugs are being prescribed with sufficient care and forethought in cases where they are being used. Legitimate, unanswered questions exist about pharmacotherapy for addictive disorders.The most important effect--the reregulation of brain receptor arrays with time--is little understood. And we cannot say with certainty whether messing with Mother Nature’s rec... Addiction Inbox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1231950 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:25:00 +0100 1231950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1107144&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-most-effective-form-of-harm-reduction%2F   The drug manufacturing industry has produced a variety of drugs which, to all intents and purposes, alleviate the cravings of addicts. Apart from the fact that the long term effects of the most recent drugs are yet to emerge, it is questionable whether or not any of these drugs will satisfy the psychological and emotional cravings of addicts for the experience of the high or the oblivion that many addicts consciously or unconsciously seek. In the interim Carl Jung’s comments are worth recalling: Science has no answer to this problem, psychotherapy alone is useless, what is required is a spiritual experience (Jung, Carl G. Letters to Bill ‘W’, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. 1961 Jan) The terms ‘spiritual experience’ and ‘spiritual awakening’ are referred to in... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1107144 Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:49:52 +0100 1107144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1106307&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35823&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FAddictionInbox%2F%7E3%2F202786820%2Fwhat-is-drug-craving.html Exploring the engine of drug relapse“In terms of treatment, you can’t just attack the rewarding features of the drug. In the case of alcohol, we already have a perfect drug to make alcohol aversive--and that’s Antabuse. But people don’t take it. Why don’t they take it? Because they still crave. And so they stop taking it. You have to attack the other side, and hit the craving.”--Dr. Ting-Kai Li, 1990 interviewIt causes relapses and treatment failure. It leads good people to break good promises and do harm to themselves and others. What is this thing called craving? Isn’t it just another word for lack of will power?Scientists have gained a much deeper understanding of how and why addicts crave. For years, craving was represented by the tortured tremors and sweaty nightmares of... Addiction Inbox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1106307 Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:29:00 +0100 1106307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1031235&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwhy-alcoholics-crave%2F Dopamine and alcoholism Dawn Farm has published an excellent simplification of the way in which alcohol affects the brain and why alcoholics have a muted response to some drugs. It’s already known that addictive drugs, including alcohol, trigger a rush of dopamine. Getting that literal rush is such a powerful reward that it’s a big part of the reason addicts go back to drugs, even though they know objectively that it’s a truly bad idea. Full story at; Dopamine and alcoholism Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1031235 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:26:43 +0100 1031235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1019423&cid=t_156727_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F183226162%2F Here are a few good links and articles that go right along with our Hearty blog… Have a great Sunday! We all know that smoking cigarettes increases your risk for heart disease, right? Then why don’t more people quit? Well duh, it is an addiction after all so that makes it more than tough. Researchers have found that the individual differences in brain chemistry can have a profound effect on a person’s susceptibility to addiction, and smoking may predispose adolescents to mental disorders in adolescence and adulthood such as affective disorders like depression. It is a vicious cycle! Another risk factor in heart disease… obesity. Scientists can now measure how full or hungry a mouse feels, thanks to a new technique which uses imaging to reveal how neurons behave in t... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1019423 Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:10:21 +0100 1019423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=998724&cid=t_156727_151_f&fid=35823&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FAddictionInbox%2F%7E3%2F178463975%2Ffood-addiction.html The neurology of carbohydrate cravingEighteen years ago, Richard and Judith Wurtman, a husband and wife research team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) reported in Scientific American:"We wondered whether the consumption of excessive amounts of snack carbohydrates leading to severe obesity might not represent a kind of substance abuse, in which the decision to consume carbohydrates for their calming and anti-depressant effects is carried to an extreme--at substantial cost to the abuser’s health and appearance."In the case of certain carbohydrate cravers, the Wurtmans found, dietary tryptophan was being converted into serotonin, like always—but this concentrated serotonin surge was also a powerful mood-booster. It was medicine.The Wurtmans had hit on something big. Peop... Addiction Inbox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=998724 Thu, 01 Nov 2007 23:14:00 +0100 998724