Dopamine is known as the feel-good neurotransmitter—a chemical that ferries information between neurons. The brain releases it when we eat food that we crave or while we have sex, contributing to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction as part of the reward system. This important neurochemical boosts mood, motivation, and attention, and helps regulate movement, learning, and emotional responses.| Psychology Today
For many, beer, wine, and spirits conjure up thoughts of social gatherings and tipsy fun. But alcohol is a nervous system depressant and easily alters behavior, culminating in some cases in the emotional pain and physical disintegration of alcohol addiction, colloquially known as alcoholism. Experts continue to debate the benefits and risks of drinking and passionately argue over whether moderation or complete abstinence is the best option for those who struggle with alcoholism.| Psychology Today
The term social media is generally used to describe internet-based websites and applications where users can participate in conversations, connect with other people, share their thoughts, and otherwise engage in social networking in a virtual environment. Between them, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, and TikTok attract billions of daily users around the world.| Psychology Today
Compulsive behaviors are actions that are engaged in repeatedly and consistently, despite the fact that they are experienced as aversive or troubling. Yet treatment can help to manage or overcome these difficult patterns.| Psychology Today
We are in the midst of a speedballing crisis. The fourth and current wave of the drug overdose crisis is comprised of the use of fentanyl (an opioid) with cocaine or methamphetamine, both stimulants. (This combination use is often referred to as "speedballing.") For the first time, according to a report from Millennium Health, methamphetamine and cocaine have overtaken heroin or prescription opioids in nearly every state’s fentanyl combination. In addition, the increase in overdose deaths f...| Bridges to Recovery
Some people depend on opioids or methamphetamine (or both), while far greater numbers of individuals in the United States and worldwide depend on sugar and highly processed foods to feel better or even normal. We’ve known about food addiction for some time; for example, in July 2007, Yale University brought together 40 experts on nutrition, obesity, and addiction to discuss the addictive potential of foods.| Bridges to Recovery
Substance use disorder often includes co-occurring disorders that take a toll on celebrities and regular folk alike. Many people have a substance use disorder (SUD) and serious psychiatric issue at the same time. Experts and the public have struggled with whether drugs caused psychiatric illness or vice versa.| Bridges to Recovery