From Don Juanism to nymphomania, sex addiction has long been recognized among the lay public, but recognition among professionals has been more controversial. Although highly stigmatized, excessive sexual behavior doesn’t qualify as a disorder until it causes real problems for patients, such as relationship issues, losing one’s job, and getting arrested.

Pornography addiction is more of a process or behavioral addiction where the effect on the brain is the same, but you’re not putting a foreign chemical into your body. Pornography is just one behavior that we would put under that umbrella of sexual addiction. And for some people who become sex addicts, it actually starts out with pornography—as a sort of gateway drug.

If you have not yet heard of kratom (usually pronounced kray-tom or krah-tom), consider this an introduction. Kratom preparations are gaining popularity among substance users because of the plant’s opioid-like and stimulant properties.

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These days, opiates are primarily prescribed to treat pain. But there is a long history of using opiates to treat depression and other mental illness. Starting in the 700s, Arabian cultures used opium in mental hospitals in Baghdad, Damascus, Fez, and Cairo that also incorporated milieu therapy such as music,...

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As a clinical psychologist with a specialty in chronic pain management, I am often referred patients with both chronic pain and psychiatric issues. Many of these patients see a psychiatrist and a therapist, and are taking with both psychotropic and pain medications. The referral is often made because there is...

Ideally, an SUD in a health care provider can be recognized as early as possible, before irreparable harm comes to the provider’s career, patients, or family. Overdose and suicide are not uncommon outcomes, and efforts must be focused on preventing these as well as protecting patients.

Ever wish you could improve treatment compliance among your patients who receive buprenorphine? Ever wish you could offer them the benefit of sublingual buprenorphine while avoiding the risk of diversion and abuse? Well, now you can—maybe.

What changes when addressing addiction when the patient is a doctor? When you’re dealing with health care professionals, the defenses common among people struggling with substance abuse are much more sophisticated. Many times a doctor or other highly trained health professional can talk circles around substance abuse counselors. Dr. Ziegler shares her insight on treating health care professionals.