New evidence suggests that the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is higher than previously documented. In this study, prevalence estimates were derived from 13,146 first-grade children in four U.S. communities between 2010 and 2016.

Acting on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, varenicline (Chantix) is an FDA-approved treatment for smoking cessation. These receptors are implicated in both nicotine and alcohol reward pathways, so could varenicline also be helpful for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD)?

Typically, the most frequent problem that I’m referred is the pregnant patient who’s dependent on opioids. And this could be either someone who’s using illicit drugs, such as heroin, or is prescribed prescription opioids.

Mindfulness is a growing trend in mental health treatment, but it often requires hours of practice to become proficient. What if you could provide your patients with an introductory mindfulness lesson in less than 15 minutes and see meaningful reductions in their risky drinking?

Detox (also known as “medically supervised withdrawal”) refers to treatment to help patients withdraw from substances that cause physical dependence, such as alcohol, sedative-hypnotics, and opioids. But detox is far more than a several-day process of ridding the body of an addictive substance. It should be considered an important component in the overall care and treatment of addiction.

Currently in the US, cannabis has evolved into an issue of individual freedom, leading to full legalization in some states on the presumption that the substance isn’t addictive. Unfortunately, cannabis use disorder is indeed a problem for many patients, Kevin Hill, MD, tells us. In fact, says Dr. Hill, one of the greatest challenges you’ll encounter while treating patients is convincing them that cannabis use disorder is a real thing. Here are some treatment strategies.

Kratom (Mitagyna speciose) is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family whose leaves have been used for centuries in South Asian countries as a stimulant and pain reliever. Recently, kratom has entered US and European markets and is now sold in various forms, both online and at local head shops.

Opioid withdrawal protocols often rely on a buprenorphine taper, but other medications are regularly used either in addition to or in the place of buprenorphine. In particular, tramadol ER, a mild opiate, may be effective and was recently studied at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.