It's More Than Just a "Choice"
Approaching a stoplight, you see a homeless man standing on the corner where you are about to make a left turn. He is holding a piece of cardboard that says, “H...
Tag: Addiction
More Than Just Social Drinking?
Culture plays a role in the use of alcohol. Alcohol serves as a social lubricant, as it has across different cultures and time periods. Although alcohol appea...
Alcoholism: an Issue of Mind Over Matter?
To most of us, the notion that alcohol abuse is a huge problem in American society is not a new one; but if you’re anything like me, you didn’t fully understand...
The Epidemic of America…Obesity
Obesity is a major problem in the USA but how much of it’s onset is due to actual physical problems and how much is due to the fast paced world we live in...
Opioids, a Pain Killer? Or Cause of Pain?
Pain — A spasm in your back, a toothache, recovering from a fracture or dislocation, a degree of discomfort following surgery; it comes in many forms, but...
Overprescription of Opioids Leads to Dependence
Opioids usage has become as common as taking daily vitamins. An opioid is a psychoactive chemical which diminishes the sensation of pain. The common name for op...
Hope for suppressing the addictive effects of prescription opioids?
When someone hears the word Vicadin or morphine they might often think about the negative effects of these drugs as they are extremely addictive and are also us...
The Role of Glutamate in Opioid Addiction
This week in class we learned about opioid addiction and the role that glutamate plays in it. Opioids enjoy widespread use as pain relievers, some well known o...
Morphine, Vicodin, and Oxycodeine: Why are opioids used when they are so addictive?
You may be familiar with several of the popular opioid medications (morphine, vicodin, and oxycodone) prescribed to people with severe pain. Also, you may have ...
Glutamate antagonists: the answer for opioid dependence?
In 3400 BC, the Sumerians first cultivated the opium poppy plant. Since its discovery, opiates have been used medicinally to relieve pain, and more recently, to...