Nowadays it seems like lasers can be used for anything and everything. While once upon a time, the idea of a laser beam being used for something practical was limited to the realm of science fiction, lasers are now being used for everyday matters like eye surgery, hair removal, and skin care—and as if that wasn’t enough, a group of researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), collaborating with the Research Center at UC San Francisco (UCSF) have determined that by using a laser light on the prelimbic region of the prefrontal cortex of the brain, they can erase addictive behavior in animal test subjects, and can also transform rats with no addictive behaviors into cocaine-seekers.

This study will hopefully lead to new therapies for people with compulsive cocaine abuse problems, as the findings demonstrate the crucial nature of the prefrontal cortex when it comes to addictive behavior. Interestingly, human therapy would likely not use lasers, but rather external electromagnetic stimulation—sometimes called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)—and due to the success of the animal study, clinical trials are currently being designed to see if transcranial stimulation is a viable option for addiction treatment.

One of the many reasons this new research is so exciting are the uniquely harmful aspects of cocaine addiction. Those addicted to cocaine, whether human or animal, tend to make poor decisions due to the compulsion to take the drug, even when subjects know there are injurious risks associated with continued use. In human and animal studies, it’s been shown that those addicted to cocaine have very low activity in their prefrontal cortex, which is essential for impulse control. In a nutshell, the lasers used by the researchers stimulated certain nerve cells prefrontal cortex of the subject rats. Activating these cells erased compulsive behavior, while deactivating them made non-addicted rats into compulsive addicts.

The hope is that transcranial magnetic stimulation, an external technique, can be used similarly in humans. The researchers and their colleagues plan on soon starting clinical trials on the transcranial stimulation technique, stimulating the prefrontal cortex several times a week in subject humans addicted to cocaine, hopefully restoring normal activity to that part of their brains and conquering their compulsion to take the drug.

Addiction, including addiction to cocaine, is a medical condition with identifiable behavioral symptoms and patterns of behavior. At Malibu Horizon, one of the only non twelve-step, disease model, therapy-based treatment programs in the world, individuals with addictions can find the help they need to overcome their condition and regain their life free of self-destructive behaviors. Malibu Horizon offers a detox program with full medical supervision, as well as a residential treatment program where patients can remain on-site for intensive care.

The article, “Could Laser Therapy Be Used to Treat Cocaine Addiction?” is one of many resources designed to help those seeking an advanced approach to treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. To read more about our approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and stay up-to-date on latest developments, read the monthly blog articles here at Malibu Horizon.

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The researchers took a sample of 120 people all of similar age, gender, and verbal IQ, and then scanned their brains. Half of the patients were dependent on cocaine, while the other 60 reported no history of substance abuse. The rate of grey matter volume loss was significantly higher in those dependent on cocaine. Drug-free volunteers lost only about 1.69 ml of grey matter per year, while the cocaine users lost about 3.08 ml of their brain volume per year. This kind of decline put the brain-age of many middle-aged users of cocaine much closer to the brain age of older people. This concern over accelerated aging is thus not confined to the young, but also older adults.

The reduction in volume was located mostly in the prefrontal and temporal cortices of the brain, which are important areas associated with self-regulation, memory, attention span, and decision-making. This is important data for researchers, and for the public health of the world. While cocaine use has been associated with cognitive decline, this is the first time premature brain aging has been associated with cocaine abuse. Given that cocaine is used by up to twenty-one million people worldwide, the researchers are calling for preventative strategies to help address this risk. Young people just beginning to use the drug may not be aware of this particular risk, and accelerated aging will affect older adults who regularly abuse the drug, or are dependent on it. Indeed, older users of drugs are often less well-served by treatment centers and services. Thus, health care providers must understand and respond to the needs of older users in order to truly serve the population.

Addiction, including addiction to cocaine, is a medical condition with identifiable behavioral symptoms and patterns of behavior. At Malibu Horizon, one of the only non twelve-step, disease model, therapy-based treatment programs in the world, individuals with addictions can find the help they need to overcome their condition and regain their life free of self-destructive behaviors. Malibu Horizon offers a detox program with full medical supervision, as well as a residential treatment program where patients can remain on-site for intensive care.

The article, “Cocaine Use Accelerates Brain Aging” is one of many resources designed to help those seeking an advanced approach to treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. To read more about our approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and stay up-to-date on latest developments, read the monthly blog articles here at Malibu Horizon.

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Addiction to prescription painkillers is a growing phenomenon in this nation, and one that has, in recent years, come more and more into the national spotlight. But why exactly is that? Well, it’s possible that it’s a problem that hits close to home for many Americans. Recreational use of opioid painkillers, as well as the dependence that can come from long-term use of these highly addictive pills, is likely a scary thought for the majority of people out there. After all, most of us have been prescribed one of these opioid painkillers, like Oxycontin, Vicodin, or Percocet, for some reason, whether it’s because we had our wisdom teeth out, or another medical procedure that was very painful. We also likely had little idea what to do with leftover pills beyond keep them—and potentially lose track of them, where they might have made their way onto the black market.

So, what is there to be done about the problem of widespread addiction to painkillers? Lawmakers and public health officials have tried a few solutions, one of them being limiting doctors from overprescribing opioid painkillers to patients. Interestingly, this particular measure has been found to be very popular among Americans, a recent study conducted by the advocacy coalition Research!America found. Fifty-two percent of those who responded to the survey felt that doctors should absolutely be limited in the volume of prescription painkillers they are able to prescribe, specifically because of the concerns over their addictiveness.

The survey also reported that Americans are as a group very anxious over the misuse prescription pain medications, with 85% of those who responded expressing concern over the epidemic. Nearly half of all those polled said that addiction to prescription drugs is a major threat to U.S. overall health. They’re not wrong—death from prescription painkiller overdose has quadrupled since 1999, and outstrips death linked to heroin and cocaine overdose, according to Research!America.

Research!America plans on using the poll results to encourage more and better research on chronic pain and the overprescribing of prescription opioids to treat such, given the lack of good research justifying the long-term use of opioids to treat non-cancer pain. Long-term use often results in dependence, and solely prescribing these drugs has discouraged research into non-addictive ways to treat chronic pain.

Addiction, including addiction to prescription painkillers, is a medical condition with identifiable behavioral symptoms and patterns of behavior. At Malibu Horizon, one of the only non twelve-step, disease model, therapy-based treatment programs in the world, individuals with addictions can find the help they need to overcome their condition and regain their life free of self-destructive behaviors. Malibu Horizon offers a detox program with full medical supervision, as well as a residential treatment program where patients can remain on-site for intensive care.

The article, “Most Americans Support Limits on Prescribing Prescription Painkillers” is one of many resources designed to help those seeking an advanced approach to treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. To read more about our approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and stay up-to-date on latest developments, read the monthly blog articles here at Malibu Horizon.

http://thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/medical-devices-and-prescription-drug-policy-/292595-poll-majority-backs-limits-on-prescribing-pain-meds

California is widely known for lots of things, like its variety of terrains, great parks, beautiful beaches, and amazing weather. But it’s a fact that California is also known for fabulous drug rehabilitation clinics all over the state. Perhaps in part because of those great beaches and landscapes, California has many high-rated luxury drug detox centers and rehab clinics, but there are also many affordable, high-quality clinics as well. Whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s a posh, spa-like experience in the hills or a convenient city-based program, California clinics will be able to serve your detox and rehab needs. California has more inpatient and outpatient rehab programs than any other state in the United States, but there are also more different kinds of programs than any other state. There are plenty of traditional clinics, but also ones with a more holistic, new-age approach, Christian-themed rehab clinics, dual diagnosis, whatever you’re looking for.

Now, while California might have the best, most diverse drug rehab and detox programs in the country, the first step is still for you to pick up the phone and make contact with a facility. It’s something you have to decide for yourself. Addiction is a disease, and one that affects the mind. While at first, you might have chosen to take drugs, over time, your ability to make that choice weakens, and your actions become compulsive. Addiction affects the brain pathways and circuits, like those involved with learning, memory, and behavioral control. Also, addiction is likely more than just a person’s compulsive drug taking; drug abuse increases someone’s risk for lifestyle changes like mental illnesses, and toxic effects or physical illnesses in the body from the drugs themselves.

Addiction to drugs and alcohol are real diseases, sometimes life-threatening diseases. While it might be embarrassing to admit you have a problem, if you’re ready to change your life and rid yourself of addiction you should definitely seek outpatient or inpatient rehab to facilitate your recovery. All to often a person will realize they have a problem with drugs or alcohol, but recovery proves too hard for them on their own. And that’s scary when you consider that less than 20% of people struggling with substance abuse ever seek professional treatment. If you can, seeking some kind of rehab at a facility is your best option, as the people who work in such places are trained to help you have the easiest experience possible on your path back to becoming an addiction-free, productive, happy, responsible member of the community. If you live in California, the good news is there are so many programs out here to help you with your addiction. But it’s in your hands whether or not you make contact with a facility. You should!

At Malibu Horizon in California, one of the only non twelve-step, disease model, therapy-based treatment programs in the world, individuals addicted to alcohol, controlled substances such as heroin, cocaine, and other drugs, as well as prescription drugs can find the help they need to overcome their condition and regain their life free of self-destructive behaviors. Malibu Horizon offers a detox program with full medical supervision, as well as a residential treatment program where patients can remain on-site for intensive care.

It has been long established among addiction experts that drinking can cause temporary depressive episodes. These bouts, called “substance-induced depression,” mimic clinical depression in many ways, but are the result of consuming drugs or alcohol. Patients experience sadness, usually in the midst of drinking, and that feeling persists even when the person is not actually drinking alcohol. Patients who link the two things in their mind – drinking and depression – often assume they are clinically depressed and drinking helps. In fact, it is actually more likely the drinking is causing the depression.

This assumption can cause a host of problems for those experiencing depression, but it can also cause a big problem for clinicians. These clinicians, when discussing symptoms of depression with his or her patient, may not know about the patient’s alcoholism. Without realizing that alcohol consumption may be causing the feelings of depression, rather than those symptoms existing independently, the clinician may prescribe antidepressants – many of which interact with alcohol – when the safest course would be to enroll the patient in substance-abuse counseling.

Depression caused by heavy drinking should be treated differently from depressive episodes that are the result of other factors. While the symptoms of independent and substance-induced depression can appear so similar as to look identical, the prognosis is different, and if the symptoms develop in the context of heavy drinking, they are likely to go away without any antidepressants if the patient can stop using for several weeks to a month.

These findings are part of a 30-year long study of close to 400 men, all who had increased risk for drinking issues due to a parental history of alcoholism. Over the three decades, over 40% of the men developed alcohol dependency or suffered from alcohol abuse, and close to 20% suffered from major depression during that time. For the group where overlap occurred – when the men experienced depression and were abusing or dependent on alcohol – the depression occurred when they were drinking heavily, and was alleviated by abstinence rather than antidepressants.

Addiction, including addiction to alcohol, is a medical condition with identifiable behavioral symptoms and patterns of behavior. At Malibu Horizon, one of the only non twelve-step, disease model, therapy-based treatment programs in the world, individuals with addictions can find the help they need to overcome their condition and regain their life free of self-destructive behaviors. Malibu Horizon offers a detox program with full medical supervision, as well as a residential treatment program where patients can remain on-site for intensive care.

The article, “Alcohol Abuse Tied to Depression” is one of many resources designed to help those seeking an advanced approach to treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. To read more about our approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and stay up-to-date on latest developments, read the monthly blog articles here at Malibu Horizon.

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Ch-mAb7F9, as this new drug is currently called, has just completed the initial phase of testing by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and InterveXion Therapeutics. The drug works as an antibody, meaning it would prevent the brain from processing any methamphetamine that entered the bloodstream. The idea behind the drug is that it would be used as part of a patient’s treatment to quit methamphetamine abuse by taking away the physical effects of methamphetamine that the drug user craves. If a user is no longer experiencing the physical rewards they want from methamphetamine, they will presumably no longer see any point in abusing the drug. Ch-mAb7F9 would of course be used in conjunction with other treatments, but if further testing shows that it is safe and effective, it may be a powerful tool toward recovery.

The first round of double-blind testing has shown that even over long term use, Ch-mAb7F9 seems to have had no adverse effects on the test subjects. This initial clinical test was only to see if the drug was both safe and tolerable over an eight-month period, and so much more testing needs to be done to see how effective it is in helping to curve methamphetamine cravings. It does look promising enough that the National Institute on Drug Abuse has awarded grants to help fund the ongoing studies. The addiction medicine experts at Malibu Horizon will be closely monitoring the further testing of Ch-mAb7F9 to see if it might one day be a useful aid in treating methamphetamine addiction.

The use of properly administered pharmaceuticals to help fight addiction is by no means the first or only treatment option at Malibu Horizon. The treatment programs at our facilities are custom-tailored to each unique client need, from a variety of structured programs that include Self Empowerment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Group Therapy, and Equine Therapy. We work with our clients to determine what options will work best for them, and we treat our clients as self-reliant individuals and adults who are capable of learning to cope with their medical condition and return to a life free of self-destructive behaviors.

The article, New Methamphetamine Antibody Passes First Round of Tests, is one of many resources designed to help those seeking an advanced approach to treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. To read more about our approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and stay up-to-date on latest developments, read the monthly blog articles here at Malibu Horizon.

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The study evaluated four distinct areas of sexual performance in men: desire, satisfaction, arousal, and orgasm. In most cases, the study group experienced “moderate to significant” impairment when looked at side by side with the control group – though results differed with the substance in question. For example, while cocaine and speedball use affected sexual pleasure most significantly, they were not found to affect sexual desire. Cocaine users tend to have very strong sexual desire when abusing their drug of choice. By contrast, the arousal capacity (erectile function) of alcohol users was most affected, even after a long period of abstaining from alcohol use, and ability to achieve orgasm was most impaired by alcohol, as well, though it also significantly affected those who abused heroin, cocaine, and combinations of the two (often called a speedball).

While the results of this study may seem discouraging upon first glance, those interested in seeking help with their substance abuse issues should not despair. The conclusion of the article states that the researchers’ findings indicated that sexual function does not improve merely by stopping drug use. Counseling, such as the type provided by Malibu Horizon, has been proven to help many issues surrounding drug and alcohol addiction.

Malibu Horizon is one of the only non twelve-step, therapy-based, disease-model, programs out there. Designed to help self-reliant individuals manage the symptoms of their medical condition and regain a healthy life free from self-destructive behaviors, Malibu Horizon offers custom-tailored programs unique to their clients’ needs, including structured therapies that focus on self-empowerment and motivation enhancement. Clients are encouraged to work through their condition with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, and Equine Therapy, all proven to help those with substance abuse problems.

The article, The Long-Term Effects of Drug Addiction on Male Sexual Function, is one of many resources designed to help those seeking an advanced approach to treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. To read more about our approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and stay up-to-date on latest developments, read the monthly blog articles here at Malibu Horizon.

While prescribing opioids is currently a common treatment for pain management, physicians such as Daniel Webster, ScD, MPH, who is a professor of Health Policy and Management at the Bloomberg School, fear that the tendency to routinely prescribe opioids such as Percocet, Vicodin, and OxyContin diminishes the possibility of examining and managing different, safer methods of treatment for those who require treatment for chronic pain. He also fears that over-prescribing or automatic prescribing increases the likelihood that the drugs will be abused or make their way onto the illegal markets, where they will likely lead to more widespread addiction and death. According to a 2010 study, more than 16 million Americans admit to abusing prescription drugs – perhaps as high as 20% of the American population regularly abuses prescription drugs – a sobering statistic indeed when you take into account that more Americans die from drug overdose than car accidents. Given that more of those deaths are caused by prescription opioid abuse than cocaine and heroin together, the situation is truly alarming.

While some measures are in place to study and address what many physicians are calling “an epidemic of opioid and prescription drug abuse,” many public health professionals fear it is not enough to limit the misuse of these medicines. Currently, there are limits on how many opioid prescriptions will be covered by insurance providers, state monitoring of the number of opioid prescriptions, and single-physician or pharmacy supplying. Physicians such as Dr. Webster and his colleagues at the Bloomberg School hope that more will be done in the future, such as exploring more innovative, alternative ways to treat chronic pain, and changing prescription practices.

Addiction, including addiction to prescription drugs, is a medical condition with identifiable behavioral symptoms and patterns of behavior. At Malibu Horizon, one of the only non twelve-step, disease model, therapy-based treatment programs in the world, individuals addicted to alcohol, controlled substances such as heroin, cocaine, and other drugs, as well as prescription drugs can find the help they need to overcome their condition and regain their life free of self-destructive behaviors. Malibu Horizon offers an opiate detox program with full medical supervision, as well as a residential treatment program where patients can remain on-site for intensive care.

The article, The Public Health Consequences of Over-prescribing Opioids, is one of many resources designed to help those seeking an advanced approach to treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. To read more about our approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and stay up-to-date on latest developments, read the monthly blog articles here at Malibu Horizon.

When you engage in an enjoyable activity, especially an intense one with which you identify strongly, as many football fans do, the brain releases increased amounts of dopamine, bringing with it a sense of accomplishment, happiness, and excitement comparable to the “high” that athletes experience after an intense workout. Once the supply of this dopamine is cut off – say by the end of football season – you may feel deprived, listless, or out-of-sorts. This is the basic idea that led to the research done by Dr. Halaris. It’s a similar cycle to what goes on with almost any addiction, and while football withdrawal syndrome isn’t generally something that requires treatment or medication, it’s certainly unpleasant, and can pose a risk to those who are already predisposed to depression, anxiety, or substance abuse.

To combat the post-football blues, Dr. Halaris has a variety of suggestions to help keep your chin up. Just because the football season may be over, doesn’t mean that you have to quit cold turkey. Dr. Halaris recommends slowly “weaning” yourself off football by watching highlights or even entire games on YouTube or your DVR. More importantly, though, he suggests keeping a good support group, advice that’s familiar to anyone who has ever tried to ride out withdrawal of any kind. Talk to friends, family, spouses, etc. about your feelings. For many people, a big part of the enjoyment of football is getting together with friends and family. Just because the season is officially over, doesn’t mean the social aspect has to come to an end. Getting together with friends to reminisce about past games, or just to have fun, can help combat the withdrawal symptoms and recapture some of the “high” from the games themselves.

While you may not need Malibu Horizon to help combat the post-football blues, withdrawal of any kind can be serious, and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Addiction is a medical condition with behavioral symptoms. At Malibu Horizon, the only non 12-step, disease model therapy-based program in the world, we treat our clients as self-reliant individuals and adults who are capable of learning to cope with their medical condition and return to a life free of self-destructive behaviors. The treatment programs at Malibu Horizon are custom-tailored to each unique client need, from a variety of structured programs that include Self Empowerment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Group Therapy, and Equine Therapy.

The article, Combating Football Withdrawal Syndrome, is one of many resources designed to help those seeking an advanced approach to treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. To read more about our approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and stay up-to-date on latest developments, read the monthly blog articles here at Malibu Horizon.

Given that the decision to seek help from a professional drug and alcohol treatment center is a highly personal one that often comes after a long period of personal stress and turmoil, the process for getting admitted is only as detailed as absolutely necessary. At Malibu Horizon, our doctors, counselors, therapists, and support staff know that an individual who is addicted to alcohol or substances may be hesitant to enter treatment. Therefore, we believe that client treatment for alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, and reliance on substances begins on Day 1. Treatment often starts with little more than a phone call.

When you call Malibu Horizon, our staff is ready and able to answer most of your questions about the facility, our treatment services, and how our non 12-step, disease model program can help you come to terms with your addiction and allow you to begin to work toward a life free from reliance on alcohol or drugs. Those thinking about admittance to Malibu Horizon should know that the treatment center is the only non 12-step, disease model, therapy based program in the world. At Malibu Horizon, our doctors and therapists treat addiction as a medical condition that can be successfully overcome with medical and therapeutic care. During your initial phone assessment, the treatment team at Malibu Horizon will attempt to determine if detox or residential treatment is needed. In addition, they will typically begin the process to assign a private doctoral-level therapist to you. Your length of stay may be discussed at this time. As with any client who comes to Malibu Horizon for drug or alcohol treatment, the length of stay at the facility is often determined by the individual situation and the goals of the treatment.

Financial arrangements are often made after the initial phone call and assessment. The treatment program at Malibu Horizon can be covered by private pay, PPO health insurance, credit card, or financing arrangements. Some of our arrangements offer 1-year interest free financing.

At Malibu Horizon, we treat every client as a unique individual with a custom-designed treatment program that specifically addresses the present state of their addiction, their personal health history, and their recovery goals. Therefore, upon admission to Malibu Horizon, every client receives a medical history evaluation, as well as a comprehensive biological, psychological, and social assessment. This allows the treatment team at Malibu Horizon to obtain the needed information that goes into the creation of a highly-personalized, nutritional, therapeutic, and medical treatment plan.

The article, The Process of Getting Admitted to a Treatment Center,is one of many resources designed to help those seeking an advanced approach to treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. To read more about our approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and stay up-to-date on latest developments, read the monthly blog articles here at Malibu Horizon.