Millennium Health’s Post

New Hope in Treatment for Substance Use Disorder! As we continue to explore innovative solutions in treating Substance Use Disorder (SUD), recent studies indicate a potentially promising role for a drug traditionally used to treat diabetes - Ozempic. Better known for its function in managing type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is now catching the attention of addiction medicine researchers. The preliminary findings point to Ozempic's ability to decrease addictive cravings and stabilize mood - factors which often intensify relapses in those with SUD. While we remain cautiously optimistic and await further comprehensive research, this apparent breakthrough could potentially reshape treatment strategies for millions struggling with SUD globally. #Ozempic #SubstanceUseDisorder #MentalHealth #InnovationInMedicine #HopeInRecovery

💡What are your thoughts on the therapeutic potential of GLP-1 agonist medications in tackling addiction? 🧠 These medications are showing early signs of curbing cravings for substances like alcohol and cocaine. Recent animal trials have revealed encouraging results, suggesting a reduced inclination towards drug misuse. By targeting the root neurobiological mechanisms of addiction, GLP-1 agonists offer a direct intervention, not just symptom management. 🔍 Ongoing research is looking into their effectiveness across various substance use disorders. If these medications prove effective, they could revolutionize addiction treatment, strengthening efforts for substance use disorder recovery. You can read more here 🔗https://loom.ly/Txli-SM #substanceuse #substanceusedisorders #AddictionTreatment #MentalHealth #BehavioralHealth #RecoveryJourney #EvidenceBasedMedicine

The FDA is considering approving MDMA for PTSD treatment, but a recent advisory panel vote throws a wrench in the plans. While some studies suggest MDMA could be a breakthrough treatment, the panel raised concerns about the research quality, safety risks, and potential bias. This could have a ripple effect on the entire field of psychedelic medicine, which is seeing a surge of interest for treating mental health conditions. Experts are divided, with some calling for further research and others urging caution. What does this mean for the future of psychedelics in medicine? Share your thoughts in the comments. #psychedelics #PTSD #FDA #mentalhealth

Whoa… this new study from Yale University researchers is shaking up traditional views on addiction recovery. #Abstinence-only approaches to opioid treatment might be doing more harm than good, and explore the life-saving potential of medication-based treatments. The data shows: 1. #medications like #methadone and #buprenorphine are found to reduce the risk of death from #opioidusedisorder by 38% and 34%, respectively. 2. People undergoing abstinence-only treatment are 1.2 to 1.7 times more likely to die than those receiving no treatment at all. 3. The study analyzed data from 965 people who died from an opioid-involved overdose in 2017. More after the jump: https://lnkd.in/grb2Au_F

While it’s important to identify those at risk of developing substance use disorder, it is critical to address social determinants of health and adverse childhood experiences of at risk individuals and people with substance use disorder. A diagnosis alone doesn’t improve someone’s life. Addressing the root causes that exacerbate substance misuse does. Addressing social determinants of health and adverse childhood experiences allow people to heal and to sustain their own pathway to recovery. People with substance use disorder and those at risk of developing a substance use disorder can lead healthy lives and sustain recovery when they have stable housing and employment, nutritious food, mental health support to process adverse childhood experiences and trauma, peer support, among other things. #recoverysupport #substanceusedisorder #recoveryispossible #socialdeterminantsofhealth #opioidusedisorder https://lnkd.in/e_CYNGDu

The FDA approved a test (AvertD) intended to determine if a person is at-risk for opioid dependence. https://lnkd.in/diFs34bu The FDAs approval of this test came despite the agency's own independent advisory committee to NOT approve it. The myopic arguments made for NOT approving it were the incidents were the test DIDN'T identify someone at risk, which could lead to overprescribing opioids, and thus worsening the opioid crisis. The opioid crisis in the US was responsible for almost 645K deaths over the last 2 decades. That is 88 people PER DAY for 20 years!!! This group of people weren't the unlock ones who lost the genetic lottery, but likely faced overwhelming developmental traumas, lack of attunement, emotional and psychological challenges, systemic oppressive forces, and comprehensive inequities. The environment has shaped their susceptibility to opioids because opioids likely gave them something they've been missing their whole lives. Most addicts describe their first experience with an opiate as a "warm hug." Given to an individual who has been starved for connection, rejected by society, and deprived of opportunity, it quickly becomes the answer to what ails them. A "short course" in opioids becomes the gateway to escape the realities of an unjust system determined to marginalize and discard them. It is not the opiate or the genetic disposition that is the issues, but rather the society, systems, and injustices that create the susceptibility. How about for the individuals who test POSITIVE in this test, yet, never actually develop opioid use disorder? Will they be stigmatized, marginalized, and punished because a constellation of genetic markers lights up? Rejected by insurances due to "high risk"? The study of epigenetics tells us that the presence of gene is only one side of the story. It is MORE important how our environment affects the expression of our genes, turning them on or off in response to positive or negative forces. This seems insane to me that the FDA would approve something like this, and only goes to show they are operating from an outdated belief system on addiction. What are your thoughts? #addiction #opioidusedisorder #mentalhealth

We are proud to share a manuscript that sheds light on the intersection between psychedelic drugs and mental health. The study, titled "Comparing Substance Use Consequences between Serotonergic Psychedelics, MDMA, and other Drugs of Abuse Among United States Adults with History of Psychiatric Illness," underscores the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy while raising valuable and relevant insights about its implications for individuals with pre-existing psychiatric conditions. We are pleased to contribute to the evolving landscape of psychedelic research! #psychedelicresearch #psychedelicscience #mentalhealth #substanceuse #publichealth

Due to my considerable work with contingency management with people with serious mental illnesses, I've been looking into the strong evidence for its effectiveness with substance use disorders. This article gives a quick summary: https://lnkd.in/eNpnCFRg. There are legal considerations to prevent fraud and abuse, which have been partially addressed by Office of Inspector General rules, with further rulemaking pending by the end of the year. What do you think? Do you have experience with this clinical tool? Does it belong in our toolbox for addressing the fentanyl crisis?

Psychedelics are catalysts for language and dissolving barriers …a culture can not evolve any faster than it’s language evolves…it can’t be any more glued together than the bandwidth of what it’s language will tolerate…. Looking forward to how this research and technology, neglected for so long, can support people in dealing with addiction and trauma. #psychedelictherapy #technologyinnovation #changethemodel

Today, we proudly present our progress in 2023 and our plans for 2024 and beyond. Our focus, energy, and science are centered on people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety disorder. We aspire to bring new therapeutic solutions in areas with little progress for decades as our programs are moving to the final stages of development. #ptsd #ptsdtherapy #socialanxiety #biotechinnovation https://lnkd.in/e4CuEuPr