Where Science Meets the Steps

Addiction

Surviving Surgery Without Opioid Addiction

David Sack M.D. on June 20, 2018

Six ways people in recovery can avoid painkiller addiction post-surgery.

ADHD

Will Adderall Be the New Opioid Crisis?

David Sack M.D. on May 22, 2018

Despite lessons from history, we could be headed for another amphetamine epidemic.

Depression

How Can I Tell If I Have Treatment-Resistant Depression?

David Sack M.D. on February 28, 2018

Several issues can interfere with treatment and recovery.

Alcoholism

6 At-Home Options When Your Drinking Is Becoming Too Much

David Sack M.D. on January 19, 2018

Low-level intervention is a useful starting point for people who drink too much.

Creativity

7 Ways Creativity Supports Addiction Recovery

David Sack M.D. on October 24, 2017

Creativity can play an important role in recovery.

Grief

Why Losing a Parent Hurts So Much, No Matter Your Age

David Sack M.D. on September 27, 2017

Complicated grief often results in attempts to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.

Addiction

Benzodiazepines: The Danger Lurking in the Shadow of Opiates

David Sack M.D. on June 29, 2017

Fatal overdoses more than quadrupled for benzodiazepines prescriptions.

Addiction

6 Myths About Women and Addiction

David Sack M.D. on April 18, 2017

While biology and circumstances affect who is at risk for addiction in both sexes, gender can shape how trauma, loss, and family influence that risk.

Family Dynamics

Are You Addicted to Your Sibling’s Addiction?

David Sack M.D. on March 24, 2017

Help an addicted sibling by first saving yourself.

Smoking

Did I Quit Drugs to Die from Smoking?

David Sack M.D. on February 24, 2017

People in recovery often turn to cigarettes to help them cope, raising their risk of health complications from nicotine addiction.

Trauma

Trauma and First Responders: When the Helpers Need Help

David Sack M.D. on January 31, 2017

It’s not easy to admit you’re struggling emotionally. It’s even harder when you’re one who usually comes to the rescue of others.

Addiction

7 Truths If Someone You Love Is Addicted

David Sack M.D. on January 31, 2017

Addiction can be overwhelming, especially to those on the outside looking in. Knowing what you’re dealing with helps.

Anxiety

8 Ways to Stop Worrying About What Other People Think

David Sack M.D. on October 17, 2016

For some people, anxiety is the defining characteristic of their interactions with others. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Relapse

How Medication Can Help Prevent Opioid Relapse

David Sack M.D. on August 12, 2016

One lapse can be deadly when trying to overcome an addiction to drugs like heroin or prescription painkillers, but medication-assisted treatment can help counter that risk.

Addiction

The Toughest Part of Pokémon Go: Stopping

David Sack M.D. on July 14, 2016

The wildly popular game is prompting exercise and sociability. But there might be another effect: addiction.

Health

The Talk You Must Have Before Your Child Goes to College

David Sack M.D. on July 11, 2016

Getting your child ready for college doesn’t just mean arranging dorms and paying tuition, it also means having an upfront talk about mental health.

Addiction

Which Way Will Prince’s Death Lead Us in the Opioid Fight?

David Sack M.D. on June 17, 2016

Common sense and compassion in dealing with addiction can be hard to find, but the defeat of punitive fentanyl legislation offers hope.

Addiction

What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know About Addiction Can Hurt You

David Sack M.D. on May 13, 2016

Your family physician isn’t required to learn much of anything about how substance use disorders work, and that can mean less chance of recovery

Health

8 Reasons to Exercise That Have Nothing to Do With Swimsuits

David Sack M.D. on May 4, 2016

Exercise causes exterior changes to our bodies, but there are plenty of other reasons to get moving.

Addiction

5 Adjectives That Point to a Drug Problem

David Sack M.D. on February 26, 2016

Problem with drugs? You just might have one if these 5 words describe you.