Stories by Maia Szalavitz

Harm Reduction Is the Best Approach for COVID and Drug Addiction

In both cases, harm reduction is a better strategy than draconian rules that feel virtuous but don’t actually work

Pharmaceutical companies and drug dealers have been part of the problem—but so have policy makers

Where financial disparities are greatest, the murder rate tends to be high

New studies strengthen ties between loss, pain and drug use

Rethinking the “pleasure molecule” could help scientists better understand addiction, Parkinson’s disease and motivation

The opioid-blocking drug naloxone is a crucial first step, but there must be immediate follow-up to keep the cycle of addiction from continuing

Cracking down on highly effective pain medications will make patients suffer for no good reason

Author Maia Szalavitz rebrands addiction as a learning disorder, exploring new approaches to tolerance, prevention and treatment

New research suggests the disorder often looks different in females, many of whom are being misdiagnosed and missing out on the support they need

Dangers lurk within the U.S.'s $12-billion self-help industry. Here is how to spot the warning signs

A child's hyperactivity may be a symptom of distress