Stories by Nora D. Volkow

We need radical change in order to address the crisis

When health care providers demonize people addicted to drugs or alcohol, it just makes the problem worse

Health care already has effective treatment tools, including medications, but many people who could benefit are reluctant to seek them out

People who smoke tobacco or marijuana; vape; or use opioids or methamphetamine may be at higher risk of serious disease

Clinical trials are essential for testing new treatments, and those who suffer from SUDs are essential to their success

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that although the use of illicit drugs has gone down, nicotine use is going up

It's not just rewarding to the brain by itself; it also enhances and prolongs the pleasure we get from other activities

They need the proper tools, more resources and more time to treat patients

The approval of Epidiolex® is a major milestone in bringing safe, effective cannabinoid-based medications to patients

The term acknowledges that addiction is a chronic but treatable medical condition involving changes to circuits involved in reward, stress and self-control