Author: Charles Frank

The brain mediates our motivation to repeat behaviors that lead to pleasurable, rewarding states or reduce uncomfortable, distressing physical or emotional states. In this context, drinking alcohol can be motivated by its ability to provide both relief from aversive states and reward. These dual, powerful reinforcing effects help explain why some people drink and why […]

Zolpidem (Ambien) is broken down (metabolized) in the liver to an inactive form, but the liver enzymes responsible for this process are more active in men than in women. In 2013, the FDA ordered Sanofi-Aventis, the manufacturers of Ambien and Ambien CR, and all other manufacturers of zolpidem to change their dosage recommendations. Even though […]

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss…from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. It’s frustrating when you feel the urge to move your bowels but […]

Alcohol abuse disorder is characterized by periods of sobriety and relapse. Even so, with a combination of therapy, support, and persistence, around a third of people with AUD will maintain sobriety for at least a year and sometimes for decades. Medications like Campral, Topamax, and Revia have greatly improved AUD recovery rates. If you end […]

A key reason why healthcare providers don’t prescribe barbiturates as often now is the risk of misusing them. Because of that risk, you should keep these medications under lock and key in a secure place in your home. Keeping them out of the hands of children and teenagers is essential. Acting cautiously can help avoid […]

To prevent alcoholic liver disease and other conditions linked to the consumption of alcohol, doctors advise people to follow National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) guidelines. In people with liver failure, the liver completely ceases to function. This can be an outcome of advanced-stage liver disease and often means that a liver transplant […]

Overdose occurs when a person’s body has a severely harmful reaction to taking too much of a drug or a combination of different drugs. Our local “Don’t Count Us Out” campaign provides additional information to help reduce stigma and how to use supportive language and have helpful conversations. To learn more about this year’s campaign […]

Withdrawal from alcohol is different for everyone, and it can last anywhere from a few days to an entire week. The alcohol detox stage (when your body is ridding itself entirely of alcohol) can last even longer, continuing for a few weeks after withdrawal ends. Fortunately, eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet can help you reduce many of […]

One potential danger of alcohol overdose is choking on one’s own vomit. Alcohol at very high levels can hinder signals in the brain that control automatic responses, such as the gag reflex. With no gag reflex, a person who drinks to the point of passing out is in danger of choking on their vomit and […]

A person may reduce their risk of developing vision issues due to alcohol by limiting their alcohol consumption. Even small changes can help reduce a person’s risk of developing issues with their eyes or other aspects of health. A doctor can provide more details about what a person can do to address their vision issues. […]