Addiction Part II

By Lisa Shanken

January 10, 2022

I hope you enjoyed the holidays, got through them safely and had a happy New Year. By now, hopefully you have had a chance to listen to the Huberman Lab podcast I recommended on addiction in last month’s newsletter.

As promised, in part 2 of my focus on addiction this month, I will focus on tools, studies and strategies to help people struggling with addiction. I did reveal one of my favorite strategies explained by Dr. Anna Lembke in my last newsletter (worth repeating), which is truth telling. She explains how neuroscience has shown the importance of addicts being 100% truthful in their recovery process. Doing so ideally strengthens prefrontal cortex circuits that become disconnected during addiction.

Dr. Lembke says “addiction is a progressive narrowing of the things that bring you pleasure,” so people that are predisposed (such as people that have relatives that are addicts) to addiction might benefit from widening the mindset of what can offer pleasure. Thinking outside the box and exploring new activities, habits, and behaviors might be helpful.

She also says that oxytocin, a hormone made in the body when people feel more emotionally connected, is linked to a dopamine release in the brain. Therefore, helping people in recovery connect more to others can provide a similar dopamine release that addicts look to get from substance use.

It’s important to remember that addiction treatment does not look the same for everyone. There are all different approaches, including medications, 12-step programs, cognitive behavioral therapy (help change behavioral patterns and identify triggers), rational emotive behavior therapy (trying to change negative thoughts from stressors to more rational thoughts), contingency management (reinforcing positive behavior patterns), and harm reduction (trying to use a substance less in a structured and scheduled way). Oftentimes a combination of these approaches can be successful.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the following are essential aspects for successful addiction treatment:

Matching treatment settings, interventions, and services to an individual’s particular problems and needs is critical to ultimately finding success in returning to productive functioning.
Treatment must be readily available and accessible.
Successful treatment must address all aspects of addiction, including physical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal issues.
Research shows that at least 3 months in treatment is necessary to significantly reduce or stop drug use. Even longer treatment durations have been proven to have the most successful outcomes.
Addiction is a mental health disorder and may co-occur with other mental health disorders. In this case, it is important to address all diagnoses.
Relapsing is part of the addiction illness. Therefore monitoring of drug use can be a helpful motivation to help addicts abstain from using.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out for help. You are not alone. You can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hotline at 800-662-HELP (4357) anytime, open 24 hours for crisis services.

Also feel free to reach out to me for help or to get connected with the right kind of treatment. There is hope and there is help.

Lisa Shanken

My passion is to help you live your healthiest and most harmonious life, but in a way that’s realistic and practical for you as a unique individual on this planet. My philosophy is all about “balance,” never a diet since a diet is not sustainable for life, aka Kill The Diet.

Time Management Strategies To Start The Semester Right

By Lisa Shanken

August 13, 2024

Boosting Time Management Skills for College Students For most college students the fall 2024 semester will begin soon. Navigating the numerous challenges that college presents can be overwhelming, especially for those diagnosed with ADHD and other mental health struggles. While the freedom and fun that go along with being a...

Read Article

Understanding How Loneliness Impacts Mental Health and the Lifelong Benefits Of Overcoming Loneliness

By Lisa Shanken

July 12, 2024

What is Loneliness? Loneliness is a complex and often misunderstood emotional state. It is defined as the feeling of being alone or isolated but it is also subjective – what one person perceives as loneliness might feel different for someone else. Loneliness can be caused by many different factors including...

Read Article

Testimonials

Lisa’s weight loss plan really gave me a new insight to healthy eating and living. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2015. Healthy living/easting/exercise has become very important to me and my family and this program really helped me get even more on the course with this and helped me lose weight.

Danielle D, Great Neck, NY

When I heard about the 10 Day Weight Loss Challenge, I wasn’t sure if it would be a good fit, since as a physician, I understand nutrition and health (and therefore knew the dangers of fad diets, etc…), and I do my best to exercise (though not always enough). But as a single mother of 2, it’s still very challenging ti “fit in all in” (including cooking healthy meals for my children) due to my busy schedule. And when my time is short, bad habits crop up and weight gain follows.

Dr. Gila Ackerman, Boulder, CO

Psychiatrist

Lisa has made an enormous contribution to my health and strength. I have seen and felt the most fantastic changes in an amazingly short time.

Chessie F, Boulder, CO

I just wanted to say you were amazing through this 10 day process! I learned so much from you! You were very thorough in all areas of the challenge and got back to us in such a quick manner with our questions. It was a great jump start into a more healthy life style that’s for sure!

Colby E, Boulder, Colorado

I LOVE the recipes, simple, few ingredients, appealing. I like the idea of using the list of staples you provided when i was tempted to cheat!

Phyliss S, Spring House, PA

I worked with Lisa to develop a holistic wellness plan that has allowed personal growth without having to completely change my lifestyle. Her programs are designed around your personal needs, so I always feel like I've gotten the most from my sessions and leave with manageable goals. Lisa's three-prong approach to wellness (fitness, nutrition and health) is helping me live a balanced and grateful life.

Ali S., Boulder, CO

I’ve been through the ringer with different dieting plans through the years. Some helped me lose weight and some didn’t – but it didn’t matter because I would always gain it back. I didn’t know if this 10 day Weight Loss Challenge would be the answer since everyone says they have the “BEST” way to lose weight. But this one seemed to be more doable – like instead of starving myself, keeping track of calories (“been there done that – VERY annoying!”) and things I know I wouldn’t stick to.

Jill W, Park, NY

Lisa, you have been a very positive role model for me! Through the exercise and diet I’m becoming healthy and more positive about my life!!! Thanks!

Schedule An Appointment

Schedule An Appointment

Schedule An Appointment

Schedule An Appointment

Schedule An Appointment

Schedule An Appointment