Friday Q&A: treating substance abuse; Diet Coke & cancer risk; & how to get a decent lunch on the go

Conscious consumption for the WIN 🎉

ICYMI:

• Newsletter 👉 The Food Group You May Be Missing

• Recent Q&As:

  • Friday Q&A: alcoholism in the family; marijuana use; food diaries; & supplements for stress

  • Irritable Bowel; HRT & breast cancer; sudden cardiac arrest; & tinnitus

  • Dismissed by doctors; ADHD vs. inattention; vaccines before visiting baby; & osteoporosis meds

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Click here to submit your questions (about anything) for future Q&A posts!

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are entirely my own. They do not reflect those of my employer, nor are they a substitute for advice from your personal physician.

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QUESTION #1

My husband has depression and has self medicated with substances—namely alcohol and marijuana gummies. He placed himself in Detox last week and today we are investigating options for treatment. Vivitrol, which is a formulation of Naltrexone that is injected monthly, has been recommended. Do you have any information to share about this treatment or other suggestions? Thank you!

- MKC

Dear MKC,

First, hats off to your husband for getting the help he needs—and to you for supporting him through his recovery. As for treatment options, there are many effective modalities, however the success of a treatment plan hinges on appropriately addressing the unique chemical, behavioral, situational, and genetic elements of the patient’s disorder.

Vivitrol (Naltrexone) is a medication that is used to help prevent relapse in patients who have alcohol or opioid dependence. It’s a monthly shot that works by blocking the effects of alcohol or opioids on the brain, thereby reducing cravings and the desire to use substances. The side effects may include injection site reactions, nausea, headache, and decreased appetite. It is not recommended for people with acute hepatitis or liver failure or who are actively using alcohol or opioids. 

Vivitrol can be a wonderful addition to a comprehensive treatment program that includes modalities like counseling, behavioral therapies, AA or NA, and making needed lifestyle adjustments. For example, someone whose substance abuse largely stems from trauma isn’t likely to stay sober with Vivitrol alone, without addressing the trauma itself. Taking a holistic approach to the patient’s recovery not only has been shown to improve outcomes; it’s also the right thing to do. 

For my recent post about alcohol use, click here.

Photo by Transly Translation Agency on Unsplash

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QUESTION #2

Does Diet Coke really cause cancer? Because if it does I’m in trouble!!!

- KP

Dear KP, 

The short story is this: we don’t know. Yesterday the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) came out with a statement that aspartame, the sweetener used in Diet Coke and sugar substitutes like Equal, is linked to a risk for cancer.