Does yo-yo dieting drive compulsive eating? There may be a connection.

According to BUSM researchers the chronic cyclic pattern of overeating followed by undereating, reduces the brain’s ability to feel reward and may drive compulsive eating. This finding suggests that future research into treatment of compulsive eating behavior should focus on rebalancing the mesolimbic dopamine system–the part of the brain responsible for feeling reward or pleasure.

An estimated 15 million people compulsively eat in the U.S. It is a common feature of obesity and eating disorders, most notably, binge eating disorder. People often overeat because it is pleasurable in the short term, but then attempt to compensate by dieting, reducing calorie intake and limiting themselves to “safe”, less palatable food. However, diets often fail, causing frequent “relapse” to overeating of foods high in fat and sugar (palatable foods).

“We are just now beginning to understand the addictive-like properties of food and how repeated overconsumption of high sugar – similar to taking drugs – may affect our brains and cause compulsive behaviors,” said corresponding author Pietro Cottone, PhD, associate professor of pharmacology & experimental therapeutics and co-director of the Laboratory of Addictive Disorders.

Continue Reading

Prominent entertainment figures offer insights on navigating a sober life in Hollywood

Click to Read Full Article 

Words matter. When it comes to addiction medicine, stigmatizing language and misunderstood terminology may keep some people from seeking effective care, leave families poorly equipped to support their loved ones, and drive policymakers to make counterproductive, even harmful, policy.

In 2011, the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) — the nation’s largest organization representing medical professionals who specialize in addiction prevention and treatment — set out to revise the society’s definition of addiction. This task was not easy given the complexity and stigma surrounding substance use and the term itself. At a time when the public had limited understanding and acceptance of addiction as a chronic brain disease, ASAM’s revised definition focused heavily on brain circuitry.

Over the past decade, however, more families, policymakers, and members of the media have come to understand that addiction is a chronic, treatable brain disease with the possibility of remission and recovery. There is also a growing recognition that evidence-based prevention, mutual and recovery peer support, and harm reduction services can play important roles in the full spectrum of addiction care.

Click here to continue reading

Law is a challenging discipline that involves the ability to analyze, reason, and communicate. The study and practice of law is rigorous and often stressful, however, a law degree can open many doors to a rewarding career in business, practice, government, teaching and public service.

For those law students struggling with issues of depression, anxiety, drug addiction or alcoholism or other mental issues, the JLAP is here to help. We offer a full range of resources and solutions to help you manage your issues in the short and long term. Every service provided through the JLAP is 100% confidential and 100% free.

National Recovery Month (Recovery Month), sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. This observance celebrates the millions of Americans who are in recovery from mental and substance use disorders, reminding us that treatment is effective and that people can and do recover. It also serves to help reduce the stigma and misconceptions that cloud public understanding of mental and substance use disorders, potentially discouraging others from seeking help.

To learn more, click here.

Did you know you can donate to JLAP online now?

You can now conveniently pay online via PayPal and Visa/Mastercard/Discover.

Simply go to our donation page to donate.

You will receive a letter from JLAP acknowledging your tax deductible donation.

The Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and donations are tax deductible as allowed by the IRS. Your donation will help support the life-saving work of JLAP and further its mission to save lives and careers in the legal profession.

All proceeds will be dedicated to providing direct assistance to lawyers and judges in need of JLAP’s services. Thank you for your support!

June 28 – June 30
Solomon Conference Center in Loranger

We will return to the beautiful Solomon Conference Center in Loranger for a weekend filled with fellowship, fun and fantastic CLE’s, including ethics and professionalism.

First year was great, but the second will be even better!  Afternoon yoga, fishing, and raffle prizes too!

All meals and CLE’s are included with your $100 registration.  

Overnight accommodations are available, on a limited, first-come first-serve basis, for an additional fee. If interested in sharing a room, please call JLAP directly.

Click HERE to register.

Click for enlarged agenda in PDF format.