Understanding Alcohol Use Disorders with Dr. George Koob
Episode Overview
Understanding the three stages of addiction: binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect, and preoccupation/anticipation. Exploring the concept of 'Hyperkatefia' and its role in addiction. Overview of treatment options including naltrexone and acamprosate. Importance of cognitive behavioural therapy in treating alcohol use disorders. Impact of public health policies on reducing alcohol consumption.
People take drugs initially to feel good, but ultimately, you end up taking drugs not to feel bad
Dr. George Koob, the director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), joins Dr. Darlene Petersen and Dr. Paula Cook in this eye-opening episode of The Addiction Files. They dive deep into the cycle of addiction, shedding light on the concept of 'Hyperkatefia' and its implications for those struggling with alcohol use disorders. Dr.
Koob discusses the three stages of addiction: binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect, and preoccupation/anticipation, providing a comprehensive overview of how these stages affect the brain and behaviour. The conversation takes an insightful turn as Dr. Koob explains the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction, touching on how certain neurotransmitters like dopamine and opioid peptides play a role.
He also introduces the audience to treatment options available during the negative affect stage, including medications like naltrexone and acamprosate, and highlights the importance of cognitive behavioural therapy. Listeners will find Dr. Koob's discussion on public health policies particularly engaging. He emphasises how policies limiting alcohol availability can reduce consumption and the importance of educating young people about the dangers of early alcohol exposure.
The episode also covers NIAAA's efforts to raise awareness about alcohol's impact on vulnerable groups such as women, adolescents, and older adults. With a mix of scientific knowledge and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of alcohol use disorders and the ongoing efforts to combat them. Whether you're in the medical field or simply seeking to understand more about addiction, you'll find this discussion both informative and inspiring.