Addiction involves craving for something intensely, loss of control over its use, and continuing involvement with it despite adverse consequences. Addiction changes the brain, first by subverting the way it registers pleasure and then by corrupting other normal drives such as learning and motivation. Although breaking an addiction is tough, it can be done. What causes addiction? The word “addiction” …

Manufactured in China, it easily crosses our porous borders, triggering a heroin-like bliss in users – and, all too often, death. The Globe investigates the rise of a fatal opioid t’s as easy as ordering a book online: Sign up for an account, choose a method of payment, and receive the package in three to four business days. But first, there …

Government says Canada facing opioid overdose crisis and health-care providers need help in treating addicts VANCOUVER — Health Canada has amended regulations allowing doctors to prescribe heroin to people who are severely addicted to opioids. The government says the country is facing an opioid overdose crisis and health-care providers need help in treating patients suffering from chronic dependency. The change …

Health care providers have to have permission from the federal government to provide medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction. Many people struggling with opioid addiction can’t find a doctor to provide medication-assisted treatment, even though it’s highly effective. One reason could be that doctors who are qualified to prescribe the medication typically treat just a handful of patients. Researchers at the …

Carfentanil is a potent opioid commonly used to tranquilize elephants and other large animals but is making its way onto the streets of U.S. and Canadian cities. (Vancouver RCMP) s a former drug addict, Byron Klingbyle knows all too well the dangers of addiction. In recovery for close to 20 years, the 59-year-old now counsels others dealing with substance abuse. …