Recognizing these patterns in yourself or others is a crucial first step toward seeking help. Addiction isn’t about weakness—it’s about a condition that requires understanding, compassion, and evidence-based care.

For example, one may find themselves visiting the liquor store multiple times a week, not because they don’t want to plan ahead, but because buying in bulk makes it harder to moderate or pace their drinking. This behavior often reflects the struggle to balance their use with a growing dependence.

During my time in the military many people developed substance use issues as a way to self medicate for anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Too many time rather than given treatment they were administratively discharged from active duty. This is part of the cycle that leads to homeless veterans.

I think S.644 - Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, a bill put forward in congress, is another example of possible positive forward thinking regulatory changes that could be made. It would allow some addiction physicians to prescribe methadone outside of methadone clinics to normal pharmacies.

Specifically the recent federal changes of the removal of the x-waiver requirement for buprenorphine prescriptions in 2023 and extending COVID-era changes to methadone prescribing have been positive changes. I am hopeful that we are moving in the right direction but needs to be done.

I really enjoy following talented landscape photographers. I like to imagine the time, effort, and planning that does into finding the perfect shot that can contain so much emotion and beauty. Thank you.

Cost is still a large access barrier for many patients. I would like more studies with GLP-1 targeting SUD as a primary outcome. I’ll use it in combination with other indication (diabetes, obesity, etc) but I need more data for primary SUD.