Brookhaven Hospital: Mental Health Treatment for Behavioral Health Problems, Chemical Dependency, Eating Disorders, Brain Injuries, and Renewal Christian Treatment and Recovery

Thursday, September 15, 2005 8:37 AM
posted by Michael Mason

Are Overeating and Drug Addiction Related?

A recent article appearing on Science News suggests that there could be stronger neurobiological links between compulsive overeaters and drug addicts than were previously supposed:

"In recent years, scientists have discovered neurological connections between overeating and drug addiction. They've conducted studies showing that the brains of individuals with either of these conditions differ from other people's brains in similar ways. The researchers have also described a few enlightening differences between the brains of overeaters and those of drug abusers.

Understanding the neurological causes of overeating and drug addiction, say the researchers, could lead to new treatments for both conditions."

What could be the repurcussions of such findings? It may be that drugs that are found effective for treating chemical addictions may also be useful in treating food addictions.

Click here to read Food Fix: Neurobiology highlights similarities between obesity and drug addiction
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Rolf B. Gainer, Ph.D., Diplomate ABDA, is the Chief Executive Office at Brookhaven Hospital and the Vice President of Rehabilitation Institutes of America. Dr. Gainer has been involved in the design and operation of treatment programs since 1977.

Stephen Harnish, MD is the Medical Director of Brookhaven Hospital. Dr. Harnish is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and is well known in Oklahoma for his informative radio and television appearances.

Aric Thorpe, MHR, is Brookhaven Hospital's Pastoral Liaison Representative. He conducts the quarterly Minister's Lifeline series and provides mental health information to pastors and clergy.

Sarah McGee serves as the Community Education Provider for Brookhaven Hospital. She provides information on mental health and drug and alcohol treatment to healthcare professionals in Oklahoma and surrounding states.

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