Jennifer Zamparelli, the presenter of Dancing with the Stars on RTE1, has told how she saw childhood friends becoming hooked on heroin in north Dublin. The former 2fm star last week became an ambassador for Coolmine, the drug and alcohol treatment centre. Operating nationally, the charity is especially associated with heroin addiction recovery services. Zamparelli has told The Sunday Times …

Since weight-loss drugs that target the hormone GLP-1 have surged in popularity, some additional health benefits have emerged. Beyond helping people shed pounds, they also lower the risk of heart disease and sleep apnea—and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has acknowledged these benefits by approving changes to the drugs’ labels. Now, one type of weight-loss medication is proving helpful …

As we look toward 2025, the field of addiction treatment continues to evolve in response to new research, societal needs, and technological advancements. Today’s addiction strategies emphasize dignity, respect, and evidence-based practices, moving away from outdated, moralistic approaches. These trends reflect a growing understanding of addiction as a complex medical condition rather than a moral failing. Dr. Alexandra Stratyner, a …

Addiction isn’t what it used to be – or at least the way we treat it isn’t. People are starting to understand that addiction is not just about willpower or making “better choices.” It’s deeply human, messy, and tied to everything from brain chemistry to past trauma to societal pressure. As the stigma around addiction lifts (finally), new conversations are …