In the event of an overdose, every second counts. Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can make the difference between life and death. Whether you’re a concerned friend, family member, or simply someone who wants to be prepared, understanding the signs and knowing how to act can empower you to save a life and…
Medications like painkillers, depressants, and stimulants can be essential when used as prescribed. However, abuse of prescription drugs can often lead to severe physical, psychological, and social consequences. What may have started as a prescription for genuine medical needs could spiral into dependency or addiction, with users seeking a high or relief from withdrawal symptoms….
Substance use is an increasingly serious issue among members of the United States Armed Forces and within America’s veteran population.
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that has a high potential for misuse and dependency. Despite the temporary euphoria it may create, it poses serious health risks and other dangers. Cocaine overdose is a medical emergency – it can be hazardous and even fatal, especially when combined with alcohol or other substances. Therefore it…
“If I smoke pot Saturday, will it show up on a drug screen Wednesday?” This question is probably at the forefront of many minds when facing the possibility of an upcoming drug test. If you’re not a frequent user, the lasting effect may be out of your system by then. But then again, there’s an…
Marijuana is perhaps the most commonly abused drug in the United States. Additionally, today’s marijuana is stronger than ever with the risk of potentially permanent negative effects on its users. Marijuana advocates have been given a loud voice through state legislation and legalization rhetoric. In this setting, young people may perceive a minimal risk of…
Substance use disorders among young celebrities In 1973 actor and martial arts expert Bruce Lee had a mild headache. After taking Equagesic, a prescription pain reliever, Lee fell into a coma and never woke up. The 32-year-old actor’s cause of death was found to be a reaction to an ingredient in the pain relievers he…
Have you ever heard of the term “California Sober”? It’s a phrase popularized by singer / actress Demi Lovato in a recent documentary that describes her battle against addiction. According to the star, the term means avoiding all addictive substances, with the exception of “soft” drugs like marijuana and alcohol. The practice is rooted in…
Even if a mind-altering drug popular in other countries has not yet gained significant penetration in the United States, that doesn’t mean Americans shouldn’t be made aware of its potential dangers. Much of the drug trafficking problem in this country is that drugs are brought into the US from other parts of the world. Medicines…
If you’re looking for an indicator that humanity has a problem with substance abuse, look for detectable traces of drugs in cities sewage could be a critical warning. It almost sounds ridiculous to hear, but it’s true. Cities around the world have hired scientists to test their wastewater, and the result is that the water…
While marijuana remains a hotly contested issue across the country, most parents would agree that they would not want their teenage children to use marijuana. Up to this point, a 2019 study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that the more likely young people were exposed to medical marijuana advertisements, the more…
Methamphetamines are extremely addicting and the withdrawal symptoms are severe, making it difficult to quit. And as if meth addiction wasn’t bad enough in itself, new research shows that most meth addicts also grapple with many health problems, behavior problems, and sometimes life-threatening hardships. Meth addicts are likely to find themselves in serious and complex…
There is some compelling evidence to suggest that vaping from e-cigarettes often paves the way for cannabis use, especially among young people. And in recent news, major e-cigarette maker Juul recently lost a lawsuit over its role in the scary marketing of Juul e-cigarettes to teens. Unfortunately, the even worse risk, the link between e-cigarette…
Substance abuse harms the ecosystem. This damage is a researched and documented fact – albeit perhaps little known and surprising. In recent years there has been increased awareness of the deteriorating state of our ecosystem and its impact on our quality of life. Thanks to the efforts of environmentalists, most people have been educated about…
New information shows a direct link between negative health outcomes in newborns and mothers who used cannabis during pregnancy. But even as this information is making its way into the mainstream, other research suggests that more women use cannabis during pregnancy than in recent years. To ensure health and well-being for babies and their mothers,…
