Some people today still don’t comprehend how bad the drug abuse epidemic has become. There are so many ways that drugs have ruined so many different people’s lives. It is a problem in every geographical area—in every type of family. Why are many people still blaming the addict? Not everybody understands that addiction is a brain disease and most addicts don’t have control over their addiction … [Read more...]
Detoxification from Suboxone Detoxification
Many treatment facilities use medication-assisted treatment in order to help a person safely withdrawal from opiates. As one of the most difficult addictions to break, medication is often required to help patients get through the most difficult phases of treatment, specifically initial withdrawal and detox. Some of the most commonly used medications are methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine … [Read more...]
Can Sleep Aids and Cough Medicine be Gateway Drugs?
When people think about drug abuse and addiction, illegal substances that are dangerous and come with criminal charges normally spring to mind. In many cases, however, the substances that lead to the abuse of more illicit drugs found in many households. Sleep aids and cough medicine, while helpful when used to treat insomnia and illness, can be abused and become addictive over time. Prescription … [Read more...]
A Bitter Truth; The Shocking Dangers of Sugar Addiction
Sugar is something we consume regularly from a very young age. In many cases, sugar consumption begins before we even have a say in the matter—many popular baby formulas and foods contain sugar or corn syrup. Sugar consumption is often casual or social in nature. This is especially true during the holidays or times of celebration, such as a birthday or anniversary. Even a trip to the movies is … [Read more...]
Special K; Ketamine Use Around the World
Ketamine is an anesthetic that is used to induce a lack of sensation or feeling prior to surgery or other medical procedures. In some cases, it can be prescribed by doctors to treat chronic or recurring conditions, but it is typically used on animals. Although the drug is used in medical procedures, its reputation largely comes from misuse in party scenes. Its dissociative effects—along with the … [Read more...]
The Most Harmful Drugs in The World: Get Informed
Drug use in young adults is on the rise. While all drugs can be dangerous, it’s important to stay informed and understand which drugs are most likely to be life-threatening when used. Professor David Nutt, one of the world’s leading experts on drugs (in terms of their use and effects on the brain), led a scientific study specifically designed to determine what is the most dangerous drug in the … [Read more...]
How Binge Drinking While Young Can Permanently Destroy your Brain
Many people begin drinking alcohol during adolescence or young adulthood. This is often due to peer pressure and the perception that alcohol consumption at this age is both normal and socially acceptable—despite the fact that it is illegal to consume until a person is 21 years old. Other influences, such as family history, the presence of a mental health disorder, and use of other substances play … [Read more...]
The Rise of the Middle-Aged Addict
As a society, we largely view substance abuse and addiction as a problem of the youth. When we talk about addiction, we are most often thinking of teenagers and young adults—drug use is seen as part of growing up, something they’ll eventually leave in their past as they mature and age. In reality, substance abuse, particularly prescription drugs and alcohol, is the one of the fastest growing … [Read more...]
Can an Anti-Alcoholism Drug Help Cure HIV?
Antabuse, also known as disulfiram, is a drug used to treat alcoholism. The drug has been used in treatment for over 60 years and is one of several prescription treatment options for those struggling with alcoholism. Recently, the drug has garnered attention due to its potential to be used in treatment of other deadly diseases, particularly HIV. In a recent trial, scientists have found that … [Read more...]