The Problem of Prescription Painkillers
The Problem of Prescription Painkillers Opioids have proven efficacy and relative safety for treating acute pain and pain during terminal illness, but do not have proven efficacy or safety for treating chronic pain long-term. These highly addictive medicines are being prescribed for what were once considered minor aches and pains and much of the time, […]
Edible Pot: One Problem of Marijuana Legalization
Edible Pot: One Problem of Marijuana Legalization The Colorado marijuana industry has produced marijuana-infused edible products that are so tasty, people often cannot tell the difference between a brownie laced with THC and one without the psychoactive chemical. This is a growing concern as new reports show a rise in the incidence of accidental […]
Changing Cues that Encourage Addiction
Changing Cues that Encourage Addiction The brain controls not only the body, but also motivation and learning. New insight into neurodegenerative disorders such as addiction is providing hope for better understanding of brain processes during substance abuse. Previous research has shown that drug abuse and addiction physically alter the connections between neurons (synapses) that are […]
Trauma and Poverty Effects on Children
Trauma and Poverty Effects on Children One of the causal factors for developing addiction can be childhood trauma, abuse, or untreated mental health issues. To help children, 70 of the 2,116 schools in Los Angeles County have worked out deals with government-funded mental health providers to provide more counselors in their schools, according to Robert […]
Can I Use Marijuana to Help Me Taper Off Harder Drugs?
Can I Use Marijuana to Help Me Taper Off Harder Drugs? Many people who abuse alcohol and drugs also use marijuana. Some, when thinking about quitting, decide that “marijuana maintenance,” substituting marijuana for harder drugs, is a good way to be able to remain high without the negative consequences associated with drugs like heroin or […]
Alcohol: Are the Heart-Health Benefits Real?
Alcohol: Are the Heart-Health Benefits Real? Is moderate alcohol use generally safe? Are the purported health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption real? Or is all alcohol dangerous and to be avoided? These are questions with vague and controversial answers. There has been a great deal of contradictory information released about the pros and cons of […]
Addiction in the Workplace: The Canadian Experience
Addiction in the Workplace: The Canadian Experience Addiction and substance abuse is a big expense in the workplace, for employers and employees. According to one source, “substance abuse costs Canada almost $40 billion a year in loss of productivity, increased health care and the cost of police and other government involvement.” This is felt by […]
People on Autism Spectrum at Increased Risk for Substance Abuse
People on Autism Spectrum at Increased Risk for Substance Abuse Generally, people on the autism spectrum tend to be personally cautious and socially withdrawn. As you would expect, previous research shows that people with autism tend to have low rates of substance abuse – the preference for low risk and avoidance of social situations means […]
Sugar Addiction in America
Sugar Addiction in America After years of doubt, a Harvard Study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, puts the question of sugar addiction to rest. Sugar is addictive. Yes, sugar addiction does exist. However, anything that will elevate blood sugar, such as high glycemic index foods, create the same response. These foods include: […]
The Latest Advances in Addiction Treatment
The Latest Advances in Addiction Treatment The statistics on addiction treatment and recovery are grim. It is estimated that 10% of Americans, more than thirty million people in all, suffer from addiction, but only 13% of those will ever seek treatment. While they have helped millions to get sober, 12-step programs have a success rate […]