Addiction among Medical Professionals
Addiction among Medical Professionals As seen in the general population, a significant portion of healthcare professionals are impacted by addiction. Yet, it can be hard to spot those struggling with drug addiction, particularly in professional situations. Further, those in recovery from addiction often face discrimination in a number of ways, so getting ongoing support to […]
Alzheimer’s May Be Linked to Benzodiazepine Use
Alzheimer’s May Be Linked to Benzodiazepine Use A study by French and Canadian scientists has found evidence that people who take benzodiazepines have a significantly higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease currently affects about 36 million people worldwide and this number is expected to double every 20 years, reaching 115 million by 2015. The […]
Alcohol Causes Difficulty in Later Life
Alcohol Causes Difficulty in Later Life According to a new study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, people with a history of alcohol use disorder, which can include those drinking within recommended limits, are twice as likely to have severe memory problems in subsequent years. The study adds to the growing body of […]
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 […]
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 […]
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: […]