Opioid use and abuse continue to be a national crisis because of the health risks and potential for overdose. Opioids include both prescription and illicit drugs that are addictive. On top of that, these drugs pose special dangers for pregnant women and their unborn babies. Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a threat to the fetus … Read more
The opioid epidemic in the U.S. continues, despite the efforts of the medical community, law enforcement, and activists. Furthermore, the use of benzos, known in full as benzodiazepines, is on the rise. This is a bad combination. In 2019, for instance, more than 16% of all opioids overdose deaths also included benzos. Benzodiazepines are a … Read more
Few public health crises have gotten more attention or ensnared so many Americans as much as the opioid epidemic. Beginning in the late 1990s and continuing to today, this epidemic has killed thousands and addicted millions. While this epidemic has unquestionably impacted countless lives, trends have moved in more positive directions of late. Furthermore, a … Read more
Fentanyl and heroin are two very similar and highly addictive drugs. Though these two drugs are frequently confused, there are some distinct differences between them. Understanding the differences between heroin and fentanyl can help you stay safe and get appropriate treatment for an opioid use disorder. A Quick Overview of the Differences Between Fentanyl and … Read more
When a person is acquiring or using drugs, they will often use slang terms to discuss the substance. Using slang terms or street names can allow a user to discuss the drug out in the open without mentioning its actual name. The street names are developed based on the appearance of the drugs, their effects, … Read more
Drug and alcohol addiction are serious disorders that affect almost 21 million Americans. Each year, tens of thousands of people die as a result of their addiction, either by overdose, suicide, driving under the influence, or other health complications. Unfortunately, a large majority of individuals who suffer from addiction never get professional treatment. Addiction Affects … Read more
Until the 1960s, people who had a drug or alcohol addiction were viewed as criminals. It wasn’t until 1971 that the first federally-funded addiction treatment program was offered to struggling addicts. Since those days, addiction treatment has come a long way. Not only is treatment more accessible, but the treatment modalities are much more advanced. … Read more
When students head to their first year of college, the world is their oyster. They’re spending extended time away from home, often for the first time. Free from the oversight of their parents or guardians, they may choose to stretch their wings and engage in new experiences. This is healthy and even encouraged, to a … Read more
LGBTQ+ is an acronym that stands for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/ questioning their sexuality—the plus symbol signifies that there are many other labels within the LGBTQ+ community but may not appear in the acronym, such as asexual, pansexual, gender non-binary, or genderfluid. Drug and alcohol abuse continues to pose … Read more
First responders, classified as police, firefighters, paramedics, and EMT’s, offer immediate assistance in emergencies and disaster situations. Their efforts to provide medical care, support, and service in the midst of stressful and unsafe events is a vital service to society, however, the near-constant experiences with life-threatening situations, emotional stress, and hard physical labor and tough … Read more
