Articles

It has been observed that men are more likely to use drugs and that too at a younger age as compared to women. Rate of substance dependence in men is almost twice as that in women, with them being at a higher risk of suffering an opioid overdose. According to reports, out of the 47,600 cases of overdose-related to opioids in 2017, nearly 31,700 were men. Considering such statistics, it becomes important to talk about the frequency of drug abuse and substance use disorders (SUD) in men. Continue reading →

There is no denying the fact that recent years have witnessed a steep rise in overdose deaths across the United States, with opioids claiming more lives than any other drug. Now, an analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that the opioid epidemic is killing more Americans than firearms on an annual basis. Continue reading →

Alcohol, marijuana and ecstasy, three of the most abused substances by young adults, can cause different sexual side effects on users, says a recent study by researchers at the NYU Meyers College of Nursing. The study, conducted at the Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (CDUHR) of the Nursing College, focused on the specific effects of these substances on the user. Continue reading →

A new docu-series, “The Trade”, aired on Showtime, showcases America’s tragic opioid crisis from a completely different perspective. The opioid epidemic is the worst crisis that America has faced in so far. The devastation it has caused far exceeds the scale of the Vietnam War and the HIV/Aids crisis. What sets the series apart from others is that, instead of focusing only on the numbers and questioning how America reached this unenviable position, the documentary gives a first-hand account of the epidemic, through the lens of those who have been affected the most–the individuals struggling with addiction and their families. It also looks into the daily battles of the border patrol agents and law enforcement officials, as they struggle keep a check on the inflow of drugs from across the border. Continue reading →

Cannabis has long been held responsible of causing long-term or possibly permanent adverse changes in the brain. However, a new study by the Michigan State University is determined to prove otherwise. Continue reading →

The pharmaceutical giant Upjohn first formulated U-47700, a newly popular super-strong drug, in the 1970s. Also known as Pink, Pinky  or U4 on the streets, U-47700 is a synthetic opioid pain medication from the benzamide chemical class that induces relaxation, sedation and euphoria. Besides, the drug is nearly seven and a half times more potent than morphine, when developed with the accurate specifications of the patent drug. Continue reading →

Over the last few years, numerous products containing higher levels of caffeine have surged dramatically in the market. These include energy drinks, powdered caffeine, caffeine pills, buccal caffeine pouches, caffeinated peanut butter and caffeine vaporizer sticks that are often the heavily advertised and purchased products. Continue reading →

With the growing number of emergency department (ED) visits due to the increased abuse of illicit drugs, it has become mandatory to determine the safe limits for consumption to avoid life-threatening repercussions. As in the case of alcohol, it has become essential to implement zero tolerance approach toward drugs. Continue reading →

The unprecedented escalation in illicit drug trade has tormented millions of lives, families and communities across the world. As per the latest statistics available, it is estimated that almost 28.6 million people in age group 12 and above were the current illicit drug users in 2016. Abusing drugs, whether illicit, prescribed or legal, has a high risk of addiction, numerous side effects and overdose. Generally, the incidents of overdoses are mostly unintended in nature. Individuals suffering from an addiction often meddle with their doses by taking a stronger dose or mixing two or more substances of abuse. Since such drug-abusing practices run the increased risk of turning fatal, a large number of overdose deaths have been witnessed lately. Continue reading →

Even though medical marijuana remains illegal under the U.S. federal law, 29 states and the District of Columbia have legalized it. Whereas 18 of them have only legalized the use of non-psychotic marijuana extract called cannabidiol (CBD), states like Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, as well as District of Columbia have legalized the weed for recreational purposes as well, allowing people to possess and use it without the need for a doctor’s prescription. Continue reading →