FOUR CELEBRITIES THAT DIED OF AN OVERDOSE
Even the rich and famous are not immune to the ravages and dangers of drug addictions. While by no means are all celebrities addicted to drugs or alcohol there are a fair few who are and they usually make the headlines sooner or later. In fact, these superstars may be even more susceptible to this […]
GENE EDITING COULD BE THE FUTURE OF ADDICTION TREATMENT
If you’ve followed the debate about addiction being a disease versus a choice, you’ve probably heard that scientists believe there is a genetic component involved. Some people are simply born predisposed to addictive behavior or are particularly vulnerable to certain types of drugs. Previously, all this meant was that if you were aware of a […]
THE EFFECTS OF CHILDHOOD ADVERSITY ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND ADDICTION
According to a study done by researchers at the IRCCS (Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare) accredited Santa Lucia Foundation and the Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, exposure to stress early in life can alter the structure of immune cells and inflammatory signals, which leads to increased drug-seeking behavior. The study was conducted on […]
RITALIN AS A CURE FOR COCAINE ADDICTION
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2013, the number of current cocaine users ages 12 or older was 1.5 million. From 2010 to 2017, the number of cocaine-related deaths increased by 3.5, topping out at almost 15,000. Despite the widespread problem, as of now there are no FDA approved medications […]
FDA OVERLOOKS DANGERS OF OFF-LABEL FENTANYL
When you hear the word fentanyl, your mind probably jumps straight to overdoses or contaminated cocaine. However, there is a class of fentanyl drugs that has a legitimate medical use for something called breakthrough pain – sudden, sharp bursts of pain that occur despite an existing around the clock pain regimen. Quick-absorbing fentanyl sprays, tablets, and […]
WHAT IS DETOX?
When someone goes into treatment for substance abuse, they usually have a period of detoxification. It’s the kind of thing that gets tossed out as gossip – “This celebrity is back in rehab trying to detox again” – but what does it really mean? You’ve probably heard about people on detox diets, where they eat […]
HOW STOMACH ACID COULD TREAT COCAINE ADDICTION
In 2013, cocaine use accounted for almost six percent of all admissions to drug abuse treatment programs. Unlike the methadone or buprenorphine used in the treatment of heroin dependency, there are no medications to treat cocaine addiction. Treatment usually involves talk therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, although there are some medications that can be […]
CAN MEDICATIONS ELIMINATE TRIGGERS FOR RELAPSE?
There are many obstacles to remaining in recovery after substance abuse treatment, and 40 to 60 percent of addicts will relapse. Not only are the cravings always in the back of your mind, but if you’re still dealing with any mental or emotional issues that led to your substance use, those can be a precursor […]
USING FINGERPRINTS TO TEST FOR COCAINE USE
Cocaine is the second most commonly trafficked illegal drug in the world, and more employees are using cocaine in the workplace than ever thought possible. While it is encouraging that the scourge of cocaine use in the workplace is beginning to get more recognition, there remains another lingering problem: cocaine use can be very difficult […]
THE PREVALENCE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG LAWYERS
All of us, no matter how knowledgeable or enlightened we like to think we are, cling to a certain amount of stereotyping when it comes to people with substance use disorders. We expect it from the poor, the homeless, the devil-may-care frat boys, the Hollywood elite. The truth is that addiction knows no race, gender, […]