PLAIN PACKAGING ON CIGARETTES
In recognition of the global health crisis caused by smoking, in 2008 the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control recommended that cigarettes come in standardized or plain packaging. These means that all packages would be the same color, with the same font and no logos or other distinguishing features apart from the brand […]
FDA PROPOSES LIMITS ON NICOTINE
Cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths every year in the United States. More than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking, such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What if we could slash these numbers with one simple regulatory change? The U.S. […]
NEW MEDICATIONS FOR NICOTINE ADDICTION
Nicotine, found in cigarettes and chewing tobacco, is one of the most addictive drugs and ties with hardcore drugs like meth and heroin. There are various techniques implemented for quitting nicotine like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness, but sometimes medication treatments are used to either deter the negative effects of withdrawal or […]
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FAKE COCAINE AND OTHER SYNTHETICS
Recently, health officials across the United States, Australia, and Europe have issued warnings about dangerous synthetic drugs called “bath salts,” which have been marketed as imitations of current illicit substances. Overall, the presence of these nasty hallucinogens is nothing new (unfortunately), but the most dangerous twist to this story is the fact that some people […]
THE BIZARRE CONNECTION BETWEEN COCAINE AND SEROTONIN
In a recent study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), cocaine’s destructive effects on cognitive function and its ultimate triggering of addiction are directly related to its ability to disrupt serotonin. After people consume this powerful stimulant, cocaine immediately blocks receptors for the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and (most importantly) serotonin, which results […]
HOW COCAINE WREAKS HAVOC ON YOUR HEART
Anyone who grew up during the Reagan era or had kids during that time remembers the phrase “Just Say No” (to drugs, of course). In schools, we may have heard the term “crack is whack,” but that hasn’t stopped millions of people from trying this potentially deadly stimulant. Accelerating physical and psychological functions, cocaine (derived […]
A CLOSER LOOK AT SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST ADDICTIVE SUBSTANCES
What are the most addictive substances on our planet? Although you may initially think this question is easy to answer, think again. If you were to ask different researchers about the matter, you would most likely get a different opinion each time, given the tricky nature of these chemicals. Ultimately, a drug’s addictive qualities can […]
SOME STREET NAMES FOR COMMON DRUGS
At some point in your life, you may have encountered someone who wanted to introduce you to “Mary Jane” or share a few snow cones. While this sounds like an ordinary walk along the beach here in California, the person in this scenario is most likely not willing to introduce you to their best friend […]
SIGNS YOUR LOVED ONE IS A COCAINE USER
Although cocaine, or “coke,” is derived from coca leaves, the most common form of cocaine for drug use is a fine white powder. Cocaine directly affects the brain through dopamine which results in euphoria and dramatic changes in the user’s personality. Users of cocaine tend to talk more, be more outgoing, and feel in control. […]
DOES METHADONE REALLY HELP HEROIN ADDICTS?
If you are a former heroin user or know someone who is battling this illness (or simply know the facts about drug culture), then you have probably heard a lot about methadone treatment. A synthetic opioid, methadone is as a tool for harm reduction and withdrawal for people suffering from opioid use disorder, most notably […]