THE STRANGE CASE OF NURSES STEALING DRUGS FROM PATIENTS IN VIRGINIA
Imagine for a moment, that you have just undergone surgery and are recovering in the hospital. At this time, you will be in need of painkillers or relaxants to cope with your discomfort and anxiety, but, ultimately, you notice some pills are missing. How could this have happened? According to reports, it is not because […]
THE REALITY OF HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES STEALING PRESCRIPTION PADS TO GET DRUGS
Imagine, for a moment, that you are a doctor having to put up with another busy day at work (or perhaps you already are a doctor, in which case you can sympathize). After going through thousands of patient files throughout the week, you discover that one of your prescription pads has been stolen by (of […]
HOW MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND EMERGENCY PERSONNEL TREAT MARIJUANA OVERDOSES
Strangely, medical marijuana overdoses seem to be making headlines in the news. In January, a little girl from Santa Fe unintentionally handed out cannabis gummy bears to her classmates, resulting in one child getting dangerously high. Later, in March, two teenagers were treated at a school clinic for ingesting more the gummy treats. Nearly four months […]
HIGH RATES OF ALCOHOL ABUSE AMONG MEDICAL SCHOOL STUDENTS
The problem of alcohol abuse among college students is a well-known phenomenon, but you may be surprised to learn that this problem is even worse among medical school students. According to a 2016 study by the Mayo Clinic, about one-third of medical students have a clinically diagnosable alcohol use disorder, more than twice the rate recorded […]
SUBSTANCE ADDICTION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ON THE RISE
According to a new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the number of pregnant women suffering from a substance use disorder has doubled since 2011. While the total number, approximately 4 in 1000, remains small, the rapid rate of increase is giving professionals reason to worry. The addicted pregnant population […]
A VACCINE FOR OPIOID ADDICTION?
With more than 40,000 people dying from overdoses every year, the opioid epidemic in the United States has become a full national crisis. In addition to a slew of new laws and corporate initiatives aiming to reduce opioid addiction, scientists with The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have been working to develop a vaccine that could […]
SIGNS OF RECENT MARIJUANA USE
Despite what you may have heard, marijuana is considered an addictive substance as regular marijuana users can develop a tolerance to the drug and may experience withdrawal symptoms upon the cessation of use. The combination of tolerance and withdrawal, known as physical dependence, is sufficient to classify marijuana as an addictive substance. Young users face […]
CONTINUE ADVENTURE THERAPY AFTER TREATMENT
There are several outpatient treatment programs available, and there are endless options for aftercare treatment. While inpatient treatments offer various techniques and activities for coping with sobriety, being out of the facility doesn’t limit your ability to continue practicing. Adventure therapy is often incorporated into inpatient treatment programs as an effective tool for dealing with […]
HELPING A LOVED ONE TRANSITION HOME AFTER TREATMENT
Watching someone you love struggle with a substance addiction is incredibly difficult, and the relief felt when that person finally begins a treatment program is enormous. And while it absolutely is a victory, it is not the end of the road. Relapse is a very significant risk for many people recovering from substance addiction and you […]
WHAT IS AL-ANON?
Al-Anon describes itself as a “mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. The Al-Anon program rests, in part, on the belief that by connecting people with others who can relate to their experiences, those affected by another’s alcoholism will be better able to improve their own situation, regardless […]