Pharmacologic agents used to treat alcohol dependence
Alcohol dependence is a worldwide epidemic that affects people from all different backgrounds, ethnicities, ages and social status. Many addicts relapse before they actually get clean and sober. Although multiple treatment modalities — such as sponsorship programs, 12-step programs and cognitive behavioral therapy — aid in obtaining and maintaining sobriety, pharmacological therapy also has been shown to prevent alcohol cravings and promote abstinence. Continue reading
Hawaii raises cigarette smoking age to 21
An immense amount of controversy exists over the synergistic effects of alcohol and cigarettes. Many people enjoy smoking a cigarette while drinking, even if they are not routine smokers and, interestingly enough, many alcohol and drug rehab programs allow their patients to continue to smoke cigarettes, despite the health risks. Continue reading
Substance abuse among physicians: Addiction behind the white coat
Alcohol and drug abuse affects people of all colors, ages, professions and backgrounds. Addiction does not discriminate and there is a hidden underworld of physicians who are addicted to prescription medications, alcohol and even illegal drugs. Treating another human being while addicted to an illicit substance can potentially harm the patient and physician, costing the physician’s career and potentially the patient’s life. Continue reading
E-cigarette use reaches new high with middle and high school students
Electronic cigarettes have become the new, improved cigarettes. They are designed to be the healthy alternative to cigarettes: nicotine delivered at self-proportioned levels, plus a variety of flavors and vapor instead of smoke.
Electronic cigarettes are usually built of three parts, a cartridge which holds the liquid substance known as vapor, a vaporizer that works as a heating device for the liquid vapor and a battery to charge the vaporizer. Debate has surrounded this electric counterpart and if there should be regulations in place to restrict usage. It is argued they can be a gateway to wean those addicted to smoking cigarettes. Yet, many people are merely replacing an addiction for a “smoke free” option that can actually increase the amount of nicotine some people inhale. Continue reading
Can Adderall evolve into a speed addiction?
Adderall, commonly referred to as “Addy,” has become as ubiquitous as a cup of Starbucks or a can of Monster among U.S. students who are abusing the drug as a tool to remain competitive. Nothing like a bump of speed to get those brain cells humming, right? Continue reading
Dangers of intravenous drug use
As is commonly known, most substance abuse does not begin with intravenous drug use. This is because smoking and ingestion of the substance may provide an opportunity to use the drug for those that are wary of using a needle. However, as dependence develops, using drugs that eventually cause tolerance may lead to seeking out a stronger alternative. Though needle use is perhaps most commonly associated with heroin, there are a number of illegal drugs that may be injected for their effects. Injecting in and of itself proves a number of dangerous occurrences within the body. Continue reading
The street drug phenomenon wreaks havoc on health, lives and society
In 2012, an estimated 23.9 million Americans aged 12 years or older had used an illicit drug or abused a psychotherapeutic medication (such as a pain reliever, stimulant or tranquilizer) in the past month, according to statistics by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. This is an increase from past years, mainly because of the recent rise in the use of marijuana, the most commonly used illicit drug. However, opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines, bath salts, inhalants and even antipsychotics are now sold on the street. People who wish to get high have learned to snort, crush, inject, inhale and even consume rectally these illicit drugs. Continue reading