People typically argue on the subject of medication-assisted treatment for patients with substance use disorders. Some believe that MAT cannot substitute other forms of treatment such as 12-step programs and cognitive behavioral therapy. Others believe that MAT is the only effective form of treatment available. Those who tend to see both sides of an argument…
These days, it seems nearly impossible to read anything about addiction without hearing about the opioid epidemic. We hear it regulated to specific areas, such as California or New England. In some cases, you might specifically hear about a heroin epidemic or prescription drug epidemic. These variations may appear to indicate that the entire thing…
We talk pretty frequently about the rising opioid epidemic, but addiction takes many forms. And while overdose deaths related to heroin and prescription opioids continue rising, benzodiazepine addiction poses yet another threat. In fact, many overdose deaths appear to straddle both epidemics, with many addicts mixing both types of drugs. This means that we cannot…
Not too long ago, we wrote about an executive order passed by Governor John Kasich of Ohio to fight addiction. We noted similar programs in other states, but also said that more needed to be done. Now, Congress appears to have answered the call by passing the first major anti-addiction bill in decades. And to…
Not too long ago, we talked about the benefits of Narcan and how it can potentially save lives. The drug works by reversing overdose symptoms, giving the victim enough time to receive medical care. It has been so effective that it has even been distributed to high schools. The thought of high school students suffering…
The death of musician Prince is not recent by modern press standards, but it’s still something that many are discussing. Not just because of the sadness that results from losing such an influential artist, but also because his death may be an indicator as to just how bad the drug problem has become in this…
In recent articles, we have discussed the trending opioid epidemic at length. We talked about the manner in which prescription drugs may lead to heroin, as well as the ways in which advertising has affected opioid use. What we have not discussed, however, is some of the other drugs commonly involved in this trend. And…
With so many treatment centers out there promising quality care, addicts and alcoholics in need of help may sometimes have a bit of difficulty making the right choice. There are a lot of fears that may influence the decision, from the fear of encountering scam artists with no real desire to help or the fear…
There’s a 1997 anti-drug commercial starring Rachel Leigh Cook that you’ve probably heard of before. A remake of an older PSA (which launched the popularity of the “this is your brain on drugs” slogan), the 1997 version achieved such a high level of popularity that it has been spoofed literally dozens of times, on everything…
Those who watched Julia Louis-Dreyfus host Saturday Night Live this past weekend may be aware of the controversy created after the show featured a fake advertisement for a product called “Heroin AM.” It presents itself as a harmless ad for an over-the-counter medication, not unlike the ads you might see for NyQuil or DayQuil. Many…