For the last several years, headlines have told the story of the new drug scourge in the U.S. Prescription narcotic painkillers are being used and abused like never before. From young teens experimenting, to adults with legitimate prescriptions, to junkies needing a new, cheap high, the number of people falling victim to abuse continues to […]
Alarming Rise in Babies Born Addicted to Prescription Drugs Read More »
The nature-nurture debate is alive and well in the world of drug addiction research. Scientists and addiction experts have long-speculated whether the biological factors—genetic variations and the resulting susceptibility—or the psycho-social factors—like depression, parental substance abuse, or socioeconomic disadvantage—are responsible for addiction. It’s generally agreed that both factors contribute to addiction, with at least 50
Animal Study Links Missing Brain Enzyme With Addiction to Painkillers Read More »
Chronic pain has a profound effect on anyone’s life. If you’re saddled with chronic pain, you may not be able to work or exercise, let alone enjoy life in general. Pain causes sleep disturbances and, when chronic, often triggers symptoms of depression. In short, life with chronic pain can be miserable. It’s no surprise that
Chronic Pain and Substance Abuse – A Challenging Combination Read More »
The widespread misuse of prescription painkillers has prompted the medical community to look for ways to better understand and regulate them. The doctors, pharmacists and policymakers involved in seeking to promote responsible use of prescription painkillers intend to provide solutions that prevent misuse of the drugs, but without threatening the relief that they offer to
Pot Smokers More Likely to Abuse Prescription Drugs Read More »
New survey results released by The Partnership at Drugfree.org find that one in four teens has misused or abused a prescription drug at least once – a 33 percent increase over the last five years. The study is actually the 24th annual survey used by the organization to track and research drug use in this
Wake-Up Call for Parents: One in Four Teens Has Abused Prescription Meds Read More »
Health care is a controversial and complex issue, especially now as political wrangling is hitting full tilt in states that are reluctant to accept Medicaid expansion on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Today, only one penny of every dollar that is spent on health care will go to assist a person facing debilitating
Addiction Treatment to Gain Big Boost Under Obamacare Read More »
“Drug addiction is a chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by a compulsion to take a drug with loss of control over drug intake.” – Scripps Research Institute Both alcoholics and drug addicts struggle with the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical consequences of their substance abuse. But what, exactly, is the difference between an alcoholic and
The Staggering Costs of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Read More »
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, in coordination with more than 4,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies across the country, will hold its sixth annual drug “take-back” day April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Is April 27 Read More »
The quest for a leaner, more toned physique has led to many crazy potions, fad diets and pills. But who would have thought that Viagra would top that list? A new study suggests that in addition to sexual benefits for men, Viagra may also help with weight loss.
Viagra – The Next ‘It’ Drug for Weight Loss? Read More »
The national spotlight has been focused on professional cycling with seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong finally coming clean on his use of steroids and blood boosters. But baseball isn’t far behind–some of its biggest stars are also under the microscope, not for steroid use, but for an anti-inflammatory drug called Toradol.
Painkiller’s Use in Sports Sets Off Alarm Bells Read More »