Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem in the United States, with many individuals suffering from addiction to prescription medications like opioids, benzodiazepines, and sleeping pills. Trazodone is a medication that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. While it is an effective medication, many people wonder, is trazodone addictive? Let’s …
Meloxicam is one of the most popular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the market today. Its primary use is to treat pain caused by arthritis, injury, and other conditions. However, some people abuse Meloxicam, leading to dangerous side effects and addiction. If left untreated, Meloxicam addiction can lead to serious health problems. But there is …
Some have asked, “are we over-medicating for mental health problems?” The answer is that it’s complicated. It’s difficult to say for sure whether we are over-medicating or not because there are several factors to consider. The definition of “mental health problem” is subjective and can vary from person to person. What one person might consider …
Are We Over-Medicating for Mental Health Problems? Read More »
Stigma is harsh, but it’s usually easier than untangling the truth about opioid use disorder. Some people think substance use disorders are about moral failure or character flaws. These perceptions create stigma and shame for people coping with addiction. Opioid misuse is a complex health issue. Yet, stigma often gets in the way of treatment. …
In the U.S., significant numbers of young adults are involved in the abuse of a prescription opioid medication. An increase in this form of drug abuse largely helps explain the current increase in the frequency of opioid overdoses. In a study published in July 2014 in the International Journal of Drug Policy, a team of American …
Do Young-Adult Prescription Opioid Abusers Understand Their Risks? Read More »
As the baby boomer generation reaches old age, their drug problems are staying with them, with substance abuse among the elderly becoming an increasingly common concern. When it comes to seniors, the focus is typically on alcohol, prescription drugs, caffeine and nicotine, missing the deceptively common problems with illicit drugs like cocaine, heroin and marijuana. …
Illicit Drug Use Among the Elderly Widespread, Overlooked Read More »
What happens when you combine extreme stress with easy access to drugs that seem to make that stress go away?
Mark was an avid racquetball player, hitting the court nearly every day until his shoulder, weakened by years of baseball, finally gave out on him. He went in for surgery, but in addition to getting his body repaired, Mark acquired a liking — and soon an obsessive need — for opioid painkillers. At first, the …
After New Jersey’s law protecting first responders who administer the opioid overdose antidote Narcan was signed into law in March, a free training program is helping ordinary citizens learn to administer the drug and save lives, as well as shining a spotlight on the issue of addiction.
New findings from a group of American researchers indicate that almost one-fifth of all U.S. college students misuse a prescription medication classified as a stimulant.