Predictive analytics based on government data may help in curtailing opioid epidemic

Although Americans represent only 5 percent of the world’s population, they consume 80 percent of the world’s supply of opioids. In 2015, over 22,000 deaths occurred due to prescription opioids, an increase from around 19,000 deaths in 2014. One of the major reasons behind such a massive increase in deaths is the involvement of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. This translates into an average of 62 deaths per day. Since 2000, the rate of drug overdose deaths has increased by 137 percent, including a 200 percent increase in deaths due to opioids. Continue reading →

Debunking myths surrounding medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction

The United States is in the throes of an unprecedented opioid epidemic that has been making its presence felt for almost two decades beginning 1999, when prescription opioids first started becoming readily available. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 183,000 people have died from opioid overdose between 1999 and 2015. In 2015, deaths from opioid overdose reached a record high when more than 33,000 Americans died, which was more than the previous years. Continue reading →

Study finds marijuana link to threefold increase in deaths due to hypertension

For the believers, there is nothing that marijuana cannot cure. From acne to depression, the drug is a surefire cure for a wide range of psychological and physical disorders. However, studies that have been trying to unearth the mystical properties of pot have come up with startling conclusions that could dampen the enthusiasm of the supporters. Continue reading →

Effective drug testing for better addiction treatment

Most people get hooked on a substance either as a way to self-medicate or to get a high, without realizing the fallouts. However, those who recognize the risks involved in continued use of the harmful substance and seek help, the treatment process starts with the diagnosis involving a thorough evaluation of the symptoms by a certified psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor. Common drug testing methods include urine or blood test as well as hair sample, believed to be more effective as it can detect the use over the previous few months.
Continue reading →

Elements influencing the onset of cocaine effects

Ongoing research on substance abuse and its impact on the neural pathways of pleasure and pain in the human brain has vastly improved understanding of substance abuse, dependence and addiction. This, in turn, assists in comprehending the effect of substance-seeking behavior on the human behavior and psyche. Continue reading →

5 most addictive substances that may wreck anyone’s life

Addiction is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to use a substance. Substance addiction is a major public health concern that costs thousands of lives to the United States and inflicts a huge cost on the nation and causes a number of problems – to the addicted individual, his family and community. People suffering from an addiction witness a number of disabilities and impairments that affect their daily functioning. Continue reading →

Treating anxiety with benzos may impact recovery from drinking

Anxiety is often a coexisting problem affecting those trying to recover from alcoholism and drug addiction. In the absence of the substances, it can become severe and disruptive during the recovery phase. Generally, people initially develop an anxiety disorder and start self-medicating using alcohol and drugs that eventually end up in developing a dual diagnosis or coexisting disorders. Continue reading →

Families of drug and alcohol overdose victims do not get emotional support

Everyone who has lost a loved one, deserves some sort of emotional support during the bereavement period. Psychologists argue that caregiving during this period is extremely crucial for facilitating the well-being of the grieving family. As Sigmund Freud explained in his theory of psychoanalysis, if one bottles up their grief or have no one around to share it with, the likelihood of it turning into a self-induced depression is quite high. Unfortunately, while people are more than willing to offer condolence to families who have lost a loved one to natural incidents, there is a clear demarcation in the way they respond to the those who have lost a member to drugs or alcohol. Continue reading →

Personality traits more prone to addiction

One can never determine a person’s proclivity toward illicit substances based on his or her personality. If it would have been easy to determine which personality types were more prone to develop an addiction to drugs or alcohol, then half the problem of the researchers would have been successfully solved. However, with an ever-increasing number of research and studies, it has been possible to identify the indicators that can predict what kind of individuals are more prone to addiction. However, it appears that the answers are still pretty sketchy and not quite so “cut and dried.” Continue reading →

A tweak in the brain helps in abstaining cocaine, says study

Cocaine is one of the most abused and powerful stimulant drugs in the United States, with nearly 1.5 million Americans aged 12 or older being under the influence of this drug in 2014. Though there has been a dramatic depreciation in the use of cocaine, it remains a major public health concern in the U.S. In fact, cocaine still drives most of the emergency department (ED) visits in the country today. Known by a host of monikers, like the champagne of drugs, gold dust, Cadillac of drugs, status stimulant, yuppie drug, etc., cocaine is a powerful addictive stimulant drug with meager medical use. Continue reading →

Hope for Tomorrow.

Articles