THE BIOCHEMISTRY OF HANGOVERS
A hangover is an unpleasant physiological and psychological experience that follows excessive alcohol consumption. While hangovers are a common occurrence, their biochemical basis is complex and not yet fully understood. The primary biochemical contributor to hangovers is the metabolism of alcohol in the body. When consumed, alcohol (ethanol) is broken down primarily in the liver […]
FENTANYL IN OTHER STREET DRUGS
Fentanyl has increasingly been found mixed with other street drugs, including heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit prescription pills. Due to its potency, even minuscule amounts of fentanyl can have profound effects. Illicit drug manufacturers often add fentanyl to enhance the potency of their products and reduce production costs, creating a lethal cocktail for unsuspecting users. The […]
PURDUE PHARMA AND THE OPIOID CRISIS
The history of Purdue Pharma is a cautionary tale of pharmaceutical innovation gone awry, leading to a devastating public health crisis. Founded in 1892 as a small pharmaceutical company, Purdue Pharma gained notoriety for its development of OxyContin, a potent opioid painkiller that would ultimately contribute to an unprecedented wave of addiction, overdose deaths, and […]
THE LONG TERM EFFECTS OF BENZODIAZEPINE ON THE BRAIN
Benzodiazepines are a type of medicine often prescribed to help with anxiety, sleep problems, and certain health issues. These medications can have both good and bad effects on the brain when used for a long time. While they can quickly make people feel better, using them for a long time might lead to problems with […]
KRATOM: ITS POPULARITY AND ITS RISKS
Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. For centuries, indigenous communities have used kratom leaves for medicinal and recreational purposes. In recent years, kratom has gained significant popularity in the Western world, with a surge in […]
AMPHETAMINE PSYCHOSIS: WHAT IS IT?
Amphetamines are a class of stimulant drugs that act on the central nervous system, increasing the release and blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. They are often prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy but are also used illicitly for their euphoric effects. One of the significant risks associated with […]
UNDERSTANDING DELIRIUM TREMENS
Delirium tremens (DT) is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs during alcohol withdrawal, particularly in individuals with a history of heavy alcohol consumption. It primarily affects individuals undergoing alcohol withdrawal, usually appearing within 48-96 hours after stopping heavy drinking. Although its prevalence during alcohol withdrawal is relatively low at 5-10%, the mortality rate is alarmingly […]
MENTAL HEATH AND ADDICTION
Mental health and addiction share an intertwined relationship, influencing each other in a bidirectional manner. Individuals with existing mental health conditions face heightened susceptibility to substance abuse as they often resort to drugs or alcohol for solace. Conversely, substance abuse can worsen or contribute to the development of mental health disorders. Research reveals the common […]
AA IN THE COMMUNITY
Alcohol addiction affects individuals and communities worldwide, and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups provide crucial support for those struggling with alcoholism. While AA’s primary focus is on helping individuals recover from alcoholism, these groups also have a profound positive impact on the communities surrounding them. Alcoholism often leads to criminal behavior such as DUI, public intoxication, and […]
BARRIERS TO TREATMENT
The primary reason individuals with Substance Use Disorder avoid treatment is the fear of stigmatization and discrimination. Substance abuse carries a social stigma, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation. Negative judgment from friends, family, employers, and the community at large can be a barrier that prevents individuals from seeking help due to concerns […]