While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two cannabinoid-containing medications for the treatment of medical illness, marijuana itself has yet to be approved by the agency for this purpose. Nevertheless, many claims are made about CBD oil, marijuana itself and related products for managing a wide variety of ailments and conditions. Medical…
Drugs and music events have a long and interrelated history. Music festivals are often outdoor events where participants are free from the responsibilities of everyday life. In such situations, drug use can be a temptation and drugs are often sold. In fact, since festivals such as Woodstock in the 1960s, drugs have been openly used at…
If you’re like many people who saw comments related to a 2015 study published all over Facebook, you’re probably familiar with the four “types of drunks.” In this study, evidence was found to support the emergence of different personality types in individuals under the influence. From the study, one group was described as the “Ernest…
Hallucinogens include psychedelics, dissociatives and deliriants, all three of which are drugs that can alter one’s sense of reality and sensory experiences. Over time, hallucinogen users can develop a psychological reliance on these substances. Psychedelics such as LSD can alter time and can create a spiritual type of experience where reality looks very different. Abusing…
The world is an interesting place right now. For the first time in many people’s lives, we’re facing a viral pandemic that is changing the way we interact with those around us. While many of the things we should be doing — washing our hands, avoiding touching our faces and practicing social distancing — might seem like common sense,…
Addiction is a disease that impacts every area of your life. If you’re ready to get help, you’ll need to understand that not all addictions are the same. Some people seem to have more of a physical dependence, where you experience the symptoms of your addiction in your body. Others seem more affected mentally, as…
Driving while under the influence of drugs is one of the most dangerous and irresponsible things a person can do — yet, it’s a phenomenon that occurs every day. The problem of drugged driving has been increasing in frequency and severity for many years, and understanding the scope of the issue is critical to personal and public…
The true cost of a DUI may be more than you’re willing to pay. Yet, few people consider that when deciding to drink and drive. You’ve had a few drinks after work, but you feel fine. So, you choose to take a chance and drive yourself home. This simple decision can have devastating consequences. If…
Many people who struggle with addictions to drugs or alcohol are also diagnosed with mental health disorders — and vice versa. While mental illness and addiction are two very different diagnoses, they can impact the same person at the same time. This is called co-occuring disorders or comorbidity. Because substance abuse and mental health have such a strong link, many…
Gone are the days when addiction was considered a moral failing or a lack of self-discipline on the part of the individual. Today, comprehensive research studies show that an addiction to drugs or alcohol is both a complex brain disorder and a mental illness. Substance use disorders lead to hundreds of billions of dollars of addiction-related healthcare every…