About teenagers and college students additions
Drug-induced behavioral crises are an increasing cause of emergency room visits, straining patients and healthcare systems. Substances can disrupt brain chemistry and trigger symptoms like agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, panic, or confusion, making behavior unpredictable or unsafe. Limited access to early treatment, mental health care, and substance-use support often allows these issues to escalate into emergencies. … Read more
Eye infections caused by injection drug use are a serious yet often overlooked medical complication that can threaten vision and overall health. When non-sterile needles, contaminated substances, or unsafe injection practices introduce bacteria or fungi into the bloodstream, these microorganisms can travel to delicate eye structures, triggering infections such as endophthalmitis or retinal inflammation. Because … Read more
Understanding the difference between supervised opioid use and misuse is essential because context determines whether opioids help or harm. When prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals, opioids can safely treat pain and support addiction treatment through careful dosing, monitoring, and adjustment. Misuse occurs when they are taken outside medical guidance, increasing the risk of dependence, … Read more
Casual drinking is a familiar part of many social gatherings. Sharing a drink with friends after work, popping a bottle at celebrations, or sipping something during movie night usually seems harmless. Yet even low-key alcohol habits can sometimes carry risks that don’t get much attention. Let me dig into what often gets missed about casual … Read more
Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed stimulants in the world, commonly found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and many everyday products. Because it is socially accepted and often associated with productivity and alertness, its risks are frequently overlooked. While moderate use is generally safe for most people, excessive or habitual consumption can lead … Read more
Cultural influences play a powerful role in shaping how addiction develops, is perceived, and is addressed. Culture affects beliefs about substances, coping strategies, emotional expression, and attitudes toward seeking help. These influences are often learned early through family traditions, social norms, media, and community expectations, making them deeply ingrained and sometimes invisible to the individual. … Read more
Common traits of addiction often emerge gradually and can appear long before a substance use disorder or behavioral addiction is formally recognized. These traits—such as loss of control, cravings, emotional avoidance, secrecy, impulsivity, and continued behavior despite negative consequences—reflect underlying changes in brain reward systems, stress responses, and decision-making processes. Rather than representing personal weakness … Read more
The intersection of alcohol addiction and fame reveals a complex relationship shaped by pressure, visibility, and environment. While public success is often associated with privilege and admiration, individuals in high-profile roles frequently face intense scrutiny, demanding schedules, and social settings where alcohol is normalized. These factors can increase vulnerability to unhealthy coping habits, particularly when … Read more
The question of whether alcoholism is a choice or a disease has long shaped public attitudes, treatment approaches, and personal beliefs about addiction. Historically, excessive drinking was often viewed as a moral failing or lack of discipline. However, advances in neuroscience, psychology, and addiction medicine now show that alcohol use disorder involves measurable changes in … Read more
During his presidency, Joe Biden advanced a national drug policy centered on public health, prevention, expanded treatment, and harm-reduction strategies. Rather than relying primarily on punitive enforcement models that dominated earlier eras, his administration emphasized addressing substance use disorder as a medical and social condition influenced by mental health, environment, and access to care. Federal … Read more