About teenagers and college students additions
Technology has become an essential part of modern life, providing convenient access to communication, education, employment, entertainment, healthcare, and social connection. However, constant notifications, social media, gaming, streaming, and endless scrolling can make it difficult for some people to disconnect and use technology intentionally. A digital detox is a planned period of reducing or temporarily … Read more
Fentanyl testing has become an important harm-reduction strategy as illicitly manufactured fentanyl continues to appear in the unregulated drug supply, including counterfeit pills and substances sold as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Because fentanyl cannot reliably be identified by appearance, smell, or taste, fentanyl test strips can provide potentially lifesaving information by detecting fentanyl in some … Read more
Xylazine, commonly called “tranq,” is a non-opioid veterinary sedative that is not approved for human use in the United States but has increasingly appeared in the illicit drug supply, particularly alongside illegally manufactured fentanyl. People may be exposed to xylazine without knowing it is present, making its effects especially concerning. Xylazine can cause profound sedation, … Read more
Can vaping trigger a hidden mental illness? The relationship is more complicated than a simple yes-or-no answer. Vaping is not proven to suddenly activate a psychiatric disorder that would otherwise remain permanently hidden, but nicotine dependence, withdrawal, disrupted sleep, chronic stress, and exposure to THC or other substances may worsen psychological symptoms or make an … Read more
Carrie Fisher was an accomplished actress, writer, and mental-health advocate who became internationally recognized for portraying Princess Leia in Star Wars. Behind her successful career, Fisher openly experienced significant challenges with bipolar disorder and substance addiction, including problems involving cocaine and prescription medications. Rather than hiding these struggles, she eventually spoke candidly about her diagnosis, … Read more
Zayn Malik, internationally known as a former member of One Direction and a successful solo artist, has spoken publicly about significant mental health challenges, particularly anxiety and periods of disordered eating. His experiences developed within an environment of intense fame, demanding schedules, public scrutiny, performance pressure, and limited personal control. Malik has also discussed alcohol … Read more
Demi Lovato’s public journey with addiction and mental health challenges has brought greater awareness to the complex relationship between substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Throughout their career, Lovato has openly discussed struggles with alcohol and drug misuse, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and self-harm. By sharing these experiences, Lovato has helped reduce … Read more
Stimulants are medications and illicit substances that increase activity in the central nervous system, producing effects such as increased alertness, energy, attention, and wakefulness. Prescription stimulants are commonly used to treat conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, while illicit stimulants, including cocaine and methamphetamine, have a high potential for misuse. Although prescription stimulants … Read more
Gerard Butler’s journey with alcohol, prescription pain medication, and recovery demonstrates how substance-related problems can develop at different stages of a person’s life. Long before he became internationally known for films such as 300, Butler said his drinking became excessive in his twenties. In a 2002 interview, he described realizing at age 28 that his … Read more
Ben Affleck’s experience with alcohol addiction and recovery demonstrates that substance use disorder can affect people regardless of fame, career success, or financial resources. The actor and filmmaker has publicly discussed his struggles with alcohol, periods of treatment, relapse, and his continuing efforts toward sobriety. His story provides an opportunity to understand addiction as a … Read more