MDMA, short for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, has a pretty captivating backstory. Known on the street as Ecstasy or Molly, it’s drawn plenty of attention in both scientific and cultural circles. From early pharmaceutical research to becoming a symbol of rave culture and, more recently, a topic in mental health treatments, MDMA’s ride is one of unexpected twists. … Read more
Fentanyl and oxycodone have left a huge mark on medicine and pain management—but they’re also at the center of the opioid crisis we hear about today. Originally created to help people with severe pain when nothing else worked, these drugs were meant to do good. But their stories are far more complicated than just relief—they … Read more
Benzodiazepines have played a major role in modern medicine, providing relief for anxiety, sleep disorders, and certain types of seizures. But their story is far from simple—it’s full of medical breakthroughs, widespread use, and controversies over dependence and misuse. If you’ve ever wondered how these medications became so common, or why they continue to spark … Read more
Amphetamines and methamphetamines have played a significant role in medicine, military history, and popular culture for more than a century, leaving a lasting mark on how societies understand and regulate drugs. From their early use in hospitals and laboratories to widespread distribution on battlefields and streets, these powerful substances have influenced medical practice and social … Read more
LSD’s history is anything but boring. If you’ve ever wondered how this colorful psychedelic went from a chemistry lab curiosity to an icon of counterculture, you’re in the right place. Here, I’m laying out a clear path through its early days, the rollercoaster of cultural and scientific reactions, and what’s happening with LSD today. Origins: … Read more
Cannabis has been woven into human culture for thousands of years, appearing in religious ceremonies, traditional medicine, and global trade. Its history is full of fascinating twists—from a revered plant to a prohibited substance, and now experiencing a modern resurgence in medicine and recreational use. In this article, we’ll explore its origins, the diverse ways … Read more
Heroin is a drug that’s been shaping history for over a century, and its story is pretty eye-opening. From its beginnings in a chemistry lab to its reputation today, heroin has gone through many phases. It’s been seen as a pharmaceutical breakthrough, an illegal street drug, and the fuel for countless debates about medicine, addiction, … Read more
New treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) are adapting to fentanyl’s rise, emphasizing low-dose buprenorphine, wider methadone access, and digital or community care. These improve survival and retention but pose risks like withdrawal, sedation, misuse, and ethical dilemmas over autonomy, safety, resources, and balancing harm reduction with abstinence, highlighting a shift toward individualized, evidence-based care. … Read more
Women with addiction retain fundamental reproductive rights, including the right to become pregnant, receive prenatal care, and parent their children, provided they can ensure the child’s safety and well-being. State governments, through child protective services, assess factors such as substance use during pregnancy, home environment, parenting capacity, and the availability of a support network to … Read more
Opioid settlement funds are helping communities tackle the epidemic by supporting treatment programs, prevention campaigns, and harm reduction initiatives. But these funds aren’t without challenges. Delays in distribution, limited resources, and the risk of misallocation can reduce their impact. Ethical questions around fairness, transparency, and corporate accountability make it clear that careful planning and oversight … Read more