HIV transmission can seem like a distant issue if it hasn’t touched you or your community directly. Still, the way it spreads from drug use to the broader population is a public health topic that actually affects many people. The process isn’t always as straightforward as people think. Understanding the steps involved can help with … Read more
Hepatitis is a group of diseases that mess with the liver, and drug use is sadly one of the fastest ways these viruses can spread. If you’re curious about how hepatitis actually gets passed on among people who use drugs, you’re not alone. Many folks assume it’s only about sharing needles, but there are actually … Read more
Methamphetamine, or meth, is one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs, and its effects go far beyond the intense rush that draws many people in. Even after a few uses, meth can disrupt nearly every major system in the body—impacting the brain, heart, skin, teeth, and overall physical and mental health. While people often … Read more
When people talk about the effects of drugs and alcohol, the focus usually lands on the more familiar consequences—liver disease, withdrawal, or addiction itself. But one of the most critical and often overlooked areas is how these substances impact the brain and nervous system. The truth is, repeated or heavy use can disrupt the very … Read more
Heart valve damage from drug use is something a lot of people overlook, but it’s actually a pretty serious topic. Drugs, especially certain prescription medications or illicit substances, can really take a toll on your heart, sometimes leaving you with permanent valve issues. Since your heart’s valves act as the traffic controllers for your blood … Read more
When I first learned what it meant for a baby to be born addicted to drugs, it struck me just how tough those early days can be for newborns and their families. This isn’t a super-rare situation anymore; it’s become much more common in recent years. Here’s a closer look at what happens when a … Read more
Drug use and its impact on oral health come up more often than people expect, especially when teeth or gums start acting up after substance use. Dental damage is common but often overlooked because attention usually goes to more obvious symptoms. Substances like methamphetamine, opioids, cocaine, cannabis, alcohol, and even some prescriptions can dry out … Read more
Infection linked to drug use tends to fly under the radar, but it’s a risk that packs a punch. Many people focus on overdose and dependency, but infections tied to drug use cause serious complications and can even be deadly. When I got into the research behind these risks, I realized how much awareness can … Read more
Heart damage from drug use is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most serious health effects of substance misuse. Many drugs—legal, illegal, and even common everyday substances—can quietly strain the heart, weaken blood vessels, and disrupt normal heart function. Early warning signs are easy to miss and often mistaken for stress or fatigue. Stimulants, … Read more
Losing custody of my kids because of drug use changed my life. It forced me to face the reality of addiction—not just how it affects me, but how deeply it impacts the people I love most. You can think you’re in control, but addiction can take over and leave consequences that cut deep. Sharing this … Read more