SUBSTANCE USE

Feb 13 2026HEALTH

Helping Moms Get the Care They Need

Moms in America face big challenges. Many struggle with addiction or mental health issues, especially during and after pregnancy. Yet, our country is not doing enough to support them. America has the highest rate of moms dying from pregnancy-related issues among wealthy nations. Shockingly, over 20

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Jan 18 2026HEALTH

Mixing MAOIs and Drugs: What You Need to Know

MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are powerful meds used to treat tough cases of depression and other mental health issues. But they come with a catch: they can cause serious problems when mixed with certain drugs or even some foods. This is especially true for people who also struggle with su

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Jan 04 2026HEALTH

How Early Cannabis Use Can Shape Future Habits

Starting to use cannabis early in life can lead to bigger problems later. This is especially true for young men. A study looked at two groups of people from birth to age 23. It found that guys who started using cannabis early were more likely to have issues with it as adults. For girls, the link was

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Jan 04 2026CRIME

Why Do Prisoners Use New Drugs?

Prisons are tough places. People inside often turn to new drugs, called NPS, for different reasons. These drugs are not just about getting high. They help prisoners deal with their tough surroundings and emotions. But why do they use these drugs? That's what a study in Poland tried to figure out. L

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Dec 27 2025OPINION

Portland's Needle Exchange Dilemma: Fear vs. Public Health

Portland is at a crossroads. The mayor is thinking about changing the city's needle exchange policy. This policy gives out clean needles to people who use drugs. The idea is to stop the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis C. But some people are upset about finding used needles in public places

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Dec 25 2025HEALTH

Why Do People Feel Relieved After Using Alcohol and Cannabis?

People often use alcohol and cannabis to feel better. But why do they feel this way? A study looked into this. It found that people feel relieved after using these substances. But it's not just about mood changes. It's more about what they expect and the pleasure they get. The study involved 87 adu

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Dec 14 2025HEALTH

Helping Hands: Peer Support for Homelessness and Addiction

Homelessness and substance use often go hand in hand, making it tough for people to get the help they need. A recent study called SHARPS showed that Peer Navigators, who have lived through similar struggles, can make a big difference. These navigators help build trust and guide people towards better

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Dec 14 2025HEALTH

How Faith Helps People Fight Addiction

People often lean on their faith when life gets tough. Studies show that how someone uses their beliefs can affect their health and happiness. The Brief Religious Coping Scale, or Brief RCOPE, is a popular tool to measure this. But how well does it work for people struggling with addiction? A recen

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Dec 03 2025HEALTH

Helping Latinx Folks Recover: A Look at Peer Support Programs

Peer support programs can make a big difference in helping Latinx individuals deal with substance use and mental health issues. But how do you make these programs work best for this community? A recent study looked into this question. The study focused on a Spanish-speaking organization that helps

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Nov 26 2025HEALTH

Maine Teens Feel Better, Drink and Smoke Less

In Maine, high school students are in a better place these days. They're feeling less down and using fewer substances. This is what a recent survey found out. The survey happens every two years. It checks on students' well-being and spots areas that need work. The survey showed that fewer students

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