The LGBTQ+ community faces higher rates of substance use compared to their straight peers. This isn't a coincidence. The extra pressure of being a minority in society, known as minority stress, plays a huge role. This stress can negatively affect mental health and disrupt the body's natural stress response. When the body's stress system is off balance, it can lead to...
People who inject drugs often face big hurdles when thinking about quitting. A recent study looked at what makes someone ready to change their drug use habits. Researchers talked to 472 people in Los Angeles and Denver between 2021 and 2022. They found that people were at different stages of readiness to quit. Some were not thinking about quitting at all. Others wer...
The journey of new parents battling substance use disorder is a tough one. A recent study looked into the lives of 22 new parents, all within a year of having a baby, who were in residential treatment for substance use issues. The goal was to understand how their social circles and environment affected their recovery. The participants were mostly white, single, an...
The link between tough times in childhood and substance use in teens is strong. A recent study dug into this connection, focusing on high school students across the United States. The research used data from a large survey that asked students about their experiences and habits. Eight different tough experiences were considered, ranging from abuse to household struggl...
The Northwest Territories in Canada face a significant challenge with high rates of hospitalizations and deaths linked to alcohol and drug use. This issue is complicated by the region's small, diverse population, making it difficult to provide effective substance use recovery services. A recent study delved into the obstacles people face when trying to access these s...
In Texas, a unique program has been shining a light on a dark issue. This program is one of the few in the country that focuses on helping sex-trafficked patients within a hospital setting. The main goal of this program is to understand who these patients are and how substance use fits into their experiences. The program has been gathering important information. Thi...
Young people today are facing a harsh reality. Gun violence is on the rise, and it is taking a toll on the mental health of young adults. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. It is not just about the physical harm caused by guns. The psychological impact is just as severe, if not more so. Young adults who witness gun violence are at a higher risk ...
The period when people are just starting to become adults is crucial. This is when habits formed in childhood can have big impacts. One major issue is the link between tough times in childhood and the use of substances later on. This connection can make it harder to reach important goals for society as a whole. There are many factors that can lead to tough times in ...
When it comes to tackling substance use, there's a big gap in understanding how religion and spirituality fit in. This gap is surprising, given how much these factors influence people's lives. It is crucial to look at how faith and belief systems can support harm reduction efforts. Harm reduction is all about minimizing the negative effects of substance us...
Drug-related deaths are on the rise across Canada. This is a serious problem that needs quick and effective solutions. The way people use drugs is changing. Some people use multiple methods. Others stick to one. Each method comes with its own set of issues for public health workers. In recent times, smoking has become a popular way to use unregulated drugs. Th...