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...
Teenagers often get a bad rap for their behavior. But why do some teens turn to drugs and crime? A recent study in Sweden took a close look at this issue. It tried to find hidden groups of teens with similar problems. The goal was to understand what drives these teens to misuse substances and engage in delinquent behavior. First, let's talk about the big picture. Te...
The path to substance use disorders is never straightforward. It's a mix of nature and nurture. Genes play a role, and so do tough times in childhood. But how these pieces fit together is still a mystery. It's like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. The idea that genes alone cause addiction is outdated. Scientists now know that environment matters too. T...
Weather extremes can affect how often people with substance use problems need urgent medical help. This is a big deal because it shows how the environment can affect health in ways we might not expect. The link between hot or cold weather and emergency medical care for substance use issues has been studied. Researchers looked at many studies from 2000 to 2023. Th...
Substance use among teens is a significant issue. It is crucial to understand the experiences of teens who struggle with substance use. This understanding can help shape better treatment and care plans. It is important to note that teens who use substances often have unique stories and challenges. These stories can provide valuable insights into what drives their...
Ibogaine is a substance that has been getting a lot of buzz lately. It's not your typical psychedelic, but it's shown promise in helping people with substance use disorders. However, there are some big hurdles to overcome before it can be widely used. One major issue is the lack of big companies backing it, and there are also some serious safety concerns. To get a b...