The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that more than 30% of all overdose deaths that involve opioids also involve benzodiazepines. When used in combination with opioids, benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium can make an individual five times more likely to overdose, a new study published in JAMA Network Open has determined. The study found that benzodiazepines,… Continue reading Can Combining Opioids And Benzos Increase Overdose Risk?
Category: Addiction News
Sean Penn's Son Hopper Settles Drug Possession Case
In April, police reportedly confiscated a variety of drugs from Penn and his girlfriend during a traffic stop. Hopper Penn, son of actors Robin Wright and Sean Penn, pleaded no contest regarding an April misdemeanor drug charge, according to USA Today. In April, the 24-year-old actor was pulled over by police for failure to signal… Continue reading Sean Penn's Son Hopper Settles Drug Possession Case
Harm Reduction: How to Engage Parent Advocates Effectively
I’ve had to correct parents whose first line to any policymaker is “my kid was from a good family, not just some homeless person.” “I never thought I would end up here, but here I am. I choose to create beauty in the space left in this world that my daughter used to occupy” –… Continue reading Harm Reduction: How to Engage Parent Advocates Effectively
States Consider Foster Care Alternatives As They Grapple With Parental Addiction
Some states are taking approaches that focus on reducing the trauma of separation from the child while encouraging parents to continue treatment. A new report from The Hill notes that the rise in the number of children who enter foster care has forced state governments to rethink the notion of separating families while parents undergo treatment… Continue reading States Consider Foster Care Alternatives As They Grapple With Parental Addiction
Can Blue Lights Deter Public Drug Use?
Public health experts say the blue lights make people more prone to hurting themselves and further stigmatize those who struggle with addiction. As the nation struggles with an ever-worsening opioid epidemic, some retailers are experimenting with an innovative solution to curb the drug use that takes place in their facilities. According to USA Today, a… Continue reading Can Blue Lights Deter Public Drug Use?
Friends Before Phones: Phone Addiction is Wrecking Our Social Lives
Friends Before Phones: Phone Addiction is Wrecking Our Social Lives You go to meet a friend, wait a bit…They finally arrive but seem somewhat preoccupied. Their phone is out. You’re talking to them but they don’t really respond. They don’t say anything because their head is in a screen. “What’s going on?” You interject. For… Continue reading Friends Before Phones: Phone Addiction is Wrecking Our Social Lives
China Presses US To Reduce Opioid Demands
“When fewer and fewer Americans use fentanyl, there would be no market for it,” said one Chinese official. China’s drug control agency has challenged the U.S. to sharply reduce its demand for opioids, The Hill reported. The agency specifically called out the United States’ role in driving demand for drugs like fentanyl. “It’s common knowledge… Continue reading China Presses US To Reduce Opioid Demands
Massive Drug Spoon Sculpture Dropped At Purdue Pharma HQ
The message behind the guerrilla art exhibit is to call attention to the potential danger of prescription opioids. A gallery owner was arrested Friday morning (June 22) after placing a sculpture of a massive steel spoon at the headquarters of Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin. Fernando Louis Alvarez was arrested and charged with obstruction… Continue reading Massive Drug Spoon Sculpture Dropped At Purdue Pharma HQ
FDA Approves First Cannabis-Based Drug For Debilitating Seizures
The DEA must re-classify cannabidiol (CBD) before the medication can be available to patients. On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex, a cannabidiol (CBD) treatment for debilitating epilepsy beginning in children as young as 1 or even younger. Cannabidiol is a chemical compound (cannabinoid) of the cannabis plant known for its pain-relieving… Continue reading FDA Approves First Cannabis-Based Drug For Debilitating Seizures
Gene Simmons On Why He Joined The Cannabis Movement
The outspoken rock legend explains why he decided to become a cannabis ambassador despite his long-standing abstinence from drugs and alcohol. KISS founder and bassist Gene Simmons is a tireless promoter and pitchman for both the dizzying array of merchandise for his band (including coffins and cremation urns) and other businesses, ranging from life insurance to… Continue reading Gene Simmons On Why He Joined The Cannabis Movement