News - Answer Addiction

How A Ballot Measure Decreased Racial Disparity In California Drug Arrests

Prop. 47 led to a 75% reduction in felony drug arrests in California. Four years after California voters approved Proposition 47 in 2014—which reclassified “non-serious and non-violent property and drug crimes” from a felony to a misdemeanor—a new analysis was able to quantify the impact that the measure has had on the state of California.… Continue reading How A Ballot Measure Decreased Racial Disparity In California Drug Arrests

Chester Bennington's Widow Talks Mental Health, Suicide Prevention

“If we can find good coping mechanisms, if we have people we trust that we can talk to, that helps us make better choices for ourselves. My husband didn’t have that in a lot of situations.” In the wake of the suicides of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade, Chester Bennington’s widow Talinda Bennington has continued… Continue reading Chester Bennington's Widow Talks Mental Health, Suicide Prevention

Janet Jackson Opens Up About Depression Struggles

The pop icon penned a personal essay about mental health and her quest to find happiness for Essence magazine. Janet Jackson is the latest celebrity to disclose her personal battles with depression, which she traced back to her childhood. A letter written by the iconic performer and youngest of the famous Jackson family is featured… Continue reading Janet Jackson Opens Up About Depression Struggles

Healthcare Pros Talk Unintended Consequences Of Addressing Opioid Crisis

“Doctors just say, ‘That’s it, I’m done. I’m not going to lose my license over you and good luck,’ and that’s unconscionable,” said one health expert. The opioid epidemic has drawn more political and media attention than any other public health crisis in recent memory, but healthcare professionals say that the focus on preventing opioid-related… Continue reading Healthcare Pros Talk Unintended Consequences Of Addressing Opioid Crisis

Link Between Trump Support And Opioid Use Revealed In New Study

“When we look at the two maps, there was a clear overlap between counties that had high opioid use … and the vote for Donald Trump,” said the study’s author. There may be a geographic connection between those who supported Trump in the 2016 election and prescriptions for opioids, according to a new study published in… Continue reading Link Between Trump Support And Opioid Use Revealed In New Study

Smoking Rates Hit An All-Time Low

The rising popularity of e-cigarettes has helped drive down traditional smoking rates. Americans are lighting up less than ever, according to newly released data from the federal government. After yet another downtick, only about 14% of U.S. adults were still smokers last year, an all-time low that has fallen from some 42% in the 1960s… Continue reading Smoking Rates Hit An All-Time Low

Are Health Insurers Driving The Opioid Crisis?

While the brunt of the negative attention has focused on drug suppliers and prescribers, experts are now examining the role that insurers have played in the epidemic. Health insurers could be stoking the opioid epidemic, according to a new study published Friday in the journal JAMA Network Open. “Our findings suggest that both public and… Continue reading Are Health Insurers Driving The Opioid Crisis?

Selma Blair Celebrates Two Years Of Sobriety

“I prayed for a miracle at my lowest points. I am a living miracle. Thank you,” the actress wrote in an Instagram post. Actress Selma Blair had two reasons to celebrate this week: her 46th birthday as well as her second year of sobriety. Blair, who has starred in films including Hellboy and Legally Blonde,… Continue reading Selma Blair Celebrates Two Years Of Sobriety

Korn's Jonathan Davis Talks Addiction: "Benzos Are The Devil"

“I’ve dealt with anxiety for a long-ass time. I got prescribed Xanax, benzodiazepine, a long time ago. Benzos are the f—ing devil. They’re horrible drugs.” Jonathan Davis, the frontman of the metal band Korn, puts his struggles with drugs and anxiety front and center in a song on his debut solo album, Black Labyrinth. In… Continue reading Korn's Jonathan Davis Talks Addiction: "Benzos Are The Devil"