Recent data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) has unveiled a concerning trend: a staggering surge in cardiomyopathy-associated hospital admissions among methamphetamine users across the American West. Over 13 years, from 2008 to 2020, admissions related to meth-induced cardiomyopathy skyrocketed by a remarkable 231% nationwide. This alarming rise contrasts sharply with the modest 12%
Gambling addiction can have severe consequences for many aspects of a person's life, including financial, emotional, and social well-being. The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, the nonprofit tasked with overseeing Florida's efforts to prevent addictive gambling, is facing significant challenges in meeting the surge in demand following the proliferation of sports betting apps, according to
Last week, grammy-nominated artist Jason DeFord, known as Jelly Roll, passionately urged lawmakers to support crucial anti-fentanyl legislation. Drawing from his tumultuous history with substance abuse, he emphasized the urgent need to save lives amidst the fentanyl epidemic. In a compelling testimony delivered before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, DeFord shed
On Tuesday night, the Cocoa City Council approved a new rule regarding the sale of kava and kratom, two substances often used in tea and considered by some as alternatives to alcohol. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) provides insights into kratom, describing it as potentially acting as a stimulant in low doses or a sedative
In a significant move to safeguard the well-being of middle and high school students across California, Governor Newsom has signed a vital piece of legislation, SB 10, known as Melanie's Law. This new law mandates measures to prevent and respond to fentanyl overdoses in the youth population. Governor Newsom made this announcement last Friday. Fentanyl,
Earlier this month, one-year-old Nicholas Dominici died after coming into contact with fentanyl at a daycare in the Bronx, New York. Three other children also were hospitalized with acute opioid intoxication. The daycare's owner and her husband now face various criminal charges. How does such a situation happen, and how can it be prevented from
In the news recently, a biomedical company announced that researchers are nearing human trials for vaccines to prevent fentanyl and heroin overdoses. Researchers say the vaccines could offer a lifeline to those struggling with opioid addiction or at risk of accidental overdose. However, before approval, it’s important to note that the development of a vaccine
In 2021, mother-of-four Krystal Talavera was found face down in her kitchen. It was Father's Day when she collapsed beside her one-year-old son and an open bag of 'Space Dust,' a product made from Kratom. What are Space Dust and Kratom? Space Dust is a synthetic drug created from Kratom. It is sold at various
Data from a Washington-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) provider Ideal Option shows that 61% of patients may need treatment for two or more drugs. Often, this is because of fentanyl, which has become a practically ubiquitous drug, especially for opioid users. When people accidentally ingest fentanyl, they may overdose. If they live or have a
Xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer found in opioids and other drugs, has become a hazard across the US even after being a mainstay in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for years. Known as “tranq dope” on the streets, there are thousands of addicted persons in the state that are coping with the effects of long-term use and addiction. Xylazine
