Recent research suggests that GLP-1 drugs, known for their weight loss and diabetes management, can also be a valuable tool for treating people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Recent studies have discovered that these medications, containing the ingredients semaglutide or tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro or Zepbound, seem to reduce hospitalizations related to alcohol use
Going to the hospital and getting treatment might include one extra step for marginalized teens. A new study by Los Angeles-based researchers finds injured minority teens who present at trauma centers who are Black, American Indian, or Hispanic, undergo drug and alcohol screenings more often than white adolescents. The same is true of female and
Two significant surveys are revealing historic highs in the use of hallucinogens and cannabis among adults. In 2023, the Monitoring the Future survey showed that past-year use of cannabis and hallucinogens remained at historically high levels among adults aged 19 to 30 and 35 to 50. Another, more recent study by the University of Michigan’s
"Tusi," commonly referred to as "pink cocaine," has recently become a trend in nightclubs across the country, from New York to Midwestern cities. Despite the name, "pink cocaine" is misleading as it doesn’t contain cocaine. Instead, it’s more of a marketing term for various substances sold in powder or crystal form. They’re usually pink or
San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez announced this week that the jail will begin a new, more intense screening system to keep contraband out of the facility. The new screening program is part of a crackdown on contraband in San Diego-area detention centers. The searches will be conducted to "further secure detention facilities from the
Kratom Abuse and Addiction - A Rising Legal Issue Kratom, better known as Mitragyna, is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cultural practices. However, in recent years it has gained popularity in the Western world as an alternative to opioid withdrawal management and even
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
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
