Vaping and Children’s Health 2023

vaping

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. What is vaping? Vaping is synonymous with e-cigarettes (electronic cigarettes) and has increased in popularity over the last decade. According to a description from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): E-cigarettes/vapes are electronic devices that heat a liquid and produce an aerosol, or mix of small particles in the air. E-cigarettes/vapes come in many shapes and sizes. Most have a battery, a heating element, and a place to hold a liquid. Some e-cigarettes/vapes look like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Some look like USB flash drives, pens, and other everyday items. Larger devices such as tank systems, or “mods,” do not look like other tobacco products. E-cigarettes are known by many different names. They are sometimes called “e-cigs,” “e-hookahs,” “mods,” “vape pens,” “vapes,” “tank systems,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).” Using an e-cigarette is sometimes called “vaping.” Big tobacco companies have marketed vaping …

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The Benefits of Anti-Craving Medication for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
woman after exploring anti-craving medication for drug and alcohol addiction

Anti-craving medications play a pivotal role in addiction recovery by mitigating withdrawal symptoms and reducing the urge to use substances. This support is crucial for maintaining sobriety and enhancing the effectiveness of therapy and counseling. Drug and alcohol addiction is a complex challenge, often characterized by intense cravings and a high risk of relapse.  Anti-craving medication offers a beacon of hope, acting as a valuable tool in the arsenal against addiction. These medications can significantly reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making the path to recovery smoother and more manageable. In this article, you will discover the benefits of anti-craving medication for drug and alcohol addiction. What is Anti-Craving Medication? Anti-craving medication refers to pharmaceutical drugs specifically designed to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with drug and alcohol addiction.  These medications work by targeting the brain’s reward system, which is significantly affected by substance use. By altering the brain chemistry, …

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DEA’s National Take Back Day 2023

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By Ashley Barnes, M.S. What is DEA’s National Take Back Day? The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a national security threat to public health and safety.  The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) holds a “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day” every year as a reflection of the DEA’s “commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting” (DEA, 2023).  Last year, there were a total of 4,902 collection sites and 647,163 pounds (324 tons) of unneeded medications collected (DEA, 2023). This year, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is on October 28, 2023. Find a collection site near you using the Collection Site Locator. Statistics According to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of people who died from a …

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Substance Abuse and the Brain

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By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Substance Abuse According to the American Psychological Association (APA), substance abuse is defined as “a pattern of compulsive substance use marked by recurrent significant social, occupational, legal, or interpersonal adverse consequences, such as repeated absences from work or school, arrests, and marital difficulties” (2022). Addiction describes the “state of psychological or physical dependence (or both) on the use of alcohol or other drugs” (APA, 2022). Substance abuse goes hand in hand with addiction, as substance abuse can lead to addiction.  Substance Use Disorder Symptoms The following are symptoms of substance use disorders as outlined by The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine: Using/drinking larger amounts or over longer periods of time than planned. Continually wanting or unsuccessfully trying to cut down or control use of drugs or alcohol. Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of drugs or alcohol. Craving, or a strong …

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The Danger of Self-Medicating to Deal with Stress

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
woman self medicating to deal with stress

Self-medicating to deal with stress is a nationwide problem. Stress in America 2022 revealed more than one in 10 adults said they have been using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax. This coping mechanism, known as self-medicating, carries severe potential consequences. The dangers of self-medicating to deal with stress extend far beyond the immediate hazards, with individuals risking not only physical health complications but also a potential downward spiral into addiction. If you use drugs, alcohol, or other substances to deal with stress, it is crucial to understand the risks to your physical and mental health. In this article, we’re exploring the danger of self-medicating to deal with stress. Mental Health Challenges of Self-Medicating to Deal with Stress Misusing any substance may lead to dependence on the substance, thinking it must have it to survive. Dependence may lead to addiction.  These effects on the brain can worsen pre-existing mental health …

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