If you suspect that a spouse, friend, or loved one is abusing drugs, your nose may be the key to finding out the truth. Most drugs produce a distinct odor, especially if they are smoked. Here are some common smells produced by several commonly abused drugs. Identifying these odors may be the start of helping your loved one find treatment.
Category: Drug Use
How Much Money Do Americans Spend on Illegal Drugs?
The overall impact of illegal drugs and substance abuse on American society is massive. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose deaths have risen from 16,849 in 1999 to 70,237 in 2017.1 In terms of finances, the numbers are just as grim.
9 Alternatives to Antidepressants
Depression is a common issue that many Americans face. 16.1 million U.S. adults struggle with depression, which is the leading cause of disability worldwide.1 Many people with depression also have co-occurring disorders like substance abuse problems or sleep disorders that can increase the negative symptoms of both and make recovery very difficult. While only about […]
Is Marijuana Addictive?
According to the Pew Research Center, about six-in-ten Americans (62%) say the use of marijuana should be legalized.1 But should more people be wary about its addictive qualities? And who is most at risk of developing marijuana addiction? Is Marijuana Addictive? Not everyone who uses marijuana will become addicted but some may develop a tolerance, […]
Kratom Has Been Linked to More Deaths Than We Previously Thought
A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that kratom is linked to more overdose deaths than previously thought. Previously, kratom was linked to 44 overdose deaths nationwide. However, this recent report from the CDC found kratom was the cause of 91 overdose deaths in 27 states.1
Fentanyl is Now Banned in China, Cutting Supply to the U.S.
According to a recent report from the New York Times, China banned all fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances, slowing the supply of the deadly drug to the U.S.1 The ban went into effect on May 1, 2019. There is hope that this decision will greatly reduce the number of fentanyl-related overdose deaths in America.
Meloxicam: A Safer Alternative to Opioid Painkillers?
Although the dangers of opioid painkillers are well-known and documented, there are few alternative options that provide effective relief from chronic or severe pain. For those who are in recovery from substance use disorder, managing pain without opioid drugs may sometimes be difficult. Meloxicam is one drug that has been considered as a possible alternative […]
Scheduling and Drug Classification Charts: Making Sense of Drugs
Drug classification and scheduling systems are helpful ways for people of all backgrounds and professions to clearly distinguish the potential dangers of various drugs and prescription medications. But for those who don’t understand the classification system, it may just seem like a bunch of legal jargon and nonsense.
Everything You Need to Know About CBD
CBD is all the rage right now, with claims that it treats a variety of medical problems and acts as a remedy for common ailments like insomnia, anxiety, and pain. Touted for its non-intoxicating qualities and health benefits, CBD almost seems too good to be true. But what is CBD, what kind of effects does […]
Battling Prescription Drug Abuse in Texas
Like most states in the U.S., Texas is facing a severe problem with abuse of and addiction to prescription opioids. What is Prescription Drug Abuse? Prescription drugs are carefully controlled substances that are prescribed by a doctor to an individual patient for a specific condition. Taking a drug that was prescribed to someone else, in […]