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Tag: substance abuse

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Policy

Gas Station Drugs

Why Public Health Experts Are Worried About Tianeptine, Kratom, and Other Unregulated Substances For decades, public health professionals have tracked the rise of illicit drugs, prescription opioid misuse, and emerging synthetic substances. Increasingly, however, some of the most concerning psychoactive products are being sold openly in gas stations, convenience stores, smoke shops, and online marketplaces. […]

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Wellbeing

The Hidden Victims of the Overdose Crisis: Families Left Behind

Every overdose death leaves more than a vacant chair at the dinner table. It leaves behind grieving parents, siblings, spouses, partners, and children whose lives may be permanently altered. Public health discussions about the overdose crisis often focus on mortality statistics, treatment access, naloxone distribution, and prevention efforts. While these interventions remain essential, emerging research […]

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Global

Mental Health and Substance Risk Among College Students

Imagine a bustling university campus in Mexico filled with enthusiastic undergraduates bustling to class, juggling textbooks, personal challenges, and the undeniable pressures of higher education. But beneath this dynamic environment lurks a pressing challenge: the substantial psychosocial risks associated with substance use, which are deeply intertwined with mental health and academic strain. A groundbreaking study […]

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Global

Rising Risks: Kava’s New Toxic Concerns Uncovered

Imagine a health worker attending one of the many bustling kava bars around college campuses, curious about the beverage’s effects when consumed by the student populace. As they observe the patrons indulging in kava drinks, thoughts of public health implications and potential crises arise. This scene isn’t just hypothetical; it’s a reality faced by public […]

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Interview

A conversation with Jeff Hanley

Jeff Hanley, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance (CPA), has dedicated his career to advancing substance misuse prevention across Pennsylvania. With a background in nonprofit work at the American Red Cross and over a decade of experience at the Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission, Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. In […]

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Mental health

The Lifesaving Treatments for Opioid Use Disorder Revealed

Opioid use disorder (OUD) continues to plague our society, with overdose deaths reaching staggering numbers. In 2023 alone, over 74,000 people died from opioid overdoses in the United States. Despite this, many who struggle with OUD do not receive the most effective treatments available. A recent study sheds light on which treatment pathways truly make […]

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Policy

Opioid Policies to Combat Addiction

The opioid epidemic has taken a devastating toll on communities across the United States. To address this crisis, many states have implemented various drug policies aimed at reducing opioid misuse and overdose deaths. But have these policies truly been effective, or have they had unintended consequences? Let’s dive into the findings of a comprehensive study […]

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Mental health

Bringing Addiction Treatment to Those in Need

Opioid overdose deaths have been steadily increasing in the U.S., and the numbers are particularly alarming among Black, Latine, and Indigenous communities, as well as among people experiencing homelessness. While medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) can be lifesaving, only a small fraction of eligible individuals actually receive them. To address this gap, a new […]

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Resources

The Rise of New Synthetic Drugs

Drugs are constantly evolving to stay one step ahead of the law. These new psychoactive substances (NPS) are designed to mimic the effects of traditional illegal drugs like cannabis, cocaine, and heroin. Yet, they often come with even more severe health risks. These substances are popping up at an alarming rate, making it tough for […]

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Mental health

Discretion’s Impact on Substance Use Disorder Treatment

The United States is grappling with a drug epidemic of unprecedented proportions. With over 100,000 drug-related deaths in 2022 alone, finding effective ways to address substance use disorder (SUD) is more critical than ever. Medicaid, as the largest provider of SUD treatment services and medications, plays a pivotal role in this battle. But did you […]

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Mental health

Peer Recovery Workers are Undervalued and Underpaid

Peer recovery workers (PRWs) play a vital role in the mental health and substance use recovery landscape. They use their lived experiences of long-term recovery to form supportive, trusting relationships with individuals embarking on their recovery journeys. These workers provide an essential service, yet their compensation often falls short of what is needed to sustain […]

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Health equity

Revisiting America’s Opioid Epidemic: Beyond the Facade of Compassion

This blog version supersedes the earlier publication published on December 14, 2023. In the revelatory review “The Opioid Crisis: The War on Drugs Is Over. Long Live the War on Drugs” published in Annual Reviews, the authors dissect the intricate narrative that has shaped America’s response to its opioid epidemic. Although the portrayal of this […]

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