When we think of the addiction epidemic, we generally only think in terms of only America’s problem. The truth is, addiction is a global epidemic. So what is being done? In September 2018, the United Nations held a special “narcotics event” to address the addiction crisis, focused particularly on opioids. Some main topics of discussion were: Securing borders from international [...]
The internet has completely revolutionized virtually every aspect of our modern society. It has completely changed business, shopping, entertainment, how we access information, and how we communicate and socialize with each other. For the most part, the internet has created a positive impact. But in some ways, the internet has had a considerably negative impact. Beyond the rise of online [...]
Our country is currently struggling with the worst addiction epidemic in its history. The face of addiction and the specific challenges that come with it change year after year. Now, legal prescription drugs are posing an even bigger threat than illegal street drugs. Addiction affects people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, income levels, education levels, locations, and other demographics, yet [...]
A recent PBS special detailed the history of opium, tracing its roots as far back as 3400 B.C. Humans have been getting high and getting addicted off of opium for over 5,000 years. The opium poppy plant was first cultivated in lower Mesopotamia. The ancient Sumerians, one of the oldest recorded civilizations, referred to the opium plant as the “joy [...]
There is an outdated stigma and stereotype about drug addiction that it only affects impoverished, low-educated, inner city communities. The truth is that while different drugs affect different demographics at different rates, but it affects people of all races, socioeconomic classes, ages, genders, religions, locations or any other demographics. Many highly affluent and successful people with prestigious careers have fallen [...]
During Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, he spoke passionately and prominently about building a massive border wall spanning the entire U.S. and Mexico border. He painted a dire picture of drugs and crime coming in from Mexico, and promised that the new wall would all but eliminate drug trafficking from Mexico. Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is not that simple, [...]
We have heard many stories of professional athletes abusing drugs and alcohol for recreation, pain management, or for performance enhancement. It seems to come with the territory with lucrative, high profile, high pressure careers. But there is really no excuse for professional athletes to use drugs or alcohol. By becoming public figures, they are stepping into the limelight and should [...]
There are many warning signs to help identify alcohol abuse. While many signs are obvious, so are a little harder to recognize. Mild alcohol abuse is easy to overlook, however, a minor issue can turn into a bigger one over time. Loved ones need to pay attention to the potential warning signs. Seeking treatment sooner than later will always benefit. [...]
A recent story from 2018 sent shockwaves through the nation. In July, a federal judge found U.S. government officials at a Texas facility guilty of intentionally forcing migrant children to take psychotropic medications with no parental consent. This is not only a violation of child welfare laws, but a major human rights violation as well. U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee [...]
Video games have become an extremely popular pastime among young people and adults alike. However, there can be risks on developing some negative consequences if video games are played to excess. It’s important that people realize that extreme cases of video game addictions can be almost as bad as drug or alcohol addictions. Gaming is a multibillion-dollar industry attracting millions [...]
