Alternatives to Opioid Painkillers on the Horizon

Due to continued and growing concern about the opioid epidemic, scientists are now trying to create an opioid painkiller that relieves pain without triggering the euphoria, dependence, and respiratory suppression that causes overdoses. It is too common of a story that patients who are prescribed opiate pain medications for legitimate pain report becoming addicted to…

New Implant for Treating Opioid Addiction

A panel of medical experts recommended in January 2016 that the Food and Drug Administration approve a new way of treating opiate addiction and on May 26, 2016, the FDA announced approval for the first buprenorphine implant for the treatment of opioid dependence. Probuphine is designed to provide a constant, low-level dose of buprenorphine for…

Many Studies Saying Alcohol Consumption is Healthy are Flawed

There have been many studies over the years acclaiming the potential health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, particularly when it comes to the heart and longevity. But new research published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs indicates that many of these studies are flawed and that many of the purported benefits are likely overestimated. Lead researcher…

Young Adults Driving Under Influence of Pot Up 48%

Using data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2002–2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published a report which provides the most recent self-reported national estimates of driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, and alcohol and marijuana combined…

E-Cigarettes Dangerous to Children

E-cigarettes, also known as electronic cigarettes and vaporizer cigarettes are battery-operated devices that release doses of vaporized nicotine or non-nicotine vaporized solutions. E-cigarettes were first introduced into the US market in 2007 as a device to help smokers cut back or quit smoking altogether. The use of e-cigarettes has risen dramatically in the United States…