When you think about genetics, you probably think about your personal heritage and the physical traits and characteristics passed down from generation to generation. Mental health and genetic susceptibility to substance abuse are also heritable traits and need to be taken seriously. Generational struggles are often passed down because of reasons related to both nature…
All illicit substances and alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy. Keeping that in mind, cocaine abuse during pregnancy can be especially harmful to a developing fetus. Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a condition that can affect newborns exposed to substances like cocaine during pregnancy. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) is a related term used to…
Benzodiazepines (aka. “benzos”) are a class of medications that can be habit-forming and are risky when combined with other substances or alcohol. Some of the most common benzos include Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Librium, Restoril, and Halcion. Benzos are prescribed for those with anti-anxiety and panic disorders, as well as those who have issues with…
Anyone who has watched the tv show Breaking Bad is probably familiar with the physical signs of methamphetamine (“meth”) addiction. There are many scenes in the show that accurately depict the appearance and behavior of those who have engaged in prolonged abuse of meth. Meth Mouth Meth mouth is one of the more well-known signs…
If you have experienced chronic pain or invasive surgery, your doctor likely prescribed a potent opioid. Many patients may receive drugs like Percocet or oxycodone post-surgery, when dealing when a painful illness like cancer, or even after an intense dental session. These prescription drugs have now become so commonplace that the United States is currently…
What Is Fentanyl? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever that is typically prescribed for severe pain treatment. It is quite potent, being 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine, which is already a strong pain reliever. In recent years, fentanyl has been a hot topic as overdoses resulting in death from its use have…
What Is Fentanyl-Laced Weed? Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid pain reliever that is 80 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl-laced weed is another way to describe marijuana that has been contaminated with fentanyl. Typically, fentanyl comes in powder form, though it occasionally comes in blotter paper or liquid form. As it is…
What Are Psychedelics? Psychedelics, also often referred to as “hallucinogens,” are a category of drugs whose primary effect is that they trigger altered states of consciousness. Psychedelics can be composed of chemicals, such as LSD or “acid,” or plants, such as psilocybin or “magic” mushrooms. Other psychedelics include ecstasy, PCP, GHB, ketamine, ayahuasca, and salvia. …
What Is A Drug Interaction? According to data released by the Health Policy Institute in 2021, roughly 66% of U.S. adults take prescription drugs. Many individuals are also taking more than one prescription drug on a daily basis. Whenever a person is taking a drug—and particularly when they are taking multiple drugs—they run the risk…
Asheville, along with a handful of other cities across the nation, has been nicknamed “Beertown, USA” for the high number of breweries they have in the area. As of 2020, the greater Asheville area had a whopping 48 breweries! Though Asheville has gone from a small, quiet town to a bustling downtown, it is still…