The opioid epidemic claims nearly 50,000 lives a year in the United States, with a further 1,000+ emergency room admissions. The nation’s health is suffering, the healthcare sector is struggling, and it’s a huge financial burden on the state. But there’s one often overlooked area that could be suffering the most: family. For every addict […]
As with many prescription drugs that are misused, Adderall finds itself in this camp. Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine that belongs to the class of stimulant drugs. The drug is often prescribed for treating individuals with ADHD as in these patients it is effective in increasing attention spans, improving listening skills, focus, […]
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is within the anxiety spectrum of disorders. Individuals with OCD experience recurring and irrational obsessive thoughts that produce feelings of distress and anxiety. To alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessive thoughts, the individual engages in repetitive, compulsive behaviors. This cycle repeats throughout the day, keeping the individual captive in the disordered […]
With over 40 million Americans struggling with anxiety disorders it is no wonder that benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin, are so highly prescribed. This classification of drugs, which are sedatives, is used for reducing the effects of anxiety but swiftly impacting the central nervous system, causing nearly immediate relief of symptoms. As with other benzos, Klonopin […]
Alcohol is a perennial favorite among individuals who suffer from depression, including women. The substance provides a respite from the symptoms of depression, such as feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or despair, replacing these emotions, at least initially, with a sense of relaxation and escape. A woman struggling with depression may rely on alcohol as a […]
Fentanyl is a powerful prescription opioid derived from morphine, and often marketed under the brand name Duragesic. The drug is very potent, at least fifty times more so than morphine. Fentanyl is typically reserved for cancer patients who receive palliative care in managing extreme pain. The fentanyl patch is a slow-release form of the drug, […]
Xanax (alprazolam) is one of the drugs in the benzodiazepine family, a fast-acting sedative that is wildly popular in the U.S. In fact, with an estimated 49 million Xanax prescriptions written in 2012, Xanax is the most prescribed benzodiazepine and the second most prescribed psychotropic drug in the country (after Vicodin). Xanax is intended for […]
On some level of consciousness, we know when we are pushing the envelope on a particular weakness or vice. For some it might be indulging too often in sweets or rich foods, resulting in weight gain and health conditions. For others it might be a problem with impulsive shopping, landing them in deep credit card […]
Like a peanut butter and jelly, alcoholism and depression often coexist together. On their own, either depression or alcoholism is a devastating disorder. Together, these comorbid disorders seem to feast off each other, each worsening the symptoms of the other. This makes the dual diagnosis of alcoholism and depression inherently dangerous, as about 90% of […]
In California, a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% implies alcohol intoxication. When someone operating a vehicle is pulled over and found to exceed the legal limit, they will be arrested with a DUI offense. Getting a “Driving Under the Influence,” or DUI, conviction can be a devastating event, and California has among the most […]