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Blocks spelling out the word ketamine next to a drug scale and syringe.

Ketamine Addiction

A ketamine addiction can occur when users continue to abuse the drug. Ketamine is a chemical compound typically used as an anesthetic and works but affecting the brain’s reward system. Ketamine floods the brain with surges of dopamine, creating the feelings of pleasure and euphoria. The surges of dopamine help to reinforce pleasurable behaviors and encourage repetition of these behaviors even if the activity is unhealthy or unsafe. Today, ketamine is becoming more popular despite being a controlled substance with very few instances of medical use.

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A woman rubbing her temples at her male friend who is an alcoholic and is drinking.

How to Leave an Alcoholic

Living with a loved one with alcoholism can impact you emotionally, mentally and physically. Over time, your mental health can suffer, your emotions can feel unstable and you can even become sleep deprived due to the impact of stress and anxiety. Deciding to leave an alcoholic can be a very difficult decision. It is not easy. It is also a process. It is a personal and emotional decision to make.

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A prescription bottle of a popular amphetamine Adderall XR represents amphetamine use signs.

Amphetamine Use Signs

Amphetamines are stimulant drugs commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as ADHD and narcolepsy. Amphetamines are often abused and used recreationally for their euphoric effects. This often leads to the development of tolerance, dependence and addiction. There are some common amphetamine use signs to look out for. These signs or symptoms can indicate a larger problem with substance use disorder.

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A young woman is inhaling her vape pen loaded with a DMT cart.

What is a DMT Cart?

DMT vape pens are now part of the growing trend of vaping. The use of DMT has gained more popularity through vaping and continues to grow as vape culture continues to grow. A DMT cart is the cartridge containing either a liquid or crystallized compound that when heated up, is vaporized and inhaled by the user. A DMT cart is inserted into the vape pen to deliver psychedelic and mind-altering effects.

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A gloved hand is holding a white and green medication box of suzetrigine, a non opioid analgesic.

Suzetrigine Side Effects

Earlier this year the FDA approved the medication Journavx, also known by its generic name suzetrigine, as the first non opioid pain medication to be approved in more than 20 years. It is the first of its kind painkiller to hit the market in over two decades and researchers say it can be a vital alternative to highly addictive opioid pain medications. The new drug claims to be effective in treating acute pain without the risky side effects that opioids carry. Are there suzetrigine side effects? How do they compare to opioid side effects? Can this new drug be a safer alternative to traditional pain medication?

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A young male addict speaking with a female profession represents one way in how to support an addict.

How to support an Addict

Addiction is a brain disorder that affects not only the substance user but also their entire community. The drug addict can be a friend, colleague or family member and can affect you as much as it affects them. Watching another person you care about go through the ups and downs of addiction can be distressing and even take a heavy toll on your own mental health and emotional well-being. What are effective ways to support an addict?

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A Salvia divinorum plant that begs the questions if Salvia divinorum is legal.

Is Salvia divinorum legal?

Salvia divinorum is a substance used to produce psychoactive effects of hallucinations and altered states of consciousness. Is Salvia divinorum legal? In some states, it is considered a controlled substance, but not at the federal level. It is legal in 21 states in the US. However, the DEA has classified salvia as a drug of concern since 2003. It is generally considered safe to use, but can cause some adverse effects when taken in high doses.

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A sign with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline represents the questions if Trump cut the national mental health hotline.

Did Trump cut the National Suicide Prevention Hotline?

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was created to help the most vulnerable groups in need of mental health support. But with looming budget cuts, did Trump cut the national suicide prevention hotline? Fortunately, the service has not been cut entirely. However, some parts of the service will be ending. The Trump administration and the federal government agency SAMHSA announced that it will end specialized services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on July 17.

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Rocks of crack cocaine laid out on a wooden table.

Signs of Crack Use

Crack cocaine is an addictive drug. Signs of crack use are similar to those of cocaine and stimulant use. People who use crack typically exhibit a sense of overconfidence, intense happiness and hyperactivity. This is due to the immediate effects of intense euphoria and high energy. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health concluded that an estimated 4.8 million people aged 12 and older used cocaine and its various forms in 2020.

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An American flag behind a clipboard of the Americans with Disabilities Act questioning if addiction is a disability.

Is Addiction a Disability?

Substance use disorder or addiction is a serious health issue affecting millions of people. Is addiction a disability? Addiction can cause psychological and physical impairments to a person’s well-being, making daily life events more difficult. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, these agencies can provide legal protections for those with disabilities that include ones related to substance use disorders.

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