Over the last few years, there has been a significant rise in prescription drug abuse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), approximately 52 million people have used prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes at least once in their life. Of the total estimated number of people who’ve reportedly abused prescription drugs, 20% are youths Read more »
Drug Abuse
Is Addiction a Disease or a Choice?
The National Institutes of Health, taking into account decades of cellular, molecular, and biochemical research, understands addiction as a disease of the brain. And yet, family members and co-workers impacted by an addicted person may believe drug use is the user’s choice. The drug user may think so too. Let’s carefully consider both positions. The impact of drugs on your Read more »
6 Ways Drug Use Hurts the Construction Industry
In the US, drug use is a pervasive problem, and despite its inherent danger and vital role in economic development, the construction industry is one of the hardest hit industries by substance abuse. A report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the 2008 and 2012 surveys conducted with the aim of Read more »
The Dangers of Opioid Prescriptions
It’s well known that in the United States we are currently undergoing an epidemic of unprecedented proportions when it comes opioid abuse. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have even attributed the a major drop in life expectancy for Americans in large part to the opioid crisis, from 78.9 to 78.8. President Donald Read more »
5 Historical Figures Who Struggled With Drug Addiction
Over the past few decades, impressive advancements have been made in the fields of medicine and healthcare which have provided both diagnostic tests and treatment options for diseases which previously had none. Unfortunately, a strong stigma still exists around mental health, addiction, and psychiatric conditions. One of the reasons for this is that people don’t realize Read more »
5 Television Shows that Glamorize Drug Use
The way Hollywood portrays alcoholics and drug addicts on television and in the movies is often one that glamorizes the lifestyle as one of excitement—with just a hint of danger. Even drug dealers can be shown in a sympathetic light, despite the fact that millions of people’s lives are destroyed by the actions of a few. Television is a constant presence Read more »
Drug Use Has Surpassed Drunk Driving in Fatal Car Crashes
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), drunk driving was the leading cause of death in auto crashes since national surveys began in the 1970s. Now, alcohol is just another substance that can be involved, found in 29% of the drivers who died in auto accidents in 2016. Drugged driving is officially more common Read more »
Synthetic vs. Natural Marijuana: What’s the Difference?
According to statistics, employers pay $7,000 per year for a single employee with a drug-related problem. Consider also that 65% of all workplace accidents are drug or alcohol related, with marijuana found to be the most prevalent drug used among employees. A safe and healthy workplace promotes a productive working environment, and protects both the employees from injury and employers from Read more »