For more than 50 years, the United States’ response to illicit drugs has decimated communities, ruined countless lives, and represents an antiquated, destructive approach to public health. In 2016, law enforcement agencies made one drug arrest every 20 seconds, amounting to 1.57 million arrests, according to an FBI Report. Even starker, an estimated 80 percent of… Continue Reading
Today, there is a growing magic mushroom decriminalization movement in this country. They, however, remain illegal and listed as a Schedule I narcotic by the federal government. Three cities have minimized the laws for simple possession. Its proponents are gradually gaining traction. Psilocybin advocacy groups, like The Society for Psychedelic Outreach, Reform, and Education (SPORE),… Continue Reading
Most Americans stay at home and practice “social distancing” to slow the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19. But, unfortunately, they’re also stocking up on groceries, toilet paper, and, as it turns out, record amounts of alcohol. Around the third week of March, the market research firm Nielsen reports online sales of alcohol were up by 234 percent…. Continue Reading
For the last 85 years, in-person Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings have been the heart and soul of its recovery process. They are a core element of the AA program for those who use these 12-step support groups to maintain sobriety. Instead of meetings in churches, lodges, clubs, and other brick and mortar locations, many AA… Continue Reading
Understanding the difference between stress and depression allows people to recognize whether they are merely experiencing some added life pressure or something more serious. To say that life is sometimes unforgiving and challenging is an understatement. Humans start experiencing stress very early on, whether at home, at school, or in even more relaxed social settings… Continue Reading
Created at the University of Frankfurt in 1916, Oxycodone is a synthetic opioid made from an alkaloid in the opium poppy. It has historically been prescribed to treat severe pain and is effective. Unfortunately, this potent medication, which is in the same family as heroin, has been misused in recent years and not taken as… Continue Reading
Most of us are familiar with the rhetoric that we must eat a balanced diet for healthy teeth, growing bones, and physical development. This message is mainly for children in schools and other learning centers. But, somehow, it is not common practice to discuss the role diet plays in our mental health. We know that… Continue Reading
For some people, severe emotional and psychological pain can drive them to hurt themselves physically. Because it is such a widespread problem, March is recognized as Self-Injury Awareness Month to bring attention to the issue. Self-injury or self-harm, sometimes known as “cutting,” is an intentional, predominantly non-lethal way people struggling with mental health issues sometimes… Continue Reading
Let’s be honest. Amidst the chaos and stress of day-to-day life, going out of our way for friends and loved ones, much fewer strangers, is not always at the top of the “to do” list. That’s not to say we’re rude to anyone, necessarily. Still, in the crush of managing our responsibilities, we can forget… Continue Reading
It’s a pivotal moment when someone with an addiction to alcohol realizes they need to quit drinking. It’s critically important to point out the dangers of detoxing from alcohol without medical supervision. Recognizing this fact can be the difference between life and death. Detoxing from alcohol should never occur at home because of the dangers… Continue Reading
