January is a time of new beginnings and resolutions, but it also holds a deeper significance. It is designated as Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a period dedicated to shedding light on the global epidemic of modern-day slavery. Human trafficking is a...
Native Americans are far less likely than other racial groups to gain a spot on the national liver transplant list, despite having the highest rate of death from liver disease, according to an analysis of four years of transplant data by the Markup and The Washington...
As an esteemed authority in the field of addiction research, I invite you to embark on a profound journey into the intricacies of addiction, genetics, and the universal brain circuit. In this comprehensive exploration, we will unravel the mysteries behind addiction,...
Although it’s the nature of the job, what firefighters and paramedics witness while at work is taxing on the mind, jarring on the emotions and can remain forever in their hearts. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder “PTSD” is the repercussion from life-altering events that...
The journey of recovery from addiction can be arduous, and the struggles of public figures often shed light on the broader issues surrounding substance abuse. Tatum O'Neal, a renowned actress, has faced her own battles with addiction, including a reported overdose and...
The super speedball is fairly recent concoction that is highly addictive and very deadly. Known on the streets as speedball, powerball, or over and under, the original speed ball contained heroin, a depressant, and cocaine, a stimulant. Now the synthetic opioid,...
The Adderall shortage sparked concern in October of 2022 as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the issue. Now, nearly six months later, the shortage continues and the concern has grown understandably heightened. People are wondering when...
America's senior population is increasingly suffering from fatal drug overdoses, according to a new study. The results showed that drug overdose deaths among older adults have quadrupled in the past two decades! This shines new light on senior drug use and may be able...
The U.S. has grappled with a second wave of the opioid epidemic since 2010. And unfortunately, it hasn't gotten much better in the last decade-plus. More than 70,000 people died from a synthetic opioid overdose, primarily fentanyl, in 2021, according to CDC data....
A new "zombie drug" is wreaking havoc across the U.S. The drug, growing in popularity as “tranq” is formerly known as Xylazine. Primarily, it is used as a veterinary sedative and analgesic, to calm and immobilize animals for procedures such as surgery, diagnostic...
Smartphone addiction has become a very real life issue these days. If you think about it, most of us carry our cell phones on or near us 24-7. Although there are benefits to having a phone accessible at all times, it is the excessive and compulsive use of smartphones...
Have you heard of Toad licking? If you have not, you are not alone. Toad licking is the unusual and deliberate practice of licking secretions of certain species of toads to get high. Toads such as the Sonoran Desert toad and Colorado river toad are commonly used toads...
Cities across the Nation are looking fresh out of a horror scene as fentanyl is combined with xylazine creating a deadly, skin rotting combo known on the streets as "tranq", "tranq dope", or the "zombie drug." Major U.S. cities have seen a spike in the use of tranq...
The brain on drugs … from short term effects to effects that last life long, the brain on drugs is a brain in chaos. Effects can differ depending on the specific drug taken, an individual’s psychology and biology, and the amount of the drug taken. A combination of...
Medical teams around the nation are finding themselves facing a new type of drug crisis like never before due to the “zombie drug.” Xylazine and fentanyl are being mixed on the streets to create what is commonly referred to as “tranq.” Those using tranq are turning up...
Infrared saunas are a type of sauna that use infrared heating elements to generate heat and induce sweating. This type of sauna is often promoted for its potential health benefits, including detoxification and recovery from various health conditions.While infrared...
Psychedelics and "plant based medicine" is all the rage, but is it a good idea? Let's explore some of the basics around DMT, dangers of DMT use, and some other things to keep in mind when considering DMT use. What is DMT? DMT (dimethyltryptamine) is a powerful...
Before we dig into the dangers of DMT, let's start with the basics - what is DMT? DMT (dimethyltryptamine) is a powerful hallucinogenic substance that occurs naturally in some plants and animals. It is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, meaning it...
The overdose crisis has no limitations and even senior citizen drug overdoses are on the rise. Addiction can affect anyone at any age and for seniors, there are a variety of circumstances causing more and more deaths. Prescription drug abuse, deadly drug combinations,...
The opioid crisis has had a major effect on communities and individuals across the country and around the world, but let's examine the impacts of the opioid crisis on first responders and workers on the front lines. This public health crisis is characterized by the...
The fentanyl epidemic continues to be a major public health concern in Arizona. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is much more potent than other opioids like morphine and heroin, and it is increasingly being mixed with other drugs, including cocaine,...
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, have been used for thousands of years in various cultures for spiritual, medicinal, and recreational purposes. In recent years, psilocybin has gained renewed attention as a promising treatment for various mental...
Warning: this subject matter may be disturbing to readers. First off, let's address the question: What is Jenkem? Jenkem is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening hallucinogenic drug made from fermented human waste. It is not a legitimate substance and its use...
What is 'Gas Station Heroin"? An over-the-counter drug, sold at gas stations across the country called Tianeptine, which has been dubbed “gas station heroin.” Those who are aware of how dangerous the drug is are asking for its universal ban by the Food and Drug...
“Be Kind to Your Mind”, that’s the mantra that we live by and one that we are preaching, even more, this month. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it is a month dedicated to smashing the stigma that surrounds mental health in an effort to help those who have...
We all are aware of the consequences of smoking one cigarette, let alone many. It degrades the very function of the lungs and increases the chances of developing cancer. Despite these side effects, people around the world are addicted to these death tubes filled with...
Gambling is silly fun for many people but can become a concern for others but it can develop into a form of compulsive behavior. Gambling addiction is a mental health issue that is considered to be an urge and has several resemblances to an obsessive-compulsive...
Staying sober is perhaps one of the most challenging things that a recovering addict needs to do. Withdrawal from addiction is hard, but to live an everyday life sober is a lot harder than you think. So if you are trying to stay sober during sober October, this...
Sarah: And people don’t tell their families and they don’t share it with their families so people are embarrassed to talk about it. Achor #1: Well, Arizona tonight has some extra money from the FEDS to fight a problem that often stays hidden. We’re talking about...
Jenkem is a hallucinating drug that came into existence in the mid-1990s. It's one of the most bizarre hard drug creation methods and most people in their wildest imaginations would never have thought such a thing exists. However, it does exist, and we'll be...
The same way we celebrate accomplishments, we should celebrate sober anniversaries or soberversaries. Celebrating important milestones in life makes us feel recognized, accomplished, and appreciated, giving all the more reason to celebrate sober birthdays: not only do...
Retired athletes are especially susceptible to substance abuse. If you’re a current or former athlete, you know how much the love of the game can consume your life. This increases tenfold for serious and professional athletes who train almost daily. It can become...
In 2010, 5.2 million Americans identified themselves as American Indians or Alaska Natives, according to the U.S. Census. Out of this number, 22 percent were living on tribal lands, or reservations, while 78 percent lived outside of these areas. In Arizona, poverty...
