Drug Addiction

Changes in Rx Market, Changes in Health

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 16:34:46 +0000

Recent changes in the prescription opioid market might have led to a big step forward in the fight against opioid dependency.

DEA Warns About Powerful Opioid

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 21:50:46 +0000

Fentanyl, a powerful opioid drug often used to relieve pain for terminally ill patients, may have some much more dangerous uses.

Preventing Painkiller Problems for the Public

Mon, 09 Feb 2015 16:48:13 +0000

Pain medications can be a double-edged sword. People in pain need help. Too much of a good thing, however, can cause addiction and endanger health.

Teen Substance Abuse Rates Dropped

Sat, 20 Dec 2014 12:00:41 +0000

Parents may breathe a little easier — fewer teens may be lighting up, getting high and binge drinking.

Bath Salts and Beyond: Poison Centers Save Lives

Fri, 19 Dec 2014 18:30:56 +0000

From bath salts to laundry pods, many items can pose poisoning risks. Calls to poison control centers around the US have not only saved many people's lives, they've also identified new trends in toxic substance exposure.

Pill Problems: Some Patients May Not Need Anti-Anxiety Rx

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:05:52 +0000

They relieve anxiety and help many patients sleep, but benzodiazepines might not be the best choice for many patients — especially over the long term. Still, many older patients were taking these medications.

Doctors May Hesitate to Prescribe Pain Rx

Tue, 09 Dec 2014 20:01:54 +0000

Some doctors may believe that opioids to treat pain are prescribed too often and pose a risk of abuse. That belief might have made some less likely to prescribe these medications.

Head Trauma May Up Risk of Substance Abuse in Teens

Sun, 30 Nov 2014 16:18:12 +0000

Teens often engage in risky behaviors, but a head injury may mean double trouble, a new study found.

Teens May Abuse Their Prescription Medications

Tue, 25 Nov 2014 14:07:38 +0000

Prescribing anti-anxiety and sleep medications may backfire with some teens. The authors of a recent study found that teens who had received prescriptions for these medications were much more likely to abuse them.

Most Overdoses Involved Opioids

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 20:05:38 +0000

When taken incorrectly, prescription medications may be just as deadly as illegal drugs. Recent research found that most overdoses involved prescription opioids.