NARCONON BLOG

DRUG INFORMATION

Cannabis Users at Greater Risk for Heart Rhythm Disorder

A new study showed that cannabis users experience a 35% increase in their risk for developing the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation. A-fib reduces quality of life and increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, heart attack, and...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Research Shows Cannabis Legalization Leads to a Spike in Use

The subject of marijuana legalization has been hotly debated for decades. New research has found that when states legalize marijuana, consumption rates go up. Since marijuana has harmful short-term and long-term effects, constituents, policymakers, and...

DRUG INFORMATION

Alcohol and Marijuana, Two Legal Drugs Especially Harmful When Used Together

According to recent studies, 75% of individuals who are addicted to drugs use more than one substance. This is quite concerning, because recent data also suggests experimenting with two substances (like marijuana and alcohol) poses an even greater risk...

DRUG INFORMATION

New Studies Show Another Reason Why Fentanyl Overdoses are Often Fatal

A new study has shown that fentanyl is so potent it can stop the user’s breathing and cause death while the user is still conscious. That is different from other opioid overdoses that typically involve the user going unconscious before experiencing halted...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

One-Third of Young People Admit to Misusing Prescribed Psychoactive Drugs

Psychoactive medications (mind-altering pills like prescription stimulants or sedatives) pose risks for unwanted side effects, addiction included. But that’s not a new story. What is new is that a recent study just found that when these drugs are prescribed...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Drug Overdoses Contributed to the Latest Drop in American Life Expectancy

While many factors influence American life expectancy, some causes of death (and the ever-changing upticks and downward-trends surrounding such deaths) are considered more of an influence than others. For example, fatal accidental injuries spiked in the...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Pharmacies Ordered to Pay $650 Million for Role in Opioid Epidemic

A legal battle that has been ongoing for years concluded recently. Two Ohio counties that were inundated with far more opioid pills than residents needed will now receive $650 million from pharmacy corporations actively involved in doling out addictive...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

After Years of Advocacy, U.S. Opioid Prescribing Is Declining

After years of cautionary advice from the CDC, addiction horror stories from patients, and undeniable statistics showing the connection between opioid prescribing and addiction, it seems opioid prescribing trends are finally declining in a measurable,...

DRUG INFORMATION

What Is Rainbow Fentanyl?

Illicit fentanyl has been a leading cause of fatal overdoses in the United States for some years. Adding to the concern, recent reports by the Drug Enforcement Administration suggest that new strains of “rainbow fentanyl” could be spreading through...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Dentists Can Curb Opioid Addiction and Still Help Patients with Post-Operation Pain

New research into a significant change in New York dental practice has found that dentists can stop prescribing opioids and shift to only recommending over-the-counter pain relievers for patients, all with little to no negative effects. The findings may...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Marijuana and Hallucinogen Use Reach All-Time High Among Young Adults

Monitoring substance abuse trends among young people provides a clear view of developing drug problems nationwide. Recent studies in this area suggest that certain types of drug use are now the highest they’ve ever been for young people, painting a dire...

ADDICTION

Return to Healthy Relationships in Addiction Recovery

As a person becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, healthy relationships are left by the wayside. Why is this? We examine the effects of drugs and alcohol on relationships and what can happen when this person makes it through rehab.

DRUG INFORMATION

A Drink a Day May be Harmful to Brain Health

For decades, the standard medical approach to alcohol has been, “Alcohol consumption in moderation is OK.” However, recent findings suggest the standard should be revised. According to scientists, even one drink per day can be quite harmful.

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Alcohol Addiction and Mortality Rates Have Soared Since Pandemic

Alcohol addiction and alcohol-related deaths have increased dramatically in recent years. Today, alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. Yet, unlike the opioid epidemic, alcohol misuse receives little...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Smokescreen: What the Marijuana Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know by Kevin Sabet

Who is Kevin Sabet and why is he qualified to reveal the secrets of the marijuana industry? For starters, here are his credentials.

DRUG INFORMATION

Marijuana Use Increases Odds for Emergency Room Visits

One of the most common myths about marijuana is that it is safe to use. A Canadian study published in June 2022 dispelled that notion by showing a correlation between marijuana use and a higher likelihood of being hospitalized.

DRUG INFORMATION

Alcohol, Heat and Dehydration: Another Reason to Keep the Alcohol Away this Summer

Heat + alcohol = trouble. Hot summer days lead to fluid loss through sweat, while alcohol consumption causes fluid loss through increased urination and other factors. Combined, the two quickly lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Seizures of Counterfeit Pills in the U.S. Soar in Recent Months

Drug trends across America are always changing, hence the importance of monitoring such trends. The most recent drug trend to take America by storm is the sinister distribution of fake prescription drugs, labeled as coveted painkillers but containing lethal...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Teen Overdoses at All-Time High, Parents Must Act

Preserving the health and safety of teens is priority #1 for parents. Every parent wants their sons and daughters to grow up to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. With that in mind, it is extremely worrisome that teen drug overdose deaths have more than...

ADDICTION

Drug “Experimentation” in Youth Leads to Addiction in Adulthood

A long-held point of view has been that young people will experiment with drugs and alcohol because “that’s just what young people do” often maintaining that young people will transition out of drug and alcohol experimentation when they grow older...