EDITORIAL STAFF
Talk to Young People About Drugs and Alcohol
With new findings suggesting drug use is more dangerous for youths now than ever before, parents must do everything possible to prevent their kids from experimenting with mind-altering substances. This effort begins by having conversations with kids, and by helping them understand why they should avoid using drugs.
Why Do Drug Overdoses Spike During Winter? A Look at Cold Weather-Related Risk Factors
Research has shown a possible connection between cold weather and a heightened risk for overdose. Several factors may contribute to this, like cold weather making it more likely addicts will use drugs at home by themselves, therefore being less likely to have someone nearby who can render aid if the addict overdoses. The findings act as yet another reason why family members of addicts have to act fast to get their loved ones’ help.
Fears Mount as Increasing Number of Opioid Overdoses Seem Tied to Naloxone-Resistant Tranquilizer
A January 2023 report published in a La Crosse, Wisconsin newspaper highlighted local law enforcement’s concern that a string of recent fatal drug overdoses in the city may have been linked to opioids laced with xylazine, a powerful animal tranquilizer that can make the user’s overdose resistant to naloxone (the medication used by responders to revive OD-ing addicts). This report ties in with other reports from local newspapers across the country, plus several broader, nationwide federal warnings that seek to inform Americans of growing risk factors connected to ANY opioid misuse.
Alarming Increase in California Fentanyl Busts Shed Light on How Accessible Fentanyl Is
California recently conducted a statewide crackdown on fentanyl, seizing over 28,000 pounds of the highly potent opioid in the past year, a nearly six-fold increase over the previous year. Given the exponential increase in the prevalence of fentanyl in the United States, family members of addicts must be warned of the dangers of fentanyl and encouraged to seek help for their loved ones as soon as possible.
Quitting Alcohol Can Produce Positive Outcomes Even During Advanced Illness
After years of misusing drugs and alcohol and experiencing the long-term health crises that come from such use, many addicts may feel like there is no hope for them, and there’s no longer any point in seeking help or even trying to cease drug use. However, a new study showed notably positive health outcomes and extended life expectancy when people who were already suffering chronic harm from drinking alcohol got help and quit. These findings support the narrative that it’s never too late to stop using alcohol and drugs and that no addict should ever give up on their efforts to get clean, no matter how difficult it feels for them to do so.
More Evidence Suggests Drinking Leads to Accidents, Hospitalization, and Death
A recent study produced an alarming finding: People who get injured while intoxicated to the point where they require hospital treatment are five times more likely to die in the coming year. That critical data point suggests that just one alcohol-related injury is a serious predictor of alcohol addiction and the many potential health crises that can come, death included. With that in mind, family members of people who drink should take action immediately if they observe their loved one has an accident involving alcohol, even if their loved one insists they don’t have a drinking problem.
Alcohol Abuse Increases Cancer Risk
A recent scientific study and population survey found that some Americans erroneously believe alcohol helps prevent cancer. Yet the opposite is true. This article briefly comments on the study’s findings while highlighting the different types of cancer that have been irrefutably traced back to alcohol consumption.
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 American cities. The drug, colored to look like candy, is particularly risky to young adults, teens, and children.
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 herald the beginning of a welcome shift away from opioid prescribing by dental practitioners.
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 picture of what the future may look like unless these trends are curbed.
NARCONON NEWS
Narconon Mexico—Expansion of Facilities to Serve Those in Need
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Pedro Escobedo, Querétaro, Mexico
In a Landscape Plagued by Drugs and Violence, Narconon Puebla is a Bright Ray of Hope
Narconon Centers
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Puebla, Mexico
