NARCONON AUTHOR

Ren

After working in addiction treatment for several years, Ren now travels the country, studying drug trends and writing about addiction in our society. Ren is focused on using his skill as an author and counselor to promote recovery and effective solutions to the drug crisis. Connect with Ren on LinkedIn.

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Illicit Use of Ketamine on the Rise

Ketamine has been used recreationally in the U.S. for some time, but only recently have usage rates increased significantly, and only recently has the drug become a major drug of concern. Law enforcement offices are reporting spikes in ketamine busts and seizures, and hospitals are increasingly reporting ketamine chemicals in ER patients.

DRUG INFORMATION

What Are Poppers?

It’s important to monitor new drug trends as they arise, as every trend brings new risks to addicts. While the usage of “poppers” is not new, this drug trend is making a bold comeback, posing risks to a new generation of drug users.

DRUG INFORMATION

What Is the Scope of Club Drug Experimentation Today?

Club drugs refer to a category of drugs often associated with nightclubs, dance parties, music festivals, and raves. The drugs became prominent in the 1990s, and the use of such substances is still quite common. Some studies report an increase in interest...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

CDC Reports U.S. Overdoses Reach New High

The CDC recently published its most current provisional data regarding total U.S. drug overdoses for the 12 months between May 2022 and April 2023. According to the new data, 112,024 people across the U.S. died from drug overdoses in that period, compared...

DRUG INFORMATION

What Is the Scope of Fentanyl Use Today?

Fentanyl, the powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is anywhere from 50–100 times more potent, has become the leading cause of drug overdose fatalities in the United States. Its widespread use is extremely grim because even as some...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

New Research Data Shows Cannabis and Hallucinogen Usage Rates Continue to Rise Among Adults

While it’s common for certain drug use trends to come in and out of popularity, the trend of cannabis and hallucinogen use has been quite concerning in that usage of these drugs has steadily risen, uninterrupted, for several years. Further, interest...

ADDICTION

Commit to Getting Clean in 2024

The scope of drug addiction in America continues to expand, and annual deaths from drug-related causes continue to increase. 2024 can be the Year of Recovery, but the family members and loved ones of people who struggle with addiction will need to step...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Latest Findings Show Number of Addicts in America Doubled in Recent Years

According to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 16.5% of people aged 12 or older in the U.S. in 2021 (46.3 million people) met the criteria for addiction and needed substance use treatment. This is significant news because, in years...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Michigan Healthcare Scheme Involved Opioids

A story broke in early 2023 that revealed a Detroit-area doctor had been sentenced to nearly 17 years in prison and was ordered to pay $30 million. The crime? Leading a scheme to bill Medicare and private insurers for unnecessary painkiller injections...

ADDICTION

Staying Clean and Preventing Relapse During the Holidays

The holidays are a time of celebration and joy, but they can also be a difficult season for those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Stress, tense emotions, high expectations, social demands, year-end career targets, and other factors combine...

DRUG INFORMATION

Alcohol Consumption in One’s Youth Now Connected to Another Health Harm Later in Life

Findings from a UK study connected young adult alcohol use to frailty later in life, particularly as it pertains to losing muscle mass. According to the report, those examined in the study group with the lowest muscle mass drank about a bottle of wine...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Data Now Suggests Home Delivery of Alcohol During Pandemic Created Permanent, Long-Term Harm

New business strategies sprung up during COVID-19 lockdowns. While many such ideas were innovative and helpful, some caused harm. For example, one strategy implemented by alcohol manufacturers involved delivering alcohol to the doorsteps of people who...

DRUG INFORMATION

The Concept of “Holding One’s Liquor” Likely a Fallacy

A group of researchers found that people who regularly drink excessively were still impaired after heavy drinking, even if they thought they had a greater tolerance of alcohol. According to the researchers, the idea that heavy drinkers can somehow manage...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Why are Efforts to Combat Underage Drinking Stalling?

According to a recent report, several types of law enforcement strategies used to combat underage drinking are declining in terms of the frequency of their use by law enforcement departments. This is the wrong direction to go in.

ADDICTION

Pain Is a Legitimate Concern, but Patients Need Better Solutions Than Addictive Opioids

Millions of Americans suffer from acute and chronic pain conditions that severely reduce their quality of life. Unfortunately, the methods of treatment often prioritized for such individuals involve them taking addictive drugs like opioid pain reliever...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Rates of Opioid Painkiller Use Continue to Rise, Even in States that Legalize Medical Marijuana

Supporters of medical marijuana have often said that legalizing cannabis for medicinal pain relief purposes may help reduce the need for opioid painkillers. Proponents argue replacing opioid painkillers with medicinal cannabis will reduce painkiller addiction,...

DRUG INFORMATION

Even “Moderate” Alcohol Consumption can Raise Blood Pressure and Cause Harm

A recent study found that even drinking alcohol in moderation can create blood pressure complications in otherwise healthy people. This finding adds to the growing scientific narrative that now challenges the “moderate drinking” concept, suggesting...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Healthcare Workers at High Risk of Addiction and Overdose

Addiction is often framed as a blue-collar, working-class problem or an issue faced mainly by people who are poor, homeless, or barely hanging on. When people think of addicts, they often think of people on the street. When people are asked to picture...

ADDICTION

8 Tips for Tackling the Tough Talks: College, Alcohol, and Drugs

As fall semesters kick off across the nation, millions of American students head to universities. While academic pursuits dominate, many face the lure of partying and substance experimentation. It's crucial for parents to discuss the risks of alcohol and...

DRUG INFORMATION

Alcohol Is a Leading Factor in Cardiovascular Disease

For years, medical science put forth information suggesting moderate alcohol consumption may have some health benefits, namely as it pertains to one’s cardiovascular health. Recent findings, however, suggest this is not the case. Studies show alcohol...