REN

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.


Ren in Alcohol Abuse
November 22, 2023

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 the effects that alcohol has on them, i.e., that they can “hold their liquor,” is almost certainly false.

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Ren in Alcohol Abuse
November 16, 2023

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.

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Ren in News
November 9, 2023

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 pills.

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Ren in Marijuana
November 2, 2023

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, overdose, and death, as millions of pain patients will switch from opioids to medicinal cannabis once cannabis is legal.

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Ren in Alcohol Abuse
October 26, 2023

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 there is no level of safe or healthy alcohol consumption.

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Ren in Drug-Related News
September 28, 2023

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 someone who struggles with addiction but who is fully employed, they might think of construction workers, miners, farmers, servers, bartenders, and general day laborers.

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Ren in Drug Abuse Information
September 21, 2023

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 drugs with their children.

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Ren in Alcohol Abuse
September 19, 2023

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 consumption is one of the leading factors in cardiovascular disease, even for those who drink “in moderation.”

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Ren in Cannabis
September 12, 2023

Marijuana Use Labeled a Risk Factor for Post-Surgery Complications

A new study found that people who struggle with a marijuana addiction are 20% more likely to experience complications during and after surgery, such as stroke or blood clots. The findings present powerful evidence of the harmful effects of marijuana addiction, showing why people who struggle with such an addiction must seek help as soon as possible.

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Ren in National News
August 31, 2023

Drugged Driving in America

An examination of recent data regarding drugged driving in the US shows the problem has worsened. And unlike drunk driving, public health officials and law enforcement have yet to establish effective protocols for preventing drugged driving.

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