Awareness of adolescent overdose deaths is crucial to save young lives. Despite a decline in drug use among teens, overdose deaths have more than doubled due to the millions of counterfeit pills laced with lethal doses of fentanyl. Parents, teachers, and communities must work together to educate and protect youth from the dangers of illicit drugs and ensure safe prescription practices.

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This article explores the crucial role of life skills training in preventing relapse among individuals recovering from substance abuse. Drawing on recommendations from international bodies like the World Health Organization, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the article highlights key skills such as decision-making, communication, and stress management. It underscores the importance of evaluating rehab programs based on their effectiveness in teaching these skills, emphasizing that strong life skills are essential for maintaining long-term sobriety in the face of everyday challenges.

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Dextromethorphan, found in many cough medicines, is abused far too often by teens eager to experience its psychoactive effects. Despite being legal in every state, it poses serious risks such as delusions, hallucinations, violence, addiction, and death. Some states have imposed age restrictions, but greater awareness and control are needed to combat this issue. Recovery is possible with proper support.

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The article reveals the detrimental effects of commonly abused substances on the human brain, ranging from alcohol and benzodiazepines to cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, and opioids.

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The article explores the rise of xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer now contaminating the American drug supply, especially supplies of heroin and fentanyl. This potent drug poses severe health risks as it causes deep, rotting wounds among users. Its presence has rapidly spread across the country, amplifying the opioid crisis and increasing dealer profits. The article emphasizes the urgent need for effective drug rehabilitation, education on drug dangers, and collective action to address this escalating issue.

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Despite a decline in overall drug use among teenagers, fatal drug overdoses among teens have spiked. Why has this happened? Drug trafficking organizations first discovered how easy it was to manufacture illicit fentanyl and then learned to press it into tens of millions of pills for the American market.

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The article examines the aftermath of Oregon’s Measure 110, which decriminalized personal quantities of drugs with the aim of redirecting funds toward addiction recovery services. There are many signs the law has failed to meet its objectives, with few individuals seeking help despite citations, increased crime and drug use, and a surge in fentanyl-related deaths. Now, the state has begun to shift its opinions and actions toward recriminalization.

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The article explains the lethal risks associated with inhalant abuse, especially prevalent among young people due to the accessibility of these common household items. Felt tip pens, markers, nail polish remover, paint—any of these substances and hundreds more can intoxicate or kill. Statistics reveal the alarming incidence of inhalant abuse among students and how and why their abuse can lead to sudden death.

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This article explores the growing trend of combining opioids and stimulants, known as speedballing, among drug users. Learn the reasons behind this practice, including the desire to offset the negative effects of each drug or to achieve a specific high considered desirable. The outcome can be addiction, physical harm or death.

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The article traces Captagon’s transition from a prescription stimulant to an addictive drug addicting many in the Middle East. It further highlights historical parallels with wartime stimulant use and concludes by warning of the possibility of the drug’s spread across Europe.

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