In medicine, there are four key vital signs: temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure. However, in many ways, pain is often seen as a phantom fifth vital sign. After all, a doctor's oath quite literally states "First, do no harm," and what is more harmful than pain? As such, keeping patients pain-free and ... Read More
Help With Substance Abuse
Substance abuse disorder is a diagnosable medical and mental health disorder. It becomes a disorder when it begins interfering with a person’s day-to-day life. It affects 21.5 million people over the age of 2012, yet many do not seek help. Here you will find articles cataloging the aspects and types of substance abuse. The experts at FHE Health identify trends and explain addiction risks for substances from Juul to inhalants.
The 5th Vital Sign: How Treating Pain Contributed to the Opioid Epidemic
Drug Profile: OxyContin
"OxyContin" is a type of painkiller that may be prescribed for the treatment of acute pain as well as some forms of chronic pain. OxyContin is the brand name for the drug "oxycodone hydrochloride." It’s sometimes referred to as "oxycodone OxyContin" as a result. The drug is an opioid and a narcotic, which means it can ... Read More
Drug Profile: Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that causes hallucinations due to the presence of psychoactive agents. These drugs are highly addictive and dangerous. One of the most common is LSD, though there are numerous hallucinogenic examples to consider. These drugs have played an active role in today’s culture, allowing ... Read More
Drug Profile: Spice and K2
K2, also known as Spice, is a combination of industrial chemicals that are combined to create a dangerous street drug. It can either be vaporized in liquid form or smoked when added to dried herbs, similar to how marijuana is used. This 'fake weed' is usually sold in small packets containing dried, chemical-laced ... Read More
Ativan: A Drug Profile
Ativan and other drugs like it can provide enormous relief to people suffering from anxiety and panic disorders. Unfortunately, Ativan also has a darker side, causing it to be part of a dangerous and sometimes even lethal group of substances. Ativan is a brand-name drug containing lorazepam, which is ... Read More
Caffeine: A Drug Profile
The majority of us have coffee every day, so it can be easy to forget that the caffeine it contains has some potentially harmful side effects. Keep reading to understand why caffeine is a drug you should think twice about abusing. Do you reach for a cup of coffee once a day, or do you drink it all day long? ... Read More
Antidepressants: A Drug Profile
Updated July 19, 2023 Antidepressants are frequently-used drugs that can address everything from bipolar disorder to depression. Of the population over 12 years of age, 12.7 percent has taken an antidepressant in the last month, and a quarter of those who use antidepressants have been on them for 10 years or ... Read More
Vicious Cycle: How Drug Abuse Turns to Dealing
Drug addiction often starts slowly, with a little sampling at a party or prescription use that spirals out of control. For those who enjoy the initial rush, use may increase, spreading from getting high solely at parties or during nights out to daily doses, perhaps at night to unwind or in the morning to get going. ... Read More