First developed in the late 19th century by Germany’s Bayer Labs, barbiturates were historically prescribed by doctors to help patients relax and fall asleep. In fact, from 1920 until about 1950, these drugs were essentially the only sedatives available. During the 1960s and 70s, barbiturates were widely used in ... Read More
Treating Co-Occurring Disorders to Help Prevent Suicide
Substance use and mental health conditions affect people of all ages, and they frequently occur together. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's research into co-occurring disorders, an estimated 21.2 million American adults had both a mental illness and a substance use disorder in ... Read More
How Drugs and Alcohol Can Increase Your Risks of Cancer
Can drinking alcohol cause cancer? Does smoking marijuana increase your risk of developing cancer? There’s a well-established link between cancer and drug addiction. Though most people recognize the psychological and physical damage these substances can create, many don't think of the risk of cancer as a result of ... Read More
Drug Profile: Peyote
Though used in religious ceremonies and medicine for several thousands of years among Native Indians in Mexico and North American tribes, peyote and its psychedelic abilities have always sparked controversy. The U.S. government attempted to ban its use but was met with strong resistance from native tribes. Today, the ... Read More
Alcohol Abstinence Challenge: What Happens When You Go Cold Turkey
The Alcohol Abstinence Challenge seems to be a straightforward, honest way to test yourself. All you have to do is go one week without drinking alcohol of any type. It seems easy enough, but what this challenge proves is that abstaining from alcohol is not possible for an alcoholic. Doing so can even be dangerous ... Read More
Drug Profile: LSD
First developed in 1938 by Albert Hofmann, LSD, or "lysergic acid diethylamide," was first discovered while Hofmann was working with a fungus. Hofmann experimented with doses and experienced the world's first intentional "acid trip." In the 1950's LSD acid was used as part of the CIA's MK-Ultra project. Today, LSD is a ... Read More
Got a Substance Abuse Trust? Learn About the Benefits
Estate planning is a complicated process, even for those with modest assets. The question of how to allocate assets, protect assets and provide for children and grandchildren is a deeply personal situation and will vary greatly from one family to another. Standard steps, like drafting wills, are recommended for ... Read More
Drug Profile: Ultram
Ultram is a synthetic opioid that is prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe forms of pain. Other brand names for Ultram include "Conzip," "Ultracet," "Ryzolt," and "Rybix." Like other opioids, Ultram can be habit-forming, so prescribing physicians must carefully monitor patients who take this drug, or prescribe it in ... Read More
