The Blog

The internet is an increasingly integral part of our lives in the digital age, particularly with our growing connection to our ubiquitous smartphones and mobile devices. 2017 data from the Center for the Digital Future at University of Southern California Annenberg found that since 2000, the amount of time the average American spends online has gone up from 9.4 hours … Read More

CBD is a trendy cannabis product that shows up in everything from beauty products to gummy bears. CBD oil is said to treat a range of ailments including anxiety, epilepsy, inflammation and pain, among others. A new study shows that CBD oil may help with heroin cravings. The study showed that “CBD administration significantly reduced both cravings and anxiety,” especially … Read More

In recent years, there have been worldwide efforts to address the lack of addiction harm reduction and treatment programs for women. There are certain aspects of addiction and recovery that are unique to women, but is there really a need for gender-specific programs? Since studies show women have an increased risk of certain mental health disorders, it is evident that … Read More

The loss of firefighter A.J. Issacs in June of 2019 showcases the relentless and often secretive nature of addiction. Issacs, 47, was a father, husband and a well-respected, 25-year firefighter in Winter Park, Florida. None of Issacs’ colleagues knew of his struggle with addiction. As the supervisor in charge of drug inventory, Issacs had access to substances and was able … Read More

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed legislation allowing residents to access syringe exchange programs. The legislation approved by the Republican legislature, called The Infectious Disease Elimination Programs bill, had bipartisan support. Now, Florida counties can authorize local needle exchange programs, many of which are based on Miami’s Infectious Disease Elimination Act (IDEA) exchange. The Miami program, approved in 2016, is … Read More

Nerve pain medications were recently linked to an increased risk of self-harm. Self-harm can be either intentional or unintentional. The study looked at suicidal thoughts and behavior, unintentional overdoses, head and body injuries and traffic accidents. Stabbing, tingling, burning or prickling are a few sensations felt by people living with nerve pain. Neuropathy — another term for nerve pain — … Read More

In response to the opioid crisis taking place in his state, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has put forward an Opioid Action Plan that would provide about $20 million annually to help communities in Minnesota fund opioid prevention, treatment and recovery strategies. Known as the “Penny-a-Pill” plan, this initiative enacts a one-cent fee for each unit of dispensed opioids by pharmacies. … Read More

The state of New York passed a bill on April 1 creating a tax on opioid medications. This bill was the second bill that taxed opioids. The first bill was declared unconstitutional because it affected other states. According to New York governor Andrew Cuomo, this tax is intended to help reduce the severity of the opioid epidemic in the state … Read More

Officials in Maine held a public hearing on April 1st of this year for a bill proposing the creation of two supervised injection sites. The bill launched speculation into whether Maine will be the first state to house supervised injection sites. Supervised injection sites are places where recreational and illegal drugs can be used under supervision. These sites would have … Read More