• man getting heart rate checked after abusing xylazine

    Rise of Xylazine Abuse in Pennsylvania  

    584 words|2.9 min read|

    Xylazine Detox and Withdrawal Management in Pennsylvania  The rise of xylazine, often referred to as "tranq," has become a growing concern throughout Pennsylvania. Initially approved as [...]

  • Profile view of a young homeless caucasian male - in his late 20s or early 30s - sitting in a dark, damp subway tunnel, his knees drawn up and his hands covering his face in desperation and despair. He is hungry, lonely and desperate. The man has short cropped hair and an unkempt beard. There is a look of sadness, loneliness and desperation in his eyes. He is sitting on a piece of old cardboard Horizontal image with room for copy space.

    Men’s Mental Health Stigma: How It Contributes to Addiction 

    991 words|5 min read|

    Men’s mental health is an important yet often overlooked topic. While society has made strides in recognizing the importance of mental health, the stigma surrounding [...]

  • Depressed sad middle aged woman sitting on sofa at home.

    Women and Trauma: How It Fuels Substance Use and the Importance of Gender-Specific Treatment 

    990 words|5 min read|

    Women who struggle with substance use disorders often face unique challenges that are deeply intertwined with their experiences of trauma. Research consistently shows that trauma [...]

  • A perfect colorful downtown skyline of Raleigh North Carolina.

    Alcohol Abuse in North Carolina: Alarming Statistics and the Need for Treatment 

    910 words|4.6 min read|

    Alcohol abuse remains one of the most pressing public health challenges across the United States, including North Carolina. The excessive consumption of alcohol leads to [...]

  • Aerial shot of large Victorian houses in Friendship, a neighborhood in the East End of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on a sunny morning in Fall.

    A Look At The Cultural Trends That Influence Substance Abuse

    874 words|4.4 min read|

    Many factors influence substance use, culture being one of them. Culture can influence people’s behaviors, societal norms, and community activities. As all of these can [...]

  • View of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at night.

    What Does The Opioid Crisis in Western PA Look Like?

    848 words|4.2 min read|

    The opioid crisis has become one of the most devastating public health emergencies in the United States, and Pittsburgh, along with the broader region of [...]

  • The North Carolina state flag waving along with the national flag of the United States of America. In the background there is a clear sky. North Carolina is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States

    The Opioid Crisis in North Carolina: A Deep Dive into Recent Statistics 

    899 words|4.5 min read|

    The opioid crisis has left a devastating imprint on communities across the United States. The state of North Carolina is no exception. With the widespread [...]

  • Gentlemen suffering from problem gambling placing a wager on his mobile app

    Is Sports Betting Dangerous?

    790 words|4 min read|

    Most people have a favorite sport – soccer, football, baseball, or basketball (among others). Many choose to participate in watching sports as entertainment or an [...]

  • New River Gorge, West Virginia, USA autumn landscape at the Endless Wall.

    Cultural Factors in Addiction: A West Virginia Case Study 

    633 words|3.2 min read|

    In West Virginia, unique cultural and socioeconomic elements play a significant role in the prevalence of substance abuse. Understanding the cultural factors that contribute to [...]

  • Multiethnic group of adult friends singing to microphone and enjoying karaoke during home party

    The Dangers of Drinking Among College Students in West Virginia 

    594 words|3 min read|

    College life often brings newfound freedom, social opportunities and academic challenges. However, for many students in West Virginia, it also introduces risks associated with alcohol [...]

  • Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) capsules with kratom powder and green leaves on wooden table background.

    What is Kratom and Is it Legal?

    818 words|4.1 min read|

    Men and women alike seek out herbal substances regularly to help with all kinds of symptoms – ashwagandha to alleviate stress, green tea to help [...]

  • Group of five friends laughing out loud outdoor, sharing good and positive mood

    Can Social Drinking Be a Problem?

    823 words|4.1 min read|

    Barbeques, bridal showers, staff parties, and graduation celebrations are normal occurrences and places to drink or two.  American society is one in which social drinking [...]

  • Woman holding her stomach, stomach pain in the middle closeup isolated

    The Uncomfortable Truth About Benzo Belly

    483 words|2.4 min read|

    A lesser-known but significant side effect of benzodiazepine use is a phenomenon known as “benzo belly.” Let's explore what it is, its symptoms, how long [...]

  • Cropped shot of a businessman using his computer in his home office

    Addictive vs. Obsessive: What’s the Difference?

    879 words|4.4 min read|

    Obsession and addiction are two terms that are often used interchangeably; however, they are distinct in both technical meaning and practical implications. While there is [...]

  • Aerosol spray can

    Understanding the Addictive Nature of An Easily Obtained Drug

    799 words|4 min read|

    In search of a high, some people, especially young people and teens, will utilize household items and other easily obtainable substances to experience sensations of [...]

  • Young woman sleeping in bedroom

    The Risks of Routine Sleeping Pill Consumption

    756 words|3.8 min read|

    Sleeping disorders are highly common in the United States. According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 10 percent of Americans struggle with a sleeping disorder, such [...]