Mental health disorders are conditions that affect the way a person processes information. It not only affects how someone thinks, feels, and behaves, but how they interact with others. Mental health disorders fall into six main classifications:  Anxiety disorders Mood disorders Schizophrenia Spectrum and other psychotic disorders Substance use disorders Eating disorders. Moreover, the statistics and data illustrate that mental illness and addiction often overlap. Many mental disorders are stressful to live with. Substance use distracts from this reality. Substance use often leads to su ..read more

The US opioid epidemic is one of America’s most pressing public health issues. There were more than 64,000 drug overdose deaths in the US in 2017, a majority involving opioids. Opioids are a type of narcotic used to treat pain and discomfort. In the United States, they are among the most prescribed drugs in the country. In 2015, there were more than 59 million prescriptions written for opioids. The opioid epidemic has grown into a national crisis with no end in sight. In 2015, more than 33,000 Americans died from overdoses related to opioid-based prescription painkillers such as oxycodone and ..read more

Alcohol is the most used substance in the world. Alcohol abuse can lead to many negative consequences such as a greater risk for accidents or injuries, poor decision making, increased use of other drugs or alcohol, and many others. What exactly are the main causes and effects of alcohol abuse? There are many causes and effects of alcohol abuse. To better understand alcohol abuse and its effects, one must first understand what alcohol abuse is. What is Alcohol Abuse Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships, as well as the ability t ..read more

Many individuals begin their initial cocaine use unaware of the risks and side effects of potential cocaine addiction. Often what begins as curiosity-seeking experimentation leads to chronic use and addiction. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that leads to unintentional abuse.  Firstly, It impacts the brain by increasing levels of dopamine. Next, cocaine alters the brain and triggers a rush of euphoria. Hence the brain stops producing its own dopamine naturally. In order to feel good again, users will need to take more until they need it to function. Cocaine is typically known as a party d ..read more

Known as a street drug or party drug, however, fentanyl-laced cocaine is a deadly concoction. It is a concoction, a mixture of illegal means with ill intent. Fentanyl-laced cocaine preys on the user. Dealers lace cocaine not only for profit but without safety concerns. Fentanyl laced cocaine leads in usage as an illicit drug. Many cocaine users remain unaware of the potential lacing dangers and when laced with fentanyl, it is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. According to the CDC, the potency increases the high risk of overdose. Fentanyl laced cocaine is responsible for the spike in over ..read more