Drug Addiction

Before diving into this discussion on how cannabis legalization affects students’ academic performance, it’s helpful first to understand my role in this context. I am the Vice President of Educational Partnerships at Mountainside Treatment Center, and my goal is to ensure that no student loses their education to substance use disorder. Students should not have […]

Recreational nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) use is a growing trend among young adults, fueled by its easy accessibility online and in stores, and normalized by social media. Despite being falsely perceived as safe due to its medical use, inhaling nitrous oxide without medical supervision carries acute risks like sudden death from hypoxia and frostbite, and […]

Bromazolam, a synthetic benzodiazepine, is a dangerous drug increasingly found in the illegal drug supply, often in counterfeit pills and mixed with fentanyl, significantly increasing overdose risk. Its unpredictable effects, potential for addiction, and severe withdrawal symptoms make it a serious public health concern. Seeking medical detoxification and therapy is crucial for those struggling with […]

7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent synthetic compound derived from kratom, is being aggressively marketed as “gas station heroin” and poses serious health risks, including addiction and fatal overdoses, especially when mixed with alcohol. Unlike natural kratom, which contains trace amounts of 7-OH, these concentrated products have significantly higher levels, making them far more dangerous and potent […]

Nitazenes are a dangerous class of synthetic opioids, significantly more potent than morphine and heroin, and are increasingly found as contaminants in the illicit drug supply. These substances pose a high risk of overdose, although naloxone can be effective, often requiring multiple doses. Harm reduction strategies, including drug checking, cautious dosing, and never using alone, […]

Flubromazolam is a potent designer benzodiazepine that mimics prescription drugs like Xanax and Klonopin but is significantly more dangerous due to its altered chemical structure and high potency. It is illegal in the US and several other countries, and its use can lead to severe sedation, amnesia, respiratory depression, and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. The substance […]

Phenibut, a GABA analog synthesized in the Soviet Union, is marketed as a nootropic for anxiety reduction and focus enhancement, despite not being FDA-approved and being illegal for marketing as a dietary supplement in the U.S. Phenibut abuse carries significant risks, including severe side effects, a high potential for addiction, and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. While […]

The LGBTQIA+ community faces significant barriers to addiction treatment, including higher rates of substance use due to minority stress, systemic roadblocks within the healthcare system, and pervasive stigma and discrimination. These challenges are compounded by a lack of culturally competent care, issues within traditional recovery support, and financial and geographic limitations. Despite these obstacles, there […]

Cocaine use is on the rise globally due to increased production and supply, economic factors like affordability, and the normalization of drug use through social media and pop culture. Demographic shifts show higher use among young adults and those with less education, while pandemic-related stress and improved cocaine purity also contribute to this trend. Understanding […]

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and addiction are strongly linked, as underlying insecurities and emotional dysregulation in narcissistic individuals often lead to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Both vulnerable and grandiose narcissism can contribute to addictive behaviors, with vulnerable narcissists seeking to self-medicate negative emotions and grandiose narcissists using substances to maintain their inflated self-image. […]

The article discusses “hippie flipping,” the practice of mixing MDMA and psilocybin mushrooms, and warns of the significant risks involved, including increased anxiety, physical health problems, and potential long-term psychological effects. It highlights the unpredictable interactions between the two substances and emphasizes the importance of seeking help if someone experiences negative consequences. Ultimately, the article […]

This article explains what happens during an Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which provides structured support for teens dealing with substance abuse while allowing them to maintain their daily routines. The program includes assessments, group and individual therapy, family involvement, educational components, skill-building activities, and ongoing progress monitoring. IOPs aim to help adolescents develop coping […]