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Across the United States, the drug supply has become increasingly unpredictable. Just ten years ago, illicitly manufactured fentanyl was appearing widely in the drug supply, beginning a new and deadly wave of the ongoing opioid crisis. But now, public health officials, communities, and individuals are facing a range of stronger, even more dangerous substances, ranging […]

Non-medical use of prescription drugs among teens often begins at home. It’s estimated that more than 42% of teens who have misused a prescription drug obtained it from their parents’ medicine cabinet at home, and more than half (56%) of teens say it’s easy to get access to their parents’ prescription medications.[1] Unused prescriptions, especially

In the world of dietary supplements and herbal products, new, unregulated products emerge on the market every day, making it difficult to keep up with what’s safe and effective and what’s potentially harmful. One substance gaining attention for its addictive properties is 7-hydroxymitraginine or 7-OH. In this article, we’ll discuss what 7-OH is, where it

Cannabis vape pens have become one of the most common ways teenagers experiment with marijuana. Their small size, flavored cartridges, and high potency make them easy for teenagers to hide, difficult for adults to recognize, and easy to misuse without getting caught. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found that the number of teens

Cannabis has changed dramatically over the past decade, both in the way people consume it and the potency of cannabis people have access to. As legalization has expanded across many regions, the cannabis market has grown more sophisticated and more potent. Today’s products often contain levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that are far higher than what

Unused and expired medications can pile up over time. Some people may forget about them, while others may hold onto them “just in case.” However, keeping leftover medications can be risky for children, teenagers, pets, and others in the household. Disposing of medications isn’t always as simple as throwing them in the trash or flushing

Gabapentin is a medication that’s become increasingly familiar in doctors’ offices and pharmacies in Alabama and across the United States. In 2024, 73.1 million prescriptions were dispensed for gabapentin–a number up from 69 million dispensed in 2020.[1] For many people, gabapentin plays an important role in managing seizures, nerve pain, and other medical conditions when

Between the Dry January trend and ambitious New Year’s resolutions, many people decide they want to drink less at the start of a new year. For some, it’s about being more intentional, taking a break, or changing their relationship with alcohol altogether. For others, it’s about improving their health or overcoming an alcohol use disorder.

Alcohol plays a big role in American culture. It’s built into many of our celebrations, social events, holidays, work gatherings, sporting events, and even everyday routines. In 2024, more than 178 million people over age 12 in the U.S. (62% of the population) reported drinking alcohol in the past year, and 46.6% reported past-month drinking.[1]

The holiday season can be a time of joy, connection, and celebration, but for people in recovery from substance use disorder, this time of year can also bring stress, temptation, and emotional challenges. Family gatherings, parties, and old traditions often involve alcohol or other triggers, and feelings of pressure or loneliness can easily surface, even