The recent survey conducted among secondary school pupils in England sheds light on the concerning trends in smoking, drinking, and drug use. With a focus on those aged 11 to 15, this survey uncovers critical insights into the behaviours and attitudes of young people today. Smoking and Vaping: Persistent Issues The prevalence of smoking among...
As cannabis legalisation spreads across the United States, a disturbing pattern has emerged that threatens to undermine the safety of both medical and recreational marijuana: the widespread presence of dangerous pesticides. What began as a concerning discovery in California, the first state to legalise medical marijuana, has evolved into a nationwide issue that mirrors historical...
The Supreme Court is considering a case involving truck driver Douglas Horn, who was terminated after a drug test revealed THC in his system, despite using a product he believed to be THC-free. Horn has taken legal action against the product’s manufacturer, Medical Marijuana Inc., under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO),...
The recent arrest of a doctor and a pharmacist in New York underscores significant issues within the medical profession concerning the prescription and distribution of controlled substances. The case, involving Dr. Mordechai Bar and pharmacist Feroze Nazirbage, highlights the severe consequences of deviating from ethical and legal standards in healthcare. Understanding the Allegations According to...
The recent study published in JAMA unveils an important facet of academic publishing by scrutinising the financial connections between US peer reviewers and drug and medical device manufacturers. This examination sheds light on how these financial ties could potentially influence the integrity of the peer review process in major medical journals such as The BMJ,...
Carolin Schürmann, through her deeply personal account, highlights the pressing issue of alcohol consumption in Germany and its overlooked link to breast cancer. Her experiences as a child of an alcoholic, coupled with her own battles with alcohol use disorder and cancer scares, provide a compelling backdrop to her call for change. Despite the known...
In a significant development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, a stance articulated in a recent publication in The Lancet Public Health. Kristina Sperkova, in her analysis, highlights why this statement marks a pivotal moment in public health discourse. The WHO’s comment underscores that even...
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is emerging as a significant health concern linked to the frequent and prolonged use of cannabis. This gastrointestinal condition is characterised by acute episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and intense abdominal pain, typically manifesting within 24 hours after the last cannabis use. Intriguingly, many sufferers find temporary relief through compulsive hot...
Addiction is increasingly recognised as a chronic, complex brain disease rather than a mere moral failing. This understanding sheds light on the drastic transformation individuals undergo when in the grip of substance abuse. Addiction can turn kind individuals into seemingly unrecognisable versions of themselves, driven by an overwhelming need for their substance of choice. This...
Addiction presents a profound challenge not only to those directly affected but also to their loved ones, driven by complex psychological and biological factors. At the core of these issues is the tendency of individuals struggling with addiction to rationalize their harmful behaviours. Many addicts convince themselves their actions hurt only themselves, a self-deception that...