Alcohol, a substance consumed by millions globally for its psychoactive effects, has a darker side that’s often overshadowed by social acceptance. While an occasional drink is considered harmless, and sometimes even beneficial for adults, excessive consumption carries severe consequences. According to recent findings, alcohol-related deaths account for nearly 3 million fatalities annually worldwide, making it...
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterised by an individual’s inability to manage or stop alcohol consumption despite its negative effects on their life. This disorder is recognised for its spectrum of severity, ranging from mild to severe, impacting individuals differently based on the number of symptoms they exhibit....
At a time when the use of cannabis is gaining widespread acceptance through legalisation and cultural shifts, a novel health issue arises, putting into question what we know about the safety of this substance. Known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), this condition manifests through a set of gastrointestinal and autonomic symptoms that have been on...
As society’s view on marijuana evolves, marked by broader legalisation and an enhanced perception of its safety, a crucial study comes to light, challenging our comfort and assumptions. This extensive research presents undeniable evidence linking the use of marijuana – through smoking, vaping, or edible consumption – to a heightened risk of heart attack and...
Recent research spearheaded by Pennsylvania State University sheds light on an alarming phenomenon: alcohol-induced blackouts among college students. Unlike the common perception that blackouts are solely a result of excessive alcohol consumption, this study reveals a more complex interplay between the quantity of alcohol consumed and the manner in which it is consumed. Alcohol-induced blackouts...
Researchers have unearthed a concerning link between heavy episodic drinking and high alcohol consumption among individuals over the age of 65 and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This revelation, discussed during the ACC 2024 conference, underscores a critical public health concern that necessitates immediate attention and action. The phenomenon of heavy episodic drinking,...
In the ongoing debate surrounding drug decriminalisation policies, a study examining the early outcomes of Oregon Measure 110 provides critical insights into the unintended consequences of such legislative changes. Published in the Journal of Health Economics, the research conducted by Noah Spencer from the Department of Economics at the University of Toronto scrutinises the causal...
In a significant advancement in our understanding of alcohol-related blackouts, a new study has illuminated how individual differences in physiology and genetics may predispose certain people to experience these alarming memory lapses. This groundbreaking research challenges the prevailing notion that alcohol blackouts are solely the result of excessive drinking, instead suggesting a nuanced interplay between...
In recent findings that could significantly alter the approach towards alcohol consumption and education among college students, a groundbreaking study has unveiled specific predictors of alcohol-induced blackouts (AIBs), focusing on the manner and rate of alcohol intake rather than the quantity alone. This research provides valuable insights into how students can modify their drinking behaviours...
Alcohol holds a paradoxical place in modern society; it’s both deeply ingrained in cultural traditions and social practices around the globe, and yet, it’s also at the centre of numerous health and societal issues. This duality presents a nuanced challenge, sparking conversations about its role within various cultures and the implications for individual and communal...