Expert Insights

A recent UK study has revealed striking links between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and mental health issues following a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Researchers found that individuals with AUD were significantly more likely to develop depression and anxiety after being diagnosed with T2D compared to those without AUD. This connection persisted even after accounting for previous mental health...

A new scientific study from Australia has raised alarms about the potential dangers of cannabis, describing it as a “genotoxic” substance that can harm genetic material within cells. According to the research, this genetic damage might lead to DNA mutations, a heightened risk of cancer, accelerated ageing, and even impact future generations through damaged sperm and eggs. Dr. Stuart Reece,...

The United States continues to grapple with the devastating toll of drug overdose deaths, and the latest provisional data sheds light on both the extent of the crisis and the challenges in tracking it. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) has been delivering monthly updates within four months after the date of death, presenting a timelier picture of the...

The US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, has highlighted significant disparities in smoking rates, despite a decline in adult and youth smoking to record lows. With tobacco killing nearly half a million people in the US each year, Murthy has called for urgent action to address inequalities and reduce smoking-related deaths. “At stake are the lives of our children and adults...

A new study has revealed troubling trends about alcohol-induced liver disease (AILD) in the United States, showing it is becoming more common and more deadly. Heavy drinking is causing serious damage to people’s health, and the effects are being seen in hospitals and with life-saving liver transplants. More People Needing Liver Transplants Since 2016, AILD has become the number one...

A new study from the University of Georgia has found that nearly 6% of pregnant women use marijuana, particularly during the early stages of pregnancy, with many seeking relief from morning sickness. However, health experts warn that marijuana use may lead to serious risks for both mother and baby, including low birth weight, premature birth, and neurodevelopmental problems in the...

Dr. James H. Berry, a prominent behavioural medicine expert at West Virginia University, has voiced concerns about the striking similarities between the current medicinal cannabis industry and the opioid crisis of the early 2000s. Speaking at the Osteopathic Medical Education Conference, Berry highlighted that today’s cannabis boasts significantly higher potency levels than in the past, escalating the risk of adverse...

In a bold move to address Scotland’s escalating health crisis, health experts have unveiled a comprehensive ten-year strategy aimed at curbing the key risk factors contributing to the nation’s high mortality rate. Spearheaded by the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Alliance Scotland, a coalition of 24 health organisations, the strategy calls for decisive action against the pervasive influence of alcohol, tobacco, and...

A recent report from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities and the University of Sheffield has revealed a troubling rise in head and neck cancer cases in England. The analysis, covering data from 2013 to 2020, shows that cases surged to 10,735 in 2019, with a further increase to over 11,000 in 2021. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and HPV infections...

In a comprehensive study examining the impact of opioid-agonist therapy (OAT) on suicide rates among people with opioid dependence in Scotland, researchers have unveiled crucial insights that could reshape public health approaches. As the nation grapples with high rates of drug-related deaths (DRDs), this study reveals a significant protective effect of OAT against suicide. The investigation followed a cohort of...

The cultivation of more potent magic mushrooms is raising significant concerns, as advancements in genetic sequencing and cellular manipulation have led to strains with unprecedented levels of psychedelic compounds. These super-strength mushrooms pose a substantial risk to unprepared users, who may find themselves experiencing intense and distressing trips from doses much smaller than previously required. With some mushrooms now containing...

The health risks of moderate alcohol consumption are difficult to pinpoint due to the complexities of studying human behaviour over long periods. While randomised trials would provide clearer answers, they are impractical for alcohol research. Instead, methods like Mendelian randomization, which uses genetic differences influencing alcohol intake, offer valuable insights. Research through Mendelian randomization has shown that alcohol consumption increases...

A recent study led by researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) has uncovered concerning tactics used by alcohol-industry-funded digital tools, highlighting their role in covert marketing strategies. The research examined apps and websites in five English-speaking countries across the Western Hemisphere and found that these tools often spread misinformation and employed ‘dark patterns’—design techniques that...

Illinois has seen a significant expansion in its cannabis industry with 82 new stores opening in the past fiscal year, contributing to sales exceeding $2 billion. Despite these developments, social equity owners—a group meant to include those from areas disproportionately affected by the war on drugs—remain sidelined. According to a state report, while they own nearly half of the 220...

The Silent Menace Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has become a significant concern globally, owing to its devastating impact on communities. Similarly, xylazine, a veterinary tranquiliser, is increasingly being mixed with fentanyl, exacerbating the risk of overdose and death. According to the DEA, “xylazine and fentanyl drug mixtures place users at a higher risk of suffering a fatal drug poisoning.” These...

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 challenges with tobacco regulation. The...

A recent study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) has raised concerns about misinformation in alcohol-reduction apps funded by the alcohol industry. The research, the first of its kind, scrutinised digital tools claiming to offer alcohol-reduction advice. It found that many industry-funded apps, including those from organisations like Drinkaware and EducAlcool, employ covert misinformation tactics, such...

The Executive Director of the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), Alexis Goosdeel, has issued a crucial call to action addressing the growing threat of new synthetic opioids across Europe. Speaking at the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs, Goosdeel emphasised the dire need for coordinated action among EU Member States to combat this emerging crisis. He...

Vaping, often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, has become a widespread habit, especially among young adults. However, a recent study conducted by experts from the Keck School of Medicine in Southern California reveals alarming findings about the genetic impacts of vaping, suggesting that it might trigger DNA changes that increase cancer risk, similar to those seen in cigarette...

Alcohol consumption in the WHO European Region accounts for nearly one in eleven deaths, a staggering statistic that underscores the urgent need for a societal shift in how alcohol is perceived and consumed. This dire situation has prompted the WHO Regional Office for Europe to launch a new campaign aimed at redefining alcohol’s role in society, particularly highlighting its link...

In recent months, a significant shift has been observed in the availability of fentanyl on the streets of the United States, leading to a potential decline in overdose deaths for the first time in decades. Dan Ciccarone, a physician and drug researcher from the University of California, has noted a substantial reduction in street fentanyl supply, making the illicit drug...

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a severe condition that emerges from chronic marijuana use, characterised by repeated episodes of vomiting, severe nausea, and debilitating stomach pain. This syndrome is not merely a side effect of cannabis consumption but a significant medical issue that can lead to severe dehydration and other health complications if left untreated. Causes of CHS The exact...

In recent months, an alarming trend has captured the attention of scientists and health researchers across the United States. A chemical primarily used in plastics, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate (BTMPS), has been unexpectedly found in illegal drug samples from California to Maine. This unexpected chemical presence in fentanyl, a highly potent opioid, has sparked serious concern among professionals. But what exactly is...

The U.S. drug industry has been implicated in the origins of America’s fentanyl crisis, according to Sherri Hobson, a former assistant U.S. attorney in San Diego. For years, pharmaceutical companies aggressively marketed legal opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, leading to widespread addiction. Public outrage eventually prompted government intervention, resulting in a crackdown on these companies. However, as legal opioid...

In her recent opinion piece, Donna Shalala highlights significant concerns regarding Florida’s marijuana Amendment 3, drawing a parallel to the detrimental practices of Big Tobacco. Shalala cautions against the marijuana industry’s aggressive marketing tactics, which appear to target young people similarly to how tobacco companies once did. She underscores the alarming rise in THC potency, now reaching as high as...

A recent report from Johns Hopkins University’s 21st Century Cities Initiative reveals alarming disparities in how drug overdoses affect Baltimore’s population. The study, based on the 2023 Baltimore Area Survey, found that over half of adults in the area without a high school diploma know someone who has died from a drug overdose, starkly higher than any other socioeconomic group....

Cannabis consumption has long been a topic of interest and debate, particularly as legalisation efforts expand globally. While its immediate effects are well-documented, recent research has shifted focus to its long-term biological impacts, specifically epigenetic changes. A study published in Molecular Psychiatry delves into this area, examining how cannabis use may alter the human epigenome. Understanding Epigenetic Changes The epigenome...

A recent surge of illnesses linked to mushroom edibles has raised significant concerns about the safety and regulation of these products. This issue centres around Amanita muscaria-infused gummies, known for their psychoactive effects, and other synthetic compounds found in these edibles. As more than 140 documented cases of sickness, including two suspected deaths, have been reported, scientists, regulators, and consumers...

Currently, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I substance, alongside drugs like heroin and LSD, which are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. The proposal, under President Biden’s direction, suggests moving cannabis to Schedule III, indicating moderate to low dependence factors. Experts have weighed in on the implications of this change. Dr. Kevin...

A joint investigation by the Los Angeles Times and WeedWeek has uncovered alarming levels of pesticide contamination in legal cannabis products sold in California. The findings raise serious concerns about the effectiveness of the state’s regulatory system and the safety of products consumers believe to be tested and regulated. Key Findings of the Investigation Regulatory Oversight Falls Short The Department...

This week, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which serves as the leading federal estimate of trends in drug, tobacco, and alcohol use. The focus of this edition is on the number of monthly users of tobacco versus marijuana from 2003 to 2023. Trends in Marijuana...

In a striking shift in substance use patterns across the United States, marijuana consumption is on a steep upward trajectory while tobacco use continues its downward trend. This phenomenon is raising alarms among public health experts and policymakers alike. Recent Data Reveals Dramatic Shifts The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), released by the Substance Abuse and...

Recent reports indicate a significant increase in patients hospitalised with psychosis after being prescribed medicinal cannabis. This article delves into the growing concerns among doctors in Australia about the adverse effects of medicinal cannabis, particularly in relation to psychosis and other health issues. Rising Incidence of Psychosis Doctors are warning of a substantial rise in the number of patients experiencing...

Alcohol consumption has long been associated with sociability, celebration, and cultural traditions around the world. However, a growing body of evidence is revealing the darker side of alcohol’s effects, particularly its role in everyday violence and domestic abuse. This article examines the complex relationship between alcohol and violence, drawing on recent investigations and expert opinions to shed light on an...

The alcohol industry, with an estimated worth of $260 billion, paradoxically inflicts nearly an equal amount of damage—$250 billion—on society. This staggering figure highlights the substantial social and economic costs associated with alcohol consumption. This article explores the pervasive impact of the alcohol industry on violent crimes, domestic violence, and the broader societal fabric. The Economic Paradox of the Alcohol...

A recent study conducted by NYU Langone, funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, has shed light on the rapid takeover of America’s illegal drug supply by fentanyl. The research reveals a significant shift in the drug landscape, with fentanyl pills becoming increasingly prevalent. Dramatic Increase in Fentanyl Seizures Law enforcement seizure data...

Florida has seen a decline in drug-related, opioid-caused, and fentanyl-caused deaths, according to recent data presented at a news conference by Attorney General Ashley Moody. Despite this encouraging trend, the crisis continues to claim thousands of lives. The following article delves into the statistics and information discussed during the conference, highlighting both the progress made and the ongoing challenges. Prevalence...

Study Overview The report “No Quick Fix: Exposing the Depth of Britain’s Drugs and Alcohol Problem” comprehensively details the extensive challenges posed by substance abuse in the UK. It highlights the significant financial burden on taxpayers, with alcohol abuse costing £21 billion annually and drugs £15 billion. Beyond economic costs, the human impact is severe, contributing to poverty, family breakdowns,...

The opioid crisis continues to exert a devastating impact on communities across the nation, with the emergence of fentanyl presenting a formidable challenge in the fight against opioid addiction and overdose deaths. A comprehensive exploration of the current landscape of the opioid crisis, as detailed in Discover Magazine, sheds light on the persistent threats posed by synthetic opioids like fentanyl,...

Arnold S. Trebach, a lawyer and self-proclaimed harm reduction pioneer, ignited controversy with his 1982 book, “The Heroin Solution.” Trebach argued for a radical shift in heroin policy, advocating for its prescription to addicts and terminally ill patients. This article dissects Trebach’s arguments and reveals the flaws in his logic. A History of Heroin and its Allure Trebach begins by...

The rise of crypto trading addiction, as highlighted by the UK NHS chief Amanda Pritchard, sheds light on a concerning trend among young individuals. Pritchard’s call for action underscores the urgent need to address the growing social impact of crypto trading addictions, which are increasingly affecting the mental and financial well-being of individuals. With specialist clinics witnessing an influx of...