The widespread normalisation of cannabis use has brought with it an unintended consequence—exposing children residing in homes where cannabis is smoked to toxic and harmful chemicals. Recent research sheds light on just how damaging this exposure can be. The cross-sectional study, which examined 275 children living in homes in San Diego County, reveals compelling evidence of the link between in-home...
Youth Prevention

The Dangers of Secondhand Cannabis Smoke for Children
Cannabis use is often presented as a harmless or even beneficial activity. Yet, an increasing body of evidence sheds light on its dangers—particularly for children living in households where cannabis is smoked. Recent findings show that secondhand cannabis smoke poses significant risks to children’s health, exposing them to toxic chemicals and harming their development. Understanding these risks is crucial to...

Recreational Use of Xanax Among Young People: A Growing Danger
Recreational misuse of prescription drugs, particularly benzodiazepines like Xanax, is becoming alarmingly common among young people. While originally developed for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders, Xanax is now being misused in ways that pose serious threats to health and safety. From the dangers of combining it with alcohol to the risks of counterfeit pills on the black market,...

Protecting Children from the Dangers of Opioids
The opioid crisis continues to affect countless families, with children and adolescents among the most vulnerable. Recent data reveals that, in 2023, more than 40,000 children under the age of 15 were rushed to emergency rooms for non-fatal drug overdoses. Alarmingly, every week, an average of 22 adolescents lose their lives to drug overdoses, with opioids like fentanyl being the...

U.S: Oklahoma Proposes Stricter Cannabis Laws with Purchase Limits and Advertising Ban
Oklahoma legislators are considering new laws that could reshape the state’s medical marijuana landscape. A proposed cap on cannabis purchases, outlined in Senate Bill 320 by state Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, would limit licensed patients to 2.5 ounces (70.9 grams) of marijuana per week. Currently, state law restricts possession to 3 ounces but does not regulate weekly purchase limits. Concerns...

Study Uncovers How Cannabis Triggers Psychosis in At-Risk Young Adults
A groundbreaking study from McGill University has provided new insights into how cannabis use can trigger psychosis in young adults already at risk. Published in JAMA Psychiatry, the research highlights how cannabis worsens a decrease in synaptic density—nerve cell connections in the brain—among individuals vulnerable to psychosis, significantly impacting brain connectivity. Using advanced brain imaging technology, researchers studied 50 participants aged...

US Vape Sellers Flout Regulations, Raising Alarms Over Youth Access
A recent study has uncovered alarming non-compliance among online vape retailers with regulations designed to prevent underage sales. Researchers at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, tested how effectively sellers adhere to laws like the Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act. This federal law mandates age verification and...

The Effects of Cannabis Dispensaries Near Schools in Oregon, USA
Having cannabis shops close to schools is worrying because it might affect students’ safety and learning. It’s important to tackle these issues to keep schools as safe places for kids to grow and learn. The rapid growth of cannabis dispensaries in recent years has raised urgent questions about their proximity to schools and the impact on young people. Schools should...

US: Illegal Vapes Targeting Teens Spark Urgent Calls for Stricter Enforcement
Schools across Pennsylvania are grappling with the growing challenge of keeping illegal disposable vape products out of the hands of teenagers, according to a school resource officer working on the frontlines. Despite a reported decline in youth vaping, the availability of unregulated products presents a serious, ongoing threat to student health. These vapes, often smuggled in from abroad, are designed...

Egypt’s Comprehensive Strategy to Combat Drug Abuse and Protect Youth
Egypt has ramped up its efforts to tackle drug abuse and protect its youth with a comprehensive strategy led by the Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction and Abuse, chaired by Minister Maya Morsy. Central to this initiative is the 2024–2028 National Strategy for Combating Drugs, launched under the guidance of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The strategy aims to stop...

Kentucky Senator Advocates Tougher Vaping Laws to Protect Youth
A Kentucky lawmaker is pushing for stricter measures to combat underage vaping, proposing new legislation with tougher licensing rules and penalties. Senator Jimmy Higdon (R-Lebanon) criticised the upcoming House Bill 11, set to take effect in January, arguing it lacks sufficient enforcement power. The current law aims to ban non-FDA regulated vape products but, according to Higdon, “has no teeth”...

Nonmedical Use of Controlled Medications by Adolescents and Young Adults
Nonmedical prescription drug use (NMPDU) refers to using controlled prescription medications for purposes other than initially prescribed. Among adolescents and young adults (AYAs), NMPDU remains a prevalent issue, including medications such as stimulants, sedatives, and opioids. Defined as either using someone else’s prescription, altering the intended dosage or frequency, or using the substance for its euphoric effects, this behaviour poses...

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Their Impact
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events or environments children are exposed to before the age of 18, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. Research shows that these experiences are alarmingly common, with severe consequences for a child’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. As Micere Keels aptly puts it, “Behaviour is the language of trauma. Children will show you...

Study Exposes Loopholes in Online E-Cigarette Sales to Teens
A recent study has revealed significant gaps in online regulations that allow teenagers to purchase e-cigarettes with ease. Researchers tested compliance by buying flavoured vaping products from 78 websites and found that 78% of the deliveries were made without any contact, and legally required ID scans occurred in just 1 out of 105 cases. Raquel Harati, the study’s lead author,...

Understanding the Link Between Adolescent Cannabis Use and Psychosis Spectrum Symptoms
Adolescents face numerous challenges as they grow, and some turn to substances like cannabis during this sensitive phase. However, research continues to uncover significant risks associated with early cannabis use. A recent large-scale study involving over 11,000 adolescents sheds light on a concerning relationship between cannabis use and psychosis spectrum symptoms, offering vital insights into the mental health impacts of...

The Hidden Dangers of Kratom Drinks Marketed as Alcohol Alternatives in the US
A kratom-based drink promoted as a “healthy alcohol alternative” in the US has raised serious concerns about addiction and health risks. The beverage, “Feel Free Classic,” produced by Botanic Tonics, has come under fire for deceptive marketing practices and inadequate consumer warnings about its potential dangers. Jasmine Adeoye, a 29-year-old from Austin, Texas, shared how her attempt to quit drinking...

Parental ‘Recreational’ Substance Use – The Traumatic Ripple Effect on Children
The Dalgarno Institute Special Investigation Here’s a sobering thought: While your average recreational substance user is busy defending their “harmless fun,” approximately 8.7 million children in the United States alone are living in households where at least one parent struggles with substance use disorder. That’s right – one in eight children under 17 are watching their childhood disappear into the...

Youth Cannabis Use on the Rise Post-Legalisation: A Call to Action
A recent study in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has revealed a worrying trend: the legalisation of recreational cannabis in multiple US states is linked to increased cannabis use among adolescents and young adults. The meta-analysis, led by Dr. Aditya Pawar, scrutinised data from 30 studies to assess the impact of cannabis legalisation. While...

Rising Concerns Over Accidental Marijuana Exposures in Children
The recent increase in accidental marijuana exposures among young children in Ohio is alarming, with cases in children aged five and under soaring to more than five times the numbers from five years ago. This troubling trend follows the legalization of medical marijuana in 2019 and the more recent approval of recreational marijuana. Nicole Eisenberg, a research scientist with the...

The Rise of ‘Pink Cocaine’: A New Threat in U.S. Clubs
In recent months, a dangerous substance known as “pink cocaine” has surged in popularity across the U.S. club scene, raising alarms among experts and law enforcement agencies. Despite its misleading name, pink cocaine typically contains no actual cocaine but is a potent cocktail of various drugs, often including ketamine, methamphetamine, and other psychoactive substances. This concoction, dyed pink with food...
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Essential Steps for Treating Alcohol Intoxication
Alcohol intoxication can lead to severe health risks, including alcohol poisoning, which requires immediate medical attention. Recognising the symptoms and...
New Study Exposes Alcohol’s Role in Fueling Addiction, Depression, and Mental Health Risks
A recent study from the University of Chicago Medicine has unveiled striking insights into the connection between alcohol use disorder...
The Unseen Aftereffects of Psychedelia: A Closer Look at HPPD
Bipolar disorder is often characterised by its hallmark manic and depressive episodes. However, a deeper exploration into the lived experiences...
The Flaws Of The Right To Recovery Bill Exposed
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, intended to regulate these products, falls short in addressing the core public health concerns. Its...
Scotland Drug Crisis and the Heartbreaking Impact on Newborns
The ongoing Scotland drug crisis has laid bare a tragic reality affecting some of society’s most vulnerable – newborns. Shockingly, more than...
AI in Healthcare: Unintended Consequences and Systemic Inequalities
The DEA’s use of AI and predictive algorithms to monitor healthcare is exposing systemic inequalities, particularly in African American and...
A Study in Sweden: New Hope for Addressing Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a serious condition that affects millions of people across the globe. It doesn’t just impact...
Smoking, Alcohol, and HPV: Impact on Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancer ranks as the seventh most common malignancy worldwide, with a significant number of cases linked to...
Medical Cannabis Culture Marketing Madness – Snake Oil Salesmen?
Australia’s medicinal cannabis industry, once touted as the miracle cure for everything from stubbed toes to existential dread, is now...
Rising Alcohol and Drug-Related Deaths in England and Wales
The Early Day Motion (EDM) 26, tabled on 17 July 2024, highlights the rising concern over avoidable deaths due to...
MPs Pressured to Refuse Gifts from ‘Unhealthy Products’ Firms
In the UK, over 100 health groups are calling on MPs to reject freebies from industries associated with tobacco, alcohol,...
Opioid Deaths Decline to Three-Year Low, Yet Exceed Pre-Pandemic Figures
The United States has witnessed a notable decline in opioid overdose deaths, reaching the lowest figures in three years, according...
EXPOSE on CBD Part 1: Take Care with This Cannabinoid – An Overview of Harms to Date!
The promotion and now clear marketing ‘spin’ on cannabinoids other than (but including) Delta 9 THC have been broadcast, largely...
Drug Overdoses Leave 320,000 Orphaned
A devastating report has revealed that more than 320,000 children in the United States were orphaned due to drug overdoses...
Lung Cancer Surge Tied to Drug Legalisation
Recent analyses have identified a troubling link between drug legalisation and the increasing incidence of lung cancer. The data suggests...
Essex Sober Festival Promotes Fun Without Alcohol or Drugs
The Essex Recovery Festival, held at Lambourne End Centre, offers a unique, alcohol- and drug-free experience for attendees. This festival...
Children in Crisis: The Dire Need to Address Alcohol-Induced Family Violence
In a significant move to address alcohol-related family violence, Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin has underscored the...
Understanding the Impact of Prenatal Cannabis Exposure on Child Development
The use of cannabis during pregnancy is becoming increasingly common, yet its implications for child development raise significant concerns. Recent...
HARM REDUCTION – Australia’s Drug Policy Dilemma – Time for Prevention, Demand Reduction, and Recovery
In what might go down as the most expensive experiment in missing the point, Australia’s decades-long dance with harm reduction...
Follow These Sober Influencers for Daily Inspiration
For anyone on a journey towards sobriety or looking to reduce alcohol consumption, following sober influencers can provide valuable insights,...
Heavy Cannabis Use and Mortality Differ by Sex
Investigating the impact of heavy lifetime cannabis use on mortality by sex, a cohort study published on JAMA Network Open...
Alcohol and Health: WHO Declares No Safe Level in New Landmark Comment
In a significant development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption,...
Impact of Heavy Cannabis Use on Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Women
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open delved into the association between heavy cannabis use and mortality, specifically focusing...
Interventions to Curb Male Domestic Violence
Recent initiatives have been launched to address and reform violent behaviour in men as part of a broader strategy to...
Dopamine’s Influence on Social Perception
Dopamine, a key neurotransmitter in the brain associated with reward and pleasure, is now recognised for its profound impact on...
Survivor Speaks Out About Drug-Facilitated Assault and Betrayal
Chantal Weiss has courageously spoken out about her traumatic experience of being drugged, assaulted, and filmed by individuals she once...
How Alcohol Deceives Social Drinkers
An article from Medium by Blake Matthews Shields delves into the often-overlooked issue of how alcohol affects social drinkers. The...
Understanding the Risks of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is a serious and complex condition that deserves more attention in discussions about substance use....
Kratom Sold Nationwide in U.S Despite Federal Warnings
Despite federal health warnings, a recent study by the University of Mississippi reveals that almost 75% of tobacco and vape...
Sunshine Coast Leads the Way with Revolutionary PTSD Research Centre
In a landmark development for mental health treatment and research in Australia, the Sunshine Coast has become the home to...
Rising Concerns: Teen Tobacco and Cannabis Use Linked to Mental Health Issues
Tobacco and cannabis use among teenagers in the United States is a growing concern, with significant implications for mental health....
Dr. Jim Lange Discusses Strategies in Drug Education
The work of Dr. Jim Lange emerges as a critical beacon for change. Spearheading innovative strategies in the field of...
Californians Approve Proposition 36, Reversing Soft-on-Crime Policies
Proposition 36 has passed with overwhelming support, signalling a rollback of some of the California state’s soft-on-crime policies. The measure,...
Alcohol and Substance Abuse-Related Fatalities Soar
The recent escalation in alcohol and substance abuse-related fatalities in England and Wales has raised significant concerns about public health...
Medical Cannabis Use Surges in UK: Mental Health Treatment on the Rise
Private cannabis clinics in the UK are experiencing a significant increase in patients choosing medical cannabis to treat chronic pain...
Dramatic Decline in Smoking Rates Among Pregnant Women in the UK
Smoking during pregnancy is a significant public health concern, posing serious health risks to both mother and baby. However, new...
The Growing Concern Over Online Gambling Ads Targeting UK’s Youth
In an age where digital platforms shape the daily lives of many, a new concern has emerged in the United...
New Vape Pens Disguised as School Supplies
As the new school year begins, parents and guardians are being alerted to a concerning trend involving new types of...
EPA Leads Massive Cleanup After Vape Supply Explosion
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is spearheading the cleanup of a hazardous site in Clinton Township, Michigan, following a...
Nutrition During Recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder
Recovering from alcohol misuse necessitates the adoption of lifelong healthy habits, particularly in terms of nutrition. Proper nutrient intake is...
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Everyday Actions That Can Lead to Heart Attacks
Heart attacks are medical emergencies that we often associate with well-known risk factors like high cholesterol, smoking, and a sedentary...

New Concerns Over Border Patrol’s Relaxed Marijuana Standards
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Why Kansas is Resisting the Wave of Marijuana Legalisation
In a recent opinion piece published by the Kansas City Star, a robust argument against the legalisation of marijuana in...

California and San Diego Leaders Confront the Fentanyl Crisis
In an urgent response to the escalating fentanyl crisis, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside San Diego’s key leaders, has...

Christiania’s Pusher Street Closes in a Historic Move to Combat Crime
In a bold step towards eradicating gang-related violence, Copenhagen’s iconic Christiania neighbourhood has begun the process of shutting down its...

Philadelphia Faces New Opioid Threat with the Emergence of Nitazenes
Philadelphia’s battle against opioid addiction has encountered a new and alarming challenge as powerful synthetic opioids known as nitazenes have...