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Adderall has become more and more popularly prescribed and used over the past decades. So much so there was a recent medication shortage in the US. Some of the popularity of the drug has also led to an increase in drug abuse and even drug overdose. According to the National Institute of Health, overdose rates for psychostimulants such as Adderall are increasing dramatically. As recent as 2019, an estimated 23% of overdose cases involved some sort of stimulant drug use. And in 2020, a reported 5 million Americans misused prescription stimulants such as Adderall.

Alcohol and antidepressants do not mix. However, it is often the case that people who suffer from symptoms of mental health disorders and are prescribed antidepressant medications also consume alcohol. Alcohol is used in an attempt to suppress uncomfortable feelings of depression or anxiety. When these two substances are combined, it can result in dangerous adverse effects.

Is rubbing alcohol a type of drinking alcohol? Rubbing alcohol is made up of 70-99% isopropyl alcohol. It is colorless, highly flammable and has a very strong odor similar to gasoline. Despite containing the name alcohol, rubbing alcohol is a completely different substance from ethyl alcohol, which is the substance often found in drinks such as beer, wine and spirits. If ingested, rubbing alcohol can be twice as toxic as ethanol drinking alcohol.

Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Drug Enforcement Administration have issued warnings identifying that fentanyl and xylazine drug combinations have become a significant public health threat. The combination of fentanyl and xylazine is also known as “tranq dope.” It has been the cause of a number of reported drug overdose deaths. Fentanyl is a powerful central nervous system depressant opioid. Xylazine is also a powerful sedative substance approved for veterinary use only. The combination of the two substances can create a highly addictive and toxic outcome for the user.

An epidural is a common medical procedure that provides pain relief or lack of feeling during labor and childbirth.  The epidural medication is usually distributed through an IV injected at the back of the spine. Epidurals can also be used for certain types of surgeries as well as treatment for specific causes of chronic pain. For labor and childbirth, the most commonly used epidural is a combination of an anesthesia medication and a narcotic medication. The most common narcotic used in epidurals is fentanyl.

The rise in popularity of e-cigarettes and vapes has prompted more studies on the effects of vaping on overall health and well-being. Many young people believe vaping is a safer or healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes. Unfortunately, vaping carries its own set of health risks. Vaping is the most popular among the younger generation due to its marketing of colorful vape pens and fun vape flavors. It is the most popular way Americans aged 18-29 use tobacco. Acne is also a common health concern that mainly affects the same generation of young people. Acne generally occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog pores leading to pimples on the face, chest, back and shoulders. Some new studies are now showing an indirect correlation between acne and vaping or the use of vape products.

Valium is a popular drug treatment often prescribed for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, sleep disorders and seizure disorders. It is also commonly prescribed for social phobias and to help with alcohol withdrawal management. Despite Valium presenting as a central nervous system depressant that can produce feelings of intense sedation, pain relief and euphoria, it is not considered to be a narcotic drug. Valium is classified as a sedative drug in the benzodiazepine family. Approximately 92 million prescriptions of benzos such as Valium were filled in 2019.

Addiction is a disease that impacts the entire family. Addiction is a vicious cycle. Addiction does not discriminate based on race, gender or socio-economic status. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20 million Americans struggle with a substance use disorder and not all of these Americans receive the care and treatment they need. Addiction changes the way the brain works. It can lead to physical and psychological changes that convince users the best way to cope with and manage their issues is through continued substance use.

More than 10% of U.S. children ages 17 or younger live with a parent with an alcohol use disorder. Alcoholism can lead to emotional, physical, mental and financial strain on the user as well as their family members. It is especially impactful on children. Often times one of the biggest strains from a parent with alcohol use disorder is neglect of children. Growing up with a drunk parent can have enduring effects on children including impaired learning capacity, increased risk for substance use disorders, increased risk for developing mental health conditions and difficulty maintaining a sense of normalcy.

Vaping has become so popular, that many see it as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes. Vaping may be less harmful in certain aspects, but the e-cigarette does have its own set of health side effects. New studies have shown that vaping can become detrimental to dental and oral health. The oral cavity is a very resilient system and can heal faster than many other parts of the body. However, when repeatedly traumatized through e-cigarette use, it can cause irreversible tissue damage, permanent damage to gums and a high risk of tooth loss.