Silent Epidemic: Addiction In Southern Oregon
Recently our very own Dr. Inaba was involved with a news piece done by Jefferson Public Radio. Like many areas in the country, southern Oregon is experiencing what public health officials describe as an epidemic of addiction to heroin and prescription opioid pain relievers such as Vicodin and OxyContin. One symptom of this epidemic has been a sharp […]
Caffeine, E-Cig news, Zohydro and other Opioid news and death
Coffee and cigarettes have long been a part of the morning ritual … now we have concerns about actual coffee/caffeine addiction.
E-cig news includes a study earlier this year, finding cancer indications like tobacco, especially snuff, from using e-cigarettes. However, the study used specially prepared lung cells, not humans. And the FDA has released its draft regulations for e-cigarettes, prohibiting their sale to minors, requiring warning labels, and asking that new device be submitted to the FDA for testing and evaluation.
Several more stories about opioids and heroin. Peaches Geldof, the daughter of Irish rocker Bob Geldof (Boomtown Rats) and founder of Band-Aid , has died unexpectedly of a heroin overdose. Also there are a number of stories about pregnant women using and being addicted to prescribed opioids as well as heroin. And the protests continue about Zohydro, the new Vicodin-like medication that is 10 times stronger, and contains no acetaminophen.
Pregnancy and Opioids
Psychoactive drugs cross … the placental blood barrier – so can affect a baby in utero. … hospitals have recently seen a large increase in babies born addicted to opioids, and the profound consequences that follow. We discuss this issues, options for detox and treatment, also the use and misuse of methadone.
An App for Craving, Inhalable Caffeine & More on Pain Meds
A smartphone app to monitor cravings– a new tool for relapse prevention? Also the newest legal drug – inhalable caffeine … and more on prescription drug use debate (updated.)
More Training to Prescribe Opioids
The Obama administration recently proposed legislation which will require doctors to undergo training before being permitted to prescribe powerful painkillers like Vicodin and OxyContin. The White House is absolutely committed to legislation that will make prescriber education mandatory, according to Gil Kerlikowske, the White Hojuse’s top drug policy adviser. The move would require Congress to […]
Athlete’s long-term relation with pain meds & Stop switch
Professional athlete’s high use/abuse of pain medications often continues long after they retire. Also a new study of the brain’s “Stop” switch and damage to it caused by early drug use, especially nicotine, can lead to a greater susceptibility to addictions in general.