Athletes’ mental health has been an increasing topic of discussion over the last several years. With national champions like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka speaking out about their experiences with mental illness, the subject has been breached, facilitating conversations about personal wellness, autonomy, and national duty. What once might have been a blissful ignorance that the strongest and fastest among us were made of stronger armor, now a very real, very important discourse emerges. After the NFL’s latest incident, sports fans and leagues across the country must reconsider what it means to be well and healthy in body and mind to ensure all athletes feel safe and supported.

Buffalo Bills Player Damar Hamlin Collapses After Tackle

On Monday, January 3^rd, millions of football fans gathered to kick off the new year and watch the Cincinnati Bengals play the Buffalo Bills at the Bengals’ home stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Only minutes into the first quarter, Bills player Damar Hamlin, a safety, made what seemed to be a normal tackle until he collapsed, unconscious, mere seconds after the play; the roar of the stadium slowly fading.

Cameras panned the field, broadcasting the distress and fear visible on players’ faces while commentators struggled to find words, their networks cutting to commercial in frequent succession. After nearly ten minutes of attempting CPR, paramedics stabilized his heartbeat and rushed him off the field to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

According to officials, the 24-year-old experienced cardiac arrest, though at this time, it is indeterminable how or why. While he is making small improvements, Hamlin remains in critical condition, too soon yet to know if he’ll make a full recovery and/or return to professional football.

NFL Must Grapple With Frightened And Traumatized Players

Hamlin’s accident has caused a disruption in more than just the NFL’s schedule; given the traumatic experience of watching a healthy, young athlete be hurried off in an ambulance, players across the league are hesitant to return to normal.

Psychologist Dr. Scott Goldman, who works with a myriad of professional athletes, says the issue is difficult because everyone deals with trauma in their own way. For some, playing football might provide a distraction, a respite from the fear and anxiety, for others, the game could be triggering and unfathomable in a time of such duress. Goldman has worked closely with the NFL for the last two years and regarding Hamlin’s incident said, “I think this is going to be a really complicated thing for individuals to navigate. This is not a simple solution of suspend the season or force re-engagement.”

This event has mobilized not only players and medical professionals, but fans of the sport as well. Many believe this to be a wake-up call, a plea to re-evaluate and re-consider how and why we can encourage and support something that clearly endangers the individuals playing. An opinion piece written for The New York Times reads, “…the specter of destruction on the field, let’s face it, is part of what makes football such an American draw. That’s why the highlight shows are full of the most jarring, brutal hits.” Another references how unsettling Monday night’s incident was because nothing was out of the ordinary until all of a sudden it was. Hamlin’s collapse influenced a sort of movement driven by all those who love football and its dedicated athletes.

It spurred those tasked with ensuring the safety of the players to take another look in the mirror. It made some fans reaffirm their love for the sport and the community round it. It made others reassess their appetites for football’s inherent violence. It was a dissolution of the fourth wall that tries to keep the game, with all its corporeal risks, in the realm of entertainment.

Athletes’ Mental Health And Wellbeing Often Overlooked

Every year the NFL sees its fair share of trauma; in 2021 alone there were 387 documented injuries across the league between concussions, MCL, and ACL tears. More recently, after Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa experienced several back-to-back concussions without appropriate league-mandated support and response, the NFL has recently amended its benching policy for head hits. Due to the nature of the sport and the culture surrounding it, many players feel uncomfortable disclosing any symptoms of illness or injury; too often they’re expected to “man up” and push through it. The same can likely be said for the athletes’ mental health, especially considering the pedestals they’re placed on.

When Naomi Osaka declined to attend a press conference during the French Open in 2021 in an act of self-care and preservation, her decision was met with scrutiny and backlash. When Simone Biles withdrew from the final competition in the Tokyo Olympics to regain the connection between her mind and body, the nation exploded with remarks of her selfishness and an expectation to finish what she started. When millions of viewers and dozens of fellow players watch their comrade and friend fall to the ground from cardiac arrest, the leading issue was the re-scheduling of the game followed by ways in which policies and expectations might be amended to better care for these athletes. Too often, mental health is emphasized and flagged as a crucial pillar in a person’s wellbeing, only to be overlooked in instances where it matters most.

Professional Athletes And Substance Abuse

While athletes’ mental health is of increasing awareness and concern, so too is the rate of substance abuse in professional sports. In a study done in 2011, researchers found that around 52% of retired professional football players had reported consuming Opioids at some point during their career; approximately 71% of those players knew they were misusing the drug.

Substance abuse does not discriminate. It can affect anyone, no matter their job, position, or rank in society. Athletes are often held to unobtainable standards and spend their entire careers tirelessly proving themselves and their worth, attempting to be unrealistically indomitable. This can lead to self-medicating as an escape from the pressure of perfection or utilizing performance enhancing drugs to ensure they remain relevant and on top of their game.

Fortunately, as we continue to move forward, we learn more about the importance of full body wellness and ways in which we can support, uplift, and encourage our beloved athletes. There are organizations and resources built on the foundation that athletes are human too and with humanity comes hardship, a common occurrence that binds us all.

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In recent years, several studies have alluded to the potential harms of vape usage, but a recent landmark study found evidence that vaping can be as bad for your heart as traditional cigarettes. These findings cast significant doubt on the claim that e-cigarettes are “safer” than traditional cigarettes; a claim usually made by proponents of vaping as a smoking cessation tool. 

The Cardiac and Lung E-cig Smoking study (CLUES) observed 395 participants (164 long-term e-cigarette users, 117 long-term cigarette users, and 114 people who do not vape or smoke). Those who used e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes experienced greater increases in heart rate and blood pressure; however, regular vape users experienced worse measures of heart rate variability, a constricted brachial artery (which is the major blood vessel that supplies blood to the arms and hands), and have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Additionally, participants were put through an exercise stress test, and those who smoked or vaped performed significantly worse on all metrics. Compared to non-smokers, the participants’ heart rates took longer to recover after exercise, and their hearts had to work harder at peak levels.

Long-Standing Health Implications Of Vaping

While these recent studies highlight the direct impact vaping has on the heart, multiple past studies have illuminated the additional damage vaping can cause. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study reported how vaping could cause severe lung damage. As of February 2020, the CDC has reported that 2,800 e-cigarette users have required hospital admission due to e-cigarette product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), and 68 of these cases resulted in death. 

Additionally, multiple studies have revealed troubling links between e-cigarette use, Nicotine, and mental health. According to a 2019 JAMA study, current e-cigarette users have double the odds of receiving a diagnosis of depression compared to non-Nicotine users. Another study found that frequent e-cigarette use is associated with higher levels of depressive and ADHD symptoms. Moreover, Nicotine use is associated with more significant anxiety symptoms. Overall, multiple studies over the past several years have provided quantifiable data on the adverse effects of vaping on individuals’ mental, lung, and heart health.

How Addictive Is Vaping?

According to the CDC, approximately 8.1 million Americans currently use e-cigarettes, which contain the highly addictive substance Nicotine. Many who use Nicotine products develop a physical dependence, which involves physical and psychological factors that make it challenging to cease using them. Within minutes of breathing in the Nicotine vapors from an e-cigarette, the brain releases dopamine, which is a chemical that plays a part in pleasure, motivation, and learning. Over time, the brain craves the feeling elicited from the dopamine release, thus leading to more Nicotine use which can lead to Nicotine addiction.

Nicotine use is pervasive in the US, so it can be difficult to notice when it has developed into an addiction. Some signs of Nicotine addiction include:

• Withdrawal symptoms when one ceases Nicotine use
• An ability to stop using Nicotine products
• A desire to keep using Nicotine products despite adverse consequences
• Requiring more Nicotine to feel “satisfied” 
• Experiencing cravings and intense urges to use tobacco.

Who Is Most Affected By The Adverse Health Effects Of Vaping?

While anyone can face adverse health consequences because of vaping, specific communities face additional health risks. For example, e-cigarette use or any Nicotine product use is especially dangerous for pregnant women and their developing babies. Nicotine can expose the mother and child to toxic chemicals, and it can damage a developing baby’s brain and lungs. 

The term “epidemic” has been used in reference to vaping amongst young people, and with over 2 million middle and high schoolers using e-cigarettes daily, it’s hard not to. Youths are particularly susceptible to the harms of vaping as their brains and bodies are still developing. Nicotine can harm a young person’s memory and ability to concentrate, alter their brain development, and lessen their ability to control their impulses. Additionally, teens who vape are 3 times more likely to smoke cigarettes than their peers who have never smoked. 

Quitting E-Cigarettes 

It is common for those trying to quit Nicotine products, like e-cigarettes, traditional cigarettes, and chewing tobacco, to try multiple times before it sticks. Attempting to stop e-cigarettes multiple times could lead to feelings of discouragement, but recovery is possible and can improve one’s quality of life. Quitting Nicotine products can directly reduce health-related risks associated with the use and improve mental health symptoms, and treatment is available. 

Therapy for smoking cessation is a tool that many people find useful. Licensed therapist can help with setting goals and supporting cessation. Get matched with a therapist today to get started.

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Recent data collected by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has found that young adults between the ages of 19 and 30 are using Marijuana and Hallucinogens at the highest rates since 1988.

“Young adults are in a critical life stage and honing their ability to make informed choices,” said Dr. Nora Volkow, the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an NIH subsidiary. “Understanding how substance use can impact the formative choices in young adulthood is critical to help position the new generations for success.”

The data, collected between April 2021 through October 2021, included annual surveys of 108,000 individuals, beginning at 8th grade and into early adulthood.

Marijuana Use Among Young Adults

Marijuana was among one of the most used substances among both young adults and adults in 2021. According to the data, the number of young adults in 2021 who said they had used Marijuana in the last year was 43%. Nearly 30% said they had used Marijuana in the last month, while over 10% said they used it daily.

According to those involved with the study, daily use was defined as using Marijuana 20 or more times in the last month. This metric increased more than 8% from 2016.

Along with an overall increase in Marijuana use, the number of young adults who reported using a Marijuana vape device more than doubled from just 6% in 2017 to over 12% in 2021. This amount of reported use reached levels higher than what was observed during the pandemic, according to experts.

Hallucinogen Use Among Young Adults

In decades past, the number of young adults who reported using Hallucinogens had been fairly consistent year-over-year. That is until rates started spiking in 2020. Rates spiked so high, in fact, that in 2021 the number of young adults who reported using Hallucinogens in the past year reached 8%, the highest since 1988.

Among reported Hallucinogen use was LSD, which accounted for about 4.2% of all Hallucinogen use. Other reported Hallucinogen use included Mescaline, Shrooms, PCP, and MDMA (Ecstasy). Researchers noted, however, that the use of Ecstasy decreased among young adults, from 5% in 2020 to 3% in 2021.

Other Substances Reported

Even more so than Marijuana and Hallucinogens, the most reported substance used among young adults was alcohol, which nearly 82% of all young adults reported using in the last year. The data did reflect, however, that the rate of alcohol use has been on the decline for the past 10 years.

However, the data showed that binge drinking, which was defined as having 5 or more drinks in a row, was increasing once again after hitting an all-time low in 2020. At that time, the number of young adults who reported was around 28%, however, that number has increased by nearly 15% to 32% in 2021.

Binge drinking wasn’t the only alarming alcohol-related trend that saw an increase in 2021. High-intensity drinking, defined as having more than 10 drinks in a row, has been increasing steadily in the last 10 years as well. In 2016, high-intensity drinking hit its highest rate, 9.6%, since 2005. Now, the number of young adults who reported high-intensity drinking in the last 2 weeks is 13.1%.

Along with alcohol, young adults also reported increased use of Nicotine vape products. Since 2017, the prevalence of Nicotine vapes among young adults more than tripled from 6% to 16% in 2021.

Researchers noted that the use of both Nicotine cigarettes and Opioids has been on the decline in the last 10 years.

Why Are Young Adults Using Substances At Such Alarming Rates?

There are many reasons why young adults, particularly those in their late teen years, may use substances. Young adults face challenges that are unique and are often a first-time experience for many. The development of the brain, the desire to fit in or to feel good, or simply the curiosity to experiment are all reasons why a young adult may choose to use substances.

The frontal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for decision-making, natural inhibitions, processing, and cognitive flexibility doesn’t fully develop until a person’s mid-20s. However, the reward center of the brain, known as the striatum, is fully developed much sooner. This has led many experts to believe that this delayed maturation is to blame for young adults’ tendencies to use substances.

Many young adults may choose to use substances to help “self-medicate” or to help cope with a mental illness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly 1 in 3 young adults aged 18 to 25 reported having a mental illness in 2020. Furthermore, more than 50% of people who report having a substance use disorder (SUD) also report struggling with mental illness. People who struggle with mental illness at an early age are at a higher risk of developing a SUD at some point in their lives. Because of this, it’s important to seek treatment for mental illness as soon as symptoms arise.

Getting Help For A Substance Use Disorder As A Young Adult

Getting help for a mental health disorder or addiction is not something reserved for adults or those with serious, life-threatening conditions. Like many ailments, the sooner you get help for a mental health disorder or addiction, the higher your likelihood of a successful, long-term recovery.

There are many options for young adults who are looking to enter treatment, many of which can address addiction and mental health simultaneously. Services like inpatient rehab can be a great option for young adults who may be struggling with co-occurring addiction and mental health conditions, as it offers 24/7 care and can offer many programs aimed at helping young adults learn how to cope with the stresses of adulthood.

For milder addictions or mental health concerns, outpatient programs should be considered, especially for those who may not wish to completely disrupt their lives. Outpatient programs allow patients to undergo treatment while still spending time at home with loved ones.

Treatment Is Available

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, waiting to get help can only make things worse. Marijuana and hallucinogen use is on the rise among young adults, and with it are cases of addiction. If you are looking for help, know there are people ready and willing to help you start your journey toward recovery. For more information about what treatment options are available to young adults, contact a treatment provider today.

The post Marijuana And Hallucinogen Use In Young Adults Peaks appeared first on Addiction Center.

This past Mother’s Day, the US Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) launched the Maternal Mental Health Hotline: a free, confidential hotline for new and expectant mothers experiencing mental health challenges. With 1 in 7 women experiencing postpartum depression after birth and nearly 50% of pregnant women experiencing feelings of anxiety, there is an increasing need for mental health resources for mothers. The mental health hotline connects mothers or their loved ones with trauma-informed and culturally sensitive counselors who can provide emotional support or referrals to community-based and telehealth providers. Individuals can call or text the hotline at 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746). 

Today, we are creating a safe space for expecting and new moms who are experiencing maternal depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns to have confidential conversations and get the support they need.

The federal government funded the hotline through the HRSA with an initial investment of $3 million. According to President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget, this investment will double, allowing the HRSA to hire more counselors for the hotline and increase capacity. 

Services Provided By The Maternal Mental Health Hotline

Available 24/7, 365 days a year, the hotline provides counseling services, brief interventions, and additional resources in Spanish and English, and it offers additional interpreter services in 60 languages. When an individual calls or texts the hotline number, a response from a trained counselor will be available in a few minutes. Hotline counselors available through the Maternal Mental Health Hotline includes:

• Licensed mental health clinicians
• Nurses or doctors
• Doulas or childbirth educators
• Peer support specialists

However, this mental health hotline is not a “crisis” line; if you or someone you love is experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

What Is Maternal Mental Health?

Maternal mental health is the expansive range of emotions that an individual experiences during and after pregnancy. The experience of pregnancy, both pre, during, and post, has long-lasting impacts on the brain and the body. Many physical and mental transformations occur during this time, and emotions like joy, excitement, anxiety, and fear fluctuate significantly during and after pregnancy. For most women, these feelings of sadness, stress, fear, and anxiety will ebb after the pregnancy, but if these feelings become more severe or persist, it may be necessary to reach out for support. 

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Up to half of new mothers experience minor depressive symptoms, and between 8% and 10% of pregnant women experience generalized anxiety disorders (GADs). However, despite the commonality of these symptoms among pregnant women, mental health conditions are not consistently screened for. The HRSA’s new hotline aims to bridge this gap and connect women to screening and treatment services for mental health conditions. 

What’s The Difference Between Baby Blues, Perinatal Depression, And Postpartum Depression?

About 80% of postpartum individuals experience what is known as the “baby blues,” or bouts of anxiety, sadness, stress, and mood swings shortly after birth. Baby blues are common after delivery because the body undergoes extreme hormonal changes. Estrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly, and oxytocin (the hormone that aids in the bonding process) surges. What separates baby blues from perinatal and postpartum depression are 2 factors: timeline and severity of symptoms. The baby blues set in quickly after birth, but it does not last longer than 2 weeks. Moreover, the symptoms of baby blues (which will vary from person to person and are subjective) should not impact one’s quality of life. If one’s feelings of distress last longer than 2 weeks and interfere with one’s quality of life, it may be perinatal or postpartum depression.

While perinatal and postpartum depression share similar symptoms, the timeline differentiates the two. Perinatal depression refers to the major depressive episodes that can occur during and up to a year after pregnancy. This type of depression is common among pregnant women (1 in 5), but it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. In fact, more than half of women go undiagnosed for perinatal depression, and at least 85% go untreated. In contrast, postpartum depression occurs after childbirth (within the first 3 months) and, without treatment, can persist for many months or years.

There Is No Shame In Reaching Out For Help

Some mothers can experience feelings of shame or guilt over their mental health challenges due to expectations that they should be overjoyed with their experience, but this is not realistic. Hormonal fluctuations, difficult birthing experiences, and limited access to a support system can leave emotional and physical wounds on new and expectant mothers. Less than 15% of women who experience mood and anxiety symptoms get connected to treatment, but the Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available to connect individuals with the help they need. Beyond this hotline, individuals can find additional resources for maternal mental health through organizations like Postpartum Support International, Mom’s Mental Health Matters, and 2020 Mom.

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As the world reels from the 6.13 million lives lost directly to COVID-19, new research reveals the extent that the pandemic’s toll has reached, and it goes well beyond the disease itself. In the pandemic’s first year, from 2019 to 2020, the number of Americans who died from alcohol-related causes increased by 25%, as most forms of normalcy, routine, treatment access, and coping skills were either disrupted or eradicated during this time. 

The pandemic has drastically disrupted work, home, and social life, and among these changes were America’s relationship with alcohol. The 25% increase in alcohol-related deaths was represented among all age groups, starting with age 16, ethnicities, genders, and races, but young adults ages 25 to 44 experienced the most significant increase. In fact, for adults younger than 65 years old, alcohol-related deaths outnumbered COVID-19 deaths, 74,408 to 74,075. Additionally, the study, conducted by researchers with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), found that the rate of alcohol-related deaths, including deaths from liver disease and accidents, outpaced the increase of death from all causes.

Changes In Alcohol Consumption During The Pandemic

To offset widespread fear, frustration, and social isolation rampant during the pandemic, many turned to alcohol to self-soothe. In the first month of the stay-at-home orders in March of 2020, national alcohol sales rose 54%, and some states even allowed restaurants and similar on-premises retailers to sell carry-out alcohol beverages. As more individuals found themselves stuck at home with amplified stressors, minimal coping strategies, and increased alcohol availability, the frequency of alcohol consumption increased by 14% compared to the previous year, according to a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Increased alcohol consumption was a developing trend predating the pandemic, as were mental health struggles, but the conditions of the pandemic made individuals more susceptible to substance abuse. 

However, the pandemic particularly impacted women and parents with young children regarding alcohol consumption. Women have disproportionately taken on the responsibility of child care, home management, and children’s education since the pandemic, so it reasons that women have increased their use of alcohol disproportionately. What may have started as an additional glass of wine with dinner turned into a 41% increase in the number of days women are drinking heavily or consuming 4 or more drinks within a short time. Those without children faced their own struggles as many experienced increased rates of isolation and loneliness, which are factors related to increased alcohol consumption. 

Drug Overdoses Rise Alongside Alcohol-Related Deaths

In conjunction with rising alcohol-related deaths, the number of Opioid overdoses involving alcohol increased by 40.8% in 2020, and there was a 59.2% increase in overdoses involving alcohol and synthetic Opioids like Fentanyl. While rates of Opioid overdoses have been on the incline in recent years, the pandemic only exacerbated these trends due to several factors, including increased isolation, stress, and a lack of treatment and support resources due to lockdown stipulations. 

Additionally, drug overdose deaths reached a record high during the pandemic’s first year, with over 100,000 Americans dying from overdoses within 12 months. This increase, much like the increase in alcohol-related deaths, can be linked to the loss of access to treatment, increased mental health issues, and the availability of potentially lethal substances. The rise in overdose deaths was primarily due to the widespread use of Fentanyl, but stimulants like Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and natural and semi-synthetic Opioids, such as prescription pain medication, also factored into increased rates. 

Loss Of Access To Treatment

Not only were individuals unable to connect with loved ones during quarantine, those who were in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD) suddenly found themselves without multiple resources as treatment facilities closed temporarily. Those who may have already been struggling with sobriety could not attend in-person support group meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous or receive addiction treatment medicine from clinics. Treatment facilities across the US shut their doors in compliance with COVID-19 safety regulations, and health care providers struggled to tend to the onslaught of coronavirus patients, potentially deterring individuals from pursuing treatment for substance abuse. This rapid severance of treatment left many individuals experiencing a SUD reeling and struggling to find support.

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This disruption of recovery treatment could lead individuals to resort back to old coping mechanisms, including using substances. “Stress is the primary factor in relapse, and there is no question there was a big increase in self-reported stress, and big increases in anxiety and depression,” said Aaron White, the senior scientific adviser at the NIAAA. These increased levels of stress, uncertainty, and anxiety that the pandemic has instilled in people only increases the risk of relapse in those struggling with substance abuse. 

Entering the third March of the pandemic, it is still unclear if alcohol-related deaths will decrease as the pandemic wanes. As COVID-19 restrictions continue to lax, many can physically access treatment centers, attend support group meetings, and connect with loved ones, so researchers are hopeful to see a reduction in alcohol-related deaths. 

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Over the past few years, Marijuana has become legalized for recreational use in certain states across the US. A new study has found that nationally, and specifically in legalized states, the rate of children getting sick after accidentally consuming Marijuana edibles has been significantly increasing. 

What Are Marijuana Edibles?

Edibles are food or drinks that contain chemical compounds that are found in cannabis. When consumed, these compounds, also known as cannabinoids, have effects on the mind and body. While cannabinoids, like cannabidiol (CBD), are non-intoxicating, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produces euphoric or high feelings. 

These products typically look very similar to normal foods, such as chocolate, cookies, lollipops, or fruit gummies. Some are designed to look like recognizable candy brands. Because these products can be easily mistaken for common treats, some states have instituted laws that dictate how they should be labeled and packaged. 

Growing Rates Of Children Consuming Marijuana Edibles

Accidental edible consumption has been climbing in legalized states and on a national level. Five years after Marijuana retail sales began in Washington state, the first state to legalize recreational Marijuana, the number of these incidents essentially tripled. In the US, there were 187 instances of child exposure to Marijuana edibles in 2016. This number rose to over 3,000 by 2020. 

New data is showing that children ages 3-5 are at the highest risk for accidental Marijuana edible consumption. Children in this age group may be affected at higher rates because they tend to be more curious and have less supervision during this stage. Additionally, edibles are responsible for half of the Marijuana accidents for children 9 and under. These incidents are more common in states where the substance has become legal for recreational use. 

What Is Being Done To Prevent These Accidents?

Currently, there are 19 states where Marijuana can be used recreationally. These states include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. In these states, Marijuana edibles can be purchased from retail stores. Additionally, some states allow residents to grow limited amounts of the substance for their own personal use.

Colorado began requiring a universal symbol on edibles in 2016. This diamond shape marking with the letters “THC” must be found on the product itself, not just the packaging. This requirement was made in addition to other childproof packaging, such as difficult to open zippers and lids. Despite being intended to prevent children from consuming edibles, rates have continued to increase. 

The Risks Involved For Children

While the numbers of accidental ingestion by children are increasing, no overdose deaths have been recorded as a result. Despite this, 15% of children experienced moderate symptoms of Marijuana use. Major symptoms were present in 1.4% of these cases. The symptoms that occur and their severity will depend on how much the child has ingested and in what form. Moderate symptoms include: 

• Drowsiness
• Agitation 
• Confusion
• Increased heart rate 
• Trouble breathing 
• Coordination issues 
• Red eyes 

Severe symptoms include: 

• Seizures 
• Neurological impairment 
• Intense breathing issues 

Edibles are often packaged with more than one adult serving. Because they look just like any other candy or snack, children are at risk for consuming more than the recommended dose for adults. Elizabeth Perry, a Maryland mother, spoke to D.C.’s NBC station last year about her toddler’s overdose on Marijuana edibles. Oliver consumed 15 gummies which was 75 mg of THC, or 7 times the serving size. 

Some states have passed laws regarding the maximum amount of THC that can be in a serving size. In Oregon, 5mg per serving is the maximum, while in Colorado, it is 10 mg per serving. 

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What To Do If Your Child Has Consumed Edibles

If you suspect that your child has accidentally taken Marijuana edibles, it’s important to remain calm. Next, get as much information as you can. This includes identifying what type of edible, how much has been ingested, and the warnings included on the label. To determine how much your child has consumed, you may have to recall how much was in the packaging before they got into it. 

It may seem as if your child has no symptoms. This might be due to the fact that effects of edibles take longer for the body to absorb. While it could take up to 90 minutes for effects to kick in, they also can last longer (up to 24 hours) than other forms of Marijuana. For these reasons, you should make sure to call poison control even if your child is showing no signs of use. 

If your child is showing symptoms, such as sleepiness, slowed breathing, or seizures, call 911 and seek help immediately. 

How To Prevent Accidental Child Marijuana Consumption

The best way to prevent your child from unintentionally taking Marijuana edibles is to keep them in a very secure location. They should be treated as if they are a toxic substance or prescription medication. This may mean finding a spot where they can be locked up and out of reach. It is also important to not take Marijuana edibles in front of your children as it’s possible they will follow your actions should they find the edibles. Finally, friends and family members can also be a cause of exposure. For this reason, you should be sure to speak with others about where they keep their edibles, especially if your child spends time in their home frequently. 

The post Children Are Accidentally Consuming Marijuana Edibles appeared first on Addiction Center.

New York City officials have proposed a new initiative that will feature the installation of “public health vending machines.” These vending machines will dispense free toiletries, safe sex kits, and harm reduction supplies, such as overdose reversal medications and sterile syringes.

What Is Harm Reduction?

Harm reduction programs are aimed at reducing overdose deaths and other adverse outcomes that can come from drug use. While most policies are focused on abstinence, harm reduction works to give agency to those who are struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD). This is done through a spectrum of approaches such as managed and safer use.

Because each program differs based on the community’s needs, there is no set definition for harm reduction. States in the US who take this approach typically provide medications to reverse overdose, resources on treatment, and needle exchange. The National Harm Reduction Coalition lists 8 principles that are essential for harm reduction programs. These principles include:

1. Accepts that licit and illicit drug use is part of our world and chooses to not ignore or condemn harmful effects. 
2. Recognizes that substance use is a complex situation and that some methods are safer than others. 
3. Uses the quality of individual and community life as the program’s criteria. 
4. Services and resources are provided without judgement or coercion. 
5. Program is created by routinely giving a voice to those who use substances or have a history of substance uses. 
6. Those who use substances are the primary agents in reducing harm. 
7. Acknowledges that social inequalities, like poverty, class, racism, past trauma, and discrimination can affect an individual’s vulnerability for substance use. 
8. Does not minimize or ignore the harms and dangers that are associated with substance use. 

New York City’s Vending Machine Plan

It has been reported that every 4 hours, a person in New York City dies of a drug overdose. Like the rest of the US, New York City has seen an increase in overdose related deaths over the past few years. In 2020, 2,062 overdose deaths were recorded for the city which is 500 more than the prior year.

This $730,000 pilot program is geared towards curbing overdoses by making harm reduction supplies easily accessible. In order to reach the areas that have been especially affected by overdose deaths, 10 public health vending machines will be placed in all 5 boroughs of the city. Central Harlem, Union Square, Far Rockaway, Stapleton, and East New York have been identified as top priority neighborhoods. 

While residents of New York state currently have access to clean syringes at pharmacies throughout the state, these vending machines may be a more appealing option. By eliminating face-to-face interactions and being available 24/7, harm reduction vending machines can get supplies to the people who need them most, where they need them, and on their schedule.

Needle Exchange Programs And Naloxone

Exchanging needles and providing Naloxone will be the main focus of New York’s harm reduction vending machines. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines syringe services programs (SSP) as community based programs that provide access to sterile needles and syringes, facilitate safe disposal of used syringes, and link people to treatment programs. Studies have shown that those who participate in SSPs are 5 times more likely to enter treatment than those who do not. It has also been proven that these programs can be successful in preventing the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other skin and other high risk infections.

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Naloxone is a medication that can reverse Opioid overdose by attaching to Opioid receptors to block the substance’s effects. This can be achieved through a nasal spray form of Naloxone or by injecting it into muscle. Being able to recognize an Opioid overdose is important when it comes to using Naloxone. Signs of of Opioid overdose include:

• Unconsciousness 
• Small pupils 
• Shallow breathing 
• Vomiting 
• Inability to speak 
• Faint heartbeat 
• Pale skin 
• Purple fingernails or lips 

Once Naloxone has been administered, it will only reverse effects for 30 to 90 minutes. For this reason, it is essential that emergency services be contacted immediately along with the use of Naloxone. 

Las Vegas’s Harm Reduction Vending Machines

Nevada was the first state to install vending machines similar to the ones included in New York’s plan. The state, which began using these vending machines in 2017, saw significant success within the first year, especially in the Las Vegas area. From 2017 to 2018, approximately 23,540 clean syringes were distributed. 1/4th of the transactions were for HIV and Hepatitis C tests and 5% of clients asked for referrals for treatment programs. Additionally, nearly half of those who used the vending machines requested Naloxone.

The 3 vending machines placed in southern Nevada have been deemed a success. Their harm reduction services have been able to keep people safe by providing supplies to otherwise hard to reach groups of people. These populations can receive the supplies they need in a discreet manner which has helped to lower the stigma that is associated with getting help for a SUD. 

Biden’s Push Towards Harm Reduction

The Biden Administration is the first to openly support harm reduction policies. While not everyone is in support of this approach, the need for reducing the harms caused by drug use is more important than ever. In 2021, the US reported its highest number of overdose deaths in a 12 month period at over 100,000. 

On December 8th, 2021, the Biden Administration announced that they will be making efforts to work towards implementing more harm reduction programs. To do so, they will be supplying over $30 million in grants. These grants will be used for harm reduction services such as syringe exchanges and Naloxone. 

Critics of harm reduction believe that these programs do not address the most critical issues of addiction. Additionally, it is often thought that needle exchange programs will create more litter in the area. Studies have found that this claim is not true. 

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Dr. Susan Thompson, weight loss expert and professor of brain science, declared in an op-ed published January 3 that, “we are literally eating ourselves to death.”

According to Dr. Thompson, “It isn’t real food, it is the packaged, highly refined, chemically laden products marketed to us as ‘food’ that are killing us, and will continue to do so until we reframe what is being perpetrated on consumers in terms of addiction.”

The evidence on whether Americans agree with the notion that obesity, which kills almost 3 million people a year globally, could be the byproduct of addiction, is mixed.

On one hand, research has shown that growing numbers of both everyday Americans and medical professionals view obesity as more of a societal problem than a personal one. On the other hand, one survey found that 75% of respondents attributed obesity to a failure of willpower; this is how, at one time, drug and alcohol use disorders were viewed as well.

That so many view such a massive and shared community health issue as obesity as a private moral failing may confirm that obesity is, in fact, the result of addiction (since the thinking is a paradigm that’s been applied to other addictions in the past).

But if it’s not one’s personal willpower that is to blame for unhealthy amounts of weight, what is — and what is the scope of the problem in today’s landscape?

Americans More Obese Than Ever

Half of the population is now obese, meaning they have a “Body Mass Index” (BMI) that is higher than 30. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and though BMI empowers individuals to evaluate whether or not they are obese, BMI “does not diagnose body fatness.”

An individual, therefore, could conceivably be medically obese but still not be body-fat; for the vast majority of those who fall within the designation of obese, however, this is not the case.

Body-fat obesity does not necessarily have to be linked to shame or personal failing in the way that many Americans’ beliefs indicate it perhaps should be; corporations that have spent millions, if not billions, on advertising an idealized body image just to turn around and sell Americans the “cure” for embarrassment, shame, or body dysmorphia are likely at least somewhat responsible for this belief having taken root in the first place.

It can’t be denied, however, that the threat to America posed by obesity has ballooned. The rate of obesity was 20 points lower at the turn of the millennium; so-called “severe obesity” has more than doubled since that time. For the public health impact of that growth, one need merely turn on the news — although it’s probable that a close friend or family member, if not oneself, is as good an anecdotal example as any.

Statistics quantify the risks of ill health likely already observable in acquaintances; a study published in Obesity Reviews in August of last year found that obese people are 46% more likely to get COVID and 113% more likely to become hospitalized. Non-COVID health complications also apply; the Harvard T.H. Chan School Of Public Health has reported that obesity raises the risk of stroke by 64%, raises the risk of premature death from coronary artery disease in women by 62% (and by a comparable amount in men), and is correlated with a 42% higher risk of Alzheimer’s (among many other risks).

Media Linking Obesity To COVID

In accordance with the above statistics, CNN has now published a report linking obesity to COVID, stating that, “People who are overweight or obese are at a much higher risk of much more severe disease and even death from Covid-19,” and going on to identify obesity as “the second leading cause of preventable death, after smoking.”

The outlet has faced some criticism from others, like Fox News, who called the subject of the article “a connection already well-known from data compiled earlier in the pandemic,” and reported that there have been “recent pushes by some…outlets against the airing of negative views on the body image of those who are overweight.”

If negative body image perceptions result in shame, disempowerment, or otherwise unpleasant feelings that don’t serve their feeler, then those perceptions need not be made valid – it’s a scientific fact, however, that obesity is claiming lives.

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Obesity, Mental Health Conditions Co-Occur

Obesity can co-occur with a variety of other conditions. For one thing, sugar addiction (often viewed as a behavioral addiction, though sugar is in and of itself an addictive substance – per Dr. Thompson, “sugar can be more addictive than cocaine”) may coincide with obesity.

Anxiety and symptoms of depression can also co-occur with obesity; the latter may contribute to the former (though the inverse may also be true).

Those looking to manage their weight and/or cut back on sugar have many options available to them. Avoiding processed foods, eating more leafy greens, managing the calculus of calories consumed versus calories burned, and seeking out so-called “good fats” (like the kind that can be contained by fish, nuts, and avocado) can be a strong way to move to a healthier weight and increase longevity along with quality of life.

For those who see food as a valuable part of life and/or a means of expression, and many do, considering the fact that wealthy corporations deliberately make processed foods addictive and unhealthy as a way of keeping consumers dependent and malleable may be helpful in viewing more nutritious choices in a different and more empowering light.

Eating healthily in 2022 could provide a host of mental and physical benefits; eating as well as is within one’s means to do could be a powerful way to make the most of one’s own dietary privilege.

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An African plant used by indigenous peoples in rites of passage contains a substance, Ibogaine, that many who’ve struggled with Opioid addiction claim has cured them of their condition.

Now the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is taking notice and working with a pharmaceutical startup to figure out exactly how Ibogaine and its analogues might best be used to beat drug dependency.

Recovered Drug User Praised Ibogaine

The healing power of Ibogaine has been a story whispered — and, occasionally, shouted — by individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction for some time.

The late Howard Lotsof, a former Heroin user who became one of Ibogaine’s biggest advocates, was initially looking to get stoned when he tried Ibogaine.

The plan backfired, however, when the substance ended up relieving Lotsof of his addiction — permanently.

“The next thing I knew,” Lotsof declared to The New York Times after taking Ibogaine, “I was straight.”

According to the Times, Lotsof began a foundation hoping “to develop ibogaine as a medication, to disseminate information about chemical dependence and to refer people to treatment…[he helped to treat] 30 addicts from around the world, two-thirds of whom stopped using drugs for periods ranging from four months to four years.”

Taking The “Trip” Out Of Tripping

One reason some who live with problematic drug use haven’t taken Ibogaine (besides the fact that they may not know of its existence) is that the substance can produce powerful, disorienting, terrifying, and even ego-destroying hallucinogenic phenomena.

But the pharmaceutical startup now working with NIDA, Delix Therapeutics — based in Massachusetts — has made it their mission to create a chemical clone of Ibogaine that works just as well as the original does to treat Opioid dependency; the psychedelic component of the experience, however, could be removed entirely.

The “chemical clone” Delix Therapeutics is working on, called Delix-7, might work to stimulate neuroplasticity in the brain; in other words, it might help the brains of drug users to make new connections, learn in novel ways, and get out of cognitive or neural “ruts” that may be perpetuating addiction.

Research is unfolding at a breakneck pace as some of the brightest minds and most compassionate hearts around the globe work to solve a mystery of the inner puzzle of consciousness that, once reckoned, could spell relief for millions — at the same time, some voices are calling for temperance.

“We’re very excited about this as a possibility,” Dr. Wilson Compton, NIDA’s deputy director, said to Forbes. “But it remains very speculative and a possibility, not a reality.”

Grant Money Can Save Lives

Ultimately, it seems both the possibility of a breakthrough of such magnitude and what the world already knows about psychedelics like Ibogaine thus far have been enough to capture the imagination and ambition of a large part of the scientific community — and funding is starting to find its way into the pockets of the people holding the microscopes.

Not only is NIDA working with Delix Therapeutics, but the National Institutes of Health (NIDA’s parent agency) just this October endowed Johns Hopkins Medicine with a grant for the study of Psilocybin, another mind-altering compound credited with anti-addiction properties.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “This is the first NIH grant awarded in over a half century to directly investigate the therapeutic effects of a classic psychedelic, consistent with a recent study published online that searched NIH funding and found zero grants were awarded between 2006 and 2020.”

Apparently, in the realm of addiction science and treatment, it’s the beginning of a new era. The moment couldn’t come too soon: over 100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in the 12 months between April 2020 and April 2021.

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