Summary: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported a significant seizure of fentanyl in the past year, amounting to over 77 million fentanyl pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of the substance. This quantity is alarming, as it is enough to potentially kill every American. The DEA’s findings revealed that seven out of ten pills tested contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl, with just 2 milligrams being enough to cause a fatal overdose. The seized fentanyl was sometimes disguised as other drugs. Currently, fentanyl is the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 45.
DEA Record Fentanyl Pills Seizure Highlights Growing Opioid Crisis
In a staggering revelation, the DEA announced the seizure of more than 77 million fentanyl pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl last year. This amount of fentanyl is sufficient to pose a lethal threat to the entire American population. The DEA’s testing showed that a significant portion of these pills, about 70%, contained a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl. The danger of fentanyl is highlighted by the fact that a mere 2 milligrams can be fatal.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that some of the seized fentanyl was marketed as other types of drugs, misleading users about the substance they were consuming. This deceptive practice significantly increases the risk of overdose and death. The impact of fentanyl is particularly pronounced among young adults, as it has become the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45. This alarming statistic underscores the severity of the fentanyl crisis in the United States.
Why It Matters: The DEA’s report on fentanyl seizures is a stark reminder of the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States. The sheer volume of fentanyl seized indicates not only the widespread availability of this dangerous drug but also its potential to cause mass casualties. The fact that fentanyl is now the leading cause of death among young adults highlights the urgent need for effective strategies to combat the distribution and use of this lethal substance.
Potential Implications: The DEA’s findings could lead to increased efforts in drug enforcement and stricter regulations on pharmaceuticals. It may also prompt a reevaluation of strategies to address the opioid epidemic, including more robust public health initiatives and education campaigns about the dangers of fentanyl. Additionally, this situation could influence policy decisions regarding drug rehabilitation and treatment programs, emphasizing the need for more resources and support for individuals struggling with addiction.
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Video games addiction among young people is a growing concern. This phenomenon can be attributed to various psychological, social, and physiological factors. Understanding these factors can help in addressing the issue and promoting healthier gaming habits.
Factors Contributing to Video Game Addiction
Psychological Factors
Video games are designed to be highly engaging and rewarding, triggering the brain’s reward system. This can lead to psychological dependency, as players seek to experience the pleasure and satisfaction that games provide.
Instant Gratification: Video games offer immediate rewards and feedback, satisfying the human desire for instant gratification.
Escapism: Games provide an escape from real-world problems and stress, offering a sense of control and accomplishment.
Competition and Achievement: The competitive nature of many games, along with achievement systems (e.g., points, levels, and badges), motivates players to keep playing.
Social Factors
The social aspect of gaming can also contribute to addiction. Multiplayer games create a sense of community and belonging, which can be particularly appealing to young people.
Social Interaction: Online multiplayer games allow players to connect with friends and meet new people, fulfilling social needs.
Peer Pressure: The desire to fit in with friends who are also gamers can lead to increased gaming time.
Online Communities: Engaging with online communities centered around games can create a strong sense of identity and loyalty to the game.
Physiological Factors
Video games can affect the brain’s chemistry, leading to addictive behavior.
Dopamine Release: Playing video games releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, which reinforces the desire to continue playing.
Cognitive Stimulation: Games that require problem-solving and strategic thinking stimulate the brain, making them highly engaging.
Sensory Immersion: Advanced graphics, sound effects, and haptic feedback create an immersive experience that captivates players.
Why This Is Important
Understanding the factors behind video game addiction is crucial for parents, educators, and healthcare providers. This knowledge can help in developing strategies to prevent addiction and promote healthy gaming habits.
Possible Implications
Parental Guidance: Parents can set boundaries and monitor gaming time to prevent excessive play.
Educational Programs: Schools can incorporate education on healthy gaming habits into their curricula.
Mental Health Support: Providing support for young people struggling with addiction can help address underlying issues.
Industry Responsibility: Game developers can design games that encourage balanced play and include features that promote breaks and limit excessive gaming.
What to Follow
Research Studies: Ongoing research into the effects of video games on mental health and behavior.
Policy Developments: Changes in regulations and guidelines related to video game content and marketing.
Technological Advances: Innovations in game design that promote healthy gaming habits.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives to raise awareness about the risks of video game addiction and strategies for prevention.
Conclusion
Video game addiction among young people is a multifaceted issue influenced by psychological, social, and physiological factors. By understanding these factors, we can develop effective strategies to promote healthy gaming habits and prevent addiction.
Science has proven the cannabis plant has medical benefits…but it shows more is not better.
Anxiety is something most people experience at some point, but for some, they experience it way more frequently. An estimated 31.1% experience an anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. Cannabis can help with anxiety, but dosage is a key. It is a case of too much hurts rather than helps. Studies show low THC with a mix of CBD can be the most effective treatment. It is always good if you have a mid or long term issue with anxiety to talk with a health professional and work with them to find the right dosage, just like any other medication.
Microdosing has become very popular for those who use medical marijuana. The most common reasons including anxiety and chronic pain. More complex reasons include treatment of cognitive deficits, mental illnesses, and many diseases considered incurable. But to understand the benefits, you have to understand your situation and dosing. Microdosing means using between 2.5-5 mg to take the edge off and allow the plant’s benefits to take evenMore research is being put into the benefits of marijuana, but it important to work with professionals.
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Like alcohol, there needs to be an eye on the amount and strength of marijuana consumed. In a of study published in JAMA Psychiatry this week found regularly consuming high-THC marijuana and marijuana products could lead to mental health and addiction problems down the road.
Specifically, researchers reported those who consistently used high-THC marijuana were four times more likely to abuse the drug and twice as likely to develop anxiety disorders. The study’s authors added regularly consuming potent cannabis increases your chances of subsequent illicit drug use by 30%. The study had a significant limitation, the authors wrote, regarding where participants sourced their cannabis with survey respondents not having scientific way of determining THC levels in their cannabis.
Previous research has show that today’s marijuana is stronger than it needs to be. This is especially true when buying illegal marijuana, as black market producers breed cannabis strains designed to deliver the highest high to consumers in hopes they’ll come back for more. A study published earlier this year also found that 70-90% of medical marijuana products were too strong for effective chronic pain relief.
Lent is when people give up something they love in a fast as a way to show their faith. Related activities include Dry January, Damp January, cleanses, and a sugar detox. The concept of taking a break from habits. Between 15% and 35% of drinkers overall participate in Dry January. Around 71% see it to the of people who took part in Dry January said they slept better and 67% had more energy, according to a University of Sussex study.
Daily cannabis consumers may noticed their tolerance changes. Like alcohol, it might take more to feel the same….whether it is the amount, a higher THC or a frequency. This is probably a sign you need think about a pause. And here are the best tips for a spring marijuana tolerance break.
If you use cannabis for a prolonged period of time, body becomes desensitized to its psychoactive effects. When you constantly put THC in your body, the receptors that bind to it become compromised. Think of it as giving your receptors a chance to recuperate.
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Reducing Consumption
Does reducing consumption over a full stop make a difference? This method certainly will help, but receptors are still being activated on a semi-regular basis. Many marijuana enthusiasts prefer this halfway approach and it works for some. If you consume multiple times a day, limit it to just at the end of the evening. If used as a sleep aid, consider opting for melatonin or other remedies for a few weeks as a replacement.
Everybody is different, but most programs last 4-6 weeks. Taking a break for one or two days isn’t going to allow your body to adjust. THC can remain in your system for 30 days. Allowing the cannabinoid to flush through your system will do your body good. Just be careful on the first time you restart.
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Negative side effects
Life a caffeine holiday, you may show symptoms of irritability, moodiness of other signs of withdrawal. This can be
What if it is for medical reasons
This is a bit tricky. If you are use cannabis as medicine, it is smart to consult with the health professional who recommended it for the ailment. If you are currently consuming it as an aid in chemotherapy, PTSD, pain relief or any other serious ailment, it is key to balance the desire to medicate with the desire to lower your tolerance.
The best advice is to stay active. Go for long walks or to the gym. Releasing endorphins may assist in preventing or lessening the negative effects.
If you find this to be a difficult task, it may be a warning sign that you are becoming dependent on the drug. But try to focus on this silver lining: If you take a protracted break from cannabis, you’ll be saving yourself a chunk of change. And who couldn’t use a few extra bucks in the bank account?