This week's article is about grandparents who obtained custody of their grandchildren due to their daughter's battle with drug addiction.“Grandfamilies” are a fast-growing but often invisible demographic. Last year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2.4 million children were being raised by grandparents or other relatives. The opioid epidemic has exacerbated these numbers, evidenced by the fact that many of the states with the most grandparents raising grandchildren are also those with the highest opioid prescribing rates.
This week's article is about 2 men who recently graduated from Carroll County’s Adult Drug Treatment Court. Family and friends and state and county officials filled the room to celebrate and to praise the program that offers a range of treatment services as an alternative to jail time. Drug Treatment Court is an intensive program lasting a minimum of 13 months that creates individualized treatment plans for participants as they submit to regular drug screenings and court appearances and are monitored by a probation agent and case manager.
This week's article addresses the Maryland Cannabis Administration, (MCA), and cannabis use disorder, CUD. To read the full article discussing these two subjects, please click on the following link: Beyond the high: Diving into Maryland’s cannabis data – CNS Maryland.
The article address the "illegal drug", nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a gas that young adults and teenagers are becoming more susceptible to "huffing". The term, "huffing" refers to inhaling fumes or gases that are addictive. A harmful resource that young adults and adolescents gravitate to is social media, and the social media platforms are displaying the effects of "huffing" nitrous oxide and other addictive gases. Read more below to learn more about the "illegal drug", nitrous oxide and the term, "huffing".
*Trigger warning *This article describes the theme of suicide. The article highlights the Jason Foundation. The Jason Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes education as the major factor to prevention.
*Trigger warning *This article describes the theme of suicide. The article highlights the Jason Foundation. The Jason Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes education as the major factor to prevention.
Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and Xanax deliver rapid relief for anxiety and insomnia, yet their addictive grip and brutal withdrawal risks—sometimes deadly—lurk beneath the surface. Widely prescribed to adults 50-64, these "downers" can spark tolerance in weeks and heighten hazards for seniors, urging a deeper look at anxiety’s true triggers over a quick benzo fix.
The article addresses benzodiazepines. Two benzodiazepines that the article highlights are lorazepam and chlordiazepoxide, which have the tendency to be extremely addictive. The two addictive drugs are commonly known as benzos or downers. Benzos and downers are typically known to help with anxiety, panic attacks, and sleeping disorders.However, benzos or downers can be used to assist alcohol withdrawl. Read the full article below to learn more about the connection between benzodiazepines and addiction.
The full article highlights the subject of vaping and the addictive habit's dangerous effects. It has been highly suggested for the regulations surrounding vaping should be enforced more, especially to younger audiences, ex: teenagers.
The article focuses on the theme of human trafficking, and the statistics that explain the number of victims and cases that have been associated with human trafficking or sexual violence in the state of Maryland and Pennsylvania. The article highlights The National Human Trafficking Hotline: Home | National Human Trafficking Hotline) as well as the terminology for Human Trafficking. Human trafficking is a term that refers to both sex work and other forms of exploitation, including forced labor. Additionally, the article references ACEs, Adverse Childhood Experiences. Adverse Childhood Experiences (or ACEs), can be a catalyst for trafficking.
The article focuses on the theme of human trafficking, and the statistics that explain the number of victims and cases that have been associated with human trafficking or sexual violence in the state of Maryland and Pennsylvania. The article highlights The National Human Trafficking Hotline: Home | National Human Trafficking Hotline) as well as the terminology for Human Trafficking. Human trafficking is a term that refers to both sex work and other forms of exploitation, including forced labor. Additionally, the article references ACEs, Adverse Childhood Experiences. Adverse Childhood Experiences (or ACEs), can be a catalyst for trafficking.
Advertisements of marijuana on social media are harmful and can cause serious issues to children, teens, and young adults. A section from this week's article: "According to a 2024 national survey, over 7% of eighth graders, nearly 16% of 10th graders and almost 26% of 12th graders said they have used cannabis in the past 12 months. When marijuana use occurs during the teen years, it’s more likely the individual will become addicted, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Cannabis use during adolescence can interfere with memory, cognition and brain growth at a critical time in a child’s natural development." Read full story below.
The article discusses the relationship between high-potency THC products and how they are plausible to cause psychological effects such as dependency, cognitive impairments, and adverse effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis. The higher dosage of THC leads to more health issues, addiction of other drugs, an increase in violence, and more. There is also an increase in the number of individuals who are becoming addicted and having harmful, psychological effects to their bodies. Read more below to learn about how F.D.A. is attempting to limit the dosage in the THC and controlling the psychologic effects of high-potency products.