The kidneys play a key function in filtering waste products from your blood. When kidneys lose their ability to filter, this waste can build up in your system, disrupting your blood’s chemical makeup. Kidney failure, sometimes referred to as renal failure or acute kidney injury, can develop quickly—sometimes over...
Most people associate substance use disorders with only one specific drug, such as opioids or alcohol. However, polysubstance use, also known as multi-drug dependence, is a concern as well. When this occurs, it can significantly increase the risk of accidental overdose, and may require specific treatment approaches to address...
Alcohol, drugs and various medications can overwhelm your body if you take too much. When this happens, it results in an overdose. Overdoses are dangerous because they can cause brain damage or death. With International Overdose Awareness Day approaching on Aug. 31, here’s how to recognize the warning signs...
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that creates an energetic euphoria. When people take cocaine, they may feel more alert, talkative and sensitive to stimuli like sound and light. The drug creates these effects by flooding the brain with a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine is a natural chemical messenger that...
With all the colorful marketing and social acceptability surrounding alcohol, we tend to forget it is an addictive and dangerous drug. And, like any drug, alcohol can cause an overdose if people drink more than their bodies can process. Alcohol poisoning is a severe, potentially fatal consequence of drinking...
Your hair is an integral part of your identity and self-esteem. When you start noticing hair loss, it can change the way you feel about yourself. Many factors can cause balding and thinning, including stress. With a condition known as telogen effluvium, significant stress causes hair follicles to enter...
The United States’ widespread prescription drug epidemic leads to thousands of accidental overdoses and deaths every year. One reason for this pervasive public health problem is that many people assume the doctor-prescribed medications they use to manage conditions like anxiety and chronic pain are always safe to use. Unfortunately, it’s...
If you have a codependent personality, you probably lack confidence in yourself and feel compelled to seek self-worth from other people. Codependency isn’t a diagnosable mental illness, but it is a prevalent problem often called “relationship addiction.” Though the urge to help and support loved ones is natural, codependency...
