A shot into a cup filled containing blue fentanyl-laced pills.
Addiction, Drugs, Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Opioids

Stimulant Users Are Caught in Fatal ‘Fourth Wave’ of Opioid Epidemic

The first wave of the long-running and devastating opioid epidemic began in the United States with the abuse of prescription painkillers in the early 2000s. The second wave involved an increase in heroin use, starting around 2010. The third wave began when powerful synthetic opioids such as fentanyl started appearing in the supply around 2015. Now experts are observing a fourth phase of the deadly epidemic.

Drugs, Mental Health, Research

Hallucinogens approved for treating psychiatric disorders: what does the science say?

Hallucinogens are now being presented as a breakthrough in the treatment of severe psychiatric disorders, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, sometimes in combination with psychotherapy).

Despite being presented as innovations, the therapeutic potential of psychedelics is not a new discovery. In the 1960s and 70s, these substances were explored for medical use but quickly fell out of favour due to regulatory restrictions.

Now, in 2024, the question remains: Are psychedelics genuinely effective for treating psychiatric disorders?

Drugs, Fitness, Weight Loss

Weight loss drugs help with fat loss – but they cause bone and muscle loss too

GLP-1-based drugs such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) work by helping people to feel less hungry. This results in them eating less – leading to weight loss.

Studies show that these drugs are very effective in helping people lose weight. In clinical trials of people with obesity, these drugs lead to a weight loss of up to 20% body weight in some instances.

But it’s important to note that not all the weight lost is fat. Research shows that up to one-third of this weight loss is so-called “non-fat mass” – this includes muscle and bone mass.

Addiction, Fentanyl, Opioids, Painkillers

Fentanyl 101

As little as 2 mg of fentanyl (which can fit on the tip of a pencil) can be enough to kill the average American. People can also unknowingly consume fentanyl when it is mixed into or sold as other drugs, including heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit pills.