Category: Substance Abuse
Planning for a baby? Why both men and women should consider quitting alcohol before and during pregnancy
While the focus tends to be on a woman’s use of alcohol before and during pregnancy, an increasing amount of evidence indicates that men’s alcohol use also plays a role when it comes to the health of the baby. Indeed, alcohol can affect sperm DNA, in some cases reducing fertility and the potential to conceive.
Alcohol use is widely accepted, but even moderate consumption is associated with many harmful effects
Research increasingly shows that the dangers of alcohol have been downplayed and its benefits exaggerated. In fact, having even one drink a day can have a negative effect on your health.
How Many Is Too Many? When Drinking Becomes a Problem
For some people, a glass of wine, a beer, or a cocktail is an occasional treat. Others struggle to stop at just one or even many drinks. Some may drink alcohol in moderation, but still feel like they’re not in control of their drinking. How do you know if alcohol has become a problem for you?
‘Oh well, wine o’clock’: what midlife women told us about drinking – and why it’s so hard to stop
For many midlife women, alcohol makes life better – or at least, liveable
Trying to cut back on alcohol? Here’s what works
Most people successfully quit or cut back their alcohol consumption on their own. But people who drink more frequently are much more likely to have symptoms of dependence and might find it more difficult
Thinking about a Dry January? Tips from a UW doc
As New Year’s Day approaches, health-based resolutions are hardly novel. The trend of “Dry January” has gained momentum during the pandemic, with 15% of U.S. adults attempting temporary alcohol abstinence last year.
Pandemic-Fueled Alcohol Abuse Creates Wave of Hospitalizations for Liver Disease
Alcoholism-related liver disease was a growing problem even before the pandemic,
Tough Fire Season Takes Toll on Firefighters’ Mental Health
It’s not uncommon for wildland firefighters, even in a less-intense year, to develop depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders or suicidal thoughts.
Is pot or CBD use safe while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Talk with a Doc: Cannabis use while pregnant and breastfeeding Public Health Insider Now that retail cannabis is legal in Washington, there’s a lot of speculation about its potential benefits and harms. Whether it’s marijuana, edibles, CBD products, or any…
Two Crises In One: As Drug Use Rises, So Does Syphilis
By Anna Gorman, California Healthline Public health officials grappling with record-high syphilis rates around the nation have pinpointed what appears to be a major risk factor: drug use. “Two major public health issues are colliding,” said Dr. Sarah Kidd, a…
Beer before wine and you’ll feel fine? No you won’t says new study
“Beer before wine and you’ll feel fine,” the saying goes. “Wine before beer and you’ll feel queer.” True? No. It’s the amount you drink that gives you a hangover.
‘Recovery High” for Seattle students with addictions
The Seattle public school, known as a recovery school, is designed for students learning to lead lives of sobriety while they earn their diplomas.
Alcohol-Linked Disease Overtakes Hep C As Top Reason For Liver Transplant
One reason for the shift, researchers said, is that hepatitis C, which used to be the leading cause of liver transplants, has become easier to treat with drugs.
Officials warn drug users to beware after overdoses rise in north Seattle
Seven overdoses were reported January 17th. Some victims reported injecting heroin and others snorting a crushed pill that may have been fentanyl.
Are you OK? Cellphone app detects opioid overdose
The app, called Second Chance, detects overdose-related symptoms about 90 percent of the time by tracking your breathing and movement.