Staff, Author at Sober Solutions

Fentanyl: On the Rise and Dangerous

May 31, 2018 By Staff

Fentanyl-Pills

There’s a new player on the drug scene named Fentanyl. This synthetic pharmaceutical painkiller and it is similar to morphine and heroin, only stronger. The drug is typically used to treat the extreme breakthrough pain suffered by some late-stage cancer patients. The drug is available in a variety of highly potent and illegal, non-pharmaceutical forms. The only difference between this narcotic and other opiate painkillers is that it can be 50 to 10,000 times more potent.

Pharmaceutical forms of this drug include an injectable liquid, transdermal lozenges, tablets and transdermal patches. The illicit forms include a white powder called China White, a yellow powder called White Persian, and a light brown powder called synthetic heroin. Other names for synthetic heroin like Drop Dead, Flatline and Lethal Injection reflect the fact that this drug is associated with overdosing and death. [Read more…]

Does Discrimination Lead to Binge Drinking?

May 31, 2018 By Staff

african-american-man-discrimination

Unkindness associated with racism has been linked to health issues for some time. During the 1980s, researchers reported a connection between poor cardiovascular health and the discrimination experienced by African Americans. This led to additional findings that established a link between health issues in minorities and perceived discriminatory treatment. Recent research supports the finding that discrimination is bad for physical and mental health. It also puts the victims of discrimination at risk for binge drinking.

Binge Drinking and Coping with Discriminatory Stress

According to Paul Gilbert, Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa, many people deal with stress by drinking alcohol. Stress-related drinking is seen as a coping mechanism, even though drinking to relieve stress can cause additional stress.

Professor Gilbert was curious about whether the stress of being discriminated against would increase the probability that the target of the discriminatory behavior [Read more…]

Alcohol Advertising Leads to Teen Drinking

May 31, 2018 By Staff

Alcohol-Advertising

Over the past decade or so, numerous studies have been held that test the influence of alcohol advertising on teens. The results of these studies have consistently displayed that this advertising heavily influences teen drinking. Here’s a closer look at why that’s the case.

Primary Findings

Exposure to alcohol marketing has tangible effects on teenagers. For instance, among 7th graders that viewed these ads, nearly half of them began consuming alcohol in some form by 9th grade. For 7th graders that had just started consuming these beverages, over 75 percent of those that viewed alcohol ads continued drinking by 9th grade. [Read more…]

Abusing Alcohol Declining Among Teens

May 31, 2018 By Staff

Abusing Alcohol Declining Among Teens, Binge Drinking is Declining Too

Alcohol abuse, it seems to be everywhere, whether it is at a party, at a restaurant, on a television show, or in the news. We simply cannot escape the ever present facet of alcohol abuse. There is hope though. Abusing alcohol declining among teens is adding new hope for the future. Too often you hear of teens and even college students dying from alcohol poisoning or other factors that involve alcohol abuse.
[Read more…]

Fish Oil Protects Against Brain Damage Caused by Alcohol Abuse

May 31, 2018 By Staff

New Study Shows Fish Oil Protects Against Brain Damage Caused by Alcohol Abuse

Among the many harmful effects alcohol has on the body, brain damage and dementia are at the top. A new study shows fish oil protects against brain damage caused by alcohol abuse. This study was published July 16, 2014, in the PLOS ONE journal. The study was conducted by Michael A. Collins, PhD, Edward J. Neafsey, PhD, and additional colleagues at Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine. They also collaborated with the University of Kentucky and the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
[Read more…]

10 Million Alaska-bound Drug Ring Bust Yields Massive Seizures

May 31, 2018 By Staff

10 Million Alaska-bound Drug Ring Bust Yields Massive Seizures and Arrests

A 10 million Alaska-bound drug ring is busted and yields a massive amount of seizures and 8 offenders are arrested so far. This bust enlisted the help and knowledge of many different departments, across many different states. Federal agents from California, Arizona, and Texas helped prosecute this case of a massive amount of drugs heading to Alaska, with some already being sold there. This huge drug ring bust was also investigated by numerous federal agencies ranging from the FBI and the DEA. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S Immigrations and Customs Enforcement also had a heavy hand in the investigation. As for Alaska, the Alaska State Troopers as well as Anchorage, and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport police were also involved with the investigation leading to Alaskaâ€™s huge drug bust.Federal authorities seized around 100 pounds of illegal drugs and arrested 8 offenders so far. More arrests will most likely be made in months to come. Among the nearly 100 pounds of drugs confiscated 50 pounds were of heroin, 38 pounds were of methamphetamine and another 11 pounds of heroin were found in a different location, but were tied to this drug ring. â€œInvestigators found these kilograms of heroin hidden in a storage unit here in Anchorage along with an additional nine kilograms of heroin and various packaging materials,â€ prosecutors stated in a release. The value of these seized drugs total to a value ranging from $2.3 million at the wholesale level, to other drug rings or dealers or over $10 million if these drugs were sold on the street, for street value prices.

This huge drug ring was suspected from operating for at least a year. The drug ring had contacts in Alaska, California, Arizona, and Texas, commanding an extensive amount of collaboration between departments in each of these states. This ring was also tied to Mexico to launder their money outside the country. Authorities state they found a pattern in which location the drugs surfaced from, “As far as the meth side that was definitely California. The Texas side was more focused on heroin.”

Authorities also explained how the bust took place, â€œIn two subsequent transactions, conspirators sold four and seven pounds of methamphetamine respectively to an Alaska undercover agent.â€The offenders face a mandatory, minimum ten year prison term if convicted. With only 8 offenders arrested, they will most likely inform police of other offenders, to lessen their sentences. “This is a very, very substantial seizure, especially for a district like Alaska,” authorities boast. “This is a statement that if you’re going to traffic this amount of drugs in Alaska,â€ authorities warn, â€œwe’re going to do something about it.” With this substantial drug bust under Alaskaâ€™s belt, some are wondering what else will unfold as the case continues.