In an alarming trend, people looking for a marijuana-like experience with a seemingly lower risk are turning to K2, a synthetic blend of herbs that is smoked, snorted or eaten in several forms. Experts warn that K2 can have serious or lethal side effects and may be stronger in effect than marijuana or other drugs. It’s also difficult to detect the synthetic narcotic in drug tests, leading to higher numbers of use in the U.S.

K2, also called Spice, is legal in some states and is sold at boutique smoke shops. The substance is often referred to as a type of manmade marijuana, and is increasing in popularity across the U.S. It can be purchased online, in boutique shops or convenience stores – often alongside products like incense. The active ingredient in K2 is THC, a compound with psychoactive properties like marijuana. Despite misleading packaging, many users have become seriously ill and some have needed professional and medical assistance to stop using the substance.

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When we think of the words ‘addiction’ and ‘drug abuser,’ images of grandma and grandpa don’t come to mind. The elderly are often overlooked when it comes to the subject of drug misuse and abuse. However, as the baby boomers age and take various medications to counter aches and pains, the likelihood of prescription drug misuse increases.

Because aging can be hard on the body, those over the age of 65 account for 33 percent of all prescription medications dispensed in the United States. Also, since aging individuals usually take a variety of medications together to treat various ailments, the potential for dangerous or even fatal side effects increase. This combined with the fact that many elderly also suffer from memory lapse, can make the potential for overdose even worse.

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With a few distinct questions, primary care physicians can make a tremendous impact on identifying which patients may have a drug or substance abuse problem, says the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). The impact can even prevent lifelong addictions or loss of life if teens are screened about their habits separate from their parents’ view during doctor’s office visits – although many primary care doctors may not yet be adequately or consistently screening patients for substance abuse.

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A trend of pharmacy robberies nationwide seems like a distant problem, until it hits close to home. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reports the pharmacy robberies in 2010 at 81 percent higher than the rate in 2006.

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People are complex beings. They are more than just a physical body. Yet the body is more than simply a vessel for the mind, and it is difficult to disentangle emotions from mind and body. What about a person’s spirit – where and how does that fit into the human equation? When a person is ready to overcome an addiction, each of these parts will need healing and recovery.

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