Tag

Harm Reduction

All articles tagged with #harm reduction

health1 month ago•4 min saved

Standard THC Unit Could Help Quantify Cannabis Use and Cut Harm

A University of Bath–led CannTeen study proposes a standard THC unit to quantify cannabis potency, aiming to provide a metric similar to standard drinks. Analyzing 150 London users over 12 months, researchers found potency has risen and higher-THC cannabis is linked to greater risk of cannabis use disorder; they estimate a strong 0.45 g joint can contain about 12.8 THC units while a weaker variant may have ~3.8 units. They suggest adults should not exceed 8 THC units per week to reduce risk, a guideline welcomed by public health researchers, though cannabis contains many cannabinoids beyond THC. The study is published in Addiction.

via ScienceAlert|

#cannabis #cannteen-study #harm-reduction

health1 month ago•7 min saved

Challenges in Quitting E-Cigarettes Despite Safer Perception

Vaping is considered safer than smoking due to the absence of combustion, but it remains addictive and challenging to quit, especially for young people. While evidence supports vaping as a less harmful alternative, many users struggle to stop due to behavioral and psychological factors, with various support strategies like gradual reduction, professional help, and behavioral therapies showing promise. Public misconceptions about vaping's risks persist, complicating efforts to reduce its use, particularly among youth.

via The Guardian|

#harm-reduction #health #nicotine-addiction

health4 months ago•10 min saved

Debate Over Drug Programs: Life-Saving or Risky?

Decades after a historic HIV outbreak in Indiana was contained by needle exchange programs, these programs are now disappearing due to federal and state restrictions, risking a resurgence of infections and worsening drug-related health issues, especially in rural communities.

via The Washington Post|

#drug-addiction #harm-reduction #health

health4 months ago•9 min saved

US Begins Recovery from Fentanyl Crisis

The US has seen a significant decline in fentanyl-related deaths in 2024, thanks to harm reduction strategies, treatment programs like methadone, and widespread naloxone use, with North Carolina leading the way in recovery efforts and legal actions against opioid manufacturers.

via BBC|

#drug-treatment #fentanyl #harm-reduction

health4 months ago•4 min saved

Notable MacArthur 'Genius' Awardees Highlighting Diverse Achievements

Nabarun Dasgupta, a UNC researcher specializing in street drug supply and overdose data, was awarded the MacArthur 'genius' grant for his work in understanding and reducing the U.S. overdose crisis, including early detection of declining overdose deaths and promoting harm reduction programs. His efforts have contributed to saving tens of thousands of lives, despite ongoing challenges with drug-related fatalities.

via NPR|

#drug-overdose-data #harm-reduction #health

health5 months ago•15 min saved

Nitazenes, a Synthetic Opioid 20 Times More Potent Than Fentanyl, Drive Rising Deaths

Estonia is experiencing a severe opioid crisis driven by the emergence of highly potent synthetic opioids called nitazenes, which have caused a surge in overdose deaths and highlight the challenges of drug policy and social marginalization. The country's history with fentanyl and ongoing struggles with drug demand and supply reflect broader issues that could threaten other European nations and the UK.

via UnHerd|

#drug-overdose #estonia #harm-reduction

health5 months ago•9 min saved

HIV Outbreak in Maine Highlights Risks of Homelessness and Drug Policies

An HIV outbreak in Penobscot County, Maine, primarily among homeless drug users, highlights the risks of reduced harm reduction programs amid federal policies under the Trump administration that aim to defund syringe services and clear homeless encampments, potentially exacerbating public health crises like HIV and overdose.

via KFF Health News|

#harm-reduction #health #hiv-outbreak

health5 months ago•7 min saved

Debunking the Myth: Nicotine's False Link to Cancer and Its Public Health Impact

The article discusses how misconceptions that nicotine causes cancer are hindering public health efforts, emphasizing that the harm from smoking comes from combustion, not nicotine itself. It highlights the potential benefits of smoke-free nicotine products like e-cigarettes and patches for quitting smoking, and stresses the importance of accurate public education to correct false beliefs and promote harm reduction. The piece also warns against the commercialization of nicotine as a wellness product and the need for nuanced understanding of nicotine's risks and benefits.

via statnews.com|

#harm-reduction #health #misconceptions

health7 months ago•12 min saved

Penobscot County Faces Major HIV Outbreak and Response

Over the past two years, Penobscot County in Maine has experienced its largest HIV outbreak, with 26 cases since October 2023, primarily among homeless individuals and drug users, driven by factors like housing shortages, drug use, and strained healthcare resources. Public health efforts have focused on testing, harm reduction, and outreach, but funding cuts and service closures threaten to hinder ongoing response efforts.

via The Portland Press Herald|

#bangor #harm-reduction #health

health7 months ago•3 min saved

Baltimore Faces Surge in Overdoses Linked to New Fentanyl Substance

Baltimore's Penn North neighborhood experienced multiple overdoses, with five people hospitalized in serious condition, following a recent mass overdose incident linked to fentanyl. City officials and community groups are working on harm reduction efforts, including distributing naloxone and fentanyl test strips, amid ongoing investigations into the causes. The city aims to reduce overdose deaths by 40% by 2040 and emphasizes the need for consistent community support and expanded access to recovery services.

via The Baltimore Banner|

#baltimore #fentanyl #harm-reduction

health7 months ago•7 min saved

Baltimore Faces Surge in Overdoses and Violence

Baltimore experienced a severe mass overdose event linked to dangerous drug testers, prompting a rapid city and community response that included hospitalizations, emergency services, and harm reduction efforts, highlighting the ongoing opioid crisis and the need for expanded prevention strategies.

via The Baltimore Banner|

#baltimore #drug-crisis #harm-reduction

health-and-ethics7 months ago•6 min saved

Ethicist Discusses Secretly Reporting Hoarding In-Laws

The article discusses the ethical considerations of intervening in a loved one's hoarding situation, emphasizing that a wellness check may not be effective and suggesting less disruptive approaches like involving adult protective services or medical professionals. It highlights the importance of respecting the individual's autonomy while prioritizing safety through support and harm reduction strategies.

via The New York Times|

#elderly-safety #harm-reduction #health-and-ethics

health8 months ago•9 min saved

Decline in Drug Overdose Deaths Sparks Hope Amid Fentanyl Crisis

Drug overdose deaths among Americans under 35 have significantly decreased, with a notable drop in fentanyl-related fatalities, attributed to increased awareness, harm reduction efforts, and possibly less risky drug use among youth, offering hope for continued progress in combating the fentanyl crisis.

via NPR|

#drug-overdose #fentanyl #harm-reduction

health1 year ago

U.S. Sees Historic Drop in Overdose Deaths Amid Regional Disparities

Recent data indicates a decline in drug overdose deaths, attributed to changes in the drug supply, including increased availability of safer alternatives and harm reduction strategies. These changes are part of broader efforts to address the opioid crisis and improve public health outcomes.

via The New York Times|

#drug-overdose #drug-policy #harm-reduction

health1 year ago•7 min saved

Vending Machines Dispense Needles and Narcan to Combat Overdoses

North Adams, Massachusetts, has introduced a harm reduction vending machine that dispenses clean syringes, Narcan, and other drug-use supplies to combat the opioid crisis. While some items are freely available, others require a code from a local clinic. The initiative aims to reduce overdose deaths and the spread of diseases, despite some community resistance. Research suggests such machines can effectively lower overdose rates and improve public health outcomes.

via NPR|

#drug-policy #harm-reduction #health