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Category Archives: Toxicology/Drugs
Marijuana Facts and Fiction, Part 2
The issues surrounding marijuana use are serious and need full examination, particularly with decriminalization legislature passing and being considered in various parts of the cou
Marijuana Facts and Fiction, Part 1
The truth of it all is that politicians are generally a terrible source of scientific and medical information. There are actually legitimate concerns about the use and legalization
Straight, No Chaser: Weeding Through the Basics of Marijuana Use and Intoxication
Let’s start by getting the obvious out of the way. For those of you who keep asking me: Yes, I’m finally discussing the use and effects of marijuana. In this series, we will r
Straight, No Chaser: The Holiday Heart Syndrome
There’s something about the holiday season and flickering. We’re all aware that Christmas lights are meant to do so, but did you know that your heart is more inclined to flicke
Treating Spider Bites
Introduction This Straight, No Chaser post is about treating spider bites! Everything’s bigger in Texas, they say. I recall the first time I saw a banana spider. The thing seemed
Straight, No Chaser: Male Reproductive Health and Workplace Hazards
Yes, you read that correctly. We’re discussing men’s reproductive health. Of course there is a preoccupation with women’s reproductive health (and we addressed that in anothe
Straight, No Chaser: Female Reproductive Health and Workplace Hazards
Considerations of female reproductive health are important in the work environment. Many different work settings pose risks to women’s reproductive systems. Generally effects can
Straight, No Chaser: Alcohol Facts vs. Fiction
I’m going to put my personal spin on an old favorite because it’s Saturday, and frankly some of you drink too much. Here’s your six-pack (plus one for the road) of c
Straight, No Chaser: Bath Salts – Seen Any Zombies Lately?
You can have an idea how bad a drug is when it has more street names than is remotely necessary. Today’s Straight, No Chaser is about bath salts, which are another group of those
Straight, No Chaser: Steroid Abuse
In the conversation about drugs of abuse, anabolic steroids hold a unique position. They work very differently from other drugs of abuse, and they do not have the same acute effect
Straight, No Chaser: Prescription Pain Killer (Opioid) Abuse
One of the more challenging aspects of emergency medicine is pain management. Emergency departments are filled with patients suffering from terminal and chronic diseases, including
Straight, No Chaser: Sedative (Sleeping and Anxiety Pill) Abuse
Recent Straight, No Chaser posts have focused on the scope of the danger of medicines and other drugs/chemicals you keep around your home. These substances are because of the incli
Straight, No Chaser: Prescription Drug Abuse
Many times over the years, I’ve had to explain to patients such as chronic sufferers from migraines, low back pain and other conditions that even if they weren’t “drug-seekin
Straight, No Chaser: Facts About Drug Misuse and Overdose
Would you be surprised to know that drug overdoses are now the leading cause of injury deaths in the United States? That’s right, more people die from overdoses than car crash
Straight, No Chaser: Inhalants – Effects and Actions to Take
Straight, No Chaser previously reviewed various forms of inhalants used to get intoxicated. Many kids think inhalants are a harmless, cheap, and quick way to “get high.” Becaus
Straight, No Chaser: When Your Kids Huff and Puff – Learn about Inhalants
Over the course of several posts, we’ve described how difficult it is for you to keep abreast of the activities of teens. In this and a subsequent Straight, No Chaser post, we wi
Straight, No Chaser: Introduction to Club Drugs – Date Rape and Other Adverse Effects
A little knowledge goes a long way, particularly when it comes to the habits of teens and young adults. Those who partake in the club scene, parties, concerts or other social se
Straight, No Chaser: Learn About Hookahs – Your Teens Have!
I love the responses I get from you. Even the spam is entertaining. Most recently, when I posted this, the most common response was some variation of this theme: “What’s a hook
Your Questions on Marijuana Myths and Facts Answered the Straight, No Chaser Way, Part 2
The issues surrounding marijuana use are serious and need full examination, particularly with decriminalization legislature passing and being considered in various parts of the cou
Your Questions on Marijuana, Myths and Facts Answered the Straight, No Chaser Way, Part 1
The truth of it all is that politicians are a terrible source of scientific and medical information. There are actually legitimate concerns about the use and legalization of mariju
