Latest news with #addictive
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
Cannabis Use Disorder: Recognizing the Signs of Marijuana Addiction
Cannabis has undergone a dramatic transformation in the public eye—from stigmatized contraband to a widely accepted substance, often marketed as benign or even medicinal. While its therapeutic benefits for certain conditions are legitimate, a less discussed truth persists: cannabis can be addictive. Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is a recognized mental health diagnosis with real consequences for those affected. Awareness of its signs is the first step toward meaningful intervention. Understanding the Link Between Stimulants and Attention Disorders Some individuals with ADHD may experience temporary relief from symptoms when using stimulants, but it's important to understand the distinction between medical treatments and harmful substances. Methamphetamine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the brain's dopamine system, similar to prescription medications like Adderall,does meth help with adhd which are used to treat ADHD. However, while prescription stimulants are carefully dosed and monitored, meth is illegal and dangerous. Although people may believe meth helps with ADHD, it often leads to severe side effects, addiction, and long-term cognitive damage, making it an unsafe and ineffective treatment option. Defining Cannabis Use Disorder Cannabis Use Disorder is not mere overindulgence. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it is characterized by a cluster of behavioral, physical, and psychological symptoms reflecting impaired control over use. Individuals with CUD may persist in their consumption despite significant personal, social, or professional disruption. The line between recreational use and disorder is often subtle, obscured by normalization and denial. Dependence develops when the user experiences both tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance demands higher doses to achieve the desired effect, while withdrawal manifests when cessation leads to discomfort or dysfunction. These signs, when coupled with continued use, form the clinical foundation of addiction. Behavioral and Psychological Signs of Cannabis Addiction The behavioral patterns of CUD frequently begin with increased frequency. What starts as occasional use may escalate to daily or near-daily consumption. Users may express intentions to reduce their intake, only to relapse repeatedly. This cycle of attempted restraint and resumed use signals a loss of control. Psychologically, the individual may exhibit blunted ambition—a phenomenon colloquially dubbed 'amotivational syndrome.' Tasks once pursued with vigor now seem burdensome. Apathy replaces curiosity. Emotionally, cannabis dependency often breeds irritability, anxiety, or even mild paranoia. Thoughts may feel foggy, attention drifts, and short-term memory deteriorates. These symptoms do not exist in isolation; they interact, compounding dysfunction. Physical Indicators of Chronic Cannabis Use Though often viewed as non-threatening, chronic marijuana use can leave a physiological imprint. Inhalation of cannabis—particularly when combusted—can inflame the lungs, leading to chronic bronchitis-like symptoms: persistent coughing, wheezing, and phlegm production. Sleep architecture is also affected. While cannabis may initially induce drowsiness, prolonged use disrupts REM cycles, resulting in non-restorative sleep or even insomnia. Appetite patterns may also become dysregulated. Some individuals experience excessive hunger (the classic 'munchies'), while others notice erratic food intake. Withdrawal from cannabis, though often milder than that of opioids or alcohol, is nonetheless significant. Users may report tremors, restlessness, irritability, intense cravings, or gastrointestinal distress within 24–72 hours of cessation. Impact on Daily Functioning and Relationships As dependence deepens, the effects on daily life become undeniable. Academic performance may slip as concentration wanes. Job responsibilities are neglected. Timeliness and reliability erode. In some cases, individuals abandon pursuits they once valued, such as hobbies or creative endeavors. Social relationships often bear the brunt. Users may withdraw from loved ones, preferring solitude or only associating with fellow users. Deception around use becomes common—hiding cannabis, minimizing quantity, or becoming defensive when questioned. Responsibilities—whether domestic, financial, or familial—are routinely postponed or disregarded altogether. Risk Factors for Developing Cannabis Use Disorder Not everyone who uses cannabis will develop CUD. Certain factors, however, raise the risk. A family history of addiction suggests a genetic vulnerability. Co-occurring mental health conditions, particularly anxiety, depression, and attention disorders, increase susceptibility. The age of initial use plays a pivotal role. Adolescents and young adults are especially at risk, as their brains are still undergoing critical developmental changes. Additionally, today's cannabis strains, often cultivated to yield high THC concentrations, possess greater addictive potential than earlier iterations. Social environments that normalize or glamorize heavy use can reinforce unhealthy patterns. When to Seek Help and Available Treatment Options One of the most insidious aspects of CUD is the denial that often accompanies it. Users may dismiss their behavior as harmless or deny the extent of their dependency. However, once the patterns begin to interfere with quality of life, it is time to take action. Therapeutic interventions are available and effective. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is commonly used to address underlying thought patterns that drive compulsive use. Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) helps increase internal drive toward recovery. In some cases, contingency management—offering rewards for sobriety—has shown promise. Long-term recovery may also involve group therapy, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle restructuring. The journey is rarely linear. Relapse can occur. But with proper support, lasting recovery is achievable. Understanding the Differences Between Two Dangerous Drugs While meth and crack are both powerful and highly addictive stimulants, they are not the same. Meth, short for methamphetamine, is a synthetic drug often found in pill or powder form, while crack is a smokable form of cocaine made by processing cocaine hydrochloride with baking soda or ammonia. Each affects the brain differently—meth releases large amounts of dopamine, causing long-lasting highs,are meth and crack the same whereas crack produces intense but short-lived euphoria. Although both substances are harmful, meth tends to cause more severe long-term neurological damage. Understanding the differences between meth and crack is essential for recognizing their unique risks. Conclusion Cannabis Use Disorder is a legitimate, clinically recognized condition that merits serious attention. It is not confined to stereotypes or extremes. It can affect high-functioning professionals, students, and creatives alike. Recognizing the signs early allows for timely intervention and more successful outcomes. With the right treatment and support, individuals struggling with CUD can regain clarity, motivation, and control over their lives. Compassion—not judgment—is the foundation of healing. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The U.S. Foreign Service is vital to safety and security
I served our country for 12 years as a commissioned Foreign Service officer and am dismayed by the ongoing efforts to reduce America's diplomatic and development capacity. Firings, hiring freezes, budget cuts and the dismantling of key agencies jeopardize our national security, our economic strength and our global leadership. Richland's own Gen. James Mattis once told Congress, '... if you don't fully fund the State Department, I'll need to buy more ammunition...' because our diplomatic and development professionals provide our best chance to avoid sending our troops into foreign conflicts. These cutbacks prevent our diplomats from opening export markets for U.S. businesses. They reduce America's influence and leave a vacuum that China and Russia will rush to fill. And they risk our government's ability to assist Americans in trouble overseas – when a passport is lost, a family member is injured or imprisoned or when natural disasters strike. My former colleagues perform difficult jobs in difficult places every day, serving under administrations of both parties. They took an oath to serve America and support the Constitution. They make America safer, stronger and more respected. They deserve our support, not disrespect, firings and budget cuts. Check out for more information. Ron Rhinehart, Kennewick I am writing to express my concern regarding the escalating issue of forever chemicals, specifically PFAS, in our Tri-Cities community. Recent reports highlighting the presence of these harmful pollutants in our water sources are deeply troubling and demand immediate action. The potential long-term health consequences associated with PFAS exposure, including cancer, immune system deficiencies and developmental problems, are simply unacceptable. Our local governments must prioritize the testing of all water sources and transparently share the findings with the public. This transparency is critical in building trust and ensuring informed decision-making. Furthermore, I urge our elected officials to explore and implement effective solutions for PFAS remediation, investing in advanced filtration technologies and exploring innovative solutions for contaminant removal. This isn't simply an environmental concern, it's a public health crisis requiring decisive and immediate action. We deserve clean water and a safe environment, and I believe the Tri-Cities community deserves and demands better. Natalie Lancheros, Kennewick I am respectfully writing to bring attention to the growing drug problem in our cities, especially near our schools. Every day, hundreds of teens are exposed to drugs. Dealers sell pills at very low prices to get kids dependent early, turning them into long-term customers. Many don't realize how dangerous these drugs are to their future. Street drugs are addictive and can seriously harm a child's future. They affect the brain in many ways. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), drugs like marijuana and heroin mimic natural brain chemicals but send abnormal signals. Others, like cocaine and amphetamines, release too much of certain chemicals or block their recycling, disrupting how the brain works. We want our community to be strong and drug-free. Drugs don't help our youth, they harm them. Studies by the NLM show that students who used drugs in the past year were more likely to skip school and have low grades, while those who never used reported greater confidence and stronger engagement in school. We must educate teens on how drugs impact their brains and futures. It's heartbreaking to see our generation trapped by substances that steal their potential. Yahaira Lopez, Kennewick 'Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official, save exactly to the degree in which he himself stands by the country. It is patriotic to support him insofar as he efficiently serves the country. It is unpatriotic not to oppose him to the exact extent that by inefficiency or otherwise he fails in his duty to stand by the country. In either event, it is unpatriotic not to tell the truth, whether about the president or anyone else.' — President Theodore Roosevelt Judith Loomis, Richland In response to Steve Gahn's op-ed in the Tri-City Herald, I am one of those Democrats who regularly helps elect Rep. Dan Newhouse to Congress as the more moderate and experienced choice. Newhouse is wise for signing a letter to the Ways and Means Committee to continue the energy tax credits to his district, and I thank him for it. Preserving the tax credits will allow billion-dollar clean energy projects to continue to be built in our district. We need the additional clean energy they will help produce for the growing demand of electricity for AI, electric vehicles and heat pumps, and in the necessary transition away from polluting fossil fuel energy. This transition is not happening quickly enough! I also ask Rep. Newhouse to use his experience to persuade other congressmen to protect these tax credits that will bring good paying and stable jobs and clean air to their districts. Please write to thank him and ask him to continue to publicly support the clean energy tax credits. Together, we can continue the progress to expand clean energy. 'The most important thing an individual can do, is join together with others in movements large enough to make change.' Bill McKibben, Richland I have repeatedly contacted Rep. Dan Newhouse's office about the administration's ongoing efforts to dismantle our democracy, to no avail. In an effort to get my message to him through a different platform, here's my latest letter: Dear Congressman Newhouse: It is way past time for you to stand up to the authoritarian regime in the White House. They are disappearing people from U.S. streets, holding them without due process and/or abducting them to foreign countries, punishing our allies (Afghans) by revoking protected status and giving refugee status to Afrikaners who created and perpetuated apartheid in South Africa. What kind of a country are we living in? Clearly not one that abides by the Constitution or our long-held position as a welcoming place for those at the margins who seek safety and opportunity. When will you stand up and stand against authoritarianism? I have contacted your office over and over on a variety of issues, and I never get a direct response or see anything from you that indicates you are willing to stand for what is right. Shame on you. The Fourth District deserves better. Susan Dobkins, Richland Rep. Dan Newhouse is backing policies that could strip health coverage from thousands in our district. He supports adding work requirements to Medicaid — rules that sound reasonable but have been tried in states and failed. The result? People lose coverage not because they don't qualify, but because they can't keep up with confusing paperwork. The Congressional Budget Office estimates 8.6 million could lose benefits this way. Here in Washington's Fourth District, nearly 70% of children rely on Medicaid (Apple Health) for care. Many recipients are kids, people with disabilities or already working in low-wage jobs. The truth is (that) most who can work, already do. Still, Newhouse supports Speaker Mike Johnson's plan to cut Medicaid in order to pay for tax breaks that primarily benefit the wealthy. He called it 'a good path.' A good path — for whom? If you or others you know rely in medicaid benefits, your health is on the line. Let Rep. Newhouse know you oppose these harmful cuts. We deserve a representative who protects our care, not one who makes it harder to keep. Your voice matters. Call, write, and vote like your healthcare depends on it. Newhouse's Washington, D.C., Office can be reached at 202-225-5816. Cory Miller, Kennewick
Associated Press
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Scott Becker's 'Virgin Clueless' Aims for 1 Million Downloads — Free on Kindle May 23–24
A provocative reverse age-gap romance novel with forbidden attraction, pulse-pounding suspense, and a haunting psychic twist. 'An addictive, pulse-pounding romance thriller that hooks you from page one!'— Book Envy Reviews PROVIDENCE, RI, UNITED STATES, May 14, 2025 / / -- Male Romance Author Breaks Genre Boundaries with " Virgin Clueless " — Free on Kindle May 23–24 Fueled by forbidden attraction, a reverse age gap, and a haunting psychic twist — Scott Becker's provocative romance novel scorches Kindle free May 23–24. When Scott Becker launched Virgin Clueless — a provocative reverse age-gap romance novel with pulse-pounding suspense — he never imagined it would ignite global buzz. But that's exactly what happened. Within days of release, readers in Germany, India, France, the U.K., Canada, and across the U.S. began downloading Becker's debut novel, drawn in by its blend of off-limits desire, high-stakes drama, and soul-deep obsession. Now, Virgin Clueless returns for a second global run — free on Kindle May 23–24, just in time for summer. Becker expects a surge of downloads during the two-day giveaway, with eyes on a million-reader milestone. Readers can grab their free copy here: 'This isn't your mother's beach read,' says Becker. 'It's bold, it's raw, and it doesn't ask permission.' The novel centers on Zoey Leary, a 32-year-old divorce attorney and secret hacker, who becomes dangerously obsessed with 18-year-old Dillon Race — a brawn millionaire who saves her best friend Emma, a Connecticut State Trooper, during a routine traffic stop. What starts as curiosity spirals into passion, betrayal, and a psychic bond that defies logic and morality. Becker, a former engagement ring specialist who spent three decades hearing real-world love stories, says Virgin Clueless was born from a desire to challenge traditional romance tropes — especially around power, attraction, and boundaries. 'I wanted to explore what happens when the rules break — and we still want more,' he explains. 'The love, the obsession, the guilt — all of it.' Virgin Clueless blends reverse age-gap romance, forbidden attraction, pulse-pounding suspense, and paranormal twists. With steamy moments and emotionally charged tension, Becker positions the novel as this summer's must-read for bold romance fans. About the Book Virgin Clueless is a provocative, high-stakes romance novel packed with obsession, betrayal, pulse-pounding suspense, and a haunting psychic twist no one sees coming. Perfect for readers who crave forbidden attraction, intense chemistry, and page-turning drama. Kindle Promotion Virgin Clueless will be free globally on Amazon Kindle on May 23–24, 2025. Download link: Media Contact Scott Becker [email protected] TikTok: @ Instagram: Author Note Becker's dual life — part rule-breaking romantic, part boundary-pusher — defines his bold, disruptive brand of contemporary romance. Scott Becker Scott Becker, Author email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram TikTok Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Daily Mirror
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Major plan to switch off kids' social media while they're at school being looked at
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle told The Mirror he is looking 'very carefully' at ways to stop children wasting hours scrolling on their phones after youngsters begged for help Children could have their access to social media switched off while they're at school under plans being considered by ministers. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle is looking for ways to help kids manage their online lives and stop young people wasting hours doom-scrolling on the internet. The Mirror understands these could include a social media curfew or limiting kids' access to the internet during school hours. Mr Kyle has said he will be examining the results of TikTok's recently announced 10pm curfew for under 16s. 'I'm looking at all the measures that would positively contribute towards a positive, enthusiastic, supportive environment online,' Mr Kyle told the Mirror. After years of bureaucratic consultations, media regulator Ofcom published its Children's Codes under the Online Safety Act (OSA), which sets out rules tech firms must follow by July. Under the codes, online sites must introduce robust age verification tools to make sure underage kids aren't accessing things they shouldn't. They have also been ordered to tame toxic algorithms and take faster action on removing harmful content. Mr Kyle celebrated the 'first step' in the journey to improving kids' safety online but admitted the OSA is 'lopsided' and more action is needed. He said he was taking a step back to think about how the addictive nature of phones and social media is also 'disrupting the childhood experience', as well as online harms. 'Sometimes it's interfering with young people's sleep or ability to concentrate when they're doing school work, sometimes out of hours, as well as focusing on the school day itself, even though 97% of schools do exclude smartphones from school itself,' he said. Mr Kyle has confirmed he would not support an Australia-style blanket ban on under-16s using social media and the Government has also ruled out a statutory ban on phones in school, arguing that the majority already enforce one. But he said he was 'looking very carefully at what comes next' to help the kids who beg him for solutions after suffering from 'resentment' after accidentally wasting hours scrolling on their phone. Elsewhere Mr Kyle insisted he is confident tech billionaires X/ Twitter owner Elon Musk and Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg will follow Ofcom's new rules despite the pair having recently rolled back content moderation on their platforms. The Cabinet minister said anyone who breaks the codes will 'face the full consequences of the British law' - which can include fines of up to 10% of global turnover from Ofcom or, in extreme cases, their platforms being switched off in the UK. He also said Britain's online safety laws were not up for negotiation amid fears the Donald Trump administration is pushing for them to be eased in UK-US trade deal talks. Concerns have been raised about the leeway social media giants will have to work around Ofcom's codes. For instance, the media regulator is only telling tech firms they have the 'option of excluding' content showing dangerous online challenges, material that incites hatred or misogynistic content. In an interview with the Mirror, Ofcom's child protection policy lead Almudena Lara said tech companies will be able to choose whether to exclude such content from being pushed to kids through their algorithms to give them the freedom to show different content to older teens and younger children. 'The ball is in their courts to understand their user base and to understand the content that they have and how best to serve their users,' she said. Ian Russell, the dad of Molly Russell, who took her own life at 14 after being bombarded with harmful material online, said he was 'dismayed' by Ofcom's codes and that he has lost trust in Mr Kyle. "I am dismayed by the lack of ambition in today's codes. Instead of moving fast to fix things, the painful reality is that Ofcom's measures will fail to prevent more young deaths like my daughter Molly's,' he said. 'Ofcom's risk adverse approach is a bitter pill for bereaved parents to swallow. Their overly cautious codes put the bottom line of reckless tech companies ahead of tackling preventable harm.'
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists turn gunshot residue into glowing semiconductors to crack shooting cases
If you're anything like me, you've spent hours binge-watching crime investigation dramas. Be it True Detective or Dexter, there's something about the criminal investigative genre that has a universal pull. The eccentric officers figuring out who committed the crime with each puzzle piece falling into place makes up for an addictive viewing experience. But in the real world, things are different. The tools behind these investigations are evolving fast. Now, researchers have discovered a powerful way to detect gunshot residue (GSR), potentially transforming the way crime scenes are examined. The breakthrough method, developed by researchers from the labs of Wim Noorduin (AMOLF / University of Amsterdam) and Arian van Asten (University of Amsterdam), converts lead particles in gunshot residue into a glowing semiconductor. When exposed to UV light, these transformed particles emit a vivid green glow that's visible to the naked eye, making even faint traces of residue easy to spot. It's not just more visually striking — it's also faster, more sensitive, and far more practical than traditional lab techniques. This new method builds on recent advances in perovskite technology, a field best known for revolutionizing solar panels and LED lights. Noorduin's team previously developed a perovskite-based lead detection method, which formed the foundation for Lumetallix — a start-up co-founded in 2021 by Noorduin and former PhD student Lukas Helmbrecht. Lumetallix offers a simple lead detection kit that's already being used globally, with positive results in everything from dinnerware to construction site dust. For the forensic twist, Helmbrecht tweaked the formula. The updated reagent reacts especially well with the specific type of lead found in gunshot residue and gives off a long-lasting glow, ideal for investigators working in the field. Forensic experts at the Amsterdam police force have already begun testing the light-emitting method in actual investigations. "Obtaining an indication of gunshot residue at the crime scene is a major advantage, helping us answer key questions about shooting incidents," says Bente van Kralingen, a forensic expert with the force. "We test for lead traces on possible bullet holes and a suspect's or a victim's clothing or hands." Currently, evidence is typically sent to a lab for time-consuming and equipment-heavy analysis. But this new tool could allow officers to get early clues on-site. "We're excited about the tests we're conducting, and hopefully this will allow us to use the light-emitting method soon in actual court cases as evidence," Bente adds. To validate the technology, PhD students Kendra Adelberg and Arno van der Weijden carried out experiments at a local shooting range. Using 9 mm pistols and cotton cloth targets, they tested how well the new reagent picked up residue at various distances. 'The results revealed well-defined luminescent patterns that were clearly visible to the naked eye, even at extended distances,' says Kendra. More surprisingly, the glow didn't wash away even after extensive hand washing. That's a major win in forensic contexts, where suspects often attempt to remove evidence. Even more fascinating, bystanders standing about two meters from the shooter tested positive for lead traces on their hands. 'These findings provide valuable pieces of the puzzle when reconstructing a shooting incident. But, a positive test also needs to be carefully interpreted, it does not automatically mean that you fired a gun,' Kendra points out. The study is published in the journal Forensic Science International.
