MDMA (Ecstasy) and Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia is a condition that occurs when fluids circulating in the body don’t contain enough of the electrolyte mineral sodium. People affected by this condition can develop brain damage, go into a coma, or die. Because of its association with excessive water consumption, hyponatremia is sometimes known as “water intoxication.” However, the condition can also [...]

IV Drug Abuse and Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a general term for a group of diseases that occur when the body produces abnormal internal proteins called amyloid proteins. These proteins can build up and damage normal function in a single organ, or spread throughout the body and cause more systemic forms of damage. People who abuse intravenous (IV) drugs have increased [...]

IV Drug Abuse and Bacteremia

Bacteremia is a general term that doctors use to describe the abnormal circulation of bacteria in the bloodstream. In popular culture, the condition is also known somewhat inaccurately as “blood poisoning.” In some cases, bacteria circulating in the blood cause little or no harm to human health; however, in other cases, circulating bacteria lodge in [...]

Opioid Abuse Linked to Mental Health Disorders

Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health recently published a report on the link between opioid abuse and mood and anxiety disorders. The study was recently highlighted in the Journal of Psychological Medicine. Their results determined that those who suffer from common disorders such as panic disorder, bipolar and depression often have [...]