The hottest Substance Use Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

No, it's not "the drugs"

Disaffected Newsletter • 2358 implied HN points • 12 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health Social Behavior Responsibility Substance Use
  1. Bad behavior often gets blamed on drugs, but it's important to recognize that the person themselves may be the root cause. It's too simple to attribute negative actions solely to external factors like substances.
  2. Many people falsely assume that everyone has a normal, healthy mindset. This leads to ignoring the reality of personality disorders and the individual's responsibility for their actions.
  3. Understanding the role of personality pathology is key to addressing and reducing bad behavior in society. Blaming drugs distracts from deeper issues within individuals.

The best psychedelic (survey results)

Knowingless • 1890 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Substance Use Therapeutics Addiction
  1. Different people value different effects of drugs. Some want deep life changes, while others prefer milder experiences.
  2. Ayahuasca is often seen as the most intense option, but MDMA is highly rated for pleasure and social experiences.
  3. It's important to consider the risks and benefits when choosing a drug, as different ones can impact your life in various ways.

What is the truth about alcohol consumption

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 235 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Mental health Public Health Lifestyle Substance Use
  1. Moderate alcohol consumption might not be as harmful as some studies suggest, but it's essential to consider various health impacts when deciding how much to drink.
  2. Understanding what and how much we drink can help manage health risks better. It's important to enjoy alcohol responsibly without overthinking it.
  3. More research is needed to understand the true effects of alcohol on health, and personal experiences and preferences should also play a role in drinking habits.

Seeing the Forest for the Trees

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1187 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Public Health Chronic Disease Physical activity Substance Use
  1. Eating well is really important for health. A better diet can help reduce the risk of diseases and save money on healthcare.
  2. Staying active helps improve overall health, but many people find it difficult due to challenges like unsafe neighborhoods or busy schedules. People need safe spaces and support to exercise.
  3. Reducing substance use, like smoking and excessive drinking, is crucial for health. Public health efforts have made progress, but more work is needed to keep improving.
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Statistical Methods Links

In My Tribe • 303 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Public Health Substance Use Social media
  1. The more time teens spend on social media, the more likely they are to face mental health issues. This shows a clear relationship between social media use and negative effects on mental well-being.
  2. Historical evidence suggests that violence can lead to increased social advantages, but it doesn't prove that violence is beneficial overall. There could be alternative outcomes for peaceful behavior that aren't considered.
  3. Combining multiple studies doesn't automatically correct biases in research. If all the studies have flaws, their average result will likely still be flawed.

Bicycle Day (April 19): The First Acid Trip in Human History 🚲 🍄

Tripsitter • 159 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Substance Use Self-Exploration
  1. Bicycle Day commemorates the first intentional dose of LSD by Albert Hofmann in 1943, marking a significant event in the history of psychedelics.
  2. Psychedelics like LSD are celebrated on Bicycle Day for their mind-opening capabilities and not just for their euphoric effects.
  3. People celebrate Bicycle Day by consuming psychedelics responsibly, learning about psychedelics, engaging in psychedelic-inspired art, music, and nature activities.

Friday Q&A about alcohol: social anxiety; general anxiety; dry November; & alcohol's upsides

Are You Okay? • 499 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Substance Use Anxiety Well-being
  1. Alcohol consumption can temporarily ease social anxiety, but it's important to remember the risks associated with it.
  2. Socializing without alcohol is possible with strategies like informing friends, finding alternatives, and practicing assertiveness.
  3. Some individuals may feel less anxious after drinking alcohol due to its temporary effects, but it's crucial to be aware of the potential connection between anxiety and alcoholism in the family.

27 patients describe how Ozempic and Mounjaro reduced their urge to drink alcohol

Curing Addiction • 139 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction Treatment Personal experiences Substance Use
  1. Ozempic and Mounjaro have reduced the urge to drink alcohol for many patients, even if they were not prescribed for alcohol use disorder.
  2. Some individuals experienced immediate effects of reduced drinking upon starting these medications, leading to significant lifestyle changes.
  3. The use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro has shown promising potential in altering behaviors related to alcohol consumption and addiction, highlighting the need for further research in this area.

Hippie Crack: The Highs & Lows of Nitrous Oxide

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Substance Use Mental health Pain management Addiction Physical health
  1. Nitrous oxide is a powerful dissociative drug that creates euphoric and out-of-body experiences but has extremely short-lasting effects.
  2. Nitrous oxide is commonly used for pain relief in medical settings, transforming intense pain into uncontrollable laughter.
  3. Recreationally, nitrous oxide is popular due to its potency, affordability, and short-lived effects, but excessive use can lead to addiction and various health risks.

Friday Q&A: alcoholism in the family; marijuana use; food diaries; & supplements for stress

Are You Okay? • 299 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction Mental health Family Dynamics Substance Use Physical health
  1. Supporting a loved one with addiction involves open communication and understanding their needs, without taking on the responsibility for their sobriety.
  2. Seeking support from resources like Al-Anon is beneficial for families dealing with addiction.
  3. The impact of marijuana use on youth and adults, including potential dependency, is a relevant topic to be aware of amidst its increasing legalization.

Reality Check: Mythbusting 7 Drug-Related Urban Legends

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 06 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Substance Use Health Effects
  1. Drug-related urban legends can be enticing and scary, often stemming from popular culture and historical contexts.
  2. Common urban legends surrounding drugs like LSD and Ecstasy are often false and misleading in nature, leading to misconceptions about their effects.
  3. Understanding the origins of urban legends can shed light on societal fears and anxieties related to drug use and other modern issues.

The Fabric of Reality Seemed To Be Coming Apart [Changa]

The Drug Users Bible • 19 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Substance Use Personal Experience
  1. Changa is a blend that includes DMT and an MAOI, which makes DMT effects longer-lasting and more coherent. It's important to use it safely and to follow precautions to avoid dangerous interactions.
  2. Users often experience vibrant visuals and feelings of being in a different realm, with the ability to control their level of engagement during the trip.
  3. After the experience, people may feel relaxed but could also have physical side effects like headaches and mental fatigue, which are common with MAOIs.

Random Recovery Tips From An Ageing Psychonaut

The Drug Users Bible • 39 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Substance Use Aging
  1. Staying fit helps recovery after drug use. Walking and exercising can improve circulation and make you feel better overall.
  2. Mental recovery is important too. Knowing that feelings of sadness and emptiness will pass can help you get through tough times.
  3. As you get older, recovery from drug use takes longer. It’s important to take care of yourself and prepare for a longer recovery period.

Styrofoam Luxury: How Lean Moved from the Streets to the Studio 🥤

Tripsitter • 19 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music Substance Use Music Influence
  1. Drinking lean, a mixture of codeine cough syrup, promethazine, and soda, has transformed from a sign of poverty to a status symbol in rap culture.
  2. Lean, although a popular choice among rappers, comes with risks like addiction, dangerous side effects, and even potential fatalities.
  3. The influence of lean on rap music is evident, with popular songs and production styles thought to have been impacted by this drug culture.

Experience

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 26 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Sociology Substance Use Community Media representation Religion
  1. There’s a divide in society between drinkers and those in recovery, like AA members. Many people don't see how close these groups really are despite their different lifestyles.
  2. AA has a certain appeal that goes beyond just sobriety; it offers a sense of community and purpose. Many find strength and support in its structure, similar to religious experiences.
  3. Programs like AA and 'The Artist’s Way' share ideas about discipline and personal growth. They challenge the market-driven mentality and focus on accountability and finding inner fulfillment.

A Super-Fast Shortcut To Acute Nicotine Poisoning [Mapacho]

The Drug Users Bible • 0 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Substance Use Addiction Wellness Tips
  1. Mapacho has much higher nicotine content than regular tobacco, which can lead to intense experiences and possible poisoning. It's important to be cautious with it.
  2. Experiencing dizziness, nausea, and a sense of toxicity are common reactions when trying mapacho. Many find it overwhelming and uncomfortable.
  3. Using mapacho or similar substances may create a clear-headed feeling afterwards, but the initial experience can be harmful. It's best to avoid repeated usage.

Prescription Medicines Can Bite Too [Pregabalin]

The Drug Users Bible • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Pharmaceuticals Substance Use Addiction Health Risks
  1. Pregabalin is a prescription drug that many people mistakenly think is always safe because it’s prescribed by doctors. But it can have serious side effects when misused.
  2. Dosage matters a lot with pregabalin. Taking too much can lead to a very uncomfortable and inebriated state, so it's important to use caution and stick to lower doses.
  3. There’s a growing number of deaths linked to pregabalin, showing that it's not just the recreational aspects that are risky. It’s crucial to treat this drug with respect and awareness.

The Obedient Quango [The Rise & Fall Of Ephenidine]

The Drug Users Bible • 0 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Drug policy Public Health Regulation Substance Use Government Action
  1. Ephenidine is a dissociative drug that has not been linked to any deaths or serious health issues. It has not been used or detected in the UK since 2017.
  2. The UK government has banned ephenidine despite the lack of evidence showing it poses a public health risk. This was mainly done to look tough on drugs in the media.
  3. Banning drugs with no medical use seems like a way for the government to make a statement, even when there's no real danger associated with them.

Groomed to be a Weed Head

The Other Side of Fear • 0 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Music Cultural critique Substance Use
  1. Marijuana culture can have a strong influence on individuals, leading to changes in behavior and priorities.
  2. Mass media, like music and movies, can play a significant role in promoting drug culture and influencing perceptions.
  3. Reconsidering the influence of music with lyrics and taking breaks from such music can help in breaking free from mass hypnosis.

Paranoia at the elevation hotel

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Story Mental health Social Interaction Substance Use
  1. Taking edibles can sometimes lead to feelings of paranoia, especially in unfamiliar places. It’s important to trust your instincts when you start feeling uneasy.
  2. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends can help ease feelings of anxiety. Even a little humor can go a long way in making you feel better.
  3. If you ever feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from authorities. It's okay to ask for assistance when you feel uncomfortable.

The Enviable Ignorance of Tucker Carlson

The Medicine & Justice Project • 0 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction Mental health Knowledge Compassion Substance Use
  1. Tucker Carlson seems to have a limited understanding of fentanyl, only knowing it comes from elsewhere and can be deadly.
  2. Challenging Carlson's claims about fentanyl overdose, the author highlights that George Floyd's case did not match typical signs of opioid overdose.
  3. The author expresses envy of Tucker Carlson's ignorance on fentanyl, as gaining knowledge in this area has been a harrowing and emotionally taxing experience.

Be Honest with Yourself

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 11 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Substance Use Medical Advice
  1. Pay attention to your feelings and how they influence your relationship with alcohol; are you using it for comfort or escapism?
  2. Evaluate your alcohol consumption patterns and be open with your doctor about it; honesty is key for receiving appropriate help and support.
  3. Consider seeking resources like therapy, support groups, or structured programs if you need assistance with managing your relationship with alcohol.