With marijuana legalization for either recreational or medical use spreading across the US, Americans’ attitudes towards marijuana are quickly changing. More people see marijuana use as safe and socially acceptable. While marijuana does appear to be safer and less addictive than many substances, especially when only used occasionally, there are still risks associated with it,…
Depression is the number one cause of disability worldwide. About 16 million American adults suffer a depressive episode every year. Common symptoms of depression include sadness, irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue, lack of motivation, feelings of hopelessness, and thoughts of suicide. Depression obviously has a negative impact on your quality of life, so much so that…
THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Its structure is very similar to a chemical called anandamide, which occurs naturally in the brain. Anandamide is a kind of neurotransmitter called an endogenous cannabinoid, meaning it’s a cannabis-like chemical made by your brain. Anandamide affects various brain areas, including those related to pleasure, memory, concentration,…
For most people, moderate drinking is not really a cause for concern. There is even some evidence that having about one drink per day might have some health benefits, although that finding remains controversial. If you drink much more than that, you risk developing a number of problems, especially if your alcohol consumption continues to…
Everyone worries sometimes, but if that worry is excessive, persistent, or irrational, it can harm your health. Anxiety has been linked to a number of health problems, including digestive issues, heart disease, pain, headaches, insomnia, and frequent illnesses. Anxiety can also lead to depression and addiction. However, there are healthy ways to manage anxiety. Here…
Everyone experiences anxiety sometimes. It’s normal to feel anxious before a test or a job interview, but if you feel anxious most of the time and about relatively minor things, you may have an anxiety disorder. Signs of anxiety disorders include panic attacks, phobias, constant worry, and insomnia. Anxiety isn’t just unpleasant or inconvenient. It…