Drugs & Health Blog

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Your Brain on Stimulants, Part 1: How Stimulants Work

April 03, 2017 / The NIDA Blog Team

Stimulants increase alertness, attention, and energy by raising the levels of dopamine (a chemical) in the brain and other parts of the body, similar to the way dopamine is naturally produced. Read More »

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Could Snake Venom Help with the Opioid Problem?

March 20, 2017 / The NIDA Blog Team

Scientists are studying venom from snakes and spiders that might lead to safer or more effective pain relievers. This approach to developing drugs is called “toxineering." Read More »

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So You Think You May Have a Problem with Drugs. What Now?

March 13, 2017 / The NIDA Blog Team

If you think you might have a problem with drugs, it’s important to talk to a medical professional. If you have questions or concerns about taking that step, we have answers. Read More »

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Two More Things We’ve Learned About Secondhand Marijuana Smoke

March 06, 2017 / The NIDA Blog Team

Available evidence suggests that Inhaling secondhand marijuana smoke may not be as bad for your health as smoking marijuana -- but it isn’t harmless, either. Read More »

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Four red circles with red diagonal line through word or image of e-cigarette.

E-Cigarettes: What You Need to Know

February 21, 2017 / The NIDA Blog Team

For people looking to quit using tobacco, e-cigarettes might be helpful. But if you’re a teen who doesn’t smoke, they could eventually just hook you on tobacco. Read More »

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