NARCONON AUTHOR

Ren

After working in addiction treatment for several years, Ren now travels the country, studying drug trends and writing about addiction in our society. Ren is focused on using his skill as an author and counselor to promote recovery and effective solutions to the drug crisis. Connect with Ren on LinkedIn.

NATIONAL NEWS

Methamphetamine Overdose Deaths on the Rise in Indian Country

Methamphetamine is an addictive drug that causes several harmful effects in users, including addiction, long-term health conditions, and death. While anyone can become hooked on the drug and while meth-related deaths are climbing nationwide, studies show meth addiction and death are having a disproportionate effect on Native American communities, particularly on Native American youths.

NATIONAL NEWS

Recent Police Raids Show Meth Is the Biggest Drug Problem in Oklahoma

A recent drug bust in Oklahoma was so alarming that the event made national headlines and prompted Oklahoma law enforcement to perform a broader investigation into drug seizures in the state.

DRUG PREVENTION

Resources for Disposing of Unused Pharmaceutical Drugs in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has struggled with one of the worst prescription drug addiction epidemics. Given that a growing number of young people are getting their first experience with prescription drugs by finding meds at home, a critical step in ending this public health...

NATIONAL NEWS

Oklahoma Makes Progress in Holding Opioid Makers and Distributors Accountable

Recently, the Oklahoma State Justice Department succeeded in coming to a settlement with drugmaker Allergan and pharmacy chains CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. The settlement came out to about $226 million, funds that Oklahoma won from the four corporations...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Oklahoma Officials Reach Opioid Settlement with Drug Companies

Oklahoma, a state ravaged by the opioid epidemic and a number of addiction crises that followed, just secured a $250 million settlement with pharma distributors McKesson, Cardinal, and AmerisourceBergen for the role those companies played in Oklahoma’s...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Oklahoma Has One of the Worst Prescription Drug Abuse Problems in the Nation

Recent reports claim Oklahoma has the highest percentage of individuals 12 and older who are addicted to prescription drugs. But this is not a sudden or recent crisis. Rather, the above statistic represents more than a decade in the development of a sinister...

NATIONAL NEWS

Methamphetamine Deaths Surge in Oklahoma

Methamphetamine overdose deaths have tripled across the United States. A drug that was not often flagged as the cause of death in drug use cases is now a life-threatening substance. And in the state of Oklahoma, it’s the #1 killer.

NATIONAL NEWS

Indigenous Tribes Label Opioid Overdose Deaths a National Emergency

Indigenous tribes across the nation have made national headlines for officially labeling opioid overdose deaths as national emergencies. Indigenous tribes such as the Blackfeet of Montana and the Cherokee of Oklahoma are just two of the latest tribal nations...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

The U.S. Surpasses 1 Million Fatalities from the Addiction Epidemic

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began tracking annual drug-related fatalities in the late-1990s. Since then, estimates show that over 1,000,000 people have died in the United States from drug overdoses, a grim milestone and a wake-up call...

RECOVERY

Committing to Recovery in 2022

It’s a new year, and with a new year comes new commitments and new decisions. For those struggling with addiction, now is the time to get better. Now is the time to seek treatment and finally step away from drug and alcohol abuse.

SOBRIETY

Preventing Substance Abuse During the Holidays and New Year

The holidays can be a moment of great cheer, of special family gatherings, of putting aside the troubles of the world and coming together with those who matter most. But for those who are in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction and for those who are...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Oklahoma Supreme Court Sides with Johnson & Johnson in Opioid Lawsuit

The last few years have seen hundreds of court cases levied against pharmaceutical companies for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic. One recent development came in the form of an unfortunate loss for plaintiffs, when the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled...

DRUG INFORMATION

How Alcohol Consumption Affects the Aging Process

When people think about the harm caused by alcohol consumption, their thoughts almost immediately go to alcohol misuse, binge drinking, alcohol addiction, and other forms of excessive alcohol use. However, research findings have shown that even drinking...

CHARACTERISTICS OF ADDICTION

The Role of Stigma and Addiction and How to Combat It

Expressing stigma towards addicts does nothing to help them. Stigma adds fuel to the roaring blaze of America’s addiction emergency, making it more difficult to solve the public health crisis. If more Americans could overcome the stigma associated with...

NATIONAL NEWS

New Marijuana Testing Technology May Make Roads Safer... But Does it Go Far Enough?

Scientists and researchers are on the verge of unveiling new testing technology to assess cannabis impairment accurately. But solely criminalizing cannabis-impaired drivers will not solve the problem of impaired driving. Treatment will.

DRUG REHABILITATION

Five Things to Look for in a Treatment Center

One can safely say that choosing an addiction treatment center to go to is one of the most important decisions of a lifetime. Addiction is a life or death crisis, and making the right choice in where to go for help can make a significant difference in...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Pharmacy Chains Now in the Spotlight for Their Role in the Opioid Crisis

The last few years have produced an array of legal cases that finally bring pressure to bear on the pharmaceutical industry for its role in the opioid epidemic. From lawsuits brought against pharmaceutical manufacturers to litigation with distributors,...

DRUG INFORMATION

Alcohol Addiction and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

While no addict should be condemned or vilified for their addiction, they must get help as soon as possible. And for would-be mothers who are addicted to alcohol, the stakes are that much higher.

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Country Music and Alcohol – Not a Healthy Mix

While art can take many forms and still be appreciated even when controversial, people should monitor the effects that their favorite art has on their lives. For example, when one of the most popular and appreciated music genres in the nation, country...

CHARACTERISTICS OF ADDICTION

Drug and Alcohol Addiction Among Veterans

With Veterans Day right around the corner, it’s important to consider the unique challenges faced by our nation’s former service members, to explore statistics on substance abuse among veterans, and to determine how our communities can better help...