Karen


After a few years working at the Narconon center in Oklahoma, Karen has been researching drug trends around the world and writing reports and articles on addiction and recovery for nine years.

Articles by this Author


Alcohol plus Marijuana Is a Highly Dangerous Combination for Drivers

This article discusses the dangerous combination of alcohol and marijuana on the ability to drive safely. Used together, the danger of accident and injury can be greatly increased. This hazard was illustrated by the case of Donald Andrews, Jr., who drove his Tesla off an overpass in Upstate New York while impaired by both substances.
read more


Alcohol’s Assault on the Body

The consumption of alcohol is so ingrained in many cultures that it is accepted without question. What may go unnoticed is the millions of deaths it causes every year around the world. The deadly character of alcohol should be understood by everyone.
read more


Are Date Rape Drugs Still a Threat?

Reports of drug-facilitated sexual assaults are being received by law enforcement all over the country. To keep themselves safe, women and men should know what drugs are being used and how they are administered, both on college campuses and in cities.
read more



Buprenorphine May Reduce Illicit Drug Use—But Is That Enough?

Tens of thousands of American medical practitioners are licensed to dispense buprenorphine formulas to those in addiction recovery. But is providing this medication enough? Shouldn’t there be solutions for the loss of emotional, thinking, and social skills? We take a thorough look at this important topic.
read more



Is Methamphetamine More Destructive Than Previously Realized?

Methamphetamine, though less lethal than fentanyl, is wreaking havoc across the U.S. Highly potent P2P meth triggers fast, intense addiction while creating mental illness and homelessness, as evidenced in locations like Los Angeles and Oregon. While overdose deaths are lower, meth’s broader impact on families, health, and communities is severe.
read more


New Arrivals on the Illicit Drug Market in America

New synthetic drugs are the wave of the future—and the present. Every year, a long list of new drugs is detected by law enforcement. Buyers may not even know what they are getting as these new substances may be camouflaged. This ignorance can result in their death.
read more




These Illicit Drugs Can Destroy Your Lungs as Well as Your Life

Illicit drugs may pose far greater risks to your lung health than you realize, triggering conditions like pneumonia, emphysema, and even asphyxia. From alcohol to heroin, the ten substances discussed in this article impair breathing, set the stage for infection and dysfunction, and can easily turn deadly. Seeking help is crucial for those affected by addiction.
read more


What Is “Delta 8,” What Does It Do, and Who Is Using It?

This article explores the sudden emergence of an industry devoted to the manufacture and sales of Delta-8, a psychoactive substance derived from hemp. It’s sold even in states where marijuana is not legal, due to a legal loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill. The article examines the effects of this new drug and why its regulation has fallen between the cracks in state after state. Even more cannabis products are on the verge of release, without research or legislation that could keep consumers safe.
read more


What Is Pink Cocaine and Is It Dangerous?

Pink cocaine is a dangerous, unpredictable drug mixture that can contain the synthetic drug 2C-B plus ketamine, MDMA, or other substances. Its effects range from seizures to hallucinations or even death. Recent incidents, including a fatal crash in Miami, highlight the hazards related to its use.
read more


Florida’s Revolutionary Pilot Program Offers Immediate Support to Overdose Survivors

Florida’s CORE Pilot Program offers immediate support to overdose survivors. In this program, first responders will bypass conventional emergency facilities and take the survivor to a specialized facility for stabilization and immediate referral to a drug rehabilitation service. The program offers a more certain path to breaking the cycle of addiction and reducing the risk of future overdoses.
read more


New Research Reveals Birth Defects Resulting from Exposure to Fentanyl

A 2023 study revealed the alarming emergence of Fetal Fentanyl Syndrome (FFS), where prenatal exposure to fentanyl has been linked to severe birth defects and developmental delays in infants. Researchers have identified common symptoms, including abnormal head size, cleft palate, and joint deformities, among others. The study highlights the urgent need for public awareness and preventive measures to address a growing and preventable health crisis.
read more




Sober Does Not Mean Boring

Boredom is a dangerous condition for a person determined to stay sober. It's smart for anyone in recovery to know the best ways to prevent themselves from feeling bored. The payoff is not only sobriety but often includes achievement of personal goals, attainment of greater skills, and the chance to help others.
read more


Addiction in America

Addiction is such a pervasive problem in America that one in eight Americans suffer from this problem. Grasping the extent of the problem is a vital first step to resolving it successfully.
read more



Fentanyl Kills Eight Out of Ten Adolescents Dying from Overdoses

With fentanyl involved in 81% of adolescent overdose deaths—often disguised as common medications like Xanax or Adderall—a much better understanding of this threat is needed by parents, teachers, and others. These counterfeit pills are leading to fatal outcomes, especially among young men, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and prevention.
read more


How Do We End the Demand for Drugs in America?

There’s much discussion about saving lives from drugs. But what would it take? It’s time to take a good hard look at the steps that would have to be taken to bring about a drug-free nation. The various fronts on which this battle would need to be fought are reviewed and evaluated.
read more







Xylazine: An Emerging Drug Threat Triggering Health Crises Across the U.S.

Xylazine continues to spread across the U.S., often mixed with fentanyl and other substances. This veterinary sedative causes severe ulcers, increases the risk of fatal overdose, and can’t be reversed with naloxone. Its rise is worsening the drug crisis, creating life-threatening risks for users who unknowingly consume it in illicit drugs.
read more