Category: Substance misuse

Despite some misconceptions, research confirms that kava, a traditional beverage from the Pacific islands, does not contain opiates. Its relaxing and anxiety-reducing effects stem from a completely different set of active compounds and pharmacological pathways than opioid drugs.

While the term 'orange pill' has a notable metaphorical meaning within cryptocurrency communities, its context in the pharmacological world refers to several different medications, as well as illicit substances. In drug culture, color is a key identifier for street names, and the phrase points to a range of prescription drugs, and sometimes, far more dangerous illicit counterfeits. This guide focuses on the medication and pharmacology aspects of this common slang term.

Historically revered in ancient Egypt for its calming properties, blue lotus has garnered modern interest, but many ask, is blue lotus an opioid? Scientific analysis reveals that while it has psychoactive effects, its active alkaloids, apomorphine and nuciferine, act on dopamine and serotonin systems, not opioid receptors.

Recent studies have shown a concerning increase in intentional and unintentional benzonatate exposures, particularly among children and adolescents. While the medication is not a narcotic and is generally not considered an abused drug in the traditional sense, its misuse can lead to severe and life-threatening consequences.