The landscape of youth nicotine and cannabis use has changed dramatically. Today’s vaping devices are no longer limited to the recognizable e-cigarettes many adults are familiar with. Instead, manufacturers are designing “stealth vapes” that are intentionally disguised as everyday items, making them much harder for parents, educators, and coaches to recognize. Some devices are made…
When people think about addiction, they often picture alcohol or drugs. While substances can lead to addiction, the underlying pattern is often much broader. Some people may cope with difficult emotions by turning to work, social media, gambling, relationships, or other behaviors that provide temporary relief. The common thread is not the substance or behavior…
Oxycodone is a powerful prescription opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain. While it can be prescribed by a healthcare professional, oxycodone is also misused and may be found in counterfeit pills or illicit drug supplies. Knowing the names people may use for oxycodone can help you recognize conversations or situations that may involve…
Is it methamphetamine? Fentanyl? A combination of both? Does it also contain highly potent synthetic opioids such as cychlorphine or dangerous adulterants like xylazine or medetomidine? The reality is that there is often no way to know. Today’s illicit drug supply is increasingly unpredictable. Counterfeit pills and powders may contain fentanyl, methamphetamine, or other powerful…
Columbia, MD — The Board of Directors of HC DrugFree is announcing a leadership transition. After 17 years of dedicated service as Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi will transition from the Executive Director role in August 2026 and will continue supporting the organization as an Advisor to the Board and Leadership Team. During her tenure,…
HC DrugFree’s Executive Director Joan Webb Scornaienchi has been selected to serve a three-year term on the National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse (NACDA). The NACDA advises the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), one of the institutes within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Council provides guidance on NIDA’s research priorities and reviews…
The Maryland Department of Health’s Drug Overdose Surveillance and Epidemiology (DOSE) team has released its 2024 Annual Report, which examines suspected non-fatal overdose trends across the state using emergency medical services (EMS) and emergency department (ED) data. The report helps identify patterns that can guide prevention and response efforts. Key findings include: Remember, safely storing…
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced plans to temporarily classify synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and three similar substances as Schedule I controlled substances. 7-OH products are made with 7-hydroxymitragynine, a chemical related to kratom that can produce strong opioid-like effects. While this compound occurs naturally in very small amounts in kratom leaves, many products…
Howard County has launched SmartER, an innovative online tool that helps residents make informed healthcare decisions by providing real-time information on hospital emergency department capacity, nearby urgent care centers, and the services available at each location. When you or a family member isn’t feeling well, SmartER can help you find the right level of care…
