Lauren Smith

Lauren Smith

Lauren Smith has worked as a journalist and copywriter for the last decade, covering a range of topics including health, energy, and technology in the US and UK.

Latest guides

Hot Railing Methamphetamines

31 August 2023

Methamphetamines are abused in a variety of ways; one of which is hot railing. Read here to learn more about what hot railing is and the damage it can do to meth users.


Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)

22 August 2023

Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) is a condition that affects those who have a history of abusing psychedelics. Read here to learn the causes, effects, and treatment for HPPD.


Addiction and the LGBTQ+ Community

21 August 2023

The LGBTQ+ community often faces difficult barriers to treatment for substance use disorder. Find out more and where to find LGBTQ+ addiction treatment.


PCP (Angel Dust)

25 July 2023

Phencyclidine, better known as PCP or angel dust is a dissociative hallucinogen. Read here to learn the effects, addictiveness, and slang names for PCP.


Does Lyrica Cause Weight Gain?

21 April 2023

Pregabalin, also known as Lyrica, is a medication used to treat nerve pain and seizures. While weight gain can be a side effect, it is not common for everyone.

Latest articles

New tax on UK betting companies could fund research into gambling addiction

26 October 2023

Under new proposals from the British government, online betting companies would be required to pay 1% of their gross gambling yields to fund research, prevention, and treatment of gambling addiction.


California Governor Vetoes Bill to Decriminalize Magic Mushrooms

19 October 2023

Citing the need for more guardrails, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed state legislation that would have decriminalized the possession and personal use of several hallucinogens, including psilocybin mushrooms.


New study brings MDMA closer to FDA approval as treatment for PTSD

10 October 2023

The MDMA-assisted therapy safely and effectively relieves symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a diversity of people, a new study found.


Colombia’s Coca Production at All-Time High, UN Says

27 September 2023

With more Colombian land planted with coca than ever before, the country’s potential cocaine production soared by 24% last year. Read here for more news on the rise of cocaine production in Colombia.


Canadian Company Is Mass-Producing Psychedelic Cactus Peyote — Legally

16 September 2023

Publicly traded Canadian company Lophos Pharma has begun “sustainable” cultivation of the cactus peyote, the source of the psychedelic drug mescaline, in order to sell and further research the plant. Read here for more.