5 Bad Habits That Could Save Your Life

If taken within 24 hours of trauma, rats show no PTSD symptoms: study

(NEWSER) - Should we start issuing marijuana to soldiers? It might not be the worst idea, based on a new study from Haifa University in Israel, which found that pot could prevent post-traumatic stress disorder in rats—provided it was administered within 24 hours of the trauma occurring. “There is a critical window of time after trauma, during which synthetic marijuana can help prevent symptoms,” the study’s lead author tells the AFP . More»

Research could help PTSD sufferers

(NEWSER) - Playing Tetris probably isn't the first thing most people think of after a traumatic event, but researchers say doing so could reduce the risk of the flashbacks associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. A group of volunteers who played the shape-stacking computer game after being shown a video of traumatic images reported fewer flashbacks than a group who didn't play anything. A third group who played word-based game "Pub Quiz Machine" reported more flashbacks than the other two groups. More»

Swedish smoker lodges complaint over psychedelic hash

(NEWSER) - When a Swedish dope smoker's TV started talking to him and his girlfriend appeared to turn into a dolphin, he decided it was time to lodge a complaint. The befuddled 26-year-old went to his local police station to complain about the low quality of the hash he had been sold. He told officers he suspected it had been laced with LSD or some other psychedelic substance, and wanted it tested, the Local reports. More»

Psychologists say virtual reality allows vets to confront and overcome trauma

(NEWSER) - Using realistic war games to re-create the sights, sounds, and even smells of combat is helping veterans overcome post-traumatic stress disorder in several clinical trials. Games like Virtual Iraq—modeled on Full Spectrum Warrior—help psychologists bring patients back to traumatic events and break down mental barriers. Researchers say the treatment is proving highly effective with younger veterans raised on video games. More»

(AP) - Mexico has enacted a controversial law decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other drugs while encouraging free government treatment for drug dependency. The law sets out maximum "personal use" amounts for drugs, also including LSD and methamphetamine. People detained with those quantities will no longer face criminal prosecution when the law goes into effect Friday. More»