In a Los Angeles federal court, Dr. Salvador Plasencia received a 2 1/2-year prison sentence, along with probation and a fine, for providing ketamine to Matthew Perry, ultimately contributing to the actor’s fatal overdose. The judge emphasized that while Plasencia did not directly cause Perry’s death, he exploited the actor’s addiction for profit, leading to the outcome. During the emotional hearing, Perry’s family gave victim impact statements, expressing their grief and highlighting the profound loss. Plasencia, who pleaded guilty to distributing ketamine, apologized to Perry’s family, as the judge pushed back against the defense that Perry was his patient, viewing him instead as a drug dealer.
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Internal documents and statements from Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat reveal that these social media giants were aware of the addictive nature of their platforms and the potential harm to teens, yet continued to target them. According to a newly unsealed legal filing, internal communications show executives acknowledging that the platforms’ designs could be harmful to users’ mental health, with one internal message comparing Instagram to a drug and another noting minors lack the executive function to control screen time. The lawsuit, brought by several school districts and individuals, alleges that the companies prioritized profit over user safety by deliberately designing features to maximize youth engagement and advertising revenue. While the companies deny the allegations, the filing raises questions about the effectiveness of safety features and their awareness of the platforms’ negative impact.
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Two senators are urging the Canadian government to ban all advertising for sports betting apps and websites, citing concerns about the pervasive nature of these ads and their impact on individuals of all ages. This call, supported by 40 other senators, stems from worries that the constant exposure to gambling messages, which can fill up to 21% of broadcast runtime during sports events, is influencing people to view their phones as “pocket-sized casinos.” While some measures have been taken, such as banning sports personalities in gambling ads, the senators believe further action is necessary, echoing the rationale behind banning cigarette ads due to the potential societal harm. While some officials agree with the need for regulations, they are also open to other options, such as an act respecting a national framework on sports betting advertising.
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‘Bluetoothing’: Blood-Sharing Drug Trend Fuels Alarming Global HIV Surge
So, let’s dive straight into this, shall we? This whole “bluetoothing” thing. It’s hard to even wrap your head around it. The basic idea is that people are injecting blood from other drug users, hoping to catch a buzz. Yeah, I know. It’s as wild as it sounds. Apparently, the term is taking off, and it’s got people worried, especially because of the potential for a surge in HIV infections.
The core issue here is the sheer lack of logic and potential for danger. Some people are saying the whole thing is overblown, that the doses involved are just too small to get any kind of high.… Continue reading
Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the “Ketamine Queen,” will plead guilty to federal drug charges related to Matthew Perry’s death, including distribution of ketamine resulting in death. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Sangha faces a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison for her involvement in supplying Perry with ketamine in the weeks leading up to his fatal overdose, along with other distribution charges. The plea agreement states that Sangha, alongside others, including Perry’s assistant and an acquaintance, provided Perry with ketamine, with the assistant administering the fatal injections. This case underscores the dangers of unsupervised ketamine use, as well as the tragic consequences of addiction.
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DEA chief says meth surge ‘frightens’ him, especially meth-laced pills targeting college-age adults, and honestly, it’s a scary headline. The idea of a flood of meth, especially when it’s cleverly disguised in pills that look like common prescription drugs, is unsettling, particularly when it’s aimed at young adults in college. This isn’t just about the individual users; it’s about the potential for widespread addiction, health crises, and the disruption of communities.
I have to admit, though, it’s hard to ignore the immediate reactions. It’s difficult not to question if this is a sudden priority shift. The fact that the DEA is sounding the alarm now, after so many years of the opioid crisis, the widespread over prescription of highly addictive pain medication, feels a bit… selective.… Continue reading
In 2023, the global cocaine market experienced unprecedented growth, with production, seizures, and user numbers reaching record highs. Production surged to 3,708 tonnes, fueled primarily by increased coca cultivation in Colombia, while seizures hit 2,275 tonnes. Cocaine use also expanded to 25 million users, reflecting a growing trend among affluent populations and contributing to a “vicious cycle” of production and consumption. The report also noted the rise of cocaine trafficking in new markets across Asia and Africa, as well as record seizures of amphetamine-type stimulants.
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Sae Joon Park, a U.S. Army veteran who served in the invasion of Panama, self-deported to South Korea after nearly five decades in the U.S. His removal stemmed from drug-related charges and failure to appear in court, stemming from untreated PTSD from his time in combat. Despite being awarded a Purple Heart and honorably discharged, Park struggled with addiction and the legal system, ultimately receiving a removal order. Facing imminent detention and deportation, Park chose voluntary departure, leaving behind his family and the country he had served.
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The news surrounding Liam Payne’s tragic passing has brought forth a torrent of emotions and reflections on the nature of fame, addiction, and the fragility of human life. With reports indicating that multiple drugs were present in his body at the time of death, I find myself grappling with the stark realities of substance abuse and mental health struggles that are often masked by glitz and glamour.
The sheer number of drugs found in his system is staggering and truly underscores the depths of his struggles. It evokes a sense of disbelief that someone so seemingly successful could succumb to such a destructive lifestyle.… Continue reading
I never expected to wake up to such a shocking headline – Liam Payne, former One Direction member, dead at 31. As someone who was never a die-hard fan of the boyband, the news still hit me hard. It’s always devastating to hear about the untimely passing of someone so young, with their whole life ahead of them. Reading about Liam’s struggles with addiction and mental health only adds to the sorrow surrounding his death.
Back in 2013, I had the opportunity to meet Liam at the premiere for the One Direction documentary. Among the frenzy of excitement and teenage fandom, I distinctly remember Liam as the most grounded and relatable member of the group.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood