Marijuana Addiction

Posted on December 12, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Marijuana addiction, or cannabis use disorder (CUD), is a complex mental health condition that involves a problematic pattern of cannabis use.

Cannabis refers to all products that come from the Cannabis sativa plant. This includes its dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds. The plant itself contains over 500 chemical substances.

Cannabis use disorder mainly involves THC-containing substances, such as marijuana.

Marijuana is part of, or products from, the Cannabis sativa plant that contain substantial amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the chemical that creates the “high” feeling.

CUD is a spectrum, which can be mild, moderate, or severe, typically involving an overpowering desire to use cannabis, increased tolerance to cannabis, and/or withdrawal symptoms when it is stopped being taken.

CUD can significantly impact a person’s health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Cannabis use disorder can be mild or moderate, with the most severe form being marijuana addiction. This is due to continued marijuana use despite negative consequences. Marijuana addiction occurs when the reward system in the brain takes over, increasing compulsive marijuana-seeking.

CUD is common. Researchers in 2021 estimated that 5.8%, or about 16.3 million people, in the U.S. 12 years or older have a cannabis use disorder in the previous 12 months.

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the signs of cannabis use disorder include:

Taking cannabis in larger amounts and for a longer period than you intended

Having a strong desire or urge to use cannabis

Having unsuccessful efforts to cut down on or control cannabis use

Spending a lot of time getting or using cannabis or recovering from its effects

Having issues fulfilling responsibilities at work, school, or home due to cannabis use

Continuing to use cannabis even when it causes problems in relationships

Giving up social, occupational, or recreational activities because of cannabis use

Using cannabis repeatedly, even when it puts you in danger

Continuing cannabis use despite an ongoing physical or psychological problem that cannabis is likely causing or making worse

Developing tolerance, which is the need for increased amounts of cannabis to get the same effect

Experiencing cannabis withdrawal symptoms, which you can relieve by taking more of it

It is essential to seek medical care as soon as you have signs of cannabis use disorder.

There are other symptoms and behaviors of cannabis use disorder. They include:

Memory issues, such as confusion

Difficulty learning

Hallucinations and/or delusions

Sudden changes in your mood and behavior, such as withdrawing from friends and family

Hostility or denial when someone confronts you about your excessive cannabis use

No longer caring about your physical appearance as much as you used to

Secretive behavior, such as hiding your cannabis use

There is a progression to cannabis use disorder that often follows a pattern that includes:

Experimental use

Occasional use

Heavy use

Substance use disorder

The progression of cannabis use disorder is complex, and several factors can contribute to the development of substance use disorder, including:

THC’s effect on brain chemistry: marijuana sends massive surges of dopamine, the neurotransmitter and “feel good” hormone, through the brain, causing the user to seek out experiences that reward them with good feelings

Genetics: studies show that genetic factors are responsible for 40%-60% of the vulnerability to any substance use disorder

Mental health conditions: about half of people who experience a mental health condition will also experience a substance use disorder, such as CUD, and vice versa, which is known as a dual diagnosis. Substance use disorders and other mental health conditions happen because of overlapping factors such as:

Genetic vulnerabilities

Issues with similar areas of the brain

Environmental influence

Access and exposure to cannabis: having access to cannabis is a major environmental factor that can increase the extent of exposure and the opportunity. Other factors can include:

Use of cannabis by a member of your household

Use of cannabis by your peers

Having a medical marijuana certificate in states where it is legal

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing CUD, including:

Age: People who begin using cannabis before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop CUD than adults

The potency of marijuana: Using marijuana with a higher potency may increase your risk for CUD. In addition, some methods of using marijuana, such as dabbing or vaping concentrates, may deliver very high levels of THC to your body

Frequency of use: In one study, 17% of people who used cannabis weekly and 18.8% of people who used cannabis daily met the criteria for cannabis dependence

Depression: Having depression may increase your risk of developing CUD

Sex: males are more likely to develop CUD

Other substance use: using or misusing other substances such as alcohol, nicotine, or hallucinogens may increase your risk of CUD

Cannabis use disorder can’t be diagnosed with a single test. Healthcare providers instead rely on a thorough evaluation of your medical history and behaviors surrounding cannabis use. They may also order drug tests.

A healthcare provider will also ask about your mental health history, as it is common to have CUD and some type of mental health condition.

Treatment for cannabis use disorder depends on the severity of the disorder and is highly individualized, and you may need different types of treatment at different times.

Treatment for CUD often requires continuing care to be effective because it is a chronic condition with the potential for both recovery and relapse.

People with CUD often have co-occurring mental health conditions, and it is generally better to treat them together rather than separately.

There are two main forms of treatment for CUD. They include:

Detoxification

Cognitive and behavioral therapies

To find out more about our mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

What is the Chikungunya Virus?

Posted on December 11, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

There have been many cases of the Chikungunya virus reported in the news lately. The Chikungunya virus is a virus that spreads to people through the bite of mosquitoes that are infected with the virus.

Experts believe that the number of cases of the Chikungunya virus is underreported because its symptoms are like other diseases. Once only in Africa and Asia, the virus has affected more than 110 countries worldwide.

Symptoms of chikungunya usually develop between three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. However, some people have symptoms as early as two days or as long as 12 days after a mosquito bite. Fever and joint pain are the most common symptoms of the Chikungunya virus. The intensity of symptoms can vary depending on the person. Many people can feel crippling joint pain and develop a sudden fever. Other people may have mild symptoms that they mistake the virus for another illness or don’t visit a healthcare provider. Other symptoms of the Chikungunya virus include:

Headache

Muscle pain

Swelling in the joints

Rash

Fatigue

Nausea

Most people can experience symptoms for about a week and go on to make a full recovery. However, the most common complication of the Chikungunya virus is chronic joint pain, which some people have reported for months or years after they were infected with the virus.

Getting bitten by a mosquito infected with the chikungunya virus causes a person to get the virus. It is not spread from person to person through bodily fluids or contact. However, although rare, transmission of the virus is possible when coming into direct contact with infected blood.

A person who has traveled to a country that has had a current outbreak or known transmissions is most likely to get the virus, so it is very important to check with your healthcare provider or with health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) to see if you are at risk of getting the Chikungunya virus before you travel.

Please note that pregnant women with the virus don’t transmit it to the fetus. There is also no evidence that shows the virus spreads to an infant through breast milk. However, women who are pregnant and near their due date should avoid traveling to countries with known cases because it may be passed to their baby during delivery.

There have been cases of the chikungunya virus reported in the U.S., but it is rare. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 36 cases were reported in the U.S. in 2021. Almost all cases occur in people who have returned to the U.S. from countries with active outbreaks. Some places that have had outbreaks reported include countries in:

Africa

Asia

Europe

India

Islands in the Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian oceans

Central and South America

Newborns, adults 65 and older, and people with certain health conditions are at risk for more severe complications from the virus. These health conditions include:

Diabetes

High blood pressure

Heart disease

There have been several cases where a person has reported ongoing heart, eye, or neurological symptoms after recovering from the virus. Death from the virus is rare.

Chikungunya virus is diagnosed when a healthcare provider performs a blood test after you have let them know that you have been experiencing symptoms of the virus, and if you have recently traveled to an area of the world that is known to have chikungunya transmission.

Treatment for the Chikungunya virus focuses on managing the infected person’s symptoms. Treatments include:

Drinking plenty of fluids

Getting a lot of rest

Taking acetaminophen for pain. Do not take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin until your healthcare provider makes a diagnosis

Most people feel better within one week of their first symptoms. However, despite some people reporting ongoing joint pain for several months or years, most evidence suggests that once you’ve had the Chikungunya virus, you are unlikely to get it again because you develop immunity to the virus.

There is no cure for the Chikungunya virus, but the illness is temporary. However, it can be prevented by getting the vaccine, avoiding mosquitoes, and being especially cautious when traveling to areas where outbreaks of the virus are more common.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of the Chikungunya virus, you can receive treatment from a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

The Importance of Getting Vaccinated During Cold and Flu Season

Posted on December 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Flu season can be unpredictable, as it can begin as early as fall and can last until spring. Flu activity is usually at its peak during winter, and public healthcare professionals, advocates, and communities come together to promote flu vaccination as the flu can cause serious health complications, such as bacterial infections or pneumonia. If it isn’t treated in time, the flu can even lead to death.

Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, including pregnant women and young children. Millions of children get sick with the flu every year, and thousands will be hospitalized as a result. Women are also at higher risk of developing serious flu complications during pregnancy.

Since flu viruses are constantly changing and protection from vaccination decreases over time, getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to reduce your risk of the flu. A flu vaccine is the only vaccine that protects against the flu and has been shown to reduce the risk of illness from the flu, hospitalization, and death.

During flu season, we encourage everyone six months and older to get their annual flu vaccine, especially pregnant women, young children, and other people who are at a higher risk of developing serious flu complications. The more people who get vaccinated against the flu, the more people who will be protected from it.

If you or a loved one would like to get the flu vaccine, you can visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

What Is “Power Peeing” and How Does It Affect Pelvic Floor Health?

Posted on December 9, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

The term “power peeing” is used to describe the habit of forcefully pushing or bearing down on the abdominal muscles to urinate faster; doing this can contribute to a host of health problems.

Straining our abdominal muscles to expel urine faster is a common practice, often done when we are rushing. While power peeing appears to speed up the process and save us some time, it can do more harm than good. Habitually forcing out our urine can:

Weaken pelvic floor muscles
Lead to pelvic floor dysfunction
Lead to incomplete bladder emptying
Lead to incontinence
Lead to urinary leakage
Lead to constipation
Increase prolapse risk
Increase UTI risk

To avoid these problems, it is advisable to relax our pelvic muscles when urinating and let the urine flow. Here are some tips to help you do this:

Don’t hover over the toilet seat
Sit fully on the toilet seat with both feet on the floor and lean slightly forward.
Take a deep breath and relax the pelvic muscles
Breathe normally with full inhalation and slow exhalation
Allow urine to flow and the bladder to empty naturally without pushing
Practice double voiding (taking the time to pee twice to ensure your bladder is completely empty)

Practicing the proper urination technique is important because it can help promote good pelvic floor and bladder health.

If you are experiencing incontinence or bladder health issues, a urologist can help. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Does Nasal Irrigation Effectively Fight the Common Cold?

Posted on December 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

The winter season is approaching quickly, and with it comes the cold season. When we come down with a cold, we try different methods to relieve our cold symptoms.

However, using a simple saline or saltwater solution can help reduce the duration of these symptoms.

A pilot study done in 2019 found that flushing your nose with a 3% saline solution, which is higher than the standard 0.9% concentration, can reduce cold symptoms in almost two days.

Additionally, researchers say that saline nasal drops may help reduce transmission rates of cold viruses.

In the same 2019 study, 93% of participants said the 3% saline solution made a difference in their symptoms, and 61% said they would use it again during another cold.

Most people may catch a cold two or three times each year, as the cold virus spreads easily via contaminated droplets. Saline solution is an affordable, easy-to-use treatment that may help slow down the spread of the cold virus between family members.

Saline nasal drops may also help to clear up a runny nose. The solution may help reduce viral load, the amount of the virus in a person’s system, by flushing out the nasal passages.

Saline nasal drops help flush out mucous and inflammatory mediators, which are chemical messengers that play a crucial role in initiating and regulating the body’s inflammatory response. This can improve cold symptoms and give the immune system a better chance to fight the infection.

When you are looking to buy saline nasal drops or sprays, it is important to look for a saline percentage or the words “hypertonic” or “extra-strength” on the label. Many brands of saline solutions sell 3% hypertonic nasal spray, but it is important to read the labels carefully to confirm the product does not contain other added medications.

You can also make a saline solution at home with salt, baking soda, and water. It is important to only use distilled or boiled and cooled tap water when preparing the solution, as the quality of tap water varies, and there may be things such as bugs and germs present.

To make the saline solution, combine three tablespoons of salt and one teaspoon of baking soda. Avoid any salts that contain iodine, preservatives, or anti-caking agents because these can irritate your nose. Put one teaspoon of the salt-baking soda mixture into eight ounces of distilled or boiled water. Baking soda helps reduce irritation; however, you may still experience some irritation in the nose or throat after using the saline solution.

Although hypertonic nasal drops or sprays could be prepared correctly, they can still irritate the nose and throat. Some people may even experience a temporary burning sensation. Use the hypertonic saline solution as tolerated. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about alternative cold remedies if the saline solution doesn’t work well for you and if your cold symptoms persist or get worse.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a cold, you can receive treatment from a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Dealing with Depression During the Holiday Season

Posted on December 4, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

The holidays are a time when we spend joyous and happy moments with friends and family. However, for some, the holidays can bring a lot of sadness, loneliness, and even depression. This is called holiday depression.

Holiday depression can feel a lot like regular depression; however, it is triggered by the onset of the holidays, large family gatherings, and attending or hosting social events. Holiday depression is like the “winter blues”, but it may come and go in quick bursts as one event ends and another begins, or it can linger for days or weeks leading up to and beyond the holiday season.

Holiday depression can disrupt relationships, mental health, and the ability to manage everything that comes with the holiday season.

Holiday depression can affect anyone at any time, and it can be hard on a person’s mental health, as it can be triggered by various things, including:

Stressful schedules

Putting pressure on yourself

Separation from loved ones

Loneliness

Family dynamics

Seasonal depression

Social anxiety

Holiday trauma

There are several signs of holiday depression. They can include:

Feeling depressed and hopeless for more days than not

Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

Constantly feeling anxious, nervous, or on edge

Trouble sleeping over an extended time

Intrusive thoughts that are difficult to manage on your own

Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Holiday depression can feel daunting as you navigate the season. However, there are many ways to cope with and find support and emotional stability that can help you get through this difficult time of year. They include:

Remembering a loved one

Setting boundaries

Staying connected with friends and family

Limiting social media use

Sharing happy memories

Setting realistic expectations for the holidays

Taking care of yourself

Seeking support and help

If you are having harmful thoughts, such as thoughts about suicide, or believe you are experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 through phone, chat, or text, go to the hospital, or call your local 911 hotline and your doctor right away to get the help you need.

No one should face their mental health challenges alone. To learn more about our outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

New Norovirus Variant

Posted on December 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Norovirus cases are rising as a new variant of the virus is spreading across the U.S., with 153 outbreaks being reported between August and November so far. This is compared to 235 outbreaks reported during this same period last year. This is due to a mutated variant of the virus called GII.17.

Norovirus is a group of viruses that cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. It is very common and highly contagious. Norovirus outbreaks occur most often between November and April in countries above the equator and between April and September in countries below the equator.

There are several symptoms of norovirus, including:

· Nausea

· Stomach pain

· Headache

· Fever

· Body aches

Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and last one to three days. Norovirus symptoms are generally the same in both adults and children. Adults may experience more diarrhea than children, and children may vomit more than adults.

A virus in the Caliciviridae family causes norovirus. When the virus enters your body, it causes your stomach and intestines to swell or become inflamed. This is called gastroenteritis, which leads to norovirus symptoms.

There are many ways to contract the norovirus infection, including:

· Through close contact with someone who has the virus

· Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose

· Eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages

Norovirus is the biggest cause of illness from contaminated food in the U.S. The virus typically spreads when someone who has the virus touches food before serving it to someone else. Sometimes, certain foods such as oysters and other seafood are naturally contaminated with norovirus.

A healthcare provider can diagnose norovirus after learning about your symptoms. Testing isn’t usually necessary; however, testing may be done if you have an underlying medical condition that affects the performance of your immune system and your ability to fight infections. A healthcare provider may ask for a stool sample that they will test to confirm your diagnosis.

There isn’t a cure for the norovirus. Treatment for the infection focuses on relieving symptoms, which will go away in one to three days. You can manage the symptoms of norovirus by:

· Drinking plenty of fluids, especially those rich in electrolytes

· Getting a lot of rest

· Eating soft, bland foods

The norovirus is extremely difficult to kill as it can’t easily be washed away and can survive temperatures up to 145°F. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands vigorously with soap, cleaning any infected areas with diluted bleach, and washing infected clothes with hot water and detergent. The CDC also recommends wearing gloves and throwing them out after cleaning, which adds to your protection.

There are also many precautions you can take to reduce the risk of getting norovirus, including:

· Washing fruits and vegetables before eating them

· Cooking your food thoroughly (especially seafood or shellfish) or to an appropriate temperature

· Avoiding contact with people who are infected with norovirus

Please note that using hand sanitizer doesn’t kill norovirus particles as effectively as washing your hands with soap and water. If you are infected with norovirus, you shouldn’t prepare food or care for others, as you can spread the infection.

If you experience vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms of norovirus, schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center as soon as possible by calling (718) 670-5486.

How Long Should You Keep Thanksgiving Leftovers?

Posted on November 28, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

It is the day after Thanksgiving, and the refrigerator is full of leftovers. It is important to know how long these leftovers should actually last to avoid foodborne illnesses.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Safety and Inspection Service recommends throwing out refrigerated leftovers after three to four days. If certain foods are kept in the freezer, they can still be eaten for three to four months after Thanksgiving.

It is important to properly store and refrigerate all leftovers within two hours at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. To store them, pack the leftovers into small containers and resealable plastic bags. Storing food in smaller portions makes it easier and more convenient for them to be used when taken straight from the freezer. Using freezer or storage-specific plastic bags and plastic wrap helps prevent freezer burn because they are thicker than normal bags. Push out as much air as possible to limit exposure to the surface of the food, which also helps prevent freezer burn.

Throw away any food that doesn’t keep well in the refrigerator, such as salads, which can become soggy and wilted. Greens such as kale and cabbage can last for up to three days.

Remove any stuffing from inside the turkey and store it separately in airtight containers. Stuffing can last up to four days in the refrigerator and two to three months in the freezer.

When storing leftover turkey, cut the turkey into smaller pieces and store them separately in small airtight containers. Turkey can last for four days in the fridge and four months in the freezer.

Gravy can last for four days in the fridge and up to four months in the freezer. When reheating the gravy, add it to a saucepan and cover it with a lid, and bring it to a rolling boil.

Homemade cranberry sauce can stay good for a week to 10 days in the fridge. Canned cranberry sauce can be kept for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. It is not recommended to freeze cranberry sauce.

Potatoes and yams can be stored in the refrigerator for four days and up to two months in the freezer.

Desserts such as fruit pies can be kept at room temperature for two days. After two days, they can be stored in the refrigerator, loosely covered, for two more days.

It is important to note that you should always reheat leftovers to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, as it destroys most foodborne pathogens, preventing you from developing food poisoning.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of food poisoning, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Healthy Holiday Recipe: Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Posted on November 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and as we’re preparing to have dinner with the turkey as the star of the show, the sides we have along with the turkey help make it a complete meal. Sweet potatoes are often a common side dish.

Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and vitamins A and C. Adding honey to your sweet potatoes adds natural sweetness with trace antioxidants, making this a nutritious and satisfying side.

Here is a recipe for honey-roasted sweet potatoes that will help elevate your Thanksgiving Day meal.

These sweet potatoes are lightly roasted with honey for a perfect balance of sweetness and caramelization.

Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe | Ellie Krieger | Food Network

Employee Spotlight Shines on Roxanne Campbell

Posted on November 24, 2025 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Roxanne Campbell, MSN, RN-BC, Case Management Supervisor who has been employed at Flushing Hospital Medical Center for one year.

Roxanne was born in Jamaica, West Indies and moved with her family to Brooklyn when she was two years old. She currently resides with her family in Springfield Gardens, Queens. Roxanne attended the David Grayson Christian Academy. She completed her undergraduate studies at the New York Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and obtained her Master of Science in Nursing Education at Stony Brook University.

Roxanne has a son who is 11 years old with whom she enjoys doing a lot of fun activities. They enjoy going to amusement parks, zoos, and museums. In her free time, she likes to go go-karting, take walks in the park, play video games, read novels, horror books and autobiographies and watch documentaries. Roxanne enjoys movies that are action films, thrillers and comedies. She enjoys many types of food especially Jamaican, Chinese and Thai, and also loves to cook, especially oxtail, curry goat and fish. Her taste in music includes 90’s R& B, Jazz and reggae. Roxanne likes to watch basketball, soccer and football. Her favorite places to visit are Florida theme parks, places with beaches and Jamaica.

Roxanne strives to make the treatment and care that she provides to her patients unforgettable positive experiences. She enjoys working at Flushing Hospital because of the wonderful people she works with in the Case Management and Social work department. The team at Flushing Hospital feels like a family to her. We are very happy to have Roxanne as a member of our staff and look forward to her continuing to work with us for many years into the future.