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This week, two preteens were arrested at an Indianapolis elementary school. The 10-year-old and 11-year-old were arrested for dealing drugs to fellow students at their school. Local law enforcement authorities called the arrests unusual, despite the fact that the average age of drug dealers in the area has been getting younger and younger. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Sergeant Matthew Mount commented: "Those that are involved in selling drugs want to get kids involved in drug use as soon as they can. ... Hopefully you can get to kids at an early enough age that you can have a positive influence on them."

(Source: www.wibc.com)

Labels: drugs, pre-teen, indianapolis

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According to the Edmonton (Canada) medical examiner's office, the effects of ecstasy are highly unpredictable. The same dosage may cause euphoria in one individual and brain damage and/or death in another. Although ecstasy-related deaths are rare, experts have not been able to correlate the effects of the drug with dosage. A single casual usage can cause significant brain damage. In addition, young women seem to be more susceptible to ecstasy overdose, but experts aren't sure why.

An overdose of ecstasy can cause death in at least three different ways: it can increase blood pressure to the point that a blood vessel ruptures, usually in the brain; it can cause hyperthermia (an increase in body temperature) to the point of death; and it can cause the brain to swell resulting in brain damage.

In addition to significant variability in how ecstasy affects different people, many ecstasy pills are homemade. These pills vary widely in their potency and contain an inconsistent variety of substances. Martin Davies, a pharmacologist at the University of Alberta, comments: "Ecstasy tablets can have all sorts of other drugs in them. ... That's part of the reason they're so dangerous. Some ecstasy tablets can contain no ecstasy whatsoever."

(Sources: www.edmontonjournal.com)

Labels: ecstasy, brain damage

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A recent report published by researchers at the University of British Columbia indicates that many young people in British Columbia use marijuana for "therapy" or "medicinal use" instead of for "recreation." Approximately one-third of young people interviewed for the study reported using marijuana to address health problems such as depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness.

Area physician Dr. Pam Allardyce commented that although this type of use is fairly widespread, many young people she sees are trying to move toward more conventional treatments: "It's not surprising at all [that they are] using it to self medicate. ... They come in in their 19 or 20's and they're trying to seek employment. ... They have met a girlfriend who's not accepting of their marijuana use or there's something socially that's caused them to have to deal with it."

(Source: www.ctvbc.ctv.ca)

Labels: health problems, teen drug abuse, pot, weed

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According to a new report from the University of Kentucky, 90 percent of the 1.4 million adolescents struggling with substance abuse do not get treatment, partly because not enough treatment programs are devoted to teens. The report was compiled by Hannah Knudsen, an assistant professor in the University of Kentucky Department of Behavioral Science and a researcher in the universitys Center on Drug and Alcohol Research.

The report contained a random sampling of 154 programs. Knudsen looked at nine domains of quality. Overall, the cohort of programs received an average score. Addiction treatment services for teens in the Lexington, Kentucky area appear especially lacking. Of the 38 programs in the area, only six offer services for teens.

Knudsen commented, "One barrier has to do with the limited amount of funding that exists for substance abuse treatment. ... In addition, treating adolescents means that treatment programs need to find counselors with experience and training that helps them to work well with teenagers; that can also be a challenge."

(Source: kykernel.com)

Labels: teen drug abuse, addiction treatment, treatment

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A 13-year-old girl in Lorain, Ohio turned her stepfather in to authorities after discovering that he was growing marijuana in her bedroom closet. The girl met police outside the house when they arrived and explained what she had seen. After searching the house and speaking to the stepfather, police recovered the four-foot-tall plan as well as eight more three-foot-tall plants and arrested the stepfather. The stepfather, who later admitted to selling the drug, was charged with trafficking in drugs, illegal cultivation of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia possession.

(Sources: www.msnbc.msn.com)

Labels: drugs, teen

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One year ago, Alicia Lannes, a 19-year-old from Fairfax Virginia, died of heroin overdose. Her death initiated a federal investigation into a heroin ring in Centreville, Virginia. Four young men, current and former students of a local high school, received sentences from four to 20 years for their involvement in the ring. Alicia's boyfriend was also charged with providing the heroin that killed her.

This week, Alicia's father, Greg Lannes, spoke out about heroin use in the suburban community, saying, "It's not some inner-city issue. ... We want the impact of our pain to be felt by the community."

Local police report that heroin use is a growing and unsettling trend among local high school students, many of them from privileged backgrounds. Fairfax County Police Commander Ron Lantz commented, "We're seeing kids on the honor roll, band students, kids in athletics and sports ... become involved in heroin."

(Source: www.msnbc.msn.com)

Labels: teen drug abuse, heroin abuse, virginia

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Parents and authorities in Green Bay have increasing concerns over teen "pharming" - the act of stealing (often from parents' medicine cabinets) and consuming prescription medications. Dr. Jane Whitman, a doctor at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, has seen a sharp increase in teens being brought into the emergency room by friends or even abandoned at the emergency room. She comments, "It's only after the drug screen that we find the narcotics. ... I think teens are basically cleaning out the medicine cabinet."

Teens are known to have pharming parties, where teens bring whatever pills they can get hold of and mix them with alcohol. These combinations are highly dangerous and frequently lethal; they can also cause permanent organ damage.

Law enforcement officials recognize pharming as a significant and growing problem. Lieutenant Tim Wickman, a crime prevention specialist for the Green Bay Police Department, comments, "It's becoming very serious ...and it's becoming more common than marijuana."

(Source: www.greenbaypressgazette.com)

Labels: pharming, green bay

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A partnership between Ohio State University College of Pharmacology and Ohio pharmacists is working to educate Ohio residents about prescription drug abuse, particularly among young people. The partnership will be promoting local programs that use pharmacists to provide community education on the dangers of abusing drugs that are often found in the home.

A recent report by the Ohio Department of Health showed that in 2006 and 2007 drug overdoses surpassed auto accidents as the leading cause of accidental deaths in the state. The department attributes the increase in fatalities to growing use of prescription drugs. Kenneth Hale, the pharmacy college's assistant dean for professional and external affairs, commented: "The drug problem is moving from the streets to the medicine cabinet."

Ohio is also planning to share a database with Kentucky that will allow physicians to check patient prescription histories. The database will help prevent drug abusers from crossing state lines to obtain painkillers and other prescription drugs.

(Sources: www.thenews-messenger.com)

Labels: teen drug use, teen drug abuse, ohio

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Colby College hosted a speaker this week on the topic of college drinking. Robert Dana, vice president for student affairs at University of Maine at Orono, travels across the country speaking on the topic of alcohol abuse on college campuses. Dana commented, "I think alcohol and college students is a real problem everywhere. ... It's a societal problem. ... If we're going to effectively address it, we have to do something about it."

Dana believes that the problem is not easily solvable and requires collaboration by students, staff, law enforcement, substance-abuse professionals, and others. "You can't take a tremendously complicated public-health problem and wink and nod it away; you've got to embrace it."

The April 12th arrest of two intoxicated Colby students for assault and trespassing brought the issue of student drinking to the forefront. The college has instituted policies and procedures over the last several years which have resulted in decreasing numbers of alcohol-related arrests. Dana believes that talking, thinking, and acting on the issue are important for all colleges because alcohol and substance abuse extend far beyond the campus. "It allows us to be always engaging the subject, which is a major public health crisis in this country. The reality is, there are all sorts of things that cause substance-abuse problems, and we're living in a substance-abusing culture."

(Source: www.morningsentinel.mainetoday.com)

Labels: alcohol, college-drinking, drinking, students

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April 8, 2009 marks the 91st birthday of former first lady Betty Ford. With the founding of the Betty Ford Center in 1982, Betty Ford made a groundbreaking contribution to the treatment of addiction for women. Betty had many roles in her lifetime: model, dancer, first lady, feminist, and cancer survivor. But it was her experience battling and surviving her own addictions that led to her most memorable venture.

In April 1978, the year that her husband lost the presidential election to democratic candidate Jimmy Carter, Betty began losing her battle against substance addiction. Her family staged an intervention, and she was admitted to the U.S. Naval Hospital in Long Beach, California, for chemical dependency. During her treatment at the hospital, she first saw the need for a detoxification and treatment center that would offer services for each gender separately. In 1982, Betty joined with her friend Ambassador Leonard Firestone to co-found the nonprofit center. (Source: www.findingdulcinea.com)

Labels: addiction, treatment, rehab

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The Clear Creek public school district is proposing to drop its Drug Awareness and Resistance Education (DARE) program based on evidence that the program is ineffective at keeping kids off drugs. The proposal has created an outcry among district parents who support the decades-old curriculum. According to William Modzeleski, associate assistant deputy secretary for the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools (OSDFS), the number of schools that utilize DARE has decreased sharply since 2001, when the federal government pulled funding for the program after several studies indicated that the program wasn't working.

The DARE program is based on the concept of resistance training - teaching kids to say no to drugs. In recent years, however, some experts have argued that resistance training simply isn't sufficient to reach kids. Proponents of DARE say that the program is an important vehicle for getting information to kids.

James Dement, a Friendswood Police Department officer who has administered the DARE program for 10 years, believes the program makes a difference: ""Yes, there are going to be kids who use drugs no matter what you do, no matter what you tell them. ... Then, there are kids who have decided 'I'm never going to use drugs and that's it. I've decided.' But, it's the ones in between. At least you can get them that information, and they're going to make better decisions." (Source: galvestondailynews.com)

Labels: schools, prevention, awareness

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A recent study conducted in Frederick County, Maryland, shows that teens are less likely to use cigarettes, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin than they were three years ago. However, use of easily accessible drugs has increased. Alcohol remains the preferred intoxicant. Experts believe this is due, in part, to easy accessibility.

Brett Stark, Frederick County schools curriculum specialist for health and physical education, who coordinates drug prevention programs, commented, "Alcohol has appeared to be of the highest abuse for our students. ... It fits among the categories of drugs that are easily accessible."

In addition, a greater number of teens are using prescription drugs, which are also easily accessible. Seniors reported using barbiturates, narcotics, and Ritalin more than in 2004. Todd Crum, a prevention supervisor with the Frederick County Health Department, commented about this trend, "An increase in any substance is of concern ... due to their availability, prescription use is a concern. And when used in combination with other substances, the cause for concern becomes even greater. ... Not following the instructions on the label or using a medication not prescribed to the user can result in significant health concerns." (Sources: www.gazette.net)

Labels: drugs, teens, availability

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Comsewogue High School in Garden City, New York, is planning to give away home drug testing kits to parents as part of a substance abuse workshop. School officials have stated that distribution of the kits is part of a wider effort to curb teen substance abuse, but says it isn't encouraging parents to spy on their children.

Assistant Superintendent Joseph Rella commented, "We are not endorsing drug testing at home by making these kits available. ... Our philosophy is: Testing isn't treatment. If a parent suspects his child is involved with drug abuse, we recommend they see a medical professional."

The action has caused some controversy, as many experts believe that drug testing should be performed by professionals. Dr. Sharon Levy, director of the adolescent substance abuse program at Children's Hospital Boston, says that drug testing is more complex than collecting a urine sample and home test kits can be misleading: "You might be falsely reassured that your child has had a negative drug test. ... A one-time test tells you very little." (Source: www.newday.com)

Labels: schools, drug-testing

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A new study from Brown University indicates that nicotine is not only addictive, but it may also interfere with dozens of cellular interactions in the body. The study, which is published in the Journal of Proteone Research, shows that nicotine may affect the body more extensively than previously thought. Nicotine appears to impact cell communication throughout the mammalian nervous system, and "opens several new lines of investigation" for possible treatments of smoking addiction and disease.

The study analyzed the cellular processes of brain tissue in mice. In particular, researchers studied a receptor (the alpha-7 receptor) in the brain where nicotine bonds with the surface of the cells when it enters the body. Researchers compared cellular processes in the brains of mice with the receptor and in mice without, and found that 55 different proteins interacted with the alpha-7 receptor. This finding indicates that the alpha-7 receptor may have many more functions in the body than previously known, and that the presence of nicotine may negatively affect each of these functions. (Sources: www.miller-mccune.com)

Labels: addiction, smoking, nicotine

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The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has designated April as Alcohol Awareness Month. The designation is an effort to recognize the serious problem of alcohol abuse in the United States, and raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse.

According to SAMHSA, alcohol abuse affects Americans in many different demographics, including "college students who binge drink at local bars; pregnant women who drink and put their babies at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome; professionals who drink after a long day of work; and senior citizens who drink out of loneliness."

SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) indicates that in 2007, nearly one in four individuals age 12 and older participated in binge drinking at least once during the 30 days prior to the survey. This means that approximately 57.8 million people participated in this dangerous behavior. (Source: ncadi.samhsa.gov)

Labels: alcohol, awareness

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Researchers at Rockefeller University have conducted a study with mice that indicates that Ritalin, a drug commonly prescribed to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD), may be addictive. Study findings suggest that long-term exposure to the drug could induce addiction because "Methylphenidate [Ritalin] and cocaine have similar chemical structures and their pharmacological effects appear to be similar," said study author Yong Kim, a senior research associate at The Rockefeller University. Long-term exposure to the drug appears to cause changes in neuronal morphology (the shape of neurons) and brain chemistry in the same way that cocaine does. (Sources: www.forbes.com)

Labels: addiction, ADHD, ritalin

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Medina, New York, is implementing a new program using orange stickers to help raise awareness of underage access to alcohol. Drug-Free Communities Coordinator, Kaitlin Smith for Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, explains the project: "Project Sticker Shock is a community awareness campaign intended to address youth access to alcohol and community norms that support not providing alcohol to minors. ... It is used to help remind store clerks, as well as adults purchasing alcohol, that providing alcohol to youth that are under the age of 21 is illegal. This project unites youth, alcohol retailers, teachers, parents, media and community members in striving for a common goal."

A small group of high school students and a teacher spent several hours this week visiting local alcohol retailers and applying over 3,000 stickers to alcoholic beverage containers. (Source: journalregister.com)

Labels: alcohol, underage-drinking, awareness

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The Champaign County Drug-Free Youth Coalition is partnering with the state of Ohio's Drug-Free Action Alliance to launch a campaign that targets parents who host underage drinking parties. The "Parents Who Host Lose the Most: Don't be a party to teenage drinking" public awareness campaign is designed to provide parents with information about the health risks of underage drinking and the legal consequences of providing alcohol to youth. The program is funded in part by the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services. The campaign is timed to reach parents before prom and graduation parties.

Abby Cohn, director of the Champaign County Child and Family First Council, comments: "This time of year presents numerous opportunities for underage drinking. ... We want to make sure that members of our community make good choices in determining how to celebrate." (Sources: www.urbancitizen.com)

Labels: parents, underage-drinking, pharm parties

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A Colorado company is marketing a new way to for parents to find out if teens are using drugs. The company has developed a "wipe and spray" method. A parent takes a test strip and wipes it on something commonly touched by the teenager; then a spray solution is applied to the strip. Results are ready within seconds, and the test is supposed to be 99 percent accurate.

Although the company believes the product can be useful to parents, president Troy Sievers says the key to testing your children for drugs is having an open relationship with them. "The key to drug testing and drug awareness and all the things we have to offer is communication between parents and their children," he said. "Because, without a good base of communication, nobody's gonna get what they need." (Source: www.kjct8.com)

Labels: parents, drug-use, testing

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Idaho continues to be ravaged by the destructive force of meth; however, a recent survey shows positive results from the advertising campaign conducted by the Idaho Meth Project. The fledgling nonprofit organization launched a mass media campaign across Idaho last year, which features public service spots showing the grim realities of meth addiction to target those most vulnerable to trying it for the first time.

Teenagers experienced the biggest rise in awareness: 82 percent (up 5 percent from the benchmark study) of teens say there is "great" or "moderate" risk in taking meth once or twice. As many as 63 percent (up 8 percent) of those teens feel there is a great risk. The survey also shows the numbers are up for teens who would strongly disapprove of taking the drug once (83 percent), while 71 percent said their friends would give them a hard time if they tried it even once. Six out of 10 teens have told a friend not to use it.

Megan Ronk, Idaho Meth Project director, is very pleased with the survey results. She believes the advertising campaign is having a positive impact. "In the world of prevention we've see a pretty significant shift in terms of what young people throughout the state think about meth. They perceive greater risk in using the drug and they're talking to their friends."

(Sources: www.bonnercountydailybee.com)

Labels: meth, prevention, teenagers

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Physician and pharmacy groups in South Dakota are promoting a plan to establish a new electronic records system which will help prevent doctor shopping. Doctor shopping is when an individual who is addicted to a prescription drug sees doctor after to doctor to continually obtain new prescriptions. Doctor shopping is already illegal in South Dakota. The new law would authorize a central bank of records to enable doctors and pharmacists to know when a new patient may be shopping for prescriptions.

Barb Smith, chief executive officer of the South Dakota Medical Association, commented on the problem: "The problem right now is physicians don't have access to a patient's prescription history. ... The physician knows what he or she is prescribing but doesn't know if I'm seeing another physician." (Source: www.argusleader.com)

Labels: prescription-drug-abuse, prevention, doctor-shopping

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This week, a jury in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is in the process of determining whether cigarette maker Altria is responsible for the death of a 40-year chain-smoker who was helplessly addicted to nicotine. This case is the first of approximately 8,000 similar cases that are going to trial. In 2006, the Florida Supreme Court upheld a decision that tobacco companies knowingly sold dangerous products and hid the health risks of smoking; however, the Court threw out a $145 billion jury award for a class-action lawsuit. The Court said that each case must be proven individually.

Edward L. Sweda, Jr., attorney for the Tobacco Products Liability Project at Northeastern University Law School, commented on the proceedings: "It is highly likely that the tobacco companies will be forced to account for their decades-long, reprehensible history of corporate wrongdoing." (Sources: www.google.com/hostednews/ap)

Labels: death, liability, smoking

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Nancy Poole, a research associate with the British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women's Health, spoke to a group of Yukon workers this week. Poole's comment emphasized that women's bodies respond differently than men's to substance abuse, and that this fact should be considered by women as well as their counselors and physicians. According to Poole, research shows that girls and women develop addictions more quickly and die more frequently from substance abuse issues than men.

Recent research has shown that even young girls who drink heavily are at risk for developing osteoporosis. In addition, women who are pregnant must consider the health of their unborn children. Poole also pointed out that girls and women are more likely to experience sexual and physical violence during their lives. Violence is linked with the development of addiction as a coping mechanism, so girls and women are at greater risk for addiction due to violence. (Source: www.cbc.ca/health)c

Labels: drug-abuse, females

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