Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Monday, November 23, 2009
Janet Jackson: Family Knew About Michael's Drug Problems
In an exclusive interview with ABC News this week, Janet Jackson confirmed that the Jackson family knew about Michael's addiction to painkillers and that they even staged several interventions over the years without success.
Janet said that she reached out to her brother on several occasions: "I did. Of course, that's what you do. Those are the things that you do when you love someone. You can't just let them continue on that way. And we did a few times. We weren't very successful."
Janet also admitted that she believed her brother was in denial about his addiction. Michael's autopsy report found that the singer had lethal amounts of the painkiller propofol -- a powerful sedative used almost exclusively in hospital operating rooms -- along with a number of other drugs in his system at the time of his death. His death has been ruled a homicide.
(Source: www.adbnews.go.com)
Janet said that she reached out to her brother on several occasions: "I did. Of course, that's what you do. Those are the things that you do when you love someone. You can't just let them continue on that way. And we did a few times. We weren't very successful."
Janet also admitted that she believed her brother was in denial about his addiction. Michael's autopsy report found that the singer had lethal amounts of the painkiller propofol -- a powerful sedative used almost exclusively in hospital operating rooms -- along with a number of other drugs in his system at the time of his death. His death has been ruled a homicide.
(Source: www.adbnews.go.com)
Labels: drug-abuse, painkillers, prescription-drug-abuse
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 8:40 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Friday, November 20, 2009
Inadequate Drug Treatment in the United States?
Although Americans have become more accepting of substance abuse treatment over the last few years, some experts believe that drug treatment resources in the United States are alarmingly scarce. According to data from the federal government, approximately 7.6 million Americans needed treatment for illicit drug use in 2008 and only 1.2 million (16 percent) received treatment.
Recent research clearly indicates that treating addicts, even in lengthy residential programs, is ultimately less expensive than incarcerating them. Experts are urging money-strapped states to consider expanding substance abuse treatment as a cost-saving measure. However, many states are shying away from spending on drug treatment programs in the current economic climate, and some are even cutting successful existing programs. California, for instance, has cut all but a small amount of state funding from a successful prison-diversion and treatment program that voters approved in 2000.
The appointment of treatment expert Tom McLellan as deputy director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in April was seen by some as an indication that the Drug Czar's office will be putting more emphasis on prevention and treatment in the future.
McLellan recently commented: "For the first time, it can truly be said that we know what to do -- we know the things that work. But do we have the economic and political willingness to put them into place? If we do, we'll see results.
"Law enforcement is necessary, but it's not sufficient. You need effective preventive services, addiction and mental health services integrated with the rest of medicine. You shouldn't have to go to some squalid little place across the railroad tracks."
(Source: www.msnbc.com)
Recent research clearly indicates that treating addicts, even in lengthy residential programs, is ultimately less expensive than incarcerating them. Experts are urging money-strapped states to consider expanding substance abuse treatment as a cost-saving measure. However, many states are shying away from spending on drug treatment programs in the current economic climate, and some are even cutting successful existing programs. California, for instance, has cut all but a small amount of state funding from a successful prison-diversion and treatment program that voters approved in 2000.
The appointment of treatment expert Tom McLellan as deputy director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in April was seen by some as an indication that the Drug Czar's office will be putting more emphasis on prevention and treatment in the future.
McLellan recently commented: "For the first time, it can truly be said that we know what to do -- we know the things that work. But do we have the economic and political willingness to put them into place? If we do, we'll see results.
"Law enforcement is necessary, but it's not sufficient. You need effective preventive services, addiction and mental health services integrated with the rest of medicine. You shouldn't have to go to some squalid little place across the railroad tracks."
(Source: www.msnbc.com)
Labels: drug-abuse, substance abuse, treatment
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 8:05 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Friday, October 30, 2009
Peer Pressure Is Main Cause of Addiction in Malaysia
The results of a recent study in Malaysia suggest that the influence and coaxing of friends may be a main cause for narcotics addiction.
The study, conducted by Malaysia's National Drug Agency (AADK), collected information on 26,841 drug addicts between 2007 and 2008. Among study participants, 55 percent reported becoming hooked on a drug after friends introduced them to it; 35 percent reported becoming addicted after trying out drugs purely for fun and out of curiosity.
The study also found that the highest concentration of drug addicts was found among workers in the construction, sales, fishing, plantations and service industries. Collectively, they made up 70 percent of addicts. Approximately 68 percent of drug abusers were in the 18-39 age group. According to study results, most addicts had received some education; only 2.6 percent never received any schooling.
(Source: www.thesundaily.com)
The study, conducted by Malaysia's National Drug Agency (AADK), collected information on 26,841 drug addicts between 2007 and 2008. Among study participants, 55 percent reported becoming hooked on a drug after friends introduced them to it; 35 percent reported becoming addicted after trying out drugs purely for fun and out of curiosity.
The study also found that the highest concentration of drug addicts was found among workers in the construction, sales, fishing, plantations and service industries. Collectively, they made up 70 percent of addicts. Approximately 68 percent of drug abusers were in the 18-39 age group. According to study results, most addicts had received some education; only 2.6 percent never received any schooling.
(Source: www.thesundaily.com)
Labels: addicts, drug-abuse, peer pressure
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 8:11 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Celebrity Overdoses Highlight Disturbing Trend
Celebrity deaths attributed to overdoses of prescription drugs have been piling up over the last couple of years. Anna Nicole Smith, Heath Ledger and Michael Jackson are just a few of the famous people to die in connection with the misuse of prescription medications.
These highly publicized deaths point to a disturbing trend among average Americans. According to government data, fatal overdoses from prescription pain killers more than doubled between 2000 and 2005. In 2000, approximately 3,994 people died from prescription pain killer-related overdoses, compared to 8,541 in 2005.
According to available data, the prescription drug abuse epidemic is eclipsing similar epidemics from the recent past. At the height of the crack cocaine crisis in the 1980s, there were approximately 500,000 crack users. In 2004, amidst the meth epidemic, experts estimated that there were approximately 600,000 meth users. By comparison, experts estimate that 3.8 million Americans were abusing prescription drugs in 2000, and that number grew to 7 million by 2007.
(Source: www.chron.com)
These highly publicized deaths point to a disturbing trend among average Americans. According to government data, fatal overdoses from prescription pain killers more than doubled between 2000 and 2005. In 2000, approximately 3,994 people died from prescription pain killer-related overdoses, compared to 8,541 in 2005.
According to available data, the prescription drug abuse epidemic is eclipsing similar epidemics from the recent past. At the height of the crack cocaine crisis in the 1980s, there were approximately 500,000 crack users. In 2004, amidst the meth epidemic, experts estimated that there were approximately 600,000 meth users. By comparison, experts estimate that 3.8 million Americans were abusing prescription drugs in 2000, and that number grew to 7 million by 2007.
(Source: www.chron.com)
Labels: drug-abuse, painkillers, prescription-drug-abuse
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 2:16 PM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Monday, September 7, 2009
Dr. Drew Blames Pain Medication for Death of Famous DJ
Dr. Drew Pinsky, addiction specialist and television star, commented this week that pain medication likely led to the recent death of Adam Goldstein (known as DJ AM).
Goldstein, a former drug addict who promoted sober living, was found dead in his apartment at the end of August. A crack pipe and prescription pills were found in his Manhattan residence. Goldstein was 36 years old.
Although Goldstein was prescribed the medication for legitimate reasons -- he sustained serious injuries in a plane crash two years earlier that required two skin graft surgeries -- the drugs probably triggered the addictive behaviors that he previously conquered.
Pinsky commented on the effects of pain medication on a former addict: "It very slowly and subtly reawakens addiction. I'm not saying it was inappropriately prescribed, I'm saying he didn't know the risks."
(Source: Associated Press)
Goldstein, a former drug addict who promoted sober living, was found dead in his apartment at the end of August. A crack pipe and prescription pills were found in his Manhattan residence. Goldstein was 36 years old.
Although Goldstein was prescribed the medication for legitimate reasons -- he sustained serious injuries in a plane crash two years earlier that required two skin graft surgeries -- the drugs probably triggered the addictive behaviors that he previously conquered.
Pinsky commented on the effects of pain medication on a former addict: "It very slowly and subtly reawakens addiction. I'm not saying it was inappropriately prescribed, I'm saying he didn't know the risks."
(Source: Associated Press)
Labels: addiction, drug-abuse, painkillers
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 11:25 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Baby Boomers Still Getting High
According to data reported this week by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), adults who are part of the baby boomer generation are continuing an old habit: getting high on illicit drugs. Forty years after Woodstock, some baby boomers are continuing a lifestyle that set them apart from previous generations.
According to the new data, as baby boomers age, the number of adults in each progressive age group who use illicit drugs increases. The percentage of Americans age 50-59 who reported use of illicit drugs within a year nearly doubled between 2002 and 2007, from 5.1 percent to 9.4 percent. During the same time period, drug use among all other age groups remained stable or decreased.
SAMHSA Acting Administrator Eric Broderick said the continued drug use "is likely to put further strains on the nation's health care system."
(Source: Associated Press)
According to the new data, as baby boomers age, the number of adults in each progressive age group who use illicit drugs increases. The percentage of Americans age 50-59 who reported use of illicit drugs within a year nearly doubled between 2002 and 2007, from 5.1 percent to 9.4 percent. During the same time period, drug use among all other age groups remained stable or decreased.
SAMHSA Acting Administrator Eric Broderick said the continued drug use "is likely to put further strains on the nation's health care system."
(Source: Associated Press)
Labels: drug-abuse
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 2:29 PM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Friday, August 21, 2009
Opium Addiction Ravages Afghanistan
Afghanistan supplies over 90 percent of the world's opium and now the people of Afghanistan, including large numbers of women and children, are being crushed by a tsunami of opium addiction.
Experts estimate that there are around 2 million opium addicts in Afghanistan. In poverty-stricken areas, it is not uncommon for mothers to give their children opium. Opium suppresses hunger pains and relieves the biting cold of winter.
Although some families are lucky enough to receive addiction treatment, chronic poverty and suffering and easy access to opium draws them back into using. Dr. Toorpaikay Zazai, who runs a family treatment center where she treats more than 100 children in west Kabul, says children get addicted quicker and it's harder for them to quit.
"For every addicted mother, there are on average four addicted children," she said. "If something isn't done today, the country will lose a generation to drugs."
(Source: CBSnews.com)
Experts estimate that there are around 2 million opium addicts in Afghanistan. In poverty-stricken areas, it is not uncommon for mothers to give their children opium. Opium suppresses hunger pains and relieves the biting cold of winter.
Although some families are lucky enough to receive addiction treatment, chronic poverty and suffering and easy access to opium draws them back into using. Dr. Toorpaikay Zazai, who runs a family treatment center where she treats more than 100 children in west Kabul, says children get addicted quicker and it's harder for them to quit.
"For every addicted mother, there are on average four addicted children," she said. "If something isn't done today, the country will lose a generation to drugs."
(Source: CBSnews.com)
Labels: addiction, drug-abuse, opium
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 11:44 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Friday, August 14, 2009
Zebrafish Genetic Pattern Offers Clue to Addiction
A new study involving an unlikely creature -- the zebrafish -- has shown that genes involved in brain reward processes and adult neuron formation may be involved in drug addiction.
German and Dutch researchers compared gene expressions in normal and mutant zebrafish who had and had not been exposed to amphetamines. They found that 139 genetic transcripts were expressed differentially between wild type zebrafish and mutant fish that don't respond to the drug. This allowed researchers to identify a dominant mutation that renders zebrafish indifferent to amphetamines.
Katherine Webb, a neurogenetics researcher at the German Research Center for Environmental Health and the study's lead author, commented on the study's goal: "Because a major step in the development of addiction is the switch from drug use to drug abuse ... we aimed to gain insight into the mechanisms triggering the initiation of addictive behavior."
The study results are available online through Genome Biology.
(Source: www.genomeweb.com)
Labels: addiction, brain_chemistry, drug-abuse
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 10:30 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Zebrafish Genetic Pattern Offers Clue to Addiction
A new study involving an unlikely creature -- the zebrafish -- has shown that genes involved in brain reward processes and adult neuron formation may be involved in drug addiction.
German and Dutch researchers compared gene expressions in normal and mutant zebrafish who had and had not been exposed to amphetamines. They found that 139 genetic transcripts were expressed differentially between wild type zebrafish and mutant fish that don’t respond to the drug. This allowed researchers to identify a dominant mutation that renders zebrafish indifferent to amphetamines.
Katherine Webb, a neurogenetics researcher at the German Research Center for Environmental Health and the study's lead author, commented on the study's goal: "Because a major step in the development of addiction is the switch from drug use to drug abuse ... we aimed to gain insight into the mechanisms triggering the initiation of addictive behavior."
The study results are available online through Genome Biology.
(Source: www.genomeweb.com)
Labels: addiction, brain_chemistry, drug-abuse
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 10:30 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Mexico Faces Surge in Drug Use and Addiction
Use of illegal narcotics in Mexico has increased by nearly 30 percent over the last five years, and the number of addicts has increase by 100 percent since 2002.
Experts worry that Mexico is ill-equipped to handle the implications of this increase in drug abuse, with an already weak infrastructure and struggling economy. Only about 100 competent drug abuse treatment centers exist in the country, although the government hopes to increase the number to 1,000 by the year's end.
In addition, Mexican President Felipe Calderon is considering signing a bill, already passed by Congress, to decriminalize drug possession. Although the bill is intended to free law enforcement agents to focus on drug dealers and traffickers, some experts worry that the bill could cause a further spike in drug consumption.
(Source: Newsweek.com)
Experts worry that Mexico is ill-equipped to handle the implications of this increase in drug abuse, with an already weak infrastructure and struggling economy. Only about 100 competent drug abuse treatment centers exist in the country, although the government hopes to increase the number to 1,000 by the year's end.
In addition, Mexican President Felipe Calderon is considering signing a bill, already passed by Congress, to decriminalize drug possession. Although the bill is intended to free law enforcement agents to focus on drug dealers and traffickers, some experts worry that the bill could cause a further spike in drug consumption.
(Source: Newsweek.com)
Labels: addiction, drug-abuse, trafficking
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 11:17 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Friday, July 31, 2009
Florida Battles Reputation as "Pill Mill" Capital
Authorities and legislators in Florida are grappling with the state's snowballing problem with illicit pain pill trafficking and abuse. Some experts posit that south Florida's high concentration of pain clinics and doctors may be the foundation of the problem. Other experts point to Florida's lag in developing sufficient prescription monitoring procedures in comparison to other states in the region.
With the introduction of OxyContin to Appalachia in the 1990s, several states reacted quickly, developing procedures for tracking the writing and filling of OxyContin and other similar medications. However, Florida, with an entrenched focus on battling cocaine use, failed to keep pace.
The growth of the problem is clear: Fatal overdoses involving oxycodone, the main component in brand-name pain killers OxyContin, Roxicet and Percocet, increased 20 percent from 2007 to 2008 in Broward and Palm Beach counties, according to state authorities. Last year, the two counties had 221 oxycodone-related overdose deaths. Last month, Governor Charlie Crist signed legislation aimed at regulating pain clinics more effectively.
(Source: www.sun-sentinel.com)
With the introduction of OxyContin to Appalachia in the 1990s, several states reacted quickly, developing procedures for tracking the writing and filling of OxyContin and other similar medications. However, Florida, with an entrenched focus on battling cocaine use, failed to keep pace.
The growth of the problem is clear: Fatal overdoses involving oxycodone, the main component in brand-name pain killers OxyContin, Roxicet and Percocet, increased 20 percent from 2007 to 2008 in Broward and Palm Beach counties, according to state authorities. Last year, the two counties had 221 oxycodone-related overdose deaths. Last month, Governor Charlie Crist signed legislation aimed at regulating pain clinics more effectively.
(Source: www.sun-sentinel.com)
Labels: drug-abuse, OxyContin, painkillers, prescription-drug-abuse
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 8:06 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Monday, July 27, 2009
Florida Launches New Drug Control Strategy
This week, Florida released its 2009 Drug Control Strategy report. The report, which received applause from Governor Charlie Crist, establishes guidelines for policy recommendations for the administration. The recommendations are designed to promote health and drug abuse awareness among Florida's families and communities.
Governor Crist commented on the need for drug education and awareness in order to support family unity:
"As we celebrate Florida's record-setting year of adoptions this week, it is important to remain vigilant in our diversion efforts to help as many families stay together as possible. There is an undeniable link between drug and alcohol abuse and the abuse of so many of the children who end up in our state system. In many cases, drug abuse has been the root cause of neglect, abuse, poverty and despair that leaves these precious children without homes to call their own."
Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, who oversees operation of the Governor's Office of Drug Control, echoed the governor's sentiment: "Substance abuse and addiction threaten the health and safety of Florida's children, families and communities. The dangers posed by illegal drug use, underage drinking, and prescription drug diversion and abuse require a bold and comprehensive response."
(Source: www.floridanewswire.com)
Governor Crist commented on the need for drug education and awareness in order to support family unity:
"As we celebrate Florida's record-setting year of adoptions this week, it is important to remain vigilant in our diversion efforts to help as many families stay together as possible. There is an undeniable link between drug and alcohol abuse and the abuse of so many of the children who end up in our state system. In many cases, drug abuse has been the root cause of neglect, abuse, poverty and despair that leaves these precious children without homes to call their own."
Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, who oversees operation of the Governor's Office of Drug Control, echoed the governor's sentiment: "Substance abuse and addiction threaten the health and safety of Florida's children, families and communities. The dangers posed by illegal drug use, underage drinking, and prescription drug diversion and abuse require a bold and comprehensive response."
(Source: www.floridanewswire.com)
Labels: alcohol, drug-abuse
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 10:00 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Friday, July 17, 2009
New Study Suggests Possibility of Returned Brain Function After Meth Abuse
Meth abusers may be able to regain normal brain functioning after a sustained period of drug abuse; however, this process requires significant time. A new study from researchers at the University of California at Davis shows that it takes at least a year for former meth abusers to regain normal levels of impulse control, and that regaining other brain functions may take even longer.
Ruth Salo, author of the study and a UC Davis assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, commented on the findings and related implications for substance abuse treatment programs:
"Recovery from meth abuse does not happen overnight. It may take a year -- or even longer -- for cognitive processes such as impulse control and attentional focus to improve. Treatment programs need to consider this when monitoring recovering addicts' progress during their early periods of abstinence. I can confidently tell patients that the longer they stay in a structured rehabilitation program and remain drug free, the more likely it is that they will recover some important brain functions."
Ms. Salo and associates used a computer-based attention test to track the cognitive control abilities of 65 recovering meth abusers. Study participants had abstained from meth use for at least three weeks and not more than 10 years, and they had used the drug from 24 months to 28 years. Test results were compared to test results from 33 participants who had never used meth.
(Source: www.scientistslive.com)
Ruth Salo, author of the study and a UC Davis assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, commented on the findings and related implications for substance abuse treatment programs:
"Recovery from meth abuse does not happen overnight. It may take a year -- or even longer -- for cognitive processes such as impulse control and attentional focus to improve. Treatment programs need to consider this when monitoring recovering addicts' progress during their early periods of abstinence. I can confidently tell patients that the longer they stay in a structured rehabilitation program and remain drug free, the more likely it is that they will recover some important brain functions."
Ms. Salo and associates used a computer-based attention test to track the cognitive control abilities of 65 recovering meth abusers. Study participants had abstained from meth use for at least three weeks and not more than 10 years, and they had used the drug from 24 months to 28 years. Test results were compared to test results from 33 participants who had never used meth.
(Source: www.scientistslive.com)
Labels: brain_chemistry, drug-abuse, methamphetamines
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 9:45 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Friday, July 10, 2009
NASCAR Driver's Positive Meth Test Disputed, Racing Suspension Lifted
This week a federal judge lifted NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield's racing suspension because of doubts about a drug test's accuracy. In May, Mayfield tested positive for meth use and was suspended from racing. Mayfield's attorneys have argued that the test was botched in several ways, and that the false positive has had a devastating impact on Mayfield's family and career.
Mayfield claims that the false positive occurred because he took prescribed Adderall (for Attention Deficit Disorder) and an over-the-counter allergy medicine (Claritin-D). The judge stated that the likelihood of a false positive in Mayfield's case was "substantial." NASCAR's lawyer warned that allowing Mayfield to return to racing could endanger other drivers and NASCAR fans.
(Source: www.thatsracin.com)
Mayfield claims that the false positive occurred because he took prescribed Adderall (for Attention Deficit Disorder) and an over-the-counter allergy medicine (Claritin-D). The judge stated that the likelihood of a false positive in Mayfield's case was "substantial." NASCAR's lawyer warned that allowing Mayfield to return to racing could endanger other drivers and NASCAR fans.
(Source: www.thatsracin.com)
Labels: drug-abuse, methamphetamines
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 5:16 PM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Monday, June 29, 2009
Heroin Addiction Strikes Rural Pennsylvania
Far from the big city, in the rolling farm county of rural Pennsylvania, residents are struggling with heroin addiction. This week, several community organizations hosted an informational session on the dangers of heroin, including a discussion of how accessible heroin has become in rural areas of the United States.
The informational session included a screening of a video titled "Heroin: Lives Forever Changed." A local couple, Kathy and Denzel Morgan, are featured in the video. The Morgans know firsthand about the deadly grip of heroin addiction. They lost their son, Jeremy, to a heroin overdose.
Jeremy attended the University of Pittsburgh and earned a degree in finance. It wasn't until he was starting a successful career as a financial analyst that he began using drugs. Jeremy was introduced to heroin by friends, and his parents tried to help him recover, accompanying him to inpatient and outpatient drug treatment programs.
Jeremy died from a heroin overdose in 2007 at the age of 29. Jeremy's story counters cultural stereotypes about heroin users.
Armstrong County District Attorney, Scott Andreassi, comments on the new face of heroin addiction, saying, "The classic junkie stereotypes that we used to know are right out the window. There's nothing, no income section that drugs -- especially heroin -- hasn't affected."
(Source: www.pittsburghlive.com)
The informational session included a screening of a video titled "Heroin: Lives Forever Changed." A local couple, Kathy and Denzel Morgan, are featured in the video. The Morgans know firsthand about the deadly grip of heroin addiction. They lost their son, Jeremy, to a heroin overdose.
Jeremy attended the University of Pittsburgh and earned a degree in finance. It wasn't until he was starting a successful career as a financial analyst that he began using drugs. Jeremy was introduced to heroin by friends, and his parents tried to help him recover, accompanying him to inpatient and outpatient drug treatment programs.
Jeremy died from a heroin overdose in 2007 at the age of 29. Jeremy's story counters cultural stereotypes about heroin users.
Armstrong County District Attorney, Scott Andreassi, comments on the new face of heroin addiction, saying, "The classic junkie stereotypes that we used to know are right out the window. There's nothing, no income section that drugs -- especially heroin -- hasn't affected."
(Source: www.pittsburghlive.com)
Labels: addiction, drug-abuse, heroin
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 3:17 PM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Massachusetts Battles OxyContin, Heroin Epidemic
Lawmakers in Massachusetts are calling the recent spike in heroin and OxyContin (a chemical cousin of heroin) abuse the worst epidemic to ever hit the state.
At a public hearing last week on drug abuse, state Sen. Steven Tolman commented on the frightening trend: "OxyContin and heroin abuse are destroying lives and tearing families apart throughout Massachusetts and the nation. It does not discriminate based on age, race, sex or geographic region."
Massachusetts has established a 13-member OxyContin and Heroin Commission, which is being led by Sen. Holman, during the 2007-2008 legislative session. The commission's mandate is to study and recommend solutions to increasing rates of opiate abuse. In 10 years, abuse of prescription OxyContin has increased by 1,000 percent. During the same time period, abuse of heroin has jumped by 52 percent.
Sen. Tolman emphasizes that the battle against opiate abuse is really a war, and that lives are at stake. At the hearing, he put the struggle in context: "Between 2002 and 2007, we lost 78 soldiers on the streets and battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, but buried 3,265 citizens during that same period [because of overdoses]. Folks, that's 42-1 to what we're losing in war. We need to change the way we address this problem and, most importantly, we need to find solutions rather than pretend it isn't going on."
(Source: www.iberkshires.com)
At a public hearing last week on drug abuse, state Sen. Steven Tolman commented on the frightening trend: "OxyContin and heroin abuse are destroying lives and tearing families apart throughout Massachusetts and the nation. It does not discriminate based on age, race, sex or geographic region."
Massachusetts has established a 13-member OxyContin and Heroin Commission, which is being led by Sen. Holman, during the 2007-2008 legislative session. The commission's mandate is to study and recommend solutions to increasing rates of opiate abuse. In 10 years, abuse of prescription OxyContin has increased by 1,000 percent. During the same time period, abuse of heroin has jumped by 52 percent.
Sen. Tolman emphasizes that the battle against opiate abuse is really a war, and that lives are at stake. At the hearing, he put the struggle in context: "Between 2002 and 2007, we lost 78 soldiers on the streets and battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, but buried 3,265 citizens during that same period [because of overdoses]. Folks, that's 42-1 to what we're losing in war. We need to change the way we address this problem and, most importantly, we need to find solutions rather than pretend it isn't going on."
(Source: www.iberkshires.com)
Labels: drug-abuse, heroin, OxyContin
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 2:52 PM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Teen Turns in Stepfather for Drugs
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: drug-abuse, parents, trafficking
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 10:38 PM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
U.S. Teen Drug Abuse Declining
The United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) recently reported that drug use among American teens has dropped 24 percent in the past eight years (2001-2007). However, the report also noted that prescription drug abuse is on the rise.
The statistical decline in drug abuse by young people between the ages of 12-17 is largely due to a decrease is cannabis (marijuana) use. The INCB believes that the drop in cannabis use resulted from an increase in perceived risks of smoking the drug, possibly highlighted by recent anti-drug education campaigns. Drug abuse fell in all categories for Americans between the ages of 18-25 except for prescription painkillers.
Despite the overall decline in youth drug use, the INCB reinforced that drug abuse among American teens continues to be a national issue: "Despite that significant decline, the problem of substance abuse among United States teenagers continues to be widespread, as nearly half of United States students aged 17-18 (47 percent) have tried an illicit drug by the time they have finished secondary school."
(Source: macondaily.com)
The statistical decline in drug abuse by young people between the ages of 12-17 is largely due to a decrease is cannabis (marijuana) use. The INCB believes that the drop in cannabis use resulted from an increase in perceived risks of smoking the drug, possibly highlighted by recent anti-drug education campaigns. Drug abuse fell in all categories for Americans between the ages of 18-25 except for prescription painkillers.
Despite the overall decline in youth drug use, the INCB reinforced that drug abuse among American teens continues to be a national issue: "Despite that significant decline, the problem of substance abuse among United States teenagers continues to be widespread, as nearly half of United States students aged 17-18 (47 percent) have tried an illicit drug by the time they have finished secondary school."
(Source: macondaily.com)
Labels: drug-abuse, teenagers
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 11:15 PM
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