Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Friday, January 22, 2010
Afghan Province to Evict Addicts
Soaring rates of drug addiction in Afghanistan have led one province to adopt an extreme policy: Kick the habit or get kicked out of the region.
Leaders of the area, which is located in the remote eastern region of Ghazni, are taking desperate action to battle the overwhelming increase in young addicts over the past several years. Heroin addicts are being given quitting deadlines after tribal elders decided that the only way to fight the tide of addiction was to begin threatening, punishing and ultimately evicting drug users.
Users receive a warning, followed by a fine. If they ignore these measures, they may have their houses burned down, and they will eventually be evicted from their communities. The measures will also be used against drug dealers and suppliers.
Elder Mohammad Razaq commented: "Heroin addiction among our young people was destroying us. This destruction was getting worse and worse every day and we felt that we had no choice but to deal with it in this way.
"Since the elders made the decision, we have evicted more than 200 addicts from villages in this district. They have all been told that until they give up their addiction, they are not welcome back."
Opium exports currently represent about 25 percent of Afghanistan's annual gross domestic product, or $2.8 billion. Opium is a widely grown crop, which contributes to its easy availability.
In addition, according to a United Nations report, "Conflict, displacement, economic hardship and overflowing opium production have generated widespread drug abuse in Afghanistan."
(Source: www.google.com/hostednews)
Leaders of the area, which is located in the remote eastern region of Ghazni, are taking desperate action to battle the overwhelming increase in young addicts over the past several years. Heroin addicts are being given quitting deadlines after tribal elders decided that the only way to fight the tide of addiction was to begin threatening, punishing and ultimately evicting drug users.
Users receive a warning, followed by a fine. If they ignore these measures, they may have their houses burned down, and they will eventually be evicted from their communities. The measures will also be used against drug dealers and suppliers.
Elder Mohammad Razaq commented: "Heroin addiction among our young people was destroying us. This destruction was getting worse and worse every day and we felt that we had no choice but to deal with it in this way.
"Since the elders made the decision, we have evicted more than 200 addicts from villages in this district. They have all been told that until they give up their addiction, they are not welcome back."
Opium exports currently represent about 25 percent of Afghanistan's annual gross domestic product, or $2.8 billion. Opium is a widely grown crop, which contributes to its easy availability.
In addition, according to a United Nations report, "Conflict, displacement, economic hardship and overflowing opium production have generated widespread drug abuse in Afghanistan."
(Source: www.google.com/hostednews)
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 8:17 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Friday, November 27, 2009
California Cuts Drug Treatment for Inmates, Officials Fear Rising Recidivism Rates
California's budgetary woes are resulting in $1.2 billion in cuts. As part of these cuts, the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will be reducing drug treatment for inmates by approximately 80 percent.
The current budget is providing funding to treat 12,164 inmates. Next year, this number will dwindle to 2,350 inmates. In addition, programs that currently provide nine months of treatment to inmates will be reduced to three months.
Darrol Monfils, a drug counselor at the California Institution for Women, commented on the impact of the cuts: "Those inmates will have very little treatment service to deal with behavioral issues that they've spent years to develop, most of which was put on them from an early age. Their chances of succeeding are slim.
"California prisoners will be paroling inmates with little or no rehabilitation. They will be paroling with the same behaviors as they did when they arrived. Now, having said that, there will be a few exceptions to the rule, but they will be the larger minority."
California officials fear that crime recidivism rates will increase as a result of the reduction in drug treatment programs. Substance abuse is a significant factor in the commission of non-violent and violent crimes in California.
(Source: www.contracostatimes.com)
The current budget is providing funding to treat 12,164 inmates. Next year, this number will dwindle to 2,350 inmates. In addition, programs that currently provide nine months of treatment to inmates will be reduced to three months.
Darrol Monfils, a drug counselor at the California Institution for Women, commented on the impact of the cuts: "Those inmates will have very little treatment service to deal with behavioral issues that they've spent years to develop, most of which was put on them from an early age. Their chances of succeeding are slim.
"California prisoners will be paroling inmates with little or no rehabilitation. They will be paroling with the same behaviors as they did when they arrived. Now, having said that, there will be a few exceptions to the rule, but they will be the larger minority."
California officials fear that crime recidivism rates will increase as a result of the reduction in drug treatment programs. Substance abuse is a significant factor in the commission of non-violent and violent crimes in California.
(Source: www.contracostatimes.com)
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 8:45 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Monday, September 21, 2009
Prescription Drug Abuse Dips
Fewer people abused prescription drugs in 2008 than in 2007, according to new data released by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The data comes from SAMHSA's annual 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), the results of which were published this week.
According to the survey results, approximately 6.2 million Americans (2.5 percent) ages 12 years and older reported abusing prescription drugs during the month prior to the survey. That represents a decrease from 2007, when 2.8 percent of the population reported past-month abuse of prescription drugs. In addition, reports of past-month methamphetamine use declined dramatically, from 529,000 in 2007 to 314,000 in 2008.
Gil Kerlikowske, director of national drug control policy, credits last year's federally funded anti-drug campaign with helping to turn the tide. "If people perceive alcohol, drugs and tobacco as being risky, they are more inclined not to do it," he said.
Despite Kerlikowske's optimism, however, overall illicit drug use held steady from 2007 to 2008. Approximately 8 percent of Americans, or 20.1 million, reported past-month use of an illicit drug in 2008, the same as in 2007.
(Source: www.usatoday.com)
According to the survey results, approximately 6.2 million Americans (2.5 percent) ages 12 years and older reported abusing prescription drugs during the month prior to the survey. That represents a decrease from 2007, when 2.8 percent of the population reported past-month abuse of prescription drugs. In addition, reports of past-month methamphetamine use declined dramatically, from 529,000 in 2007 to 314,000 in 2008.
Gil Kerlikowske, director of national drug control policy, credits last year's federally funded anti-drug campaign with helping to turn the tide. "If people perceive alcohol, drugs and tobacco as being risky, they are more inclined not to do it," he said.
Despite Kerlikowske's optimism, however, overall illicit drug use held steady from 2007 to 2008. Approximately 8 percent of Americans, or 20.1 million, reported past-month use of an illicit drug in 2008, the same as in 2007.
(Source: www.usatoday.com)
Labels: drugs, prescription-drug-abuse
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 12:02 PM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Friday, September 11, 2009
Employment in Gaming Industry Linked to Substance Abuse
About 15 percent of full-time workers in the amusement, gambling and recreation industries admit to being heavy alcohol users, and about 10 percent report past-month illicit drug use.
According to the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately three-quarters of all illicit drug users 18 and older are employed, and one industry often identified as having a high rate of illicit drug users is the gaming industry.
The SAMHSA report also revealed high rates of substance abuse among workers who service the gaming industry, including repair and maintenance workers, food and beverage workers, and landscaping workers. Among repair and maintenance workers, 11.6 percent reported past-month illicit drug use and 15.3 percent reported alcohol use.
Among food and beverage workers, 18.4 percent reported past-month illicit drug use and 12.8 percent reported heavy alcohol abuse. Among landscaping workers, 14.4 percent reported past-month illicit drug use and 16.5 percent reported heavy alcohol use.
(Source: www.indiancountrytoday.com)
According to the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately three-quarters of all illicit drug users 18 and older are employed, and one industry often identified as having a high rate of illicit drug users is the gaming industry.
The SAMHSA report also revealed high rates of substance abuse among workers who service the gaming industry, including repair and maintenance workers, food and beverage workers, and landscaping workers. Among repair and maintenance workers, 11.6 percent reported past-month illicit drug use and 15.3 percent reported alcohol use.
Among food and beverage workers, 18.4 percent reported past-month illicit drug use and 12.8 percent reported heavy alcohol abuse. Among landscaping workers, 14.4 percent reported past-month illicit drug use and 16.5 percent reported heavy alcohol use.
(Source: www.indiancountrytoday.com)
Labels: alcohol, drugs, substance abuse
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 11:33 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Monday, August 17, 2009
Border Residents in Texas Vulnerable to Illicit Drug Use
Experts on the Texas-Mexico border fear that border residents are more vulnerable to illicit drug use due to a number of factors, including poverty, lack of education, proximity to stockpiles of illegal narcotics and limited access to treatment. Local mental healthcare providers fear that young people are the most vulnerable of all.
This week, healthcare providers, law enforcement officials and substance abuse treatment providers from Texas and Mexico gathered to discuss new strategies for combating illicit drug use near the border. Attendees included representatives from 32 border counties. Experts say that if these counties were treated as a state, they would have the highest poverty level and lowest employment rates in the nation.
Experts are especially worried about area youth, who often become entangled with cartels because gainful employment is so difficult to find. Young people become involved with ruthless drug bosses, unaware of the all-too-often violent consequences, and have no idea that they can be charged with federal crimes for border-related drug activities.
(Source: www.elpasotimes.com)
This week, healthcare providers, law enforcement officials and substance abuse treatment providers from Texas and Mexico gathered to discuss new strategies for combating illicit drug use near the border. Attendees included representatives from 32 border counties. Experts say that if these counties were treated as a state, they would have the highest poverty level and lowest employment rates in the nation.
Experts are especially worried about area youth, who often become entangled with cartels because gainful employment is so difficult to find. Young people become involved with ruthless drug bosses, unaware of the all-too-often violent consequences, and have no idea that they can be charged with federal crimes for border-related drug activities.
(Source: www.elpasotimes.com)
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 1:54 PM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Friday, July 24, 2009
Drug-Related Crimes Cost West Virginia $333 Million
According to a report released this week, drug- and alcohol-related crimes cost West Virginia $333 million across fiscal years 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008. The report analyzes the costs of crimes that are either directly or indirectly linked to drugs and/or alcohol.
The report, produced by the Prevention Resource Center for the governor-appoint Partnership to Promote Community Well-Being, shows rapidly increasing costs for 11 of 12 participating public agencies, including courts and law enforcement. Based on this trend, the report projects that West Virginia will be spending around $500 on drug-related crime by 2017.
The report concludes: "Substance abuse places an enormous financial burden on West Virginia's criminal justice system. The alarming fact is the burden will continue to grow unless urgent actions are taken to provide the continuum of care necessary to stem this growth."
The report, produced by the Prevention Resource Center for the governor-appoint Partnership to Promote Community Well-Being, shows rapidly increasing costs for 11 of 12 participating public agencies, including courts and law enforcement. Based on this trend, the report projects that West Virginia will be spending around $500 on drug-related crime by 2017.
The report concludes: "Substance abuse places an enormous financial burden on West Virginia's criminal justice system. The alarming fact is the burden will continue to grow unless urgent actions are taken to provide the continuum of care necessary to stem this growth."
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 10:57 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Monday, June 22, 2009
Hawaii Launches Anti-Meth Media Campaign
Hawaii has begun airing a series of public-service warnings about the dangers of methamphetamine. The spots are designed to jar television viewers into awareness about the drug. Authorities hope to match progress in Montana, where a similar program has helped to drastically reduce the use of meth as a major crime problem.
Crystal meth use in Hawaii reached an all-time high in 2005, but began to decline over the next two years. Last year, the Hawaii Meth Project launched its first campaign, modeled on the Montana project. According to an article appearing this week in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, no statewide figures are available for 2008; however, the state's drug-control liaison reports that between the first quarter of 2007 and the second quarter of 2008, meth use in the workplace decreased by 33 percent.
Hawaii's anti-meth media campaign consists of public service messages delivered via television, radio, newspapers, and the Internet. In addition, statewide education and outreach programs are in the works.
(Source: www.starbulletin.com)
Crystal meth use in Hawaii reached an all-time high in 2005, but began to decline over the next two years. Last year, the Hawaii Meth Project launched its first campaign, modeled on the Montana project. According to an article appearing this week in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, no statewide figures are available for 2008; however, the state's drug-control liaison reports that between the first quarter of 2007 and the second quarter of 2008, meth use in the workplace decreased by 33 percent.
Hawaii's anti-meth media campaign consists of public service messages delivered via television, radio, newspapers, and the Internet. In addition, statewide education and outreach programs are in the works.
(Source: www.starbulletin.com)
Labels: drugs, methamphetamines
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 8:59 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Monday, June 15, 2009
Hawaii: High Alcohol Addiction, Low Drug Addiction
According to a new government study released this week, Hawaii has one of the nation's highest rates of alcohol addiction, but has the lowest rate of any state for drug dependence.
According to the study, more than 4 percent of Hawaii residents over the age of 12 are addicted to alcohol. Only Montana and the District of Columbia had higher rates of alcohol addiction, and the national average is 3.4 percent.
By contrast, only 1.4 percent of Hawaiians reported drug dependence -- the lowest of any state and well below the national average of 1.9 percent. The study was conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, an agency of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department.
(Source: www.starbulletin.com)
According to the study, more than 4 percent of Hawaii residents over the age of 12 are addicted to alcohol. Only Montana and the District of Columbia had higher rates of alcohol addiction, and the national average is 3.4 percent.
By contrast, only 1.4 percent of Hawaiians reported drug dependence -- the lowest of any state and well below the national average of 1.9 percent. The study was conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, an agency of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department.
(Source: www.starbulletin.com)
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 10:49 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Nation's New Drug Czar Renames "War on Drugs"
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy has a new director, Gil Kerlikowske. Mr. Kerlikowske wants to end references to a "war on drugs" and focus on drug addiction as a public health concern.
Mr. Kerlikowske commented to the Wall Street Journal last week, "Regardless of how you try to explain to people it's a 'war on drugs' or a 'war on a product,' people see a war as a war on them."
Mr. Kerlikowske's vision may take some time to implement, however, as the analogy of a "war" is entrenched in drug policy lingo and communications. Last week, Attorney General Eric H. Solder, Jr., spoke to the House Judiciary Committee of "targeting" cartels and "deploying" federal agents to the Southwestern border.
(Source: www.washingtonpost.com)
Mr. Kerlikowske commented to the Wall Street Journal last week, "Regardless of how you try to explain to people it's a 'war on drugs' or a 'war on a product,' people see a war as a war on them."
Mr. Kerlikowske's vision may take some time to implement, however, as the analogy of a "war" is entrenched in drug policy lingo and communications. Last week, Attorney General Eric H. Solder, Jr., spoke to the House Judiciary Committee of "targeting" cartels and "deploying" federal agents to the Southwestern border.
(Source: www.washingtonpost.com)
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 8:07 AM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Friday, May 8, 2009
Drug-Resistant HIV Transmittable Among Untreated Individuals
Researchers from the University College London and the British Health Protection Agency have found that drug-resistant HIV is transmittable between individuals who have received anti-retroviral treatments. Previously, experts believed the resistant HIV, which presents a heightened public health risk, was only transmittable between individuals who had actually received drug treatment for HIV.
The fact that drug-resistant strains of HIV may be able to be transmitted to anyone has serious implications for public health. One very high-risk group for contracting HIV, and potentially drug-resistant strains, are intravenous drug users. These findings indicate that greater numbers of people may begin contracting drug-resistant forms of HIV.
Professor Deenan Pillay, a researcher on the project, commented: "Our results indicate that although the incidence of drug resistance has been declining, this might not continue -- which could have implications for planning and management of treatment programmes."
(Source: www.sciencedaily.com)
The fact that drug-resistant strains of HIV may be able to be transmitted to anyone has serious implications for public health. One very high-risk group for contracting HIV, and potentially drug-resistant strains, are intravenous drug users. These findings indicate that greater numbers of people may begin contracting drug-resistant forms of HIV.
Professor Deenan Pillay, a researcher on the project, commented: "Our results indicate that although the incidence of drug resistance has been declining, this might not continue -- which could have implications for planning and management of treatment programmes."
(Source: www.sciencedaily.com)
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 4:05 PM
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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Blog
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Drug Marketing Techniques May Jeopardize Patient Safety
A new study from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center warns that high-speed review and release of new drugs by regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical companies may be compromising patient safety.
Drug regulators are currently under a lot of pressure to make drugs available to the public as quickly as possible, and short deadlines may be moving the emphasis away from patient safety. The study reviewed trends in drug approval times in the United States in recent years and showed that drugs approved in the U.S. during the two months before the mandated deadline were more likely to be withdrawn later for safety reasons or to be released with a warning.
Dr. David Kao, from the University of Colorado, says that marketing techniques for new drugs are so advanced that upon approval, a marketing campaign can be launched on the Internet within 90 minutes. With large numbers of people being targeted by marketing campaigns to try hastily approved drugs, the risk is that large numbers of people will be exposed to unknown risks. Dr. Kao believes that the drug monitoring system must be revamped to exclude the influence of biased parties, such as doctors, drug companies, and even patients.
(Source: www.sciencedaily.com)
Drug regulators are currently under a lot of pressure to make drugs available to the public as quickly as possible, and short deadlines may be moving the emphasis away from patient safety. The study reviewed trends in drug approval times in the United States in recent years and showed that drugs approved in the U.S. during the two months before the mandated deadline were more likely to be withdrawn later for safety reasons or to be released with a warning.
Dr. David Kao, from the University of Colorado, says that marketing techniques for new drugs are so advanced that upon approval, a marketing campaign can be launched on the Internet within 90 minutes. With large numbers of people being targeted by marketing campaigns to try hastily approved drugs, the risk is that large numbers of people will be exposed to unknown risks. Dr. Kao believes that the drug monitoring system must be revamped to exclude the influence of biased parties, such as doctors, drug companies, and even patients.
(Source: www.sciencedaily.com)
posted by Drug-Rehab.com at 11:04 PM
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