Drug News

COCAINE – USA
End cocaine disparities – Detroit Free Press

Most states, including Michigan, treat crack and powder cocaine the same. As drugs, the distinctions between crack and powder cocaine are negligible — but the differences in federal penalties are enormous.

METH – USA
‘Crystal Darkness’ meth special to be replayed on local channels – Newport News-Times

Crystal Darkness focused on facts and science, rather than fear and hype, and featured addicts and recovered addicts talking about the personal impacts of the drug.

METH – USA
Coalition takes meth seriously – Alamogordo Daily News

The Otero County Meth Coalition got people talking about meth Thursday night at its Methamphetamine Awareness Community Forum.

DRUGS – USA
FDA panel: Don’t use cold meds in kids under 6 – MSNBC News

Cold and cough medicines don’t work in children and shouldn’t be used in those younger than 6, federal health advisers recommended Friday.

DRUGS – USA
Drug Testing Has Little Effect on Student Athletes’ Drug Use, Study Says – Join Together

Drug testing has only a minimal deterrent effect on high-school athletes’ use of steroids, according to a new study.

DRUGS – USA
SAMHSA Takes Snapshot of Teen Drug Use – Join Together

On any given day, about 1.2 million American teens smoke, 631,000 drink alcohol, and 586,000 use marijuana, according to a new study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

PAINKILLERS – USA
Crimes tied to painkiller - The Morning Sun

Tuesday night’s attempted robbery at a Mt. Pleasant pharmacy is the latest in an alarming trend of addicts seeking the powerful painkiller OxyContin, police said.

ALCOHOL – USA
Sobering depiction of teen drinking – The Kansas City Star

According to the U.S. surgeon general’s office, underage consumption of beer and alcohol accounts for a quarter of alcohol sales.

PRESCRIPTION – USA
State cracks down on prescription drug diversion, theft – Vermont Public Radio

Medical patients are increasingly being targeted by thieves who want to steal their narcotics or other prescription drugs.

PRESCRIPTION – USA
Prescription Painkiller Abuse Rising – KFYR TV News

Not all substance abusers get their drugs from a shady dealer or a home lab. Many are getting them at the pharmacy. Statistics show prescription painkiller abuse has risen 90 percent over the past decade.