Drug News

METHADONE – USA
Methadone deaths soar – The Enterprise
Methadone overdose deaths in the state rose from 86 in 2005 to 146 in 2006, according to preliminary numbers provided to The Enterprise.

DRUGS – USA
Born addicted: Drug abuse among pregnant women is on the rise – West Virginia Gazette

Drug use among pregnant women in West Virginia appears to be increasing rapidly, crowding hospital newborn intensive-care units and prompting state lawmakers to search for a solution.

ALCOHOL – UK
Tackling alcohol abuse – The Scotsman
Alcohol abuse as endemic to Scotland is now a deadly truth (your report, 18 January). An increasing proportion of leisure time is focused on the irresponsible consumption of alcohol.

DRUGS – USA
Drug & Alcohol Abuse Committee seeking applicants – Stuart News
The Martin County Commission is seeking applications from individuals interested in being considered for appointment to fill a vacancy on the Drug & Alcohol Abuse Awareness Committee.

ALCOHOL – USA
Re-evaluating UVM’s alcohol policy – Vermont Cynic
The University should transform its alcohol policy to be centered on student safety and alcohol education and away from the policy’s current basis in detection and punishment.

PRESCRIPTION – USA
FOCUS to round up unneeded medicine – Tuscaloosa News
With a rise in the number of people abusing prescription drugs, many experts are cautioning people to be wary of what medications get tossed in the trash. About 6.4 million Americans report nonmedical use of prescription drugs, according to federal government figures.

PRESCRIPTION – USA
Are kids abusing prescription meds? – Lawrence Journal World
According to the nonprofit Partnership for a Drug-Free America’s annual tracking study, one in five teenagers reports abusing prescription pain medication or stimulants and tranquilizers.

DRUGS – USA
Finally, a safe, environmental way to get rid of old medicine – The Seattle Times
Old drugs left in the medicine cabinet are too often used by mistake or by someone seeking a high. If thrown in the garbage or flushed down the toilet, they can give an unintended dose to fish and other wildlife.