Drug News

ALCOHOL – USA
Teens – especially girls – drinking alcohol marketed toward them – Capitol Weekly

“Underage drinking is a problem in this country, and stopping it is critically important to all of us,” said Guy Smith, writing for alcohol giant Diageo in a recent issue of Capitol Weekly.

PRESCRIPTION – USA
Purple drank: Prescription cough syrup key in drug abuse trend – Jackson Clarion Ledger

Mississippi authorities say a drug commonly known as “purple drank,” “lean,” or “sippin’ syrup” is becoming more visible in the state.

PRESCRIPTION – SOUTH AFRICA
Death on prescription – Health 24

This is not limited to movie stars and rock stars: it’s something that is perceived to be a growing problem in South Africa, and many experts believe it is not given the attention it deserves. There are multiple dangers associated with mixing - and, of course, abusing - prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs.

ALCOHOL – UK
New Report Reveals Treatment Admissions For Methamphetamine, Prescription Drug And Marijuana Abuse Are On The Rise – Medical News Today

Problems with alcohol as a primary substance of abuse accounted for 40 percent of the 1.8 million admissions in 2006 for substance abuse treatment in the United States according to a report based on the latest nationwide survey of treatment facilities.

METH – USA
Meth Users Stealing Identities – KKTV News

Do you worry about your car getting stolen or even your identity? If you don’t think you’ll be affected, Colorado Springs police said think again. These crimes are growing in our community and they say they can be tied to one common factor: methamphetamine.

COCAINE – UK
Cocaine danger warning – Liverpool Echo

A CAMPAIGN to stop young people using cocaine has been launched. Residents aged 20-24 are the focus of a new “Cocaine is not all it is wrapped up to be” drive in Knowsley.

DRUGS – SOUTH AFRICA
Schools can search and test pupils for drugs – Dispatch

SCHOOLS are preparing for random drug testing on pupils after government recently passed a law to allow such tests.