Drug News

ALCOHOL – USA
Booze group rejects labels – Herald Sun

THE alcohol industry has denied Australia is in the midst of a binge drinking epidemic and is resisting a push for product warning labels.

ALCOHOL – USA
Adolescent rats help prove that early alcohol exposure alcohol can quickly lead to heavy drinking – Eureka Alert

No one can become alcohol dependent (AD) without repeatedly drinking alcohol, but not everyone who does so will become AD. Certain characteristics – adolescence, novelty seeking, reaction to stress, and response to first alcohol exposure – are believed to influence the vulnerability of developing AD.

PRESCRIPTION – USA
More teens abusing prescription meds to get high – The Coloradoan

n 2006, abuse of prescription painkillers was second only to marijuana as the nation’s most prevalent illegal drug problem, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

PRESCRIPTION – USA
Prescription drug and hypodermic needle disposal day – Arlington Advocate

Arlington residents may bring old prescription drugs and needles for safe disposal. Needles should be brought in a closed sharps container or a plastic laundry detergent bottle with the cap on.

HEROIN – UK
Police warn on ‘Hillbilly’ drug – Hampshire Chronicle

POLICE are warning the public about a prescribed drug called Oxycodone Hydrochloride that may be circulating and being misused in the Winchester area.

CANNABIS – UK
Skunk cannabis hauls are on the rise – Guardian

A Home Office report, based on information from police forces, suggests that 81 per cent of cannabis seizures are of sinsemilla - the dried, herbal strain of the female cannabis plant - that contains high levels of psychotropic substances.

CANNABIS – UK
Coroner in cannabis campaign – Western Telegraph

The numbers of deaths caused by driving while under the influence of drugs is a growing trend in Pembrokeshire according to the county coroner, who wants more campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers.