Drug News

ALCOHOL – USA
New Mexico turns a corner on drunk driving – Los Angeles Times

The state once led the nation in alcohol-related crash deaths. But tough measures, including an ignition-interlock requirement for all convicted drunk drivers, are paying off.

ALCOHOL – UK
Drinking 22 Or More Units Of Alcohol A Week Increases Rates Of Hospital Admission – Medical News Today

Men who drink 22 or more units of alcohol a week have a 20% higher rate of admissions into acute care hospitals than non-drinkers, researchers from the University of Glasgow have found.

DRUGS – UK
Substance use 1: background, risks and effects of commonly used drugs, and current issues – Nursing Times

Exploring background information, the range of risks and effects and current trends in commonly used drugs, reasons for and extent of use, and legal concerns.

DRUGS – USA
International Drug Policy Reform Conference, November 12-14, 2009 – Reform Conference

Every two years drug policy reformers from across the United States and around the world come together to listen, learn, network and strategize.

METH – USA
Oklahoma Cracks Down on Meth Production – New On 6

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics is trying to curb the use of pseudoephedrine to make methamphetamine.

DRUGS – USA
Experts Urge Limits on Widely Used Pain Drug – Voice of America News

The United States government might place new restrictions on a commonly used painkiller. Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage and even death.

METH – USA
Meth recovery may take at least one year – United Press International

The study, published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, says it takes at least one year for former methamphetamine users to regain cognitive functions like impulse control and attentional focus.

PRESCRIPTION – USA
DEA: Prescription Drug Abuse Is Epidemic – WLKY News

The Drug Enforcement Administration said that’s more than the number of people abusing cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, ecstasy and inhalants combined.

PRESCRIPTION – USA
Prescription Drug Abuse & Deaths Explode in Kentucky, Florida – Daily Kos

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says nearly 7 million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, noting that is “more than the number who are abusing cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, ecstasy and inhalants combined.”

PRESCRIPTION – USA
Darvon, Similar Drugs to Carry Stronger Warnings – The Washington Post

The Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday that it will require stricter labeling of drugs containing propoxyphene, a mild opioid painkiller that the European Union’s FDA-equivalent decided last month to phase out of use.