Drug News

Underage Drinking – USA Study
Study: Teen girls drinking more – Thaindian News

Maryland, Jun 30 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Historically teenage boys have always drunk more alcohol than the opposite sex. However the tide seems to be steadily changing. New information from the Partnership for a Drug Free America shows that more girls are turning to alcohol and other narcotic drugs, than boys these days.

Prescription Drug Monitoring – USA
Doctors Want Pain Drugs To Be Tracked – Medical News TODAY

Doctors who belong to the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians want lawmakers to give money to help states begin collecting and sharing data on patients who “doctor shop” for pain medications.

OxyContin Addiction – Maryland
Brother’s OxyContin addiction inspires Damascus woman to start web-based Facebook support group – Gazette.Net

As Michael Reed’s senior year of high school drew to a close in 2008, and he became increasingly worried about his uncharted future, he turned to drugs to relieve the stress.

New Disorder – USA
Choosing healthy foods now called a mental disorder – NaturalNews.com

(NaturalNews) In its never-ending attempt to fabricate “mental disorders” out of every human activity, the psychiatric industry is now pushing the most ridiculous disease they’ve invented yet: Healthy eating disorder.

Meth Abuse – USA Study
More Young Moms-to-Be Treated for Meth, Marijuana Abuse – HON

TUESDAY, June 29 (HealthDay News) — Among pregnant teens admitted for substance abuse treatment, the proportion treated for methamphetamine abuse more than quadrupled — from 4.3 percent to 18.8 percent — between 1992 and 2007, while admission rates for marijuana abuse more than doubled, from 19.3 percent to 45.9 percent, a new government study shows.

Probation for Drugs & Guns – USA Artist
Lil Wayne Sentenced To Three Years’ Probation In Arizona Case – M TV

Rapper, who is currently serving a yearlong jail term in a separate case, was arrested in 2008 for drugs and a gun on his tour bus.

Teenage Drug & Alcohol Abuse – USA Survey
Teenage girls more likely to perceive potential benefits of drug and alcohol use – THE MEDICAL NEWS

Survey data released today by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America® and MetLife Foundation found that teenage girls are more likely than teenage boys to perceive potential benefits from drug use and drinking, making teen girls more vulnerable to drug and alcohol abuse.

Addiction Recovery Funding Budget Cuts – Illinois
Treatment programs cut, while heroin abuse tops nation – Daily Herald

A Roosevelt University study released this week pronounced the heroin abuse problem that plagues Chicago and its suburbs as the worst in the nation.

Poor Training Methods for Drug Sniffing Dogs – South America
Sniffer Dogs Blamed for Guyana Drug Lapses – abc NEWS / International

Sniffer dogs are being blamed for airport security lapses in Guyana, where police said Monday that their canines are too old or not skilled enough to detect drugs stuffed inside suitcases.

Children Using Drugs & Alcohol – Sheffield, UK
Child drugs and drink toll – The Star

MORE than 2,900 children and teenagers aged 11 to 16 in Sheffield are using alcohol or illegal drugs “on most days”, according to Sheffield Council.

Meth Lab – Michigan
Tip leads police to meth lab in Kendall – Mlive.com

PAW PAW — A person alerted police to the strong smell of ether coming from an active methamphetamine lab, which led to a 26-year-old Kendall man’s arrest.

Fatal Drunk Driving Crash – USA Actress
Locane charged with vehicular homicide – UPI.com

MONTGOMERY, N.J., June 28 (UPI) — Actress Amy Locane has been charged with vehicular homicide and assault by auto in the death of a woman Sunday night, New Jersey authorities said.

Heroin Abuse – Chicago
Heroin abuse surging in Chicago and its suburbs – Chicago Sun-Times

More people in Chicago and its suburbs are admitted to hospital emergency rooms for heroin use than in any other major city, and heroin is now the most common illegal substance for which people in Illinois enter drug treatment, a new study shows.

Drug Overdose – Florida
Former Tennis Star Jennifer Capriati Admitted To Medical Facility For Suspected Drug Overdose – Thaindian News

Former tennis star Jennifer Capriati was admitted to a medical facility on Sunday after emergency officials are reported to have responded to a call of drug overdose. According to reports that have surfaced, an emergency call was placed to the paramedics to attend to the tennis star who had put up at the Reviera Beach hotel in Florida, from where she was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Drug Related Birth Defects – Study
Increased Risk Of Birth Defects From Psychotropic Medications – Medical News TODAY

A new study shows that use of psychotropic medications during pregnancy increase the probability of birth defects. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have published an article that documents the serious side effects that can be associated with these types of medications.

Sobriety – Steven Tyler
Steven Tyler On Sobriety, Aerosmith’s Near Implosion – The Huffington Post

NEW YORK — Steven Tyler can laugh about it now. The fall off the stage that caused the cancellation of Aerosmith’s 2009 summer tour. His stint in rehab for prescription drug abuse. The fights with his bandmates, and the talk of replacing him as lead singer for Aerosmith.

Drunk Strollering – Michigan Couple
Police: Drunk couple put bayonet with kids – UPI.com

YPSILANTI, Mich., June 28 (UPI) — Police in Michigan said they arrested a couple who were spotted pushing a stroller containing two young boys, open containers of alcohol and a bayonet.

Lower Limit For Drinking and Driving – Ireland
Lower Drink Drive Limit To Save Lives – Doctors, Northern Ireland – Medical News TODAY

Lowering the drink drive limit will save lives, Northern Ireland doctors said last friday (Friday 25 June).

Decreased Injection Drug Use – Europe
Injecting Drug Use Sees Downward Trend in Europe – MeDINDIA

The use of intravenous drugs has decreased in most European countries although Bulgaria and Slovakia bucked the trend, according to a report published Thursday by a Lisbon-based monitoring body.

Jamaican Drug Trafficker Facing Charges – New York
After violent standoff in Jamaica, gang leader in NY to face drug trafficking charges – Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Jamaican gang leader Christopher “Dudus” Coke — known for his fiercely loyal following in his own country — also had his admirers in America, U.S. prosecutors say.

Alcohol Awareness – Australia
Time To Put Focus On Links Between Alcohol And Cancer, Australia – Medical News TODAY

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said today that more needs to be done to stop young people from taking up drinking at an early age, including banning alcohol advertising and promotions that are targeted at teenagers and adolescents.

Meth – USA Study
Study Shows Legislation Effective in Reducing Meth-Related ER Visits – Drug Addiction Treatment

Despite the obvious hazards caused by methamphetamine use, the drug continues to be a problem. It is easy to make, readily accessible and instantly addictive, making it a significant threat to any drug free initiative.

Cocaine – Italy
Sardinia swim nets 24 kilos of cocaine – UPI.com

ALGHERO, Italy, June 24 (UPI) — Police on the island of Sardinia say they are looking for three bystanders who allegedly helped themselves to cocaine found in an abandoned backpack.

Heroin Smuggling – Malaysia
Malaysian charged with smuggling heroin in her bra – The Associated Press

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) – A 43-year-old Malaysian woman was charged with smuggling heroin in her bra. Drug trafficking carries the mandatory death penalty upon conviction. Prosecutor Raya Hazeelia Mohammad said Harini Che Soh was charged in a court in eastern Terengganu state Wednesday. No plea was recorded.

Summer is Substance Abuse Season – USA
Individuals get involved in alcohol or drug related accidents during summer holidays – THE MEDICAL NEWS

As the days grow longer and hotter, some chemical dependency professionals have their own name for summer: substance abuse season, because that’s when individuals who abuse or are addicted to alcohol, prescription medications and drugs get involved in alcohol or drug related accidents during the summer holidays.

Anti-Drug Efforts – USA/Mexico Border
Border Drones? Homeland Security To Use Unmanned Surveillance Aircraft Over U.S. Border – The Huffington Post

WASHINGTON — The Homeland Security Department will use unmanned surveillance aircraft and other technological upgrades in its ongoing effort to protect the southern border of the United States.

Drugs Scheduled to be Burned – Thailand
5,691kg drugs to be burnt Friday – Bangkok Post

A total of 5,691kg of various kinds of illicit drugs worth about 6,158 million baht will be burnt on Friday, June 25, in an annual event to the mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which falls on June 26, Public Health Ministry Jurin Laksanavisit said on Wednesday.

Teenage Binge Drinking Prevention – Study
Parenting style can prevent binge drinking in teens – Thaindian News

Washington, June 24 (ANI): A new study has revealed that parenting style is an important factor in preventing binge drinking amongst teens.

Drug Abuse – World Drug Report
United Nations World Drug Report 2010 Shows the Devastating Impact of the Drug Trade on Transit Countries – Drug Addiction Treatment

The Office of Drugs and Crimes of the United Nations released the World Drug Report 2010 on June 23, 2010. The new report indicates that amphetamines and related stimulants as well as prescription drugs are becoming drugs of choice throughout the world. The biggest change in the statistics is the use of synthetic drugs. The UN estimates the number of users of these drugs will soon exceed the number of users of cocaine and opiates.

Marijuana Confiscation – Arizona
Arizona Cops Threatened by Mexican Drug Cartel – abc NEWS / U.S.

A Mexican drug cartel has threatened police officers in Arizona who confiscated a marijuana shipment, prompting the small town department to warn its officers to remain armed and have radios with them at all times, and keep their body armor handy.

Drug Smugglers Sentenced to Prison – Arizona
Brothers get 15 years in Arizona drug-smuggling case – azcentral.com

Two brothers accused of being the leaders of a drug-trafficking organization have been sentenced to 15 years in an Arizona prison.

Overdose Death – Michael Jackson
TIMELINE: Michael Jackson’s Final Days  – abc NEWS / 20/20

It was to be Michael Jackson’s first concert series in a dozen years, billed as one of the greatest comebacks of all time. When Jackson himself arrived in London to announce his tour, no one dreamed that in less than four months, the King of Pop would be dead.

Captured Drug Dealer – Jamaica
Accused Jamaican drug lord captured – UPI.com

KINGSTON, Jamaica, June 23 (UPI) — After a month-long search, Jamaican authorities have finally jailed the island’s No. 1 fugitive, drug lord Christopher “Dudus” Coke, police say.

Alcohol Related Probation – Nicole Richie
Nicole Richie’s probation extended till March 2011 – Thaindian News

Glendale, Jun 23 (THAINDIAN NEWS) A judge has extended the probation of socialite Nicole Richie until March 2011. The judge has extended the probation so that she could get some more time, so that she can finish her alcohol education classes, to the complete satisfaction of the court.

Drug-Free School Program Ending – Maryland
Safe and Drug-Free Schools program axed in Montgomery County – Gazette.Net

Estella Lopez wanted to belong, so she began drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana and using cocaine to fit in with her high school peers…

Heavy Cocaine Use – Scotland
Scots top global cocaine use poll – BBC NEWS

Scotland has among the highest levels of cocaine use in the world, according to a United Nations report.

Fatal Drug Overdose – USA Music Artist
Autopsy reveals that Slipknot bassist Paul Gray died due to drug overdose – Thaindian News

Jun 22 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Paul Gray, 38, the bassist for the band Slipknot died of accidental dosage of morphine and fentanyl. This was revealed according to the autopsy report, which was issued on Monday.

Record Heroin Seizure – China
Guangzhou seizes record 1-ton heroin – ShanghaiDaily.com

CUSTOMS officers in south China’s Guangzhou Province have seized 1.03 tons of heroin and caught 20 suspects in a record drug bust since the foundation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

Drug Rehab Needed for Teen – New York
Canton teen sent to jail, awaiting rehab slot – WatertownDailyTimes.com

CANTON — A Canton teen who reportedly has been abusing drugs since age 10 will be sent to drug rehabilitation.

Heroin, Cocaine and Meth Drug Dealer Convicted – Alaska
Leader of West Coast drug ring convicted in Alaska – newsminer.com

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A jury convicted a man of operating a drug ring that brought large amounts of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine from California to Alaska, prosecutors said Monday.

Prescription Painkiller Abuse – Ohio
Abuse of meds sends as many to ER as illegal drugs – Associated Press

For the first time, abuse of painkillers and other medication is sending as many people to the emergency room as the use of illegal drugs.

Drunk Driving Arrest – Ex-Cop
Ex-cop asks officers to arrest him for driving while drunk – Thaindian News

Melbourne, June 22 (ANI): An American man, who used to be a police officer, asked cops, who pulled him over for speeding, to arrest him for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Drug Abuse – Afghanistan
UN survey finds ‘major drug abuse’ in Afghanistan – Thaindian News

Kabul, June 21 (DPA) The number of opium and heroin users in Afghanistan has risen 75 percent in the past five years, as total users of illegal drugs reached one million, a UN survey released Monday found.

Teenage Prescription Drug Abuse – USA
Risky behavior – htrnews.com

One in five high school students in the United States has taken a prescription medication that was not prescribed for them, a new survey shows.

Meth Lab – Ohio
Men accused of running meth lab at Ohio rest stop – Ohio.com / Associated Press

MONROE, OHIO: Ohio authorities have arrested two Tennessee brothers they say ran a methamphetamine lab out of a stolen car at a highway rest stop.

Alcohol Rehab – USA Actor
Chris Klein heads to Utah rehab – UPI.com

LOS ANGELES, June 21 (UPI) — Chris Klein’s publicist says the actor is seeking treatment for alcohol addiction at Utah’s Cirque Lodge after his second DUI arrest.

Adderall Abuse – USA
Adderall: The Most Abused Prescription Drug in America. – The Huffington Post

Adderall is abused mostly by college students and young adults. Estimates are that somewhere between 20-30 percent of college students regularly abuse Adderall.

Overdose Death – New York
Koppel’s Son Died From Overdose of Drugs, Alcohol – abc NEWS / Entertainment

NYC medical examiner: Ted Koppel’s son died from overdose of heroin, coke, Valium, alcohol

Drug Money Laundering – Texas
Feds: Texas developer laundered drug money – Associated Press

McALLEN– An Internal Revenue Service investigator says a Texas developer arrested in a drug trafficking sweep managed money laundering and coordinated cash shipments from Chicago, Atlanta and Houston to the Rio Grande Valley.

Anti-Drug Campaign for Teens – USA
Nationwide campaign encourages teens to resist drug use, stay above negative influences – THE MEDICAL NEWS

Milwaukee teens are part of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s (ONDCP) new, nationwide campaign encouraging teens to engage in a conversation about the positive and negative pressures that influence their decisions.  The Influence Project is part of a new initiative of the anti-drug teen brand, Above the Influence (ATI), which emphasizes what teens do to resist drug use and stay “above” negative influences.

Prescription Painkiller Abuse – USA
Pain drugs abuse requires urgent action: CDC – REUTERS

CHICAGO (Reuters) – Emergency room visits tied to the abuse of prescription painkillers have jumped 111 percent over a five-year period, an alarming increase that threatens the American public health system, U.S. government researchers said on Thursday.

Cocaine – UK
Drug dealer told cops he thought 20kg of cocaine was talcum powder, court hears – DailyRecord.co.uk

A DRUG dealer caught with 20kg of cocaine, worth £3.2million, told police he thought it was talcum powder.

Alcohol – Study in UK
One alcoholic drink can triple chances of car accident – Thaindian News

Wellington, June 18 (ANI): A study has found that even a single alcoholic drink can triple the chances of a driver dying in a car accident, as it can increase a driver’s blood-alcohol level by more than half the legal limit.

Meth – Colorado
Meth profit put at $300,000 monthly – THE DAILY SENTINEL

A local organization with ties to Denver and Mexico pumped up to 5 pounds of methamphetamine into the Grand Valley on a weekly basis, while returning $300,000 per month in profits to Mexico, a prosecutor told a judge Wednesday.

Drug Raid – Washington
WA raids net $1M in drugs, 10 arrests – The Associated Press

EVERETT, Wash. — Drug enforcement agents have arrested 10 people in King and Snohomish counties and seized more than $1 million worth of drugs.

Older American Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions Up – USA
Proportion of substance abuse treatment admissions involving older Americans doubles: SAMHSA – THE MEDICAL NEWS

A new study reveals that between 1992 and 2008 the proportion of substance abuse treatment admissions involving older Americans (aged 50 and older) nearly doubled — from 6.6 percent of all admissions in 1992 to 12.2 percent in 2008.

Steroid Testing for High School Athletes – New Jersey
Testing teen athletes for steroids: worthy or wasteful? – WHYY News and Information

New Jersey’s proposed budget eliminates funding for testing high school athletes for drugs. Back in 2005, it was the first state to test for steroids.

Drug and Gang Problems – New York
Drug and gang problems in New York State – YNN

According to a report by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the State of New York and the Southern Tier is facing a gang and drug abuse problem. Gillibrand says there could be as many as 50,000 gang members in the state, with 2,000 of them coming from the Southern Tier. Our Vince Slomsky sat down with the sheriff of Broome County to find out how big the problem really is.

Mobile Meth Lab – South Carolina
Police: Traffic Stop Leads to Mobile Meth Lab – abc 4 NEWS CHARLESTON

Walterboro, SC – Authorities say a traffic stop lead to the discovery of a mobile meth lab in Walterboro Tuesday night.

Marijuana Bust – Ohio
Woman Busted With 506 Pounds Of Pot On Jet – CBS

A California woman traveling with a bodyguard on a private jet was arrested at an Ohio airport with 506 pounds of marijuana stashed in 13 suitcases, federal authorities said.