Drug News

Prescription Drug Abuse – USA
Quest Diagnostics reports use of prescription opiates by American workers has increased by 40% – THE MEDICAL NEWS

Accidents do happen, but many times the incident could have been prevented when it is a result of prescription drug abuse.

Ending Drug Abuse – Georgia
Annual summit focuses on breaking cycle of drug abuse – times-georgian.com

Former NFL star Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson became aware of the effects of alcohol as a 10-year-old. He did not abuse the drug himself at that age, but he saw how it affected his mother and stepfather’s relationship.

Mephedrone Ban Request – European Union Nations
EU Calls For Ban on ‘Meow Meow’ Drug – MeDINDIA

The European Commission Wednesday called for a ban on suspected killer drug mephedrone, a popular ecstasy-like party drug known as “meow meow”, sold on the Internet and available in 12 EU nations.

Drug Trafficking – Massachusetts
Mass. Arrests 31 In Organized Crime Investigation – wbur.org

BOSTON — Authorities have charged 31 people in a yearlong investigation into organized crime and drug trafficking, including reputed New England mob capo Mark Rossetti.

Methamphetamine – Use During Pregnancy
Prosecution of Drug Abuse During Pregnancy – HEATH & WELLNESS

Kirsten Scharnberg, a Tribune National correspondent reported, “Tayshea Aiwohi is charged with consuming such huge amounts of crystal meth while she was pregnant that her son died of methamphetamine poisoning two days  after his birth” (Scharnberg, 2003). Cases such as this are appearing much more often in the spotlight recently. Prosecution against pregnant drug addicts has escalated greatly in recent years in a hope to protect the unborn fetus the women are carrying. Women who drink during pregnancy risk delivering a child with fetal alcohol syndrome, as well as mental retardation. Drug abuse exponentially increases the risk of miscarriage as well as much physical and mental impairment in the fetus.

Drug Abuse Prevention – US Air Force Musicians
Air Force musicians take a visible stand against drug abuse – U.S. AIR FORCE

10/21/2010 – SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) — The Air Force’s Band of the West is reaching out to thousands of school children in San Antonio with a “Stay in School” and “Say No to Drugs” message.

Synthetic Marijuana – Alaska
‘Spiced’ Man Breaks into House, Falls Asleep, Blames God – KTVA

A Fairbanks man was arrested Monday night after he reportedly broke into a home under the influence of potent synthetic marijuana.

Drug Violence – Portugal
Scot has ear, fingers & toes chopped off during drug gang kidnap ordeal in Portugal – DailyRecord.co.uk

A SCOT had an ear, two fingers and three toes chopped off during a horrific kidnap ordeal over an alleged £10,000 drug debt.

Marijuana – Mexico
134 tons of marijuana burnt in Mexico – Thaindian News

Tijuana, Oct 21 (THAINDIAN NEWS) The Mexican army has burnt the 134 tons of marijuana that was seized from drug traffickers in Tijuana on Monday.

Alcohol – Colorado
‘Drunkorexia’ a growing trend among college students – Los Angeles Times

While “drunkorexia” is not a medical term, it has become easily understood slang for the practice of swapping food calories for those in alcohol.

Substance Abuse Trends – USA
Latest Substance Abuse Stats Show Troubling Trends – About.com: Alcoholism

The latest government statistics about how and how much Americans use drugs and alcohol are out and the news is not encouraging for healthcare providers. More people are doing illicit drugs and an alarming percentage of people engage in regular binge drinking, the numbers show.

Drug Cartels – Mexico
Student, 20, heads police in Mexico drug corridor – THE INDEPENDENT

A 20-year-old woman who hasn’t yet finished her criminology degree was named as Mexico’s new police chief.

Youth & Alcohol Study – UK
Brit Kids Get Drunk for About Half the Cost of a Chocolate Bar – MeDINDIA

A recent study has revealed that youngsters in the UK can get drunk for half the price of a chocolate bar.

Drug-Related ER Visits For Kids – USA
Kids Under 6 Made Majority of ER Visits for Accidental Drug Ingestion – Join Together

Children five years old and younger account for 69 percent of visits made to the emergency room in 2008 for accidental ingestion of drugs — and adults should take heed, HealthDay News reported Oct. 15.

Marijuana – Mexico
Marijuana packages seized in Mexico had Homer Simpson labels – Thaindian News

TIJUANA, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) — Around 105 tons of marijuana – which would have been sold for around 4.2 billion pesos ($337 million dollars) in roughly 210 million packages – were seized in Mexico’s drug-plaged north on Monday.

Cocaine – Kansas
Sixteen people charged in KCK cocaine-distribution ring – The Kansas City Star

Sixteen people are charged with distributing more $4.2 million in cocaine in the streets of Kansas City, Kan., federal officials announced Monday.

Alcohol – UK
‘Drunk’ dad leaves 3-year-old son in car for 25 hours – Thaindian News

London, Oct 19 (ANI): A ‘drunk’ father left his three-year-old boy alone in a car for up to 25 hours.

Meth – USA
Killer Meth: America’s Greatest Drug Threat – Drug Addiction Treatment

Five years is a long time in the evolution of drug use. In August 2005, Newsweek magazine published a story claiming that meth was “America’s Most Dangerous Drug.” A lot has changed in the drug landscape in America since then, and it’s gotten to the point where many experts believe that killer meth is America’s greatest drug threat.

Cocaine & Meth – Oregon
Medford family members charged in drug bust – OregonLive.com, The Associated Press

MEDFORD, Ore. — Several members of a family have been arrested on charges of dealing methamphetamine, marijuana and cocaine.

Alcohol-Related Crash – Michigan
Covert man hurt in crash early Sunday morning – Mlive.com

PAW PAW — A 48-year-old Covert man was critically injured Sunday during an alcohol-related, two-car crash, according to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.

Substance Abuse Grants – USA, SAMHSA
SAMHSA Awards Up To $6.7 Million In Grants To Expand Technology Assisted Care For Behavioral Health Services – Medical News TODAY

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced it is awarding a total of up to $6.7 million for three years to up to six grantees to expand their behavioral health treatment systems using technology-assisted approaches in communities that can most benefit from these types of integrated comprehensive services. This program is part of SAMHSA’s strategic initiative on preventing substance abuse and mental illness.

Marijuana & Crack Cocaine – North Carolina
Neighborhood shocked after man tries to sell drugs door to door – WMBF

MURRELLS INLET, SC (WMBF) – Neighbors in one Murrells Inlet development said they’re in shock after a man is arrested for trying to sell marijuana and crack to several people door to door.

Marijuana – Florida
Police find lost bong; suspect says thanks – UPI.com

BRADENTON, Fla., Oct. 17 (UPI) — A Florida man, arrested after admitting to police there was marijuana in his car trunk, thanked them for finding his bong, lost for seven years, officers say.

Prescription Drug Theft – Washington
Pastor charged with stealing pain meds – UPI.com

SPOKANE, Wash., Oct. 15 (UPI) — A pastor in Spokane, Wash., was arrested Friday for stealing prescription drugs from the home of a parishioner, police said.

Underage Drinking – Nebraska
Solutions Sought For Alcohol-Related Crashes – KETV.com

OMAHA, Neb. — Frustration mounted in a meeting Wednesday of educators, law officials and advocates on how best to contain the problem of underage drinking.

Substance Abuse – USA WWE
Substance Abuse In WWE Dogs Linda McMahon’s Senate Run – THE 33 CW Dallas Fort Worth

In December 2007, a performer for World Wrestling Entertainment named Lance Cade suffered a devastating shoulder injury during a show in Atlanta….

Meth – California
CVS to pay $75 million fine for selling key meth ingredient – 10 NEWS WTSP.com

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Federal prosecutors say CVS Pharmacy Inc. has agreed to pay $75 million in fines for allowing repeated purchases of a key methamphetamine ingredient that led to a spike in Southern California drug trafficking.

Drug Trafficking – Mexico, Colombia
U.S. Treasury targets Mexican drug cartel – UPI.com

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (UPI) — The U.S. Treasury Department said it placed sanctions on a Mexican pilot for training drug carriers for the Sinaloa drug cartel.

Drug Dealers Arrested – UK
Nine arrests in anti-drugs raids in Coventry – BBC NEWS Coventry & Warwickshire

West Midlands Police organised early-morning raids as part of an operation against drug-dealing in the city.

Teen Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention – Nebraska
Peer Pressure Targeted In Drug, Alcohol Abuse – KETV.com

OMAHA, Neb. — A group of Omaha teenagers from five high schools gathered Thursday to try to change the way their peers respond to messages about drugs and alcohol.

Cocaine – Canada
Taser use questioned in drug user’s death – cnews Crime

In a state of excited delirium from a weekend of smoking, snorting and injecting cocaine, Marreel wreaked havoc on the hamlet of Fisher’s Glen in the county of Norfolk in southern Ontario, testified Norfolk OPP officers at the John Sopinka Courthouse in Hamilton Tuesday.

Methamphetamine & Cocaine Bust – California
$300K of meth and cocaine found at Calif. Border – DTVN RENO / Associated Press

SAN DIEGO (AP) – Border patrol agents busted a suspected drug smuggler after discovering nearly $300,000 in cocaine and methamphetamine hidden in a car bumper at a checkpoint near Pine Valley in San Diego County.

Partnership for a Drug-Free America – USA
New Name and Celebrity Spokesperson for The Partnership – Join Together

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America has a new name and a new spokesperson in actress Melissa Gilbert, the Associated Press reported Oct. 7.

Drug Abuse Reduction & Prevention – Canada
Government Of Canada Works With The Province Of Manitoba To Reduce Illicit Drug Use – Medical News TODAY

Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan-St.Paul, announced today $6,363,708 in funding for drug treatment initiatives for the province of Manitoba under the National Anti-Drug Strategy. Joy Smith made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health.

Drunk Driving – Nebraska
Crash Victim On Life Support – KETV.com

OMAHA, Neb. — One of two people critically injured in a suspected drunk driving crash has “no brain activity”, according to the Omaha police department.

Marijuana Legalization Issues – California
Legalizing marijuana in California would not substantially cut cartel revenues, study finds – e! Science News

Legalizing marijuana in California will not dramatically reduce the drug revenues collected by Mexican drug trafficking organizations from sales to the United States, according to a new RAND Corporation study. The only scenario where legalization in California could substantially reduce the revenue of the drug trafficking organizations is if high-potency, California-produced marijuana is smuggled to other U.S. states at prices that are lower than those of current Mexican supplies, according to the study from the RAND Drug Policy Research Center. RAND is a nonprofit research organization.

Illegal Drugs – USA High School
Grafton High Faculty Learns How To Spot Illegal Drugs – msnbc.com

Authorities in Taylor County say that the drug problem in the county isn’t getting any better.

Date Rape Drug – Washington
Cops Investigating Overdoses of 12 Teens on Spiked Drinks – abc NEWS / Health

Date Rape Drug Suspected After 12 People, Mostly Women, Overdose at College Party

Cocaine Addiction Treatment – USA Celebrity
Lohan under ‘cocaine dependence’ treatment – Thaindian News

London, Oct 12 (IANS) Actress Lindsay Lohan is reportedly being treated for cocaine addiction at the Betty Ford Clinic in Los Angeles. She is undergoing a rehab treatment programme as she has a dependency for the Class A drug.

Meth Lab Fire – Michigan
Man killed in fire early Tuesday in St. Joseph County; police say blaze may have been sparked by meth lab – Mlive.com

STURGIS TOWNSHIP — A man was killed early Tuesday in a garage fire that police say may have been sparked by a methamphetamine lab.

Drunk Driving – Nebraska
Coach: Husker Nation Affected By Drunken Driving Crash – KETV.com

OMAHA, Neb. — A teenager suspected of driving drunk and causing a chain-reaction crash on Saturday put four people in a hospital, including an assistant coach for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln golf team.

Marijuana – Nebraska
145 Pounds Of Pot Uncovered During Traffic Stop – KETV.com

OMAHA, Neb. — The Nebraska State Patrol said a Texas man was arrested Saturday on Interstate 80 when a trooper found 145 pounds of marijuana in the bed of his pickup truck.

Underage Drinking – Florida
Bus driver resigns over drunk students – UPI.com

BRADENTON, Fla., Oct. 8 (UPI) — Officials in a Florida school district said a bus driver resigned after several sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade girls got drunk on her bus.

Prescription Drug Addiction – USA Celebrity
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis Discusses Prescription Drug Addiction, and Recovery – Drug Addiction Treatment

Addiction to prescription pain medications continues to come into the light, especially as more and more celebrities confess their problem. Prescription drugs are considered a possible factor in the death of Michael Jackson, and have become part of news stories surrounding actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who wrote in a published blog that she became hooked on morphine after completing cosmetic surgery.

Marijuana – Arizona
Boy, 14, crossing border caught with 2 pounds of pot – azcentral.com

More than two pounds were found in a Douglas teen’s backpack as he was crossing the port of entry from Mexico Thursday morning, authorities said.

Recovery Costs – USA
Who pays? Law changes are supposed to help with drug recovery – CoshoctonTribune.com

COSHOCTON — When the court orders a defendant into drug or alcohol treatment, chances are you, the taxpayer, are footing the bill.

Cocaine – USA Celebrity
Carrie Fisher did cocaine on set of ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ – Thaindian News

Melbourne, Oct 11 (ANI): Carrie Fisher’s addiction to drugs was in full swing during her role as Princess Leia in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ in 1980, it has emerged.

Increase in Alcohol Consumption – Students
Study-abroad students increase alcohol consumption – Thaindian News

Washington, Oct 11 (ANI): New research from University of Washington has revealed that studying abroad is more like a prolonged spring break for some students – it can be months with fewer academic responsibilities, plentiful bars and alcohol, and parents far away.

Substance Abuse Treatment – Oregon
Demand for drug rehab in Oregon outpaces supply – KVAL.com

EUGENE, Ore. – Willamette Family drug treatment center’s resources are being stretched by an increase in addicts needing goverment assistance and relying on its services.

Drug & Alcohol Testing – Trinidad & Tobago
Consultant: Zero tolerance for alcohol on the job – Trinidad Express Newspapers

COMPANIES should institute random testing for drug and alcohol abuse for its employees, occupational health consultant Dr Carol Bhagan-Khan, has advised.

Substance Abuse Prevention – Canada
Government Of Canada Works With Yukon And Its Communities To Help Prevent Young People From Taking Drugs – Medical News TODAY

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, announced over $1.7 million in Government of Canada funding support for three projects in Yukon under the National Anti-Drug Strategy; the first project focuses on drug treatment services and the other two on drug prevention aimed at youth.

Drug Prevention – New York
Public hearings for county drug panel – Times Beacon Record media

The Suffolk County Heroin and Opiate Advisory Panel, created this past summer to help end the drug epidemic in Suffolk County, will be holding the first of two public hearings on Thursday, Oct. 14, in Hauppauge.

Cocaine – SAMHSA Survey Results
Fewer Young Adults Seek Help For Cocaine And Crack Use – Medical News TODAY

New figures from the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) show a sharp drop for the first time in the numbers of drug users seeking treatment for addiction to cocaine and crack.

Heroin – India
Six drug peddlers arrested – Thaindian News

Kolkata, Oct 7 (IANS) Six members of a drug peddling gang, who used to extort money in the guise of Maoists, were arrested Thursday in West Bengal’s ultra-Left-affected West Midnapore district, police said.”Acting on a tipoff, we have arrested six people from Kaju forest near Benageria in Jhargram sub-division. Disguised as Maoists, they used to extort people. We have also recovered cash worth Rs.1.61 lakh, 30 grams of heroin, five mobile phones, SIM cards, firearms and ammunition from them,” Jhargram Police District Superintendent Praveen Tripathi said.

Substance Abuse Prevention – US Navy
Navy, substance abuse center form online program to help with abuse issues – jdnews.com

RICHMOND, Va. — The Navy is teaming up with a highly regarded addiction treatment center to provide Web-based support for thousands of sailors, their families and retired personnel struggling with alcohol and drug abuse.

Drug Use – UK
Drug users are turning to legal highs – report – BBC NEWS HEALTH

Young adults are turning to so-called legal highs as they seek alternatives to other drugs, according to experts.

Methamphetamine – Arizona
Border agents seize bundles of meth – azcentral.com

YUMA – U.S. Border Patrol agents seized several bundles of methamphetamine Tuesday at the Interstate 8 checkpoint east of Yuma.

Alcohol – USA Cancer Study
Poor Habits Double Number of Young Oral Cancer Patients – MeDINDIA

Oral cancer has doubled the number of young people affected because of drinking, smoking and a unhealthy diet, warn experts.

Marijuana – California
Deputies bust drug dealers at medical pot clinics – kmov.com St. Louis

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies have seized marijuana and conducted raids at 16 locations across Southern California.