Archive
Chronic Marijuana Use Can Cause Gum Disease, Researchers Say
February 25, 2008
Marijuana smokers can develop gum disease even if they don't also smoke cigarettes, according to new research.
Bush's 2009 Budget Cuts $198 Million from SAMHSA
February 11, 2008
Drug-prevention advocates and others are raising the alarm over President Bush's FY2009 budget plan, which slashed $198 million from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and calls for elimination of the Recovery Community Support Programs and the STOP Underage Drinking program.
Appalachia Besieged by Painkiller Addiction
February 11, 2008
A hardscrabble region where employment is often limited to working the mines or working in prisons, Appalachia also has become home to some of the nation's worst addiction problems.
Comprehensive Health Coverage Resource Center Launched
February 11, 2008
The Foundation for Health Coverage Education (FHCE) has launched a new Internet resource center that provides eligiblity and other information on more than 144 government-sponsored programs designed to help people who lack health insurance.
Nonmedical Prescription Drug Use by 12th Graders
February 11, 2008
The nonmedical use of prescription-type drugs continues to be a problem among 12th grade students, according to data from the 2007 national Monitoring the Future survey.
Methadone Cardiac Death Danger Reported
February 11, 2008
Normal therapeutic doses of methadone could cause sudden cardiac death.
Marijuana Smokers Face Breathing Problems at Young Age
February 11, 2008
Long-term marijuana smokers are prone to develop bullous lung disease at a much younger age than cigarette smokers, possibly because they tend to inhale more deeply and hold hot smoke in their lungs up to four times longer.
Young Drinkers Face Array of Health Problems Later in Life
February 11, 2008
Heart disease, stroke and diabetes are just some of the health problems facing people over age 35 who started drinking heavily during their teens and as young adults.
Study: Heavy Marijuana Users Face Tough Withdrawal
February 11, 2008
Withdrawal from heavy marijuana use is about as harsh for users as withdrawal from nicotine addiction is for tobacco users.
NIDA Releases Draft Strategic Plan, Seeks Comments
January 14, 2008
Citing "recent revolutionary advances in drug abuse research," NIDA has been working with its national advisory council and others in the addiction research field to develop the plan, the agency's first major new outline of goals and objectives since former director Alan Leshner, Ph.D., published a five-year strategic plan in 2000.
Stop-Smoking Drug Faces Suicide Warning
January 14, 2008
European regulators are calling for a suicide warning to be including on packaging for the stop-smoking drug Champix (varenicline).
Drug Czar Raises Alarm About 'Extreme Ecstasy'
January 14, 2008
U.S. drug czar John Walters recently warned that Canadian suppliers are shipping ecstasy pills laced with methamphetamine across the border to the U.S., the Windsor Star reported Jan. 4.
Feds Alarmed About Abuse of Cough Medicine
January 14, 2008
Federal researchers say that about 5 percent of 12- to 25-year-olds have misused over-the-counter cold and cough medicines to get high, MSNBC reported Jan. 9.
New SBI Codes, Dollar Values, for Medicare, Private Insurance
December 10, 2007
Physicians now have four different codes that can be used in 2008 for screening and brief intervention (SBI). These codes are a victory for the addiction field, and especially for the sponsors, with Ensuring Solutions to Alcohol Problems, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group, leading the way.
Smoking Takes Huge Fiscal Toll on Medicaid
December 10, 2007
The American Legacy Foundation estimates that the federal Medicaid system could save $9.7 billion within five years if all current smokers receiving Medicaid benefits quit smoking.
Methadone OD Deaths Up 390 Percent, Report Finds
December 10, 2007
Deaths from overdoses on methadone rose 390 percent between 1999 and 2004, and the trend is continuing, according to a new report from the National Drug Intelligence Center.
Abstinence Strongest Strategy for Sustained Recovery
December 3, 2007
According to a recent study, recovering alcoholics who opt to completely abstain from alcohol consumption have the best chance of sustaining their recovery, Newswise reported on Nov. 27. However, sustained recovery may be more difficult for young people, regardless of whether they remain abstinent or simply restrict their consumption.
Early Binge Drinking Linked to Later Health Problems
December 3, 2007
Youths and young adults who binge on alcohol raise their risk of developing myriad serious health problems later in life, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Peers, Gender May Influence Adolescent Alcohol Use
December 3, 2007
Teens who drink alcohol tend to have opposite-sex friends who do the same, and girls may be particularly vulnerable to the influence of their friends.
Smoking by Age 12 Related to Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Dependence
December 3, 2007
Youths who begin smoking at age 12 or younger are more likely to meet the criteria for past year alcohol and drug abuse or dependence, according to a recent analysis of data from the National Household Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
NIDA Launches Public Service Campaign for Hispanic Youth on Link Between Non-Injection Drugs and HIV
December 3, 2007
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), marks World AIDS Day on December 1st with the launch of its new, national public service campaign to educate Hispanic teens on the link between non-injection drug use and HIV transmission.
Participate in Survey on Workplace Alcohol Screening
December 3, 2007
Ensuring Solutions to Alcohol Problems at The George Washington University is gathering information about alcohol screening and brief intervention (SBI) approaches used in the workplace. This survey will help develop techniques and strategies to more effectively address unhealthy alcohol use in work-related settings.
Linking Adolescent Problems to Substance-Use Problems in Young Adulthood
November 28, 2007
A recently released research report from the RAND corporation explores how problematic substance use, failure to assume adult roles and responsibilities, and exposure to pro-drug social influences in adolescence may be linked to later substance use.
Toys Recalled for Child Drug Threat
November 20, 2007
Chinese-made toys made with a chemical that converts to gamma hydroxyl butyrate (GHB) when ingested have been pulled from store shelves in the U.S. and Australia after at least five children were hospitalized.
Smoking Vaccine Gets Study Backing
November 20, 2007
New research shows that a nicotine vaccine can be effective in helping people quit smoking.
PDA Supports Smoking Cessation
November 20, 2007
The University of Nebraska Medical School is pilot-testing a smoking-cessation intervention that includes giving patients personal digital assistants (PDAs) loaded with support materials designed to boost long-term abstinence.
Youth Conduct Problems Associated with Perinatal Drinking
November 20, 2007
Conduct problems among children rise in proportion to the amount of drinking their mothers did when they were pregnant.
Binge Drinking and Burst Bladders
November 20, 2007
A rare but not unknown side-effect of binge drinking can be potentially catastrophic: bladder rupture.
Prozac Can Help Teens with Co-occurring Addictions, Mental Illness, Researchers Say
November 20, 2007
Adolescents with co-occurring addictions and depression can benefit from a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and fluoxetine (Prozac) in cases where therapy alone does not appear to be improving their depressive symptoms
Addiction, Depression Hit Soldiers Months After Returning from Combat
November 20, 2007
Soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan report worse symptoms of addiction and depression months after they leave the combat zone than when they initially get home.
Depressed Youth More Likely to Smoke, Drink, Use Illicit Drugs, SAMHSA Reports
November 20, 2007
Young adults who have recently battled depression are at increased risk of starting to smoke cigarettes or initiating alcohol and other drug use, according to a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Smokers' Babies Exposed to High Levels of Nicotine
November 20, 2007
A new study finds that babies whose parents smoke have five times higher levels of the nicotine marker cotinine in their blood than children of nonsmokers.
Smoking May Contribute to Hair Loss Among Asian Men
November 20, 2007
Asian men who smoke appear to be at increased risk of losing their hair, according to researchers in Taiwan.
Huffing and Suicide Related, New Study Suggests
November 6, 2007
"Huffing," or inhaling volatile chemicals to get high, is associated with increases in suicidal thought and suicide attempts among adolescents, according to researchers at the University of Denver.
Hypnosis Effective with Smokers, Study Says
November 6, 2007
A new study concludes that hypnotherapy is more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in getting hospitalized patients to quit smoking after discharge.
Latino Stereotypes Affect Access to Alcohol Treatment
November 6, 2007
Cultural stereotypes about Hispanics could impede Latino youth from seeking help for drug and alcohol abuse. In turn, substance-abuse treatment providers must better understand how their own attitudes toward culture can affect the provision of sufficient behavioral health services, according to a new study. To do this, providers must first assess their own notions of culture and address any hidden biases.
CASA: Smoking, Drinking, Drugs and Depression Related
October 29, 2007
Depression, alcohol use, and marijuana use are all more prevalent among adolescents who smoke, according to a report from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA).
Doctors Can Use Simple Test to Detect Patient Smoking
October 29, 2007
A device called a pulse cooximeter, commonly used to test for carbon monoxide in firefighters, can also be used by doctors to detect smoking among patients who may be reluctant to admit their addiction.
Young Adult Workers Have Highest Rate of Illicit Drug Use, Least Access to EAPs
October 29, 2007
Young adults workers are more likely to use illicit drugs than older workers, according to a recent report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Why Quit Smoking? It Depends on Your Age
October 29, 2007
Older smokers have far different motivations for quitting smoking than younger ones, according to new research that finds that older smokers can be persuaded to quit if the right arguments are used.
SAMHSA Takes Snapshot of Teen Drug Use
October 22, 2007
On any given day, about 1.2 million American teens smoke, 631,000 drink alcohol, and 586,000 use marijuana, according to a new study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Sex Abuse, Other Issues Complicate Female Recovery
October 22, 2007
Women seeking recovery from addiction often must also overcome a history of sexual abuse as well as the challenges of raising children, poverty, lack of education and other obstacles.
Tobacco-Exposed Kids Do Worse on School Tests
October 22, 2007
Adolescents who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home perform worse on standardized school tests than non-exposed youth, although researchers are not sure why.
Hispanic Teens More Likely Than Whites, Blacks to Use Drugs
October 15, 2007
A new report from the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) finds that Hispanic youth are more likely to use illicit drugs than white or black teens and says trying to adapt to American culture may be the cause.
Moyers to Pen Addiction Column
October 15, 2007
Author and addiction-recovery speaker William Cope Moyers will launch a nationally syndicated column called "Beyond Addiction" this month.
New Campaign Opposes Lower Drinking Age
October 15, 2007
The new Support 21 coalition, launched by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the American Medical Association, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, is aimed at countering growing calls for lowering the national drinking age from 21 to 18.
Cell Phones, Social-Networking Sites New Pathways for Smoking Cessation
October 15, 2007
Websites have long been established as an information and support portal for smokers looking to quit, but now cell phones and social-networking sites also are being thrown in the mix.
Blacks, Hispanics More Likely to Have Severe Liver Disease
October 15, 2007
A new study concludes that blacks and Hispanics are more likely than whites to have severe cases of a rare form of liver cirrhosis, but experts don't know why.
Genetic Variations Affect Smoking Treatment Success
October 15, 2007
Smokers with a particular genetic variation in a key enzyme are more likely to succeed in their quit attempts if they get bupropion therapy as well as counseling, according to researchers.
Smoking Raises Risk of Erectile Problems
October 15, 2007
Better hold off on smoking a cigarette after sex: a new study finds that smokers face an increased risk of erectile dysfunction, and sexual problems are greater among those who smoke more.
Daily Drinkers Raise Risk of Breast Cancer
October 15, 2007
Women who consume alcoholic drinks daily face an increased risk of breast cancer.
Alcohol Abstinence Cuts Cancer Risk
October 15, 2007
People who quit drinking can lower their risk of getting a variety of cancers, according to researchers from Canada's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
Drivers Ages 21 to 34 Disproportionately Involved in Drunk-Driving Fatal Crashes
October 15, 2007
Drivers ages 21 to 34 comprise a disproportionate share of fatal motor vehicle crashes in which at least one of the drivers was legally intoxicated (had a BAC of .08 or greater), according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Link Between Inhalant Use, Suicidal Behavior
October 15, 2007
Researchers who studied 723 incarcerated youth found a correlation between inhalant use and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Peer-Led Prevention Called Effective
October 15, 2007
Peer-led prevention efforts aimed at reducing adolescent alcohol and other drug use are about 15 percent more effective than other programs, researchers say.
Study Busts Steroid Stereotypes
October 15, 2007
The typical male steroid user is 30 years old, well-educated, Caucasian, and working in a white-collar job, not an athlete or teenager looking to get a competitive edge, according to a new study.
Young Binge Drinkers Face Dim Future, Researchers Report
September 19, 2007
Teenagers who binge drink are 60 percent more likely to become alcoholics by the time they reach age 30 than non-bingers, and also are more likely to use illicit drugs and commit crimes.
Antidepressants Don't Prevent Smoking Among ADHD Patients, Study Says
September 19, 2007
The antidepressant bupropion is ineffective in preventing smoking among youths with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Depression Common Among Pregnant Smokers
September 19, 2007
About 12 percent of pregnant women are addicted smokers, and about half of these also had mental-health disorders.
Painkillers, Other Prescription Drugs Causing More Deaths, Injuries
September 19, 2007
A "substantially growing number of patients" are being injured or killed by the prescription drugs they are taking under doctors' orders, according to a new report from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices.
Smokeless Tobacco Users Face Higher Risk of Throat Cancer
September 19, 2007
Users of smokeless tobacco are up to four and a half times more likely to develop cancer of the hypopharynx -- the part of the throat just above the voicebox -- than nonusers.
Drinking Raises Risk of Endometrial Cancer, Study Says
September 19, 2007
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California say that women who have more than two alcoholic drinks daily face twice the risk of endometrial cancer as those who drink moderately or not at all.
International Nurses Society on Addictions Conference
September 19, 2007
Registration is now open for the International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA) 31st Annual Conference, October 11-13, 2007 at the Hyatt Arlington in Arlington, Virginia.
Alcohol Advertising and Marketing Appear to Influence Early Adolescent Drinking
September 19, 2007
Children with a high exposure to alcohol advertising and marketing in the sixth grade are more likely to report drinking beer in the seventh grade than are those who report a low exposure the prior year, according to a RAND study released in the June issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health.
2006 National Survey on Drug Use & Health Report Now Available
September 19, 2007
In association with National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, SAMHSA's Office of Applied Studies (OAS) has released the latest NSDUH report on the web:Results from the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use & Health (NSDUH), a 268 page report based on SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), provides substance use, abuse, and dependence prevalence data, mental health measures, and additional related variables for the nation.
War Breeds Drinking, Violence in U.S. Military Towns
September 4, 2007
Alcohol-fueled violence has increased at bars and restaurants in towns near military bases and hospitals as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have worn on.
Binge Drinking Risks Include Poor Diet
September 4, 2007
A recent study found that male binge drinkers tend to decrease their intake of essential fatty acids as they increase their alcohol consumption, compounding their health risks.
New Community Epidemiology Work Group Report Released
September 4, 2007
The Community Epidemiology Work Group serves as a national drug abuse surveillance system, gathering information on current and emerging drug abuse patterns and trends.
Study Sees Link Between Alcoholic Cirrhosis, Brain Damage
September 4, 2007
People with alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver suffer more drinking-related brain damage that alcoholics who don't have cirrhosis, researchers say.
Dieting Teen Girls Twice as Likely to Smoke
September 4, 2007
Smoking has long been viewed as a way to lose weight, and new research shows that teenage girls who say they are dieting are nearly twice as likely to smoke as non-dieting peers.
National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices Expanded
September 4, 2007
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is expanding its National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) Web site by providing information from the agency's Model Programs Initiative.
Smoking Raises Death Risk for Pregnant Women, Fetuses
August 28, 2007
Smoking during pregnancy may cause the placenta to prematurely detach from the uterus wall, putting both the mother and fetus at risk of death.
Smokeless Tobacco Delivers Deadly Carcinogens
August 28, 2007
Smokeless-tobacco users are exposed to even higher levels of deadly nitrosamines than smokers.
'Americanization' Linked to Increase in Illicit-Drug Use Among Hispanics
August 28, 2007
Hispanic immigrants considered to be "acculturated" to American social norms are almost 13 times more likely to use illicit drugs than Hispanics who remain un-acculturated, researchers say.
Smokers Quadruple Risk of Vision Loss, Study Says
August 28, 2007
Current smokers are four times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD) than nonsmokers, and even former smokers are at three times greater risk of an advanced form of AMD.
Smokers' Babies More Likely to Have Finger, Toe Deformities
August 28, 2007
Pregnant women who smoke half a pack of cigarettes a day or more increase the risk of delivering a baby with deformed, extra or missing fingers or toes.
Drug Experimentation Not Normal, RAND Studies Suggest
August 28, 2007
Kids who abstain from marijuana use are not emotionally or socially troubled, whereas those who use alcohol or other drugs while alone tend to suffer a range of psychosocial and behavioral problems.
Researchers Say Heavy Drinking May Cause Stroke
August 28, 2007
Heavy drinkers increase their risk of stroke by up to 22 percent, according to researchers who studied a group of more than 64,000 Chinese men ages 40 and older.
HIV-Positive Drinkers Less Healthy, Study Says
August 28, 2007
Heavy drinkers who are infected with the HIV virus and are not receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) have lower CD4 cell counts than nondrinkers.
Study Relates Racial Discrimination with Alcohol and Other Drug Use
August 28, 2007
People who say they are victims of racial discrimination are more likely to use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, researchers say.
Treatment Providers Recommend Practical Steps to Break Cycle of Drugs, Alcohol and Crime for Teens
August 28, 2007
A national group of substance abuse treatment experts recommended 10 specific steps communities can take to improve care for teens with drugs and alcohol problems who are in trouble with the law.
AMERSA's 31st National Conference
August 28, 2007
The Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse is pleased to announce its 31st Annual AMERSA National Conference to be held on November 8-10, 2007, at the Hilton Washington Embassy Row in Washington, D.C.
Women's Health: Addiction, Trauma & HOPE
August 28, 2007
The Women's Health: Addiction, Trauma & HOPE conference will be held on October 4-5, 2007 at The Westin in Princeton, New Jersey.
National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices Adds Information on Former Model Programs Initiative to Web Site
August 28, 2007
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is expanding its National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices Web site by providing information from the agency’s Model Programs Initiative.
Team Fort Collins Joins With University to Address College Effect
August 28, 2007
Research shows that more than 40 percent of youth are nondrinkers when they begin their college education, but by the time they´ve settled into college life, that number decreases dramatically. Experts blame it on the "college effect," a term used to describe the sharp rise in alcohol use documented among college students after completing their first semester of school. Colorado-based coalition TEAM Fort Collins hopes to change that through a new initiative with Colorado State University (CSU).
CADCA Now Accepting Proposals for 2008 National Leadership Forum
August 28, 2007
CADCA is pleased to announce its Call for Proposals for the 2008 National Leadership Forum. Forum 2008 is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. on February 11-14, 2008 at the Washington Convention Center. The theme is Sustaining Success in a Time of Change. CADCA is requesting proposals that address the learning series for the conference. Presentations are requested addressing the latest research findings, program successes, lessons learned or problems solved.
Drug-Free Work Week Slated for October 14-20
August 28, 2007
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has named October 14-20 as "Drug-Free Work Week 2007." The observance offers coalitions an opportunity to educate their community and businesses about the importance of promoting drug-free policies in the workplace, and to encourage workers with alcohol and drug addiction problems to seek help.
Prevention Could Save 100,000 Lives in U.S., Study Says
August 27, 2007
Quitting smoking and four other simple preventive steps could save the lives of 100,000 Americans annually, researchers say.
Heavy Drinking Still Largely a Men's Problem, Study Finds
August 27, 2007
In countries like Great Britain, women are drinking almost as much as men. But in the U.S., men still far outpace women when it comes to problems like binge drinking, heavy drinking, and alcohol dependence.
Pharma Firm Launches Online 'Addiction411'
August 27, 2007
Pharmaceutical firm Reckitt Benckiser -- which makes the anti-addiction medication Suboxone -- has launched a new MySpace health-information site focused on addiction to opioid-based painkillers, called Addiction411.
Celebrate National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month 2007
August 10, 2007
 Join us for a celebration of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month sponsored by the Institute for Research, Education and Training in Addictions (IRETA), The Northeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center, (NeATTC) and Message Carriers.
DSM-V expected to explore physical, mental health links
August 9, 2007
The manual's planned revision also will look at psychiatric health throughout the lifespan as well as gender and cultural issues.
August 9, 2007
New research continues to find links between marijuana use and mental health problems, such as depression, suicidal thoughts and schizophrenia. In fact, the most recent studies are making a stronger case for the causal link between marijuana and psychiatric symptoms, particularly schizophrenia.
Myths Get in the Way of Good Health, Study Finds
August 6, 2007
Americans subscribe to a number of myths about smoking and other issues that could be dangerous to their health.
Problems Pour Out for Young Malt Liquor Users
August 6, 2007
Young adults who report drinking malt liquor are more likely to have drinking problems and use marijuana and other illicit drugs.
Recovery Services Forums to be held during National Recovery Month
August 1, 2007
TO ADVOCATES WHO WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NYC FORUM: The date has been changed to September 20, but I h ave not yet heard about the location. From now on all who want to attend should send contact information (name, address, email) directly to marysilva@oasas.state.ny.us. The deadline for signing up is September 13th. TO ADVOCATES WHO WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SYRACUSE FORUM: The date - September 11th - and the location - Le Moyne Manor, Syracuse - are solid. You can continue sending your contact information to me. The deadline for signing up is August 24th. I have heard from only a few advocates. Please set these events as a priority. This is our opportunity to be heard at the beginning of a focus on recovery community support services in New York State. Betty Currier
............................................... The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services is planning to Recovery Services Forums to be held during National Recovery Month. One will be in New York City on Thursday September 6th, site to be determined. The other will be in Syracuse on Tuesday September 11th at Le Moyne Manor. Both are all day events, starting with registration/continental breakfast from 8:30 – 9:30 am and ending at 4:00 pm.
Early Menopause May Be Triggered by Smoking
July 31, 2007
Smokers are 59 percent more likely to begin menopause before age 45 than women who do not smoke, according to a new study from the University of Oslo, Norway.
Females at Greater Risk of Alcohol-Related Brain Damage
July 31, 2007
Animal studies indicate that females are more susceptible to the neurotoxic effects of alcohol withdrawal than men, thus raising their risk of brain damage caused by excessive drinking.
FAS Not the Only Risk of Drinking While Pregnant
July 31, 2007
Not every child exposed to alcohol develops fetal alcohol syndrome, but researchers say prenatal drinking can lead to a variety of other behavioral problems among children.
Report Calls Telephone Counseling Effective
July 31, 2007
Problem drinkers were able to cut back on their alcohol consumption after just six telephone counseling sessions, according to researchers who concluded that such interventions can be an effective way to help hard-to-reach drinkers.
<< Back to Current News
|
