Archive for September, 2009
- Teen Prescription Drug Abuse on the Rise in Westchester, New York
In Westchester County, New York, the percentage of teenagers entering state-licensed treatment programs for abuse of heroin and pharmaceutical narcotics has stayed relatively low in recent years, according to Dahlia Austin, the county’s director of drug and alcohol abuse services in the Department of Community Mental Health.
- Illicit Drug Use Declining in Australia
Australia’s battle against illicit drugs is starting to pay off as experts are pointing to a "big decline" in drug use. Two national studies of drug users show a drop-off in the use of crystal methamphetamine this year.
- Woman Gives Back through Drug and Alcohol Recovery Center
Twenty seven years ago, Ruth Ann Thomas was injecting heroin and cocaine into her veins. She said she was hooked the first time she tried drugs, always wanting more and more. Today, Thomas is helping others through the problems she once struggled with.
- Jewish Rabbi Provides Drug Treatment for All, Including Muslims
After being nearly killed by terrorists, Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin dedicated himself to helping drug addicts, including Muslims.
- Substance Abuse Increases Risk for Suicide
When a friend or family member is addicted to drugs or alcohol, our greatest fear is that he or she will die of an overdose. Most overdoses are considered accidental, but some are actually pre-planned as suicide. A study by SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration) in 2008 showed that 8.3 million adults in the U.S. had serious thoughts of committing suicide in the last year, and substance abuse increases the risk of seriously considering, planning, or attempting suicide.
- Does Exercise Help Prevent and Treat Drug Addiction?
Teens who exercise regularly (especially in organized activities like team sports) are less likely to smoke or abuse drugs or alcohol, but little research has been done to figure out whether exercising actually causes people to be less interested in drugs and alcohol. This leads to the question of whether exercise should be a part of drug addiction rehab programs.
- Rutgers Opens New Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Center
Rutgers University opened a new $5-million mental health and drug abuse center that will serve as a centralized hub for services that were previously scattered throughout New Brunswick, New Jersey.
- Only 1 in 10 People Get Treatment for Addiction
Untreated alcohol and drug addiction in the United States remains at pandemic levels, with little change from year to year, an addiction expert says. Victor Capoccia, director of the Closing the Addiction Treatment Gap initiative—a nationwide effort to expand addiction treatment—says 23 million Americans are addicted to alcohol and drugs, but only one in 10 are treated.
- Russian President Demands Alcohol Restrictions
Russian president Dmitry Medvedev gave his officials three months to enact tough restrictions in an effort to curb alcohol abuse in the country. Last month, Medvedev described alcoholism as a “national disaster” that undermines public health and hampers the economy, urging the public to unite in fighting against it.
- Baby Boomers Haven’t Given Up on Drugs
Recent research has shown that Baby Boomers are giving young adults and college students a run for their money when it comes to binge drinking activities. Now, new findings have emerged suggesting they haven’t given up their affinity for illegal drugs, either.