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Drugs Information
Addiction Advisor .co.uk provide free medical information, research articles and news on drug and alcohol addictions to help inform professionals. Below are a selection of news articles, academic research papers and information articles relating to Drugs.
News Article: Cannabis upgraded to Class B drug
... and penalties. The government decided to reclassify cannabis from Class C to Class B because repeated cannabis use can, as the independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs found, have serious consequences for mental health. The average age of first use is 13 years old, and stronger cannabis - known as 'skunk' - now dominates the cannabis ....
Article published on 18/01/2009 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Technology improves treatment options for drug users
... access information means these interventions can reach large numbers of people who may not ordinarily come into treatment. "With a large number of young people using alcohol and Drugs, broadening out treatment using media that they are familiar with has the potential to reduce alcohol and drug use and related harms", adds Dr Kypri.
Young ....
Article published on 16/01/2009 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Number of babies exposed to drugs effectively reduced by 'recovery coaches'
11% of the 4 million babies born in the US each year have been exposed to alcohol or illicit Drugs in the womb, according to a June 2006 report by the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare. If removed from the home by child protection, these children tend to remain in foster care longer, and chances are very low that they will be ....
Article published on 13/01/2009 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: DrugScope welcomes report on 'neglected issue' of prescription and over-the-counter medication depen
has welcomed the publication of the All Party Parliamentary Drugs Misuse Group's (APPDMG) findings from its inquiry into dependence and addiction to over-the-counter and prescription Drugs.
Based on evidence gathered from a wide range of stakeholders, the inquiry highlighted the addiction potential of prescription-only medicines such ....
Article published on 06/01/2009 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Tougher health and safety law demands tougher drugs policies, says drug testing company
... According to Concateno, Europe's leading drug testing company, the new legislation adds a further incentive to businesses considering the introduction of an effective anti-Drugs policies and drug testing in the workplace.
The Health and Safety Offences Act 2008, which was announced last October and came into effect on January 16th 2009, ....
Article published on 05/01/2009 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: DrugScope responds to NTA figures on young people in treatment for substance misuse
recently welcomed the publication of new figures from the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) on the numbers of young people who have received specialist support for drug and alcohol misuse. Until now, reliable data on the numbers of under-18s in treatment - and the type and outcomes of treatment they received - has been ....
Article published on 04/01/2009 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Downward trend in teen cigarette and alcohol use continues
... efforts to persuade teens not to smoke, drink or abuse illicit substances," said HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt. "As long as young people are being exposed to images that make taking Drugs seem glamorous, we need to counter them with truthful messages about the risks and consequences of drug abuse."
"The Monitoring the Future Survey is a powerful ....
Article published on 28/12/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Technology can help addicts trying to quit
... cigarettes and alcohol. Research has shown that this is not just a figment of the imagination, but a common sequel to stopping an addictive habit: triggers for our once favourite Drugs seem to jump out at us like a familiar face that pops out in a crowd.
Frank Ryan, chair of the seminar, explained: This is known as the "reward radar", it is always on ....
Article published on 27/12/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: NIDA Monitoring the Future Survey, Results published
... />In 2008, 15.4% of 12th graders reported using a prescription drug non-medically within the past year. Vicodin continues to be abused at unacceptably high levels. Many of the Drugs used by 12th graders are prescription Drugs or, in the case of cough medicine, are available over the counter.
Attitudes toward substance abuse, often seen as ....
Article published on 27/12/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Reward stress link points to new targets for treating addiction
... between reward and stress centres and CRF within this region were involved in stress-induced reinstatement (relapse) behaviour.
It was also known that alcohol and Drugs of abuse increase dopamine levels, not just in the "classical" reward circuitry in the brain, but also in the extended amygdala. It was not clear, however, what dopamine did ....
Article published on 21/12/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: New report reveals that five million people participate in self help groups each year
... findings include:
An annual average of 5 million persons aged 12 or older attended a self-help group in the past year because of their use of alcohol or illicit Drugs
45.3% attended a group because of their alcohol use only and 21.8% attended a group because of their illicit drug use only, while 33.0% attended a group because ....
Article published on 20/12/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: SAMHSA releases new data on drug related hospital emergency department visits
... information on how problems with a wide range of other substances contribute to hospital emergency department visits. These substance problems include the use of other illicit Drugs as well as the non-medical use of prescription medications and over-the-counter Drugs.
The report also provides statistical breakdowns on drug-related hospital ....
Article published on 19/12/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Current alcohol and licensing policy could be making things worse for young drinkers
... consumption of large quantities of alcohol which may increase the risk of blackouts, hangovers and even alcohol poisoning. It may also encourage the use of other recreational Drugs such as cannabis and cocaine as drinkers are socialising in unsupervised environments.
The authors argue that the policy of banning drink promotions or specials ....
Article published on 18/12/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Working towards recovery, Getting problem drug users into jobs, UKDPC report released
new UK Drugs Policy Commission has been published - Working towards recovery, Getting problem drug users into jobs. The review reaches a wide range of conclusions on getting problem drug users 'fit for the job' and addressing employers' concerns. It also raises the possibility of more radical measures such as legal protection and small financial ....
Article published on 10/12/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Tracking community wide drug use by testing water at sewage treatment plants
... the need for sample preparation - saving time and money and decreasing the risk of sample contamination. They proved the test's effectiveness by measured levels of illegal Drugs like methamphetamine and legal Drugs like prescription painkillers in wastewater from seven U.S. municipalities. The research team also tested the levels of 'urine ....
Article published on 08/12/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Tackling Drugs Changing Lives awards, national winners announced
two overall winners of this year's Tackling Drugs Changing Lives awards were announced by UK Home Office Minister Alan Campbell at an awards ceremony in London recently.
Daniel Smyth from the Brent Centre for Young People in London was named Drug Worker of the Year 2008 for the intensive support he has given to 27 young men with ....
Article published on 05/12/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: New charity partnership looks to support service users with complex needs
outcomes for service users with complex needs is top of the agenda for a new partnership of charities working around social exclusion.
Homeless Link, Clinks, Drugscope and Mind are working together to promote and influence public debate on supporting users who don't fit easily into conventional treatment patterns, starting with an ....
Article published on 25/11/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Denial in drug addiction may be explained by insight deficit
... Insight into Illness in Drug Addiction" at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
"The more we understand about the brain mechanisms affected by Drugs of abuse and that underlie addiction, the better equipped we will be to address its complex and difficult-to-treat symptoms, including relapse triggered by exposure to cues ....
Article published on 20/11/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: New nationwide report reveals that 5 Million people participate in self help groups each year
... notable findings:
An annual average of 5 million persons aged 12 or older attended a self-help group in the past year because of their use of alcohol or illicit Drugs
45.3 percent attended a group because of their alcohol use only and 21.8 percent attended a group because of their illicit drug use only, while 33.0 percent ....
Article published on 20/11/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Innovative drugs of abuse testing system announced
plc, Europe's largest provider of drug and alcohol testing programmes, and Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE:PHG, AEX:PHI) have recently announced an innovative handheld Drugs-of-abuse detection device.
Concateno-Philips pioneering system will make testing for Drugs such as cocaine and heroin quicker, simpler and easier enabling immediate ....
Article published on 16/11/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Drug related preference in cocaine addiction extends to images
... the study of choice behaviour in addiction without using actual cocaine," Moeller said.
Previously, scientists have had to administer the actual drug (cocaine), or Drugs that are pharmacologically similar to cocaine, to test its effects on brain and behavioural functions. Now, the tasks developed by Moeller while training with Goldstein's ....
Article published on 07/11/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Understanding why methamphetamine is so addictive
... and also looked for differences by race. It will appear in the November 1, 2008, issue of Neuroimage.
"Methamphetamine is one of the most addictive and neurotoxic Drugs of abuse," said Brookhaven chemist Joanna Fowler, lead author on the study. "It produces large increases in dopamine, a brain chemical associated with feelings of pleasure ....
Article published on 31/10/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Avigen initiates opioid withdrawal trial
... Consequences of Drug Abuse at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). "This is truly an unmet medical need in this country. The nonmedical use or abuse of prescription Drugs - primarily opioids - is a serious and growing public health problem. In fact, an estimated 33 million people have used prescription Drugs for nonmedical reasons in their ....
Article published on 29/10/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: New national statistics reveal more drug addicts in treatment, and they are staying the course
... the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS) in the same way. This will define treatment completed 'drug free' as: no longer using heroin and crack cocaine, or any other Drugs for which treatment is being received.
At the end of 2007/08, over 133,000 people (66 per cent of those in treatment in the year) were retained in treatment on ....
Article published on 29/10/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Insomnia in adolescence linked to depression and substance abuse during adolescence and young adults
... 1 issue of the journal Sleep shows that adolescent insomnia symptoms are associated with depression, suicide ideation and attempts, and the use of alcohol, cannabis and other Drugs such as cocaine.
Findings suggest that the presence of insomnia in adolescents increases the risk of developing mental health problems and also may increase the ....
Article published on 29/10/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: ADHD stimulant treatment may decrease risk of substance abuse in adolescent girls
General Hospital (MGH) researchers have found that treatment with stimulant Drugs does not increase and appears to significantly decrease the risk that girls with ADHD will begin smoking cigarettes or using alcohol or Drugs. Their report in the October Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine parallels the findings of several earlier ....
Article published on 27/10/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Free public lecture on teenage drug abuse in Northern Ireland
teenagers in Northern Ireland are experimenting with illegal Drugs at an earlier age than elsewhere in the UK, according to a new study.
Youth experts and psychologists will meet at a free public lecture hosted by the NI Branch of The British Psychological Society in The Wellington Park Hotel, Malone Road, Belfast on Tuesday 21 October 2008 ....
Article published on 25/10/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Early adolescence is a sensitive time for exposure to alcohol and drugs
... the "good kids" from more stable backgrounds, and they also ended up in poorer health in their 30s.
Caspi said it is clear from these data that adolescent exposure to Drugs and alcohol can make a good kid veer off on a bad trajectory. "The good kids who do Drugs end up looking like the bad kids who didn't do Drugs," Caspi said.
The ....
Article published on 21/10/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Iowa celebrates red ribbon week
will join others across the nation to raise awareness about Drugs and encourage healthy choices as they celebrate National Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31, 2008.
Red Ribbon Week was established by Congress in 1988 to commemorate the work of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, who was murdered in the line of ....
Article published on 16/10/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Could brain abnormality predict drug addiction
... of Nottingham are to use MRI technology to discover whether abnormalities in the decision-making part of the brain could make some people more likely to become addicted to Drugs.
In a three-year study, funded with £360,000 from the Medical Research Council, Dr Lee Hogarth in the University's School of Psychology will study the ....
Article published on 11/10/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: New research into alcohols effects could minimise bone damage
... of Medicine study has found a possible mechanism: Alcohol disturbs genes necessary for maintaining healthy bones.
The findings could help in the development of new Drugs to minimize bone loss in alcohol abusers. Such Drugs also might help people who don't abuse alcohol but are at risk for osteoporosis.
"Of course, the best way to ....
Article published on 10/10/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Government accepts recommendations of sex and drugs reviews
pupils in state schools will now receive high quality lessons in everything from first aid and personal finance to relationships and the consequences of Drugs misuse as Schools Ministers announced that Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) will become a compulsory part of the curriculum from Key Stage 1 to 4 (ages 5 to 16).
The ....
Article published on 06/10/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Ministers comment on new healthy lifestyle lessons for youngsters
pupils in state schools will now receive high quality lessons in everything from first aid and personal finance to relationships and the consequences of Drugs misuse as Schools Ministers announced that Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) will become a compulsory part of the curriculum from Key Stage 1 to 4 (ages 5 to 16).
The ....
Article published on 06/10/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Acupuncture may hold promise for women with hormone disorder who experience fertility challenges
... infrequent or irregular vaginal bleeding, male-pattern hair growth, and acne. Insulin resistance and pre-diabetes also can develop.
While there are many traditional Drugs and therapies that manage this syndrome, this research is assessing whether acupuncture can be successful in regulating hormones and curing the symptoms of ....
Article published on 02/10/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Peptide ghrelin may be involved in both alcohol dependence and overeating
... to underlie overeating and compulsive drug use. "Ghrelin appears to interact with the mesolimbic dopaminergic reward system, which means it may be able to affect the action of Drugs of abuse, including alcohol," he said.
For this research, scientists recruited 417 Spanish individuals from the general population (n=279) as well as heavy drinkers ....
Article published on 30/09/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Toward a fast, life saving test for identifying the purity of heroin, Analytical Chemistry Journal
... any prior sample preparation, the scientists say.
Reference
Garrigues et al.,Nondestructive Direct Determination of Heroin in Seized Illicit Street Drugs by Diffuse Reflectance near-Infrared Spectroscopy', Analytical Chemistry, (to be published October 1st, ....
Article published on 24/09/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Two few treatments centres says former government adviser
former government adviser on Drugs recently spoke out and said that he thinks there are too few residential treatment centres for young addicts in the UK. Mike Trace said that some young addicts could only be helped if they were able to be removed from their neighbourhoods. However, that is rarely possible as there are only 20 residential treatment places ....
Article published on 02/09/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: New research finds links between Parkinsons patients and drug addicts
... At the same time, dopamine weakened the cortical connections in the "stop" circuit.
"This could be what underlies addiction," Surmeier said. "Dopamine released by Drugs leads to abnormal strengthening of the cortical synapses driving the striatal 'go' circuits, while weakening synapses at opposing 'stop' circuits. As a result, when events ....
Article published on 29/08/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Statistics on Drug Misuse, England, 2008 released
... on drug misuse among both adults and children. It includes a focus on young adults. The topics covered include:
prevalence of drug misuse, including the types of Drugs used
trends in drug misuse over recent years
patterns of drug misuse among different groups of the population
health outcomes related to drug misuse ....
Article published on 19/08/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Nature or nurture, are you who your brain chemistry says you are
... in different people and different types of addiction.
The researchers further suggest that PET could be used to predict a favourable response to treatment with Drugs that block agents such as morphine, heroin or alcohol from binding to opiate receptors and may one day aid in determining treatment of other psychiatric diseases, such as ....
Article published on 18/08/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Erasing drug associated memories may stop drug addiction relapses
... memories can be disrupted during but not after reconsolidation of memories.
Professor Barry Everitt said, "The results suggest that efforts should be made to develop Drugs that could be given in a controlled clinical or treatment environment in which addicts would have their most potent drug memories reactivated. Such treatments would be ....
Article published on 17/08/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: New evidence on addiction to medicines
to medicines and Drugs are thought to develop over a relatively long period of time. The process involves both structural and functional changes in brain nerve cells that are still poorly understood. However, a single drug or alcohol dose is sufficient to generate an initial stage of addiction.
Recent research conducted under the ....
Article published on 10/08/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Brains reaction to self administered cocaine differs
... but the cellular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are not well understood. "While usurpation of learning and memory processes may support persistent seeking of abused Drugs, common synaptic mechanisms of natural and drug reinforcement have not been demonstrated," says study author Dr. Antonello Bonci from the University of California, San ....
Article published on 09/08/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Addiction treatment proves successful in animal weight loss study
... />
Earlier studies at Brookhaven Lab found a strong connection between obesity and addiction, including similar changes in the brains of the obese and those addicted to Drugs like cocaine. Based on these connections, Dewey hypothesised that vigabatrin would quench food cravings in the lab rats.
"Given the growing obesity epidemic, we ....
Article published on 07/08/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Mechanism behind Cocaine Craving Identified
... center DKFZ. The target is the dopamine-producing nerve cells in the midbrain.
Earlier research has shown that these cells become more excitable when a person takes Drugs. To find out the functional meaning of this, these researchers used a mouse model for cocaine dependence. When they blocked the cells' receptors for glutamate the brain's ....
Article published on 06/08/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Healthy people and enhancement drugs
people are more willing to take Drugs to enhance traits that are not fundamental to their identity.
According to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research, people's willingness to take a pill or drug depends on whether the trait the drug promises to enhance is one they consider fundamental.
The authors examine the moral ....
Article published on 06/08/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Cocaine, How addiction develops
... greater running distances and preferentially frequented those places where they had been conditioned to be regularly administered the drug.
If normal mice do not find Drugs at the familiar places over a longer period of time, their addictive behaviour and preference for the cocaine-associated places subside. However, this is not true for ....
Article published on 05/08/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Counselling during drug addiction treatment reduces unsafe sexual behaviour
... plan to promote safer sex, which includes condom use, sex negotiation skills, development of positive attitudes regarding safer sex, and emphasising the role of alcohol and Drugs in impairing decisions. Participants in the standard programme received HIV testing but did not receive counselling. People who tested positive in the standard programme ....
Article published on 28/07/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Coffee and cigarette consumption high among AA attendees
... all drink coffee," said Martin.
"I think that it is important for alcohol researchers and clinicians to know that alcoholics, even those who do not use other illicit Drugs, are not just addicted to alcohol, but use other psychotropic Drugs like caffeine and nicotine," said Swift. "I found it interesting that coffee contains a lot of ....
Article published on 26/07/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Health campaigns could combat the Scottish effect
... to die as someone from the general population.
Professor Bloor and colleagues conclude that successful public health campaigns to reduce the number of people taking Drugs "would have a strong impact on overall mortality in both Scotland and England."
Journal reference
Michael Bloor et al. Contribution of problem drug ....
Article published on 25/07/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Addiction largely determined by our genes, annual meeting of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
... />
Ironically, if someone continues to take their substance of choice, the number of dopamine receptors drop even more. "In this way addicts become even more interested in Drugs and drug-using friends," said Prof van den Brink.
The emotional memory of the 'wonderful experience' and the drive to repeat it leads to craving and relapse, ....
Article published on 18/07/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Research shows those who are fit fight drugs better
by a Davidson College neuroscientist and students demonstrates that the benefits of regular exercise include a lowered tendency to become addicted to illegal Drugs.
The online version of the journal "Drug and Alcohol Dependence" published this week the results of the study by Associate Professor Mark A. Smith that shows that exercise can ....
Article published on 15/07/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: US State policies influence drug treatment programmes
... programmes performed diagnostic assessment and group and individual therapy, although rates of family counselling were lower. Nearly all programmes performed urine screening for Drugs and alcohol, but most did not test for substance-abuse related diseases. Most programmes did provide relapse-prevention and aftercare services.
When other ....
Article published on 11/07/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Pregnant substance users can deliver healthy babies with early treatment
... substance abuse screening and treatment into routine prenatal care helped pregnant women achieve similar health outcomes as women who were not using cigarettes, alcohol or other Drugs. This is also the largest study to examine multiple substances: cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine and heroin.
"This programme can happen ....
Article published on 09/07/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: United Nations Drugs Day
slogan of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) anti-Drugs campaign to be launched on 26 June, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is "Do Drugs control your life? Your life. Your community. No place for Drugs." The slogan will be used for three years and focus on different aspects of drug control: drug abuse ....
Article published on 29/06/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Scientifically valid prevention programmes cut rates of juvenile delinquency
... smarter."
Data from the study showed the intervention community's programmes had little effect in reducing the number of children who began using cigarettes, alcohol, Drugs and other substances by the end of the seventh grade. This was expected, according to Hawkins, because most young people initiate substance use at an older age. J. David ....
Article published on 25/06/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Excessive drinking and relapse rapidly cut in new approach
... the treatment did not block other "pleasure-seeking behaviours" − in this case, craving sweets. Interference with these normal behaviours has typically been a problem with Drugs developed for alcoholism treatment. The brain chemical boost also didn't appear to carry any side effects, the study researchers report.
The findings were ....
Article published on 16/06/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: New research on Substance Abuse and Bipolar Adolescents
... who led the study. "It indicates both that young people with BPD need to carefully be screened for smoking and for substance use and abuse and that adolescents known to abuse Drugs and alcohol especially those who binge use should also be assessed for BPD."
He adds that clarifying whether bipolar disorder begins before substance abuse ....
Article published on 16/06/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: New NHS guidelines on recreational drugs in nightclubs
... The authors also ran training in the use of the guidelines and in the management of recreational drug toxicity.
Previous studies by these authors have found the main Drugs associated with ill health amongst clubbers in the area studied were GHB and stimulants such as ecstasy and cocaine. Typical effects of GHB include significant depression of ....
Article published on 16/06/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous benefit adolescents who attend
... of the youth attended at least some AA/NA meetings post-treatment," said Kelly. "Those patients with severe addiction problems and those who believed they could not use alcohol/Drugs in moderation attended the most. The NA and AA focus on abstinence/recovery probably resonates better with these more severely dependent individuals who also typically need ....
Article published on 06/06/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: New Clinical Study for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence
... Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 1.9 million people aged 12 or older were dependent on or abused pain relievers or heroin. In 2005, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction estimated the prevalence of problem opioid use in Europe to be in the range of 1.3 to 1.7 million people.2 Researchers have found that the cost of ....
Article published on 03/06/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Drug addicts can learn to save lives
... in the early online edition of the journal Addiction, suggests this concern is unwarranted.
Ten individuals who were regular users of heroin or other opioid Drugs such as oxycodone or hydromorphone were enrolled in the study at each of six sites across the United States. They were divided into two groups, one with members who had ....
Article published on 02/06/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: New Light Shed On Heroin Addiction
... />"The results from this study reinforce that addiction is a highly complex brain disorder that will require a multi-pronged approach to treat.
Prof Lawrence said that Drugs affecting the adenosine A2A receptor show preclinical promise to treat alcohol addiction.
"Earlier this year we found that the adenosine A2A receptor interacts ....
Article published on 02/06/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Broad Differences in Alcohol, Tobacco and Illegal Drug Use across Countries
... current use has been documented at approximately 30 %. Moreover, NIDA's Monitoring the Future survey has been consistently reporting a decrease in the past year use of illicit Drugs over the past decade, so this survey may reflect a longer history of drug use in certain countries relative to others, but not necessarily current trends."
Among ....
Article published on 01/06/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Computer Programs Could Help Drug Abusers Stay Abstinent
... disorders.
The computer-assisted therapy program consists of text, audio, and videotaped examples designed to help the user learn new ways of avoiding the use of Drugs and changing other problem behaviours.
The study volunteers had sought treatment at a substance abuse clinic in Bridgeport, Ct. and met diagnostic criteria for a ....
Article published on 30/05/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Research Tracks Effects of Addictive Drugs on Brain
Sinai researchers may have unlocked the key to better understanding the effect addictive Drugs have on the human brain.
Researchers have just published the new study, 'Design Logic of a Cannabinoid Receptor Signaling Network that Triggers Neurite Outgrowth,' in the May issue of Science.
'The research findings give us a new window ....
Article published on 29/05/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Support available for Scottish drug recovery programme
new National Support capacity is being set-up to help support local partners deliver the new Scottish Drugs Strategy which is focused on treatment and recovery. The Scottish Government will also set up a Drug Misuse Recovery Network to facilitate the shift in thinking needed by both service providers and service users.
The programme of action ....
Article published on 27/05/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Event will discuss decisions about the future of drug treatment
... 30 June.
The speakers at the event are:
Karen Biggs Chief Executive, Phoenix Futures
Nick Lawrence Deputy Director, Head of Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco, Health Improvement Directorate, Department of Health
Ian Martin Head of Drug Strategy Unit, Home Office
Sally Richards ....
Article published on 27/05/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: National Drugs strategy launched in Scotland
first national Drugs strategy since devolution was launched in Scotland recently.
Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing hailed it as "a new era" in Scotland's approach to tackling Drugs.
He said promoting recovery from drug problems would now form the focus of efforts to tackle drug use.
Ministers believe the strategy ....
Article published on 26/05/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Concern over cannabis reclassification
the national membership organisation for individuals and agencies working across the drug sector, has expressed concern and disappointment at the government's decision to return cannabis to a class B drug.
Chief executive of Drugscope, Martin Barnes, said:
"Much has been made of the need to send out a message on cannabis use. ....
Article published on 23/05/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Government of Canada Delivering Critical Treatment Initiatives
... in early intervention treatment initiatives designed to reduce and eliminate the progression and severity of illicit drug use behaviour among youth.
"We know that Drugs are dangerous and destructive. This is why this Government is committed to ensuring that those people who are addicted to illicit Drugs get the help they need," said ....
Article published on 20/05/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Young people discuss problems with virtual doctors
... site Second Life.
Spanish health authorities launched the virtual advice centre to encourage young people to discuss potentially embarrassing problems such as Drugs and sexually transmitted diseases.
The virtual centre will be staffed by real doctors who will be online throughout the week to answer teenagers questions. The ....
Article published on 17/05/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Conferences further the debate on the future of drug treatment
recently organised three conferences around the country focussing on the debate of the future of drug treatment, particularly regarding the opening division between those who believe abstinence and those who believe harm reduction are the ways forward.
Conference delegates engaged in a Question Time style debate on issues such as the ....
Article published on 22/04/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: New recommendations could halt plans for re-classification of cannabis
... following its downgrade in January 2004 would see jail sentences for possession of cannabis rise from two years to five years.
But the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) is reportedly set to oppose Gordon Brown's view that this is necessary to send out a message about the dangers of substance abuse.
It is thought that the ....
Article published on 12/04/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Study, Rap music increasingly glorifies drug use
... in rap music has found that references have soared over the last two decades.
According to researchers at the University of Berkeley, not only has the mention of Drugs in the music risen six-fold, but the positive framing of drug use has also dramatically increased.
Looking at the lyrics of 341 of rap's most popular songs between ....
Article published on 03/04/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: 'One third' of songs contain references to substance abuse
... noted that further research is necessary to "determine the potency of exposure" and "determine the effects" of the messages.
Earlier this month the United Nations' anti-Drugs chief denounced UK celebrities including Amy Winehouse and Kate Moss for glorifying drug use and contributing to devastation in West ....
Article published on 01/04/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Subconscious cues 'can trigger drug cravings'
cues 'can trigger drug cravings'
Research has uncovered a link between exposure to images of Drugs and substance cravings.
In the study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (Nida), researchers presented drug addicts with drug-related pictures such as those of crack pipes and chunks of cocaine.
Despite the ....
Article published on 31/03/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Doctors 'not discussing' pregnancy risks associated with drugs and alcohol
... their use of all substances, when it came to further discussion practitioners were much more likely to discuss the adverse effects of smoking as oppose to risks from illegal Drugs or alcohol.
Dr Chang explained: "Provider responses to alcohol or drug disclosures included only general statements regarding effects on pregnancy, such as 'We ....
Article published on 31/03/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Treatment for drug abuse in prisons to be improved
... this month.
Public health minister Dawn Primarolo has said that she believes extra investment will offer "a real chance for offenders to break free from a cycle of Drugs and crime".
Charities welcomed the move to increase funding for those in prison who abuse substances.
Lucy Gampell, director - of Action for ....
Article published on 28/03/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Study, LGBs more likely to abuse substances
... are on average 190 per cent more likely to abuse substances than heterosexual teens, displaying higher rates of cigarette, alcohol and marijuana use, as well as other illegal Drugs including cocaine, methamphetamines and injected substances.
Meanwhile, a study published by the Department of Alcohol and Drug programs in California suggests that ....
Article published on 27/03/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Call for better treatment of drug addicts
... care should be undertaken.
Dr Brian Kidd, a member of the committee, told the BBC: "This will not be achieved overnight but, with the development of a new national Drugs strategy, there has perhaps never been a more fitting time to raise aspirations."
July 2007 figures from the Scottish government reveal that around 21,000 ....
Article published on 25/03/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Doctors warned to check young patients for cocaine use
... the American Heart Association called for physicians to ensure they find out if patients who are exhibiting chest pain have used cocaine in order to make sure that suitable Drugs are administered.
The report warns that exposure to cocaine can make the use of beta-blockers dangerous.
"If physicians suspect a heart attack, ....
Article published on 20/03/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Report criticises imprisonment of drug addicts
... by addicts who are locked up, including strains on their relationships and the possibility of losing their homes and jobs.
The government recently announced a new Drugs strategy that will see an additional £25 million a year being spent on treating offenders by ....
Article published on 18/03/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Research, Cannabis and cigarette withdrawal produce similar symptoms
... use can be as bad as those experienced by those who quit smoking cigarettes.
A study at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that abstaining from both Drugs appear to cause irritability, anger and trouble sleeping.
Although only based on a study of 12 heavy users of marijuana and cigarettes, researchers believe that ....
Article published on 18/03/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Study, Parental supervision impacts on teen drinking
... study released by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse last year revealed that almost 50 per cent of America's 5.4 million full-time college students abuse Drugs or binge drink at least once a ....
Article published on 12/03/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Alcohol treatment for under 18s in Wales
... dealing with drug and alcohol abuse in children as young as 11, according to Wales on Sunday.
In a number of centres across the country, the Safer Under 18s Drink and Drugs Service (Suds), offers support for young people affected by the problem.
GPs, schools and youth offending services refer youngsters to the project, which sees 11 ....
Article published on 11/03/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: 'One fifth' of US students abusing prescription drugs
students are turning to prescription Drugs for recreational use, leading to many being at risk of addiction, new figures have suggested.
A study has revealed that around 20 per cent of students in America are using medicines such as painkillers to get high, according to Reuters.
Researchers at the University of Michigan asked nearly ....
Article published on 07/03/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Massive UK investment in drug treatment unveiled
... new proposals to invest almost 1 billion pounds in a new programme of treatments for drug addicts and users.
In what she described as a strategy to get people "off Drugs and drug-related crime", home secretary Jacqui Smith announced a number of new initiatives including increasing the use of community services, working to stop drug ....
Article published on 28/02/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Club drug effects compared to brain injury
... Kobeissy, a postdoctoral associate in the College of Medicine department of psychiatry and study member, said: "We found that a lot of brain cells are being injured by these Drugs.
"That's alarming to society now. People don't seem to take club Drugs as seriously as Drugs such as heroin or cocaine."
One version of ....
Article published on 23/02/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Fathers-to-be warned to keep off alcohol and drugs
have warned men not to smoke, drink or take Drugs if they are planning to have children.
New research has found that the intake of toxins can damage sperm and affect the genes of babies, according to the Guardian.
Although it has been known for years that pregnant mothers should not drink alcohol or use Drugs, these new findings ....
Article published on 21/02/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: New trial for drug that could curb addiction
... attaches itself to receptors in the brain to block cravings.
Trials will be led by Dr Selena Bartlett, who has spoken of her concerns that big companies do not take Drugs to treat addictions seriously enough. She said that as a condition, "addiction is currently one of the most under-served and least understood".
Dr ....
Article published on 20/02/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Crystal meth fears raised
... out by the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo), the investigation said the highly addictive drug is not yet used on the same scale as other Class A Drugs such as crack cocaine.
Chief Constable Tim Hollis, who chairs ACPO's Drugs committee, said: "Our concern is to focus on what we know now and to work with ....
Article published on 19/02/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: McGuiness calls time on soap opera drinking
... change in the current binge drinking culture, arguing Britain should work towards a "sipping" culture similar to that in continental Europe.
The fight against Drugs was named as one of the key issues at the summit which started yesterday. The summits were established under the agreement reached in Belfast on Good Friday in ....
Article published on 18/02/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: MSP criticises Scotland's alcohol treatment
... that the current strategy which combines the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse is failing to adequately deal with the problem of alcohol abuse because of a concentration on Drugs.
The SNP Lothians backbencher said that the Alcohol and Drug Action Teams which are in place throughout Scotland are not focusing enough on the problem of alcohol ....
Article published on 15/02/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Food for thought
groundbreaking scheme in California uses cookery training to try to help former addicts stay off Drugs and alcohol.
Lodi is home to the Salvation Army's three month cookery course, designed to give recovering addicts an opportunity to move on with their lives, as reported by the Record.
The online news provider spoke to the seven ....
Article published on 13/02/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Prize to help fight alcohol misuse
... Awards, otherwise known as the Mentor UK Champ Awards (Promoting Children's Health through Alcohol Misuse Prevention), is run every two years by Mentor UK, the country's leading Drugs and alcohol misuse prevention charity working with children and young people.
According to the School Health Education Unit 2007, one in ten 10-to 11-year-olds and ....
Article published on 07/02/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Alcohol addiction court to be piloted in London
UK's first drug and alcohol court is due to open in London.
It is hoped that the new family court will help parents beat their addictions to Drugs and alcohol and in-turn help keep families together.
The London councils of Westminster, Islington and Camden have collaborated to set up the court that will not hear criminal cases but ....
Article published on 29/01/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Drink puts a child a week in hospital
... attributed to "acute intoxication", according to data released to the Evening News by ISD Scotland.
Tom Wood, chairman of the Edinburgh Action on Alcohol and Drugs team, told the newspaper that the figures could be a small representation of a much bigger problem.
"I'm surprised it's not higher because we know young people ....
Article published on 28/01/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Edinburgh alcohol project officially opened
cutting-edge alcohol and Drugs project in Edinburgh has been officially opened by a member of the Royal Family.
Princess Anne was invited to launch the LEAP programme in Stockbridge, which is designed to help addicts and alcoholics "get clean and stay clean".
The programme is a pilot scheme set up by NHS Lothian and drug and ....
Article published on 28/01/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Beer mats used to tackle underage drinking
new scheme using beer mats has been launched to tackle underage drinking and anti social behaviour.
Leominster and Area Drugs and Alcohol Forum have launched a series of beer mats featuring images of young people who are drunk, and the hope is their message will encourage people to think twice before supplying alcohol to under 18s, 24 Dash ....
Article published on 16/01/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Monthly injection used to treat alcoholism
... I don't drink every day. I used to before I took Vivitrol and when I do drink, I drink a lot less than I used to."
However, more research and development into using Drugs to treat addiction is needed according to healthcare professionals.
....
Article published on 10/01/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: New alcohol addiction drug receives patents
new drug for the treatment of conditions arising from long term addiction to both alcohol and Drugs has been awarded a patent.
The Russian Agency for Patents and Trademarks granted a patent for Ropren to cover the active ingredient, the therapeutic substance based on the active ingredient, its pharmaceutical composition, and the method of ....
Article published on 09/01/2008 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Advertising campaign to ask 'How much is too much'
... to improve people's knowledge about the safe levels of alcohol.
With the strapline "How much is too much?", the four week campaign has been organised by Wirral DAAT (Drugs and Alcohol Action Team) and is aimed at 18 to 30-year-olds, the Liverpool Daily Post reports.
"The adverts will be very visual, high impact and will help people to ....
Article published on 18/12/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Gene variant discovery could lead to new drug for alcohol treatment
... and director of the NeuroBehavioral Genetic Research Programme at the Nathan Kline Institute in Orangeburg, NY, believes that the discovery could lead to the development of new Drugs to treat alcohol dependence.
A report of the study appears in an online ....
Article published on 07/12/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Brain link between mental illness and addiction discovered
... and alcohol addiction.
Addiction of all types - to nicotine, alcohol and Drugs - is often found in people with a wide variety of mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders, unipolar and bipolar depression, schizophrenia, and borderline and other ....
Article published on 04/12/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Drugs may spell end to addiction
... way to another alcohol treatment, naltrexone, by blocking pleasure receptors in the brain and thereby making drinking seem less enjoyable.
Commenting on the future of Drugs in alcohol treatment, Dr Christian Thurstone, assistant professor at the University of Colorado and Denver Health Sciences Centre, said: "Medication development is one ....
Article published on 30/11/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Reducing shame 'can improve alcohol treatment'
and guilt have significant implications in the misuse of alcohol and Drugs, it has been revealed. As a result, scientists at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) and the George Mason University have established the importance of differentiating between feelings of shame and guilt in alcohol treatment programmes and in ....
Article published on 28/11/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Gender and friends may influence alcohol use
people are more likely to drink alcohol, smoke tobacco or use Drugs if their friends engage in these behaviours, researchers have claimed.
US scientists looked at data from around 4,700 people to determine whether there were links between gender, friendships and alcohol use.
They found that girls may be more susceptible to their ....
Article published on 26/11/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Investment cuts alcohol treatment waiting times
... to get the waiting lists down so people could access help quicker and have really worked hard to achieve this."
Following an initial assessment at an Alcohol and Drugs Service centre by a triage nurse, patients deemed to be alcoholics are placed into hospital, residential or community rehabilitation.
They are also given extensive ....
Article published on 23/11/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Cost initiatives inhibit use of alcohol treatment
... a third of those who do not get medication cite cost or insurance as the key barrier," the expert revealed.
"Revising certain state policies on prescription Drugs is one way to address what is clearly a need for greater access to a clinically-proven and cost-effective ....
Article published on 22/11/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Waiting times for alcohol rehabilitation slashed
... this."
Now those seeking treatment wait no longer that two weeks and everyone referred for treatment, even those referring themselves, are sent to the Alcohol and Drugs Service (ADS) where they are seen by a triage nurse within 48 hours.
Patients are then assessed according to risk as those identified as alcoholics are referred ....
Article published on 21/11/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: NZ-born Pacific islanders 'more likely to be alcohol-dependent'
... higher are their chances of suffering from alcohol addiction and mental health problems," Dr Foliaki told the combined Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD) and Cutting Edge Addiction Conference in Auckland, according to the New Zealand Herald.
Dr Foliaki advised that efforts should be concentrated on helping ....
Article published on 09/11/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: NZ government to improve prison's alcohol treatment programmes
... it has been revealed.
The move was announced by the outgoing corrections minister Damien O'Connor at the combined Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs and Cutting Edge addiction conference in Auckland, and is a response to figures which show that 89 per cent of serious criminals are under the influence of Drugs or alcohol ....
Article published on 07/11/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Early intervention provides 'greatest opportunity'
... medical care to answer six questions on their alcohol and drug use in order to screen for substance abuse.
The researchers found that 43.5 per cent had used alcohol or Drugs and 14.8 per cent had positive results on the substance abuse screening test.
In addition, the findings show that young people were more likely to screen positive ....
Article published on 07/11/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: New guide helps to identify alcohol abuse in loved ones
new guide has been published to help people identify if their loved ones, colleagues or employees are abusing Drugs or alcohol.
The 'Beginning Recovery' guide advises people to look out for changes in behaviour or routine, such as missed appointments, returning home later than usual or going out at odd times.
People who are suffering ....
Article published on 31/10/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: US teens learn to combat alcohol abuse
... really wanted to get involved with this because we think there's a problem in our high school, and there are kids who have problems with drinking and see alcohol and Drugs as an outlet," he told local newspaper the Laramie Boomerang.
"It's training for us … to learn how we can effectively and meaningfully affect these ....
Article published on 23/10/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Peer led prevention programmes can reduce substance abuse
... of peer pressure and how education programmes can be focused around this.
"Most substance abuse prevention programmes disseminate information about the bad effects of Drugs and teach resistance skills without considering the impact of peer influence," said Thomas Valente, assistant professor of preventive medicine at the Keck School of Medicine ....
Article published on 09/10/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Teen binge-drinkers putting themselves at risk
... by the age of 30 and nearly twice as likely to have a criminal conviction.
The study also revealed that binge-drinking teens were 40 per cent more likely to use Drugs or suffer from mental health problems.
Lead researcher Dr Russell Viner told the BBC: "Adolescent binge-drinking is a risk behaviour associated with ....
Article published on 07/09/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Fewer UK schoolchildren drinking alcohol
... and parents' attitudes towards drinking.
"The report shows that more schoolchildren are choosing a cleaner lifestyle and are abstaining from drink and Drugs. This is good news for the health of young people."
However, the survey also discovered that those schoolchildren who do consume alcohol tend to drink more ....
Article published on 02/09/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Survey reveals extent of US underage drinking
... use prior to adolescence".
In addition, he pointed out that alcohol usage may also act as an indicator for the number of children who will use marijuana and other Drugs in later life.
"Childhood use of alcohol also predicts involvement in alcohol problems, alcohol abuse and dependence in both adolescence and adulthood. And ....
Article published on 02/09/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Grant awarded to substance abuse researcher
... substance abuse in adulthood.
The expert commented: "Children can show symptoms of depression and anxiety at very young ages, and some youths smoke, drink and use Drugs as well.
"A better understanding of the associations between these problems will help us more effectively prevent and treat them. If we can get youth on a ....
Article published on 17/08/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Super strength lager linked to increased alcohol abuse
people who drink super-strength lager, known in the US as 'malt liquor', are more likely to experience alcohol problems and use Drugs such as marijuana, researchers have found.
Scientists at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) studied 639 young adults, all around 23 years of age, who regularly consumed more than ....
Article published on 30/07/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Probation service to help alcohol abusers
... through to consumption as a way to escape financial difficulties.
"In recent years we have developed excellent facilities to treat people with issues with Drugs but that hasn't happened in the same way for people with alcohol needs," he explained.
Offenders with a history of alcohol abuse may now be required to receive ....
Article published on 30/07/2007 by Addiction Advisor
News Article: Anti smoking drug may help drinkers
... also suggest that unlike other alcohol treatments, the drug does not suppress the appetite.
Dr Bartlett commented: "Alcoholism takes a tremendous toll, and so few Drugs are available to counter it.
"The biggest thrill is that this drug, which has already proved safe for people trying to stop smoking, is now a potential drug to ....
Article published on 11/07/2007 by Addiction Advisor
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