Some scientists in Great Britain have recently recommended that the drug ecstasy be downgraded in that country from a Class A drug to a Class B drug. This topic has been very heated among scientists, the government, and those that spend their lives to treating drug addiction.
Ecstasy is MDMA, a mind-altering drug that is popular among teens and those that frequent nightclubs and raves. It gives the user a boost of energy, and also produces feelings of exhilaration and excitement. But ecstasy also causes confusion and anxiety and can cause the user to suffer from disruptions in body temperature and hydration, leading to possible organ failure and, in rare cases, death.

Great Britain’s Drug Classification Scale

The U.K. has followed a classification system for drugs since 1971. The system currently lists ecstasy in the most dangerous Class A, the same grouping as the United States’ Schedule I for drugs. These classifications give the government a way to enforce penalties and for citizens to be aware of the risks of certain drugs. For example, Class B drugs are considered more harmful than Class C, but less harmful than Class A. Penalties for possession of these drugs vary with class. Ecstasy now carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years, while downgrading it to Class B would mean a maximum of 5 years in prison and a lower fine.

In Favor of the Downgrade

Those in favor of the downgrade include Professor Colin Blakemore, the chief executive of the Medical Research Council, and Professor David Nutt, the president of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). Their 2007 study listed ecstasy as the 18th most dangerous out of the 20 popular drugs studied, listing it lower than tobacco and alcohol. Both of these individuals say that ecstasy has caused far fewer deaths than the other Class A drugs, such as heroin and cocaine. To have it be in the same class, they say, discredits the whole class system. Some supporters of the downgrade also say that ecstasy is not as big of a public safety issue as many other substances because it does not usually cause the aggression or violence of other drugs, making the user less harmful to those around them.

Against the Downgrade

There are plenty of people that believe ecstasy should stay in Class A. Opponents of the downgrade say that there are numerous cases of bodily harm or death due to ecstasy, and by declassifying it the government is telling people it is not harmful. Opponents want the British government to continue to hand down strict penalties for those who misuse drugs. Those that spend long hours trying to get people off of drugs such as ecstasy are pushing to keep this drug in Class A to deter more people from using it, and in order to free the country from illegal drug use.

Sources
NIDA InfoFacts: MDMA (Ecstasy)

Jenkins, Adrian Expert slams ecstasy move

Knapton, Sarah Ecstasy could be downgraded to class B drug 9-17-08

Johnston, Philip Scientist in call to downgrade ecstasy and LSD Nov 24 2006

We know that substance abuse can affect people of every background and history. Perhaps the picture that comes to mind is that of a homeless drug addict, living on the streets, selling everything they have in order to get their next high. Or those that sell drugs to other people, including children, to support their habit. We know all about the trend for young people to try drugs to be cool, or certain lifestyles where drugs seem commonplace or even expected.

The Unexpected Substance Abuser

But lately new pictures may also come to some people’s minds. These drug addicts may be a little more surprising to some: the affluent housewife who orders her prescription drugs online to support her addiction, the office professional that has been hiding his drug addiction for years, the police officer in the local town.

Public Opinion

Drug abuse affects millions of people each year. In our country there is a stigma about drug abuse, and (perhaps for good reason) many people, especially those that don’t fit the typical drug addict role, spend their lives hiding the addiction. Admitting that there is a problem is embarrassing, and getting treatment for the drug addiction would disrupt their world. More and more today, however, groups are being organized to support these individuals that are struggling with addiction, as well as their families. It is important for them to see that they are not alone, and that substance abuse treatment can give them a new life.

Public Safety Officers

One group of people getting help for drug addiction is that of public safety officers, including police officers, firefighters, and EMT workers. These workers typically sacrifice much for others while performing their jobs, and many are seen as heroes to those they help. So when the pressure of a stressful job leaves these public safety officers turning to drugs or alcohol to ease their mind, it becomes hard for them to admit they have an addiction.

Getting Help

These professionals need help for their addictions just like everyone else does. It is important for more of these public officers who have struggled with drug addiction to come forward and tell their story, and encourage others to get help. Statistics on substance abuse among this group are hard to find, since many public officers suffering with addiction do so in silence. They need to be encouraged to find a substance abuse treatment facility that gives them the help they need.

Perhaps more should also be done to prevent drug abuse among professions that are full of trauma and stress. Counseling should be made available to help officers deal with particularly disturbing traumas. Support groups can be set up for public safety officers to discuss how the difficulties of their job are affecting them. Leniency can be granted to allow time off for mental health evaluation and substance abuse treatment. And in general, the public needs to have an understanding of those suffering from substance abuse, even if it is someone unexpected.

Sources

Substance Abuse Among Healthcare Professionals

Cross, Chad and Ashley, Larry Police Trauma and Addiction Coping with the Dangers of the Job

http://www.cophealth.com/index.html

Of all the illegal drugs in our country, perhaps none is as well-known for its addiction and harmful effects on the user’s life as cocaine. According to a 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 35.3 million Americans aged 12 and older reported having used cocaine, and 8.5 million reported having used crack cocaine. There were an estimated 977,000 new users of cocaine in 2006—most were 18 or older when they first used cocaine. (1)

Cocaine addiction

Cocaine is a derivative of the leaves of the coca plant, which is either snorted, dissolved in water and injected, or smoked. While under the influence of cocaine, the user develops a “high”, which increases mental alertness and reduces fatigue. This high only lasts for a short time, and after as little as 5-15 minutes, the user may feel the need to administer the drug again in order to maintain the high feeling. In fact, this is one reason why cocaine is so addictive – the user is constantly trying to maintain that great feeling of euphoria.

Cocaine causes a high by increasing the level of dopamine in the brain, which in humans signals something pleasurable. In healthy people this signal is shut off after a short time, but in cocaine addicts, the dopamine is kept from being recycled and large amounts of it build up in the brain, causing the high. Tolerance to the high of dopamine is likely to occur, and more cocaine is needed to feel the good feeling. After a short time, the user is addicted and may need cocaine detox.

Cocaine’s Effects

Cocaine has many detrimental effects on the body, including headache, nausea, increased heart rate and blood pressure, decreased appetite, and problems with nosebleeds or with swallowing. Cocaine addicts are more likely to be irritable without their high, and suffer from anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations. Other serious risks are heart attack, stroke, respiratory arrest, and seizure.

Predisposition to addiction

A study done by Hans Breiter and his colleagues from Massachusetts General Hospital (2) found that in cocaine addicts, the area of the brain that deals with decision making and preference is actually altered with cocaine use. The thinning that occurs in this region of the brain may explain why cocaine users become so addicted; their brain no longer cares about things other than the drug, and they aren’t able to make coherent decisions to stay away from the drug.

This study also found, however, that in drug abusers the overall thickness in the brain is more uniform than in non-drug users. Because this symmetry of thickness does not seem to be a result of drug use, researchers are beginning to think that some people have a predisposition to drug use.

Whatever the cause of addiction to cocaine, it is a disease. If you or someone you know is addicted to cocaine, it is important to get help right away. The risks of using cocaine make it a very unsafe drug, and many people have died suddenly from its effects. Find a drug treatment center to help deal with the addiction.

Sources
(1) Cocaine: Abuse With Alcohol Increases Deadliness 9/22/2008

(2) Thinner Cortex In Cocaine Addicts May Reflect Drug Use And A Pre-existing Disposition To Drug Abuse ScienceDaily Oct. 13, 2008

Cocaine and the Brain Ivanhoe Newswire Oct. 10, 2008

As parents, we know it is our duty to keep our kids safe. Safe from mean kids, or bad teachers, or harmful relationships, or drugs or alcohol. We know some kids at school might be bad influences on our child, and we get that we should warn our kids about the drug dealers and strangers on the street. But are you aware of the risks your adolescent faces every time they start up their computer in your own home?

The age of technology

A new Nielsen Online study, conducted on behalf of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), measured the online viewing habits of teens, and tracked their exposure to drug-related content. The findings reveal that one in 20 teens who are viewing online videos watched one or more drug-related videos during a one-month period. The analysis found that more than a third of those viewing drug-related content are under the age of 16 (1).

Kids today have more access to drugs through technology than ever before. The Internet has countless sites that promote drug and alcohol use, that tell kids how to get away with using drugs, and that sell prescription drugs without any regulation. Some sites today even teach kids how to make their own drugs, or how to beat a drug test.

New Legislation

Legislation was approved by Congress last month that would regulate more closely how internet companies sell prescription drugs online. According to this legislation, no company would be able to sell prescription medication without a valid prescription from a doctor that has actually seen the patient.

While this might help with the illegal selling of prescription drugs, there are still all the other sites on the Internet that provide kids with bad information about drugs. The bottom line is that there are many people out there that prey on young people, and are willing to illegally sell them drugs, or give them information that will cause them to experiment with drugs.

Parents’ Job

Parents need to become more informed about their children’s technology usage. It’s not just computers that are the problem, either. Other forms of communication; cell phones, blackberries, and social networking sites, can all be means of easy communication about drugs. Often the information being shared has a message about teen drug abuse that may wrongly teach kids that “everyone is doing it.”

Many parents either don’t know how to use the newest technology, or don’t understand the lingo that kids code their private messages in to make them seem like innocent conversations. Parents need to spend some time on the Internet themselves, checking up on the sites their kids are visiting, and learning about the social networking sites their kids have profiles on. Rules need to be established about what their kids can and cannot do on the Internet, and (as always) be aware of who your child is communicating with, and what they are doing with their free time. It is important that you are aware of some of the many risk factors of teen drug abuse as well.

(1) White House Drug Czar Alerts Parents to Threat of Online Exposure, Calls for Stronger Monitoring Oct. 7, 2008

Rubenstein, Sarah New Bill Targets Rogue Druggists on the Internet Oct. 9, 2008

Fletcher Stoeltje, Melissa Dealing with teen drug use 10/6/08

http://www.theantidrug.com/

Every parent is bound to think about the risk of drug or alcohol abuse among teens as their child gets older. Some parents don’t become aware that their child has been experimenting with drugs until it’s too late. Other parents are alerted earlier, or have a child that doesn’t hide their drug use as easily. But being aware of the risks your teen faces, as well as the warning signs of drug and alcohol abuse, parents may be able to prevent their child from a life of addiction.

Risks Factors of Teen Drug Abuse

Adolescents today are bombarded by drug and alcohol use at school, with friends, and even at home. There are many kids in school that provide each other with information about drugs, or encourage their friends to use drugs or alcohol. Then there are those kids who do drugs themselves or sell them to their classmates. And it seems that countless teenagers are listening to music or watching movies or videos that glorify drug use. Internet sites also pose a big problem for teens and adolescents today, providing them with information about drugs, or even selling them the drugs. With all the exposure to drugs that many teens face, it’s not surprising that adolescent drug abuse is such a problem.

There are groups of youth that are more at risk to use drugs or alcohol. Kids that have a hard home life are more likely to get involved with substance abuse to ease their problems. Parents that do drugs or are alcoholics themselves are more likely to raise children who try drugs or alcohol, and abuse of any kind will increase the risk of an adolescent trying drugs.

Warning Signs of Adolescent Drug Use

So what can you do if you suspect that your adolescent is trying drugs or alcohol? Experts say to go with your gut instinct. Don’t wait for the problem to explode in your face, but rather watch for warning signs ahead of time. Teenagers that are using drugs will often start having problems with schoolwork and grades. Teens will become more private, especially about their belongings and bedroom. Changes in who they are hanging around with will be common, and conversations will become more secretive with those new friends. Kids will try to hide the smell of chemicals or smoke by using air fresheners, incense, or mouthwashes. Red flags that should immediately alert you that your child is doing something they shouldn’t include missing money or missing prescription drugs from your possession, and finding drug paraphernalia among your child’s belongings.

There are many adolescent drug treatment facilities out there, and by stopping the problem before it gets too large to handle will aid in the recovery process. Be aware of what your teen children are doing with their time, who they are hanging around with, and what they are doing with the internet and other technologies. Don’t be afraid to set regulations with your child, and expect them to be followed. Being an involved parent is the best way for you to prevent drug and alcohol use by your teen.

Fletcher Stoeltje, Melissa Dealing with teen drug use 10/6/08

http://www.theantidrug.com/

Mapp, Marqui Combating teen drug abuse October 01, 2008

How would you feel if your insurance provider told you that the doctors’ visits and treatment costs for your illness were not going to be covered, or that you would have to pay a high deductible? Many people in our country are being told just that, and the reason is that the illness they have is substance abuse. There has long been a view in the world that substance abuse is a choice, or a character flaw, not a mental illness. Things are changing, however, and more and more research is being done on the complexities of the brain and its reaction to substance abuse. People today are beginning to see that while substance use might start as a decision to try something new, it quickly becomes an addiction that can’t be controlled.

Congress approves Mental Health Parity Act

Congress approved legislation last week that would change the way insurance providers handle claims for mental illness and substance abuse. The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 provides “equity in the coverage of mental health and substance use disorders by ensuring that group health care plans do not charge higher co-payments, coinsurance, deductibles, and impose maximum out-of-pocket limits and lower day and visit limits.” Supporters of this measure include many in the House and Senate, businesses, insurance companies, and physicians. However, a few questions remained and until last week, it was uncertain whether or not the bill would pass before Congress went into recess this year. By attaching it to the Wall Street bailout bill, however, Congress was able to pass it quickly.

Help is needed

Help can’t come soon enough for many Americans struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, mental illness is the leading cause, and substance use is the second leading cause, of disability among adults. Many of these adults are not getting the help they need to recover from their mental illness, and often it is because of the high cost of treatment. Another reason is fear of discrimination from their employer if they do seek treatment.

Equal Coverage for an epidemic

With legislation such as the Mental Health Parity Act, those with a substance abuse disorder can be reassured that their insurers will not be able to set a cap on healthcare coverage for mental illness or substance abuse that isn’t set for other illnesses.

In order to deal with the epidemic of substance abuse, we need more good addiction treatment facilities, more affordable health care to addicts, and more support behind families dealing with substance abuse. Through the passage of this bill, those with addiction should be encouraged to move forward and seek treatment, so that we can work toward decreasing the incidence of drug and alcohol abuse.

Sources

Congresswoman Shea-Porter Hails Passage of Mental Health Parity Act September 24, 2008

Many State Reform Initiatives Are Neglecting Mental Illness, Says Study July 08, 2008

Layton, Lyndsey Congress Approves Mental Health Bill Private Insurers Would Provide More Benefits Sept. 24, 2008

Ault, Alicia Equal Coverage For Mental Health?
Many States Require Parity, and Congress May Order It Nationwide November 6, 2007

Curley, Bob Congress, Bush Approve Addiction and Mental Health Parity Legislation October 3, 2008

“I don’t have a problem.” “This time I’ll get clean for good, I promise.” “I just can’t do it.”
How many of us have heard statements like this in response to the thought of seeking treatment for substance abuse? How many of us have uttered them ourselves?

You are not alone.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2006, 22.6 million people aged 12 or older were living with substance abuse disorders in the past year, and of that number, only 4 million received some kind of treatment. There are many things standing in people’s way of getting treatment for substance abuse. Shame, financial concerns, mental health problems, denial, past failure; these all can make the thought of turning to professionals for help very scary.

But the statistics are favorable for recovery. People are able to overcome addictions with treatment every day. For those in treatment for alcoholism, the number that have overcome their addiction is as high as 70%.

September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, and it allows us as a country to renew our commitment to preventing addiction. Many local organizations have planned activities this month to recognize those who have had the courage to recover from addiction, as well as their families and support providers. This year’s theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Real People, Real Recovery,” which emphasizes that recovery is possible and many people who have recovered from addiction have gone on to lead healthy, productive lives.

National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, which is supported by SAMHSA of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, also encourages those still struggling with addiction to seek help. These individuals need to be given hope that they too can work to rebuild their lives. There has been and still is often a label of disgrace held by the public for those addicted to substances. Education is the key to helping people understand that addiction is a disease and it will take more than a positive attitude to overcome. The things that will help deal with the issue of addiction are support for treatment facilities, encouragement for the families of the addict, and encouragement and help for the addicts themselves.

Getting help

Families need to be aware of the signs of addiction. Sudden changes in behavior, lying, depression, hostility, and fatigue are just some of the warning signs of drug or alcohol addiction. Once an addiction has been identified, getting a loved one to accept treatment is the first step for families. Finding the right treatment facility for you or your loved one is the next step.

It will be a hard road. The recovery process is long, and it is common to suffer setbacks. But the anticipation of regaining one’s life and joining with others who have been down that road already can give great comfort. That’s what this month is all about.

Royer, David Don’t let shame preclude treatment Columbus Local News September 3, 2008

Scott, “Sonny” NAIC: A voice for recovery Sept. 3, 2008 The Norman Transcript

Romalino, Carly A month for turning clean and sober Gloucester County Times September 08, 2008

http://recoverymonth.gov

Most of us know that alcohol abuse causes conflict and problems in families throughout the country. And you may know that individuals and families spend millions of dollars each year on the effects of the disease of alcoholism. But do we know just how big of an impact on our economy alcoholism has?

When measuring the cost of alcohol abuse in the U.S., we have to consider such things as health services and medical expenses, premature death, loss of productivity, and alcohol related crimes. In total, the U.S. economy loses an estimated $185 billion each year to alcohol-related problems, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.(2)

Drunk Driving Costs

Drunk driving is a sensitive subject to many people because so many lives have been affected by this crime. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes kill someone every 31 minutes and nonfatally injure someone every two minutes. During 2005, 16,885 people in the U.S. died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes, comprising 39% of all traffic-related deaths. (1)

Medical and Social Costs

Alcohol inflicts costs in many other ways as well. Alcohol abusers are medically at risk for liver damage, brain damage, and cancer, as well as causing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in pregnant women. Alcohol is often a factor in homicides and suicides. Crimes caused by individuals influenced by alcohol put a strain on the criminal justice system, and inflict costs for police officers, legal fees, and property repair.

Workplace Costs

Another large portion of the cost to the economy is the impact on employers by their alcohol-abusing employees. Health care costs have already skyrocketed, and because of the increased risk of medical problems with alcoholics, these individuals will incur higher health care costs.

Absences are another issue for employers. Because of poor health, hangovers, or other alcohol related problems, alcohol abusers are more likely to miss work than many of their co-workers.

Finally, loss of productivity is a strain businesses have to manage with employees that abuse alcohol. Even if an alcoholic is present at work and not drinking, their performance at work can often be compromised by hangovers, health complications, lack of focus, or psychiatric issues.

Treatment and Prevention

A smaller portion of the cost on the economy is the money that is spent on the treatment and prevention of alcoholism. Estimates indicate that corporations spend less than 0.1 percent of their total healthcare bill on treatment, but businesses end up paying much more for the consequences of untreated alcohol abuse.(2) New approaches need to be made in order to successfully admit into treatment those affected by alcoholism. We need to keep in mind that alcohol abuse hurts not only the individual or the family, but businesses and society as well. We must encourage alcohol abusers and alcoholics to find the right treatment program for their success.

(1) Effects of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse June 2007 Health A to Z

(2) Alcohol Abuse Costing U.S. Economy $185 Billion Each Year Apr 17, 2007

(3) Seven Tools to Lowering the Business Costs of Alcohol Problems Ensuring Solutions to Alcohol Problems

(4) Cray, Dan Alcohol Abuse Saps Nation’s Economy, Researchers Say USC News
05/03/93

How stressed is your teen? What are the consequences of stress on adolescents? What can be done to relieve teens’ stress? A new study released this month by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America indicates that stress may be more of a concern than most parents think. The study, reported August 4, 2008, reveals that 73 percent of teens say that school stress is the primary reason for drug use. This study also showed that “parents severely underestimate the impact of stress on their teens’ decision to use drugs. Only 7 percent of parents believe that teens might use drugs to cope with stress.”

Causes of Teen Stress

It used to be that teens did drugs to feel cool, or to go along with peer pressure, or to have fun. But these days, teens are often so overwhelmed by school and daily pressures that they feel they are led to use drugs just to cope.

While the pressures of performing well in school and getting into a good college weigh heavily on many teens’ minds, there are many stresses young people face during their teen years. The basic changes that their bodies go through at this age can lead to biological stress. The rapid way teens develop at this stage in their lives can be a source of worry and concern to them. Added to this is lack of sleep because of school, social life, family life, and work.

Family stress is another cause of pressure for adolescents. As teens struggle to become adults and independent from their parents, arguments and harsh words often take place. Almost every parent has experienced the all-knowing, angry attitude of a teenager, who is disgusted by their parents’ rules for them. These problems are often exemplified when parents are divorced, leaving the teen confused about where they belong in the family.

Social stress can also be overwhelming during the teen years. Dating and breakups, struggle for popularity at school, and teasing and bullying can put a lot of pressure on teens.

What can you do to help your adolescent through stress?

One of the most important things for parents to do is to be aware of the stress their children are under, and also the risks their teens face because of the stress. Moodiness, lethargy, forgetfulness, isolation, antisocial behavior, lying, difficulty concentrating, lack of sleep, headaches and stomach aches can all be signs of stress.

If your teen seems stressed, as a parent you can help them reduce the stress, and also help them cope with the stress. Are the worries your teen faces real? Talk to them, and hear their fears, being careful not to minimize their concerns, but rather to work through them. Parents should also model healthy stress management at home. If teens realize they are not alone, and that everyone experiences some sort of stress, teens can learn their own positive ways to cope, rather than turning to things like drugs. And if the teen is unable to function in everyday life, or turning to destructive behavior, parents should consult a professional for help.

Study: Stress is leading cause of teen drug use The Toledo Journal NAPSI 8/12/2008

Adolescent Stress Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Dr. Spock.com

Adolescent Stress, Stressors, and Coping Stephanie K. Ferguson
Adolescence Site

Stress in Adolescents Healthopedia.com

News release Partnership for a Drug-Free America August 4, 2008
http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/About/NewsReleases/School_Pressure

It is a problem that has been around for decades. Adolescents feel stress from personal or family problems, high expectations at school, and peer pressure. One way teens deal with the pressure is to turn to drugs. In the past it was marijuana, LSD, heroin or cocaine that lead curious teens to try drugs. There are countless stories of teens who have suffered severe consequences because of abuse of drugs such as these. Brain damage, seizures, toxicity, and death are only some of the side effects of drug abuse.

With all the anti-drug campaigns in communities today, it seems that teens may be getting the point about the dangers of some of these “street drugs” and are actually turning away from them in some cases.

Prescription Drugs

Today, however there are many more drugs available to teens, and different drugs of choice are making their way into schools and homes. Prescription painkillers like oxycodone and Vicodin® have been used more and more by adolescents in recent years. Many teens today believe there is nothing wrong with prescription drugs when taken once and while for fun, yet statistics show that oxycodone and Vicodin® are the most common drugs involved in fatal overdoses by young people.

The risk with these drugs is that young people do not believe they are dangerous or illegal because they are prescribed by a doctor. Another danger with these prescription drugs is that teens are able to get them for a very low cost or even free from friends or relatives. The easy accessibility of these drugs leads to a higher number of teens getting their hands on them, simply stealing the pills from their parents’ medicine cabinet.

Drugs such as oxycodone and Vicodin®, when used under the supervision of a physician, can be very beneficial to patients. On the other hand, the abuse of these drugs can cause strokes, seizures, comas, addiction, and even death. These prescription drugs can be just as addictive as street drugs, and the effects can be serious on the bodies and minds of young, developing teens.

Prevention

Even though the problem seems staggering, there are ways for parents to help prevent the misuse of drugs in their homes. Parents need to keep track of their prescription drugs, and be aware that their children may be able to get drugs from family members or friends very easily. Parents should talk with their children about the use of medication, and alert them to the severity of abusing prescription drugs.

While it seems that many anti-drug campaigns have been beneficial in the past, funding is becoming an issue when it comes to teen drug prevention. Every year, Congress gives money to states for drug treatment prevention, allowing the states to divide up the money among some of the programs they wish. A recent trend shows many states often spend very little of the money on adolescent drug prevention. With the new problem of prescription drug abuse in teens, it seems it is important that organizations that educate teens on prevention and treat teen addicts would receive funding to continue to fight this national problem.

Sources

More Kids Dying, New York Times July 18, 2008

Heroin’s Hold on the Young, New York Times Jan. 13, 2008

OxyContin, Vicodin Grow Popular as Teen Drug Use of Choice, Think and Ask nonprofit news February 2007

Teens Turn Away from Street Drugs, Move to Prescription Drugs, New Report Reveals ONDCP Press Release February 14, 2007

Rx—A New Intentional High for Teens National Youth Anti Drug Media Campaign, Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse 2006