The Latest News from Our Field

Israeli scientists are developing a new device to detect “date-rape” drugs, ketamine and GHB, in drinks, the New York Daily News reports.

Customs officials in South Florida say drug smugglers are finding a variety of creative ways to conceal their goods, from using submarines to hiding drugs in beans and nuts.

Health officials in Vancouver, Canada have announced a pilot project to distribute clean, unused crack pipes to drug users later this year, as part of a “harm reduction” program to reduce spread of disease.

A report by doctors at New York’s Bellevue Hospital describes how 11 young people –10 of them under the legal drinking age of 21—were rushed to the emergency room after drinking the “alcopop” Four Loko.

Women who suffer gender-based violence have a much higher-than-average lifetime risk of substance abuse disorders and other mental health disorders, according to a study in this week’s Journal of the American Medical Association.

Smoking is an important risk factor in brain shrinkage and a decline in brain function in later years, a new study suggests.

Countries need to be cognizant of the suffering of patients in pain when formulating plans to cut down on prescription drug abuse, according to the new World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines on balanced drug control policies.

A survey of teenagers finds 22 percent of those taking controlled medications, such as painkillers or stimulants, misused the drugs in the past year.

Adolescent boys and young men who have sex with men and use methamphetamine are at increased risk for HIV, a new study suggests.

Smokers who take multivitamins appear to be lulled into a false sense that they are protecting their health, and end up smoking more than smokers who don’t take vitamins, according to a new study published in the journal Addiction.

The National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors has received a $1.1 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The grant is designed to help states maximize the use of limited substance abuse resources to advance services delivery systems and care.

Synthetic drugs such as “bath salts,” “K2” and “Spice” are becoming increasingly popular in Minneapolis/St. Paul, a new survey reveals.

The director of the University of Vermont’s Health Center last week appeared before the state’s Medical Practice Board to contest allegations that the school health clinic improperly prescribed opioids to students.

Pure, potent methamphetamine is appearing on the streets of Tucson, courtesy of Mexican drug-trafficking organizations, the Arizona Daily Star reports.

Since Utah increased its tobacco tax last year from 69.5 cents per pack to $1.70, cigarette sales have dropped 15 percent.

When parents find out their teen is abusing drugs or alcohol, the family’s immediate focus is generally on getting help for the teen. But parents are often in great need of help themselves. A new toll-free, bilingual phone helpline is providing that assistance.

Punishments for drunk driving vary widely by location, ranging from receiving a ticket to landing in jail for a first-time offense, according to USA Today.

The Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill on Thursday that would ban the stimulant drugs known as “bath salts.”

The Army is trying to fill 130 substance-abuse counselor positions by October 1, the Army News Service reports.

Activating a specific brain receptor may reduce the appeal of cocaine, a new study in mice suggests.

A growing number of babies born in Florida are addicted to prescription drugs. CNN reports that the state recorded 635 such births in the first half of 2010.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI) online application has been redesigned to make it easier to use. ARDI provides information that increases understanding of the health consequences of excessive alcohol use throughout the United States.

Vermont officials say prescription drug abuse in the state is becoming a crisis. They are quickly trying to find ways to address the growing problem.

Following the institution of an Indiana law requiring anyone buying and carrying out alcohol to show identification, regardless of their age, state inspectors report fewer of the state’s liquor stores, bars and restaurants are selling alcohol to those under 21.

The Marin Institute, which organizes campaigns to reduce alcohol-related harm, announced it has changed its name to “Alcohol Justice.” The organization said its new name better reflects its national and global reach, and clarifies its mission.