Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)
The ONDCP provides information on new policies and reforms as well as data and research related to substance abuse in the United States.
Potential Health Risks of Hookah Smoking are Being Overlooked
“Researchers are finding that people perceive hookah smoking as a safer and healthier means of tobacco use. However, toxicological research is finding elements in hookah smoke that are well-established to cause adverse health effects,” says Norbert E. Kaminski, PhD, SOT President 2014-2015. Studies show that hookah use is associated with potentially dangerous chemicals and health effects: Chemicals produced during one hookah smoking session of 45 to 60 minutes can equal those produced by smoking 10 or more cigarettes. Hookah use generates carcinogens, such as benzene, and has been linked to lung cancer and loss of lung function. Similar peak plasma…
Underage Drinking Pilot Program Launched at Six NC Universities
As a pilot program, the University of North Carolina System will work alongside the state’s Alcohol Beverage Control Commission, Alcohol Law Enforcement Division, and the Department of Health and Human Services, to combat underage drinking and illegal drug use on college campuses. In most cases, state citations will now be issued to students, taking traditional on-campus measures a step further. Depending on the situation, a student could be required to attend court, or enter a treatment or prevention program offered by the university. Aldona Wos, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, said in a statement…
Prescription Drug Abuse Resource
Protect Your Kids provides helpful information about prescription drug abuse, prevention and intervention.
Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA Strategic initiatives help people with mental and substance use disorders, support the families of people with mental and substance use disorders, build strong and supportive communities, prevent costly behavioral health problems, and promote better health for all Americans. The site provides information on health reform, tools, research, data, and community support related to issues of mental health and substance abuse.
Skittles, Triple-C, Robotripping and Dex?
An old trend among teens and college students has resurfaced: using cough syrup to get high. In addition to Skittles or Triple-C, teenagers are calling the drug Tussin, Robotripping, and Dex. But essentially, it is simply over-the-counter cough syrup, often mixed with soda or other drugs such as marijuana. Abusers are after the active ingredient in regular over-the-counter cough syrup, dextromethorphan, or DXM. DXM is a dissociative anesthetic, meaning it can cause “out-of-body” side effects that include hallucinations. Taking a high dose of DXM can produce similar effects as the drug PCP. Local drug programs are starting to focus on cough…
Underage Drinking Program Launched in NC
The North Carolina Alcohol and Beverage Commission is set to launch a new campaign today that focuses on underage drinking in North Carolina. The campaign will target kids as young as eleven. Click HERE for more on this story
FASD May Affect About 5% of U.S. Children
Although drinking during pregnancy has long been considered taboo, new research suggests that as many as one in 20 U.S. children may have health or behavioral problems related to alcohol exposure before birth. “Knowing not to drink during pregnancy and not doing so are two different things,” especially before a woman knows she is pregnant, said lead researcher Philip May, a professor of public health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He said the high prevalence of children affected by drinking during pregnancy may be due to social pressures or women’s difficulty in changing their drinking habits. Findings…
6 Coalitions Awarded DFC Grant to Address Youth Substance Use
White House Drug Policy Office announced Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program grants, to communities across the country. The grants will provide local communities funding to prevent youth substance use and support the Administration’s National Drug Control Strategy, which treats our Nation’s drug problem through a balanced public health and safety approach. The DFC Program provides grants of up to $625,000 over five years to community coalitions that facilitate youth and adult participation at the community level in local youth drug use prevention efforts. Coalitions are comprised of community leaders, parents, youth, teachers, religious and fraternal organizations, health care and business…
Carteret County Working to Reduce Rx Drug Diversion
Carteret County Sheriff Asa Buck and District Attorney Scott Thomas announced in May the undercover drug operation called “Operation Pill Crusher,” which targeted illegal sales and diversion of prescription drugs and other illegal drugs. More than 80 people have been charged as part of the sales. In the months ahead of the operation, detectives made hundreds of controlled purchases from over 100 drug dealers operating in Carteret County. “Prescription drug diversion results in increased criminal activity and drug addiction and this is one of the major challenges we face in Carteret County,” said Sheriff Asa Buck about last week’s convictions….