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Date: April 29, 2024 Mon
Time: 11:58 pm
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Results for drug abuse prevention
33 results foundAuthor: Kellow, Aynsley Title: Enhancing the Implementation and Management of Drug Diversion Strategies in Australian Law Enforcement Agencies: The Cases of South Australia Police, Tasmania Police and Victoria Police During the Period 2000-2005 Summary: Drawing on researchers in the fields of policy studies, administrative law, criminology, police studies, public sector management, and police practitioners, this report identifies evidence-based good practice in implementing and managing illicit drug diversion strategies in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. Details: Hobart, Tasmania: National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund, 2008. 165p. Source: Monograph Series No. 31 Year: 2008 Country: Australia URL: Shelf Number: 115383 Keywords: Drug Abuse PreventionDrug EnforcementDrug Offenders(Australia)Drugs |
Author: Berman, Greg Title: Lessons From the Battle Over D.A.R.E.: The Complicated Relationship Between Research and Practice Summary: There have been many articles written about Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) that tell how D.A.R.E. America has been able to convince educators and the public into supporting the program over the objections of researchers. A closer look reveals that many local practitioners were able to sift through the competing claims of research and D.A.R.E. American and make reasoned judgements about whether to keep D.A.R.E. In general, local officials reached their own conclusions about what made the most sense for their jurisdictions. The controversy exposed a gap between researchers and practitioners that continues. Details: New York: Center for Court Innovation, 2009. 12p. Source: Year: 2009 Country: United States URL: Shelf Number: 117622 Keywords: Drug Abuse PreventionDrug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) |
Author: Canada. Department of Justice. Office of Strategic Planning and Performance Measurement. Evaluation Division Title: National Anti-Drug Strategy Implementation Evaluation: Final Report Summary: The National Anti-Drug Strategy is a horizontal initiative of 12 federal departments and agencies, led by the Department of Justice Canada. The goal of the strategy is to "contribute to safer and healthier communities through coordinated efforts to prevent use, treat dependency and reduce production and distribution of illicit drugs." This implementation evaluation of the strategy assesses whether the strategy has been implemented as planned. The report summarizes the evaluation findings, draws conclusions, and provides recommendations. Details: Ottawa: Department of Justice Canada, 2010. 42p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2010 Country: Canada URL: Shelf Number: 118765 Keywords: Drug Abuse PreventionDrug ControlDrug Policy (Canada) |
Author: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction Title: Albania: Country Overview 2009 Summary: This country overview provides a structured synopsis of the trends and characteristics of national drug problems in Albania in 2009. It consists of a summary of the national drug situation presenting brief information in the following key areas: drug prevalence, prevention, harm reduction, drugs laws, etc. Details: Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2009. 15p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2009 Country: Albania URL: Shelf Number: 119128 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse PreventionDrug Abuse TreatmentDrugs (Albania) |
Author: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction Title: Montenegro: Country Overview 2009 Summary: This country overview provides a structured synopsis of the trends and characteristics of national drug problems in Montenegro for 2009. It consists of a summary of the national drug situation presenting brief information in key areas - drug prevalence, prevention, harm reduction, drug laws, etc. Details: Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2009. 22p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2009 Country: Europe URL: Shelf Number: 119127 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse PreventionDrug Abuse TreatmentDrug PolicyDrugs (Montenegro) |
Author: Fox, James Alan Title: Meth Crime Rises as Budget Axe Falls: Will Congress Cut Law Enforcement and Investments that Help Get Kids on the Right Track? Summary: The more than 2,500 police chiefs, sheriffs, prosecutors, state Attorneys General, other law enforcement leaders, and violence survivors of FIGHT CRIME: INVEST IN KIDS are determined to see that dangerous criminals are put behind bars. Today, one of the toughest crime challenges facing America’s law enforcement is the methamphetamine epidemic. Like the crack epidemic of the 1980s, meth is sweeping much of the country leaving broken families, traumatized communities and an increase in crimes committed by meth addicts. The number of meth addicts has recently doubled. FIGHT CRIME: INVEST IN KIDS analyzed the best available data and research, and provides the first national estimate on crime committed by meth addicts: property and violent crimes doubled to six million crimes in 2004 compared to 2002. Despite the new laws and enforcement efforts to shut down home labs, meth addiction is spreading as new, more potent, crystal meth is moving in from Mexico. While the wave of meth abuse and meth-related crime continues to sweep eastward across the country, Congress is debating severe budget cuts to law enforcement and investments in children proven to prevent crime. America’s anti-crime arsenal contains no more powerful weapons than crime fighters on our streets and in our courts and proven prevention programs such as Head Start, pre-kindergarten, and educational child care; child abuse and neglect prevention; effective youth development activities for the after-school and summer hours; and intervention programs to help troubled kids. Details: Washington, DC: Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, 2006. 17p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 3, 2011 at: http://www.jfox.neu.edu/Documents/methreport06.pdf Year: 2006 Country: United States URL: http://www.jfox.neu.edu/Documents/methreport06.pdf Shelf Number: 122293 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse and CrimeDrug Abuse PreventionMethamphetamine (U.S.) |
Author: Ferguson, Andrew Title: A Process and Site-Specific Outcome Evaluation of Maine's Adult Drug Treatment Court Programs Summary: The high correlation between crime and the abuse of drugs and alcohol is well documented. Individuals with substance abuse problems are significantly more likely to commit crimes, to commit a wider range of crimes and to be convicted of more violent and serious offenses. Drug courts were developed as a means to respond to problems posed by substance abusing offenders involved in the revolving door of the criminal justice system. As such, they represent a nexus between criminal justice and substance abuse treatment systems that is intended to reduce prison populations by reducing crimes of drug involved offenders by changing their drug using habits. Through comprehensive supervision, drug testing, integrated substance abuse treatment services and frequent court appearances before a designated program judge, drug courts attempt to motivate offenders to engage and participate in a program of behavioral change. Across the United States, there are more than 1,600 drug courts in operation and it is estimated that over 400,000 drug-using offenders have participated in these programs. The vast body of research literature on drug courts indicates positive outcomes – that drug courts are helping to improve the lives of difficult to reach populations. According to the United States Government Accountability Office (2005), drug court programs have demonstrated the ability to reduce recidivism and generate other positive outcomes. Maine’s Adult Drug Treatment Court was created by statute in August 2000 and currently operates in five of Maine’s sixteen counties. As of November 30, 2005, there were a total of 1,365 offenders referred to these programs and 540 offenders were admitted. Maine’s drug courts are intensive and challenging programs to successfully complete. The overall completion rate in Maine (60%) exceeds completion rates across drug court programs nationally (48%). The current study contributes to ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of drug court programs. Consistent with the national literature, this study shows that Maine’s Adult Drug Court program is not only effective in reducing crime but cost effective as well. Details: Augusta, ME: Department of Health and Human Services, 2006. 36p. Source: Internet Resource. Accessed on January 15, 2012 at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/osa/pubs/correct/2006/adultdc06.pdf Year: 2006 Country: United States URL: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/osa/pubs/correct/2006/adultdc06.pdf Shelf Number: 123624 Keywords: Cost-Benefit AnalysisDrug Abuse PreventionDrug Courts (Maine)Drug OffendersDrug Treatment |
Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Title: World Drug Report 2012 Summary: About 230 million people, or 5 per cent of the world’s adult population, are estimated to have used an illicit drug at least once in 2010. Problem drug users number about 27 million, which is 0.6 per cent of the world adult population. Throughout the world, illicit drug use appears to be generally stable, though it continues to be rising in several developing countries. Heroin, cocaine and other drugs kill around 0.2 million people each year, shattering families and bringing misery to thousands of other people. Illicit drugs undermine economic and social development and contribute to crime, instability, insecurity and the spread of HIV. Global opium production amounted to 7,000 tons in 2011. That is more than a fifth less than the peak of 2007 but an increase from the low level of 2010, the year in which a plant disease destroyed almost half of the opium harvest in Afghanistan, which continues to be the world’s biggest producer. The total area under coca bush cultivation in the world fell by 18 per cent between 2007 and 2010 and by 33 per cent since 2000. Efforts to reduce cultivation and production of the main plant-based problem drugs have, however, been offset by rising levels of synthetic drug production, including significant increases in the production and consumption of psychoactive substances that are not under international control. Although Member States are to be commended for their hard work in dealing with the drug problem, often with the support of UNODC, the figures sketched above indicate the scale of the challenge. The response by UNODC has been twofold: first, develop an integrated approach; and second, focus on prevention, treatment, alternative development and the promotion of fundamental human rights. Details: New York: United Nations, 2012. 112p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 18, 2012 at: http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/WDR2012/WDR_2012_web_small.pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/WDR2012/WDR_2012_web_small.pdf Shelf Number: 125669 Keywords: Drug Abuse PreventionDrug Addiction and AbuseIllegal Drugs |
Author: Sweeney, Josh Title: 'Initiation Into Drug Use' Addendum: Findings from the DUMA Program Summary: The age at which an individual first experiments with illicit drugs has been of significant interest to policymakers and practitioners, primarily because research has persistently shown a link between early juvenile onset of drug use and less favourable health and criminal justice outcomes in adulthood. In the Australian context, studies have shown: drug users who have regular contact with the criminal justice system typically commenced their drug use at earlier ages (Gaffney et al. 2010; Johnson 2001); even within the drug-using offender population, those with a recent history of violent or prolific property offending typically commenced drug use and progressed to regular drug use earlier than those with no such history (Makkai & Payne 2003); and the risk that an offender will progress to serious and frequent offending was highest when both drug use and offending first began at younger than average ages (Payne 2006). Although there is broad agreement that early initiation into drug use and subsequent involvement in the criminal justice system are correlated, there still remains considerable debate regarding the direction of causality. Some suggest that early drug use can act as a gateway or ‘stepping stone’ to more significant drug use and other problem behaviours (Kandel, Yamaguchi & Chen 1992), while others argue that drug use does not cause criminal behaviour, but rather, there is a shared or common aetiology, such as low self control or high impulsivity (Gottfredson & Hirschi 1990). Although much effort has been made in the Australian context to profile ages of initiation across various criminal justice populations (detainees, prisoners, juvenile offenders etc), an examination of the reasons why drug users first experiment with drugs has been largely overlooked. Knowing why an individual first uses drugs can provide a powerful insight into potential causal networks, as well as identify new options and approaches for intervention. Details: Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2012. 6p. Source: Internet Resource: Research In Practice, DUMA No. 28: Accessed September 10, 2012 at: http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/current%20series/rip/21-40/rip28.aspx Year: 2012 Country: Australia URL: http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/current%20series/rip/21-40/rip28.aspx Shelf Number: 126282 Keywords: Drug Abuse and Crime (Australia)Drug Abuse PreventionDrug Offenders |
Author: Dahlgren, Stephan Title: The Protection of Children from Illicit Drugs - A Minimum Human Rights Standard. A Child-Centered vs. a User-Centered Drug Policy Summary: This report is a legal analysis of how human rights should be respected in the field of drug policy. The authors have reviewed international law governing both drug policy and human rights. They also examined statements from 20 international organizations and five UN agencies, which are active in this field. The main finding of the report is that Article 33 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (often referred to as CRC) is the only one of the nine conventions governing human rights dealing with illicit drugs. There can be no mistaking of the meaning and intention of what CRC Article 33 aims to. It reads: "States Parties shall take all appropriate measures, including legislative, administrative, social and educational measures, to protect children from the illicit use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances as defined in the relevant international treaties and to prevent the use of children in the illicit production and trafficking of such substances." Thus, it is an obligation of every country that has ratified CRC to protect and sustain children's human rights to ensure a drug-free childhood. (Children are defined as persons under 18.) CRC is the most widely ratified of all conventions related to human rights. CRC Article 33 must always be the basis for any discussion of drug policy and human rights, internationally as well as nationally. Details: Sweden: Fri Förlag, 2012. 131p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 10, 2012 at: http://wfad.se/images/articles/Protectionfromdrugs2012.pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://wfad.se/images/articles/Protectionfromdrugs2012.pdf Shelf Number: 126292 Keywords: Child Protection, Drug AbuseDrug Abuse PreventionDrug Addiction and AbuseDrug PolicyHuman Rights |
Author: Clark, Thomas Title: Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs: An Assessment of the Evidence for Best Practices Summary: The role of state prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) in facilitating appropriate prescribing of controlled prescription drugs and helping to address the prescription drug abuse epidemic has been highlighted in recent studies and in the 2011 White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Plan (GAO, 2002; Pradel et al., 2009; Baehren et al., 2010; Katz et al., 2010; Johnson et al., 2011; Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2011). A special concern for PDMPs is the diversion of opioid pain relievers into nonmedical use and abuse. A PDMP is a statewide electronic database that gathers information from pharmacies on dispensed prescriptions for controlled substances (most states that permit practitioners to dispense also require them to submit prescription information to the PDMP). Many PDMPs now provide secure online access to this information for authorized recipients. Prescription data (usually for the past year, and including information on date dispensed, patient, prescriber, pharmacy, medicine, and dose) are made available on request from end users, typically prescribers and pharmacists, and sometimes distributed via unsolicited reports. Recipients of PDMP data may also include practitioner licensure boards, law enforcement and drug control agencies, medical examiners, drug courts and criminal diversion programs, addiction treatment programs, public and private third-party payers, and other public health and safety agencies. States vary widely in which categories of users are permitted to request and receive prescription history reports and under what conditions. PDMPs represent a substantially underutilized resource in efforts to improve public health outcomes and address prescription drug abuse (Katz et al., 2010). Key reasons for this underutilization include differences in the data PDMPs collect, whether and how they ensure data quality, the kinds of data analyses and reports they produce, to which users and under what conditions they make data available, and differences in an array of other procedures and practices. With respect to many of these practices, there is not widespread understanding of which constitute “best practices”; that is, which practices are associated with maximizing PDMP effectiveness. The purpose of this white paper is to describe what is known about PDMP best practices, describe and assess the evidence supporting their identification as best practices, and document the extent to which PDMPs have implemented these practices. The paper is structured as follows: • Section II provides background on the history of PDMPs and a conceptual framework for assessing their effectiveness. The contexts in which PDMPs developed have been an important influence on the range of PDMP practices and the extent of their current adoption. Practices can be organized in terms of PDMP workflow and functions (e.g., data collection, analysis, and reporting). Their effectiveness can be assessed by observing their differential impact in achieving intermediate objectives, such as increasing the utilization of PDMPs by all appropriate end users, and ultimate goals, such as improving patient health and reducing the diversion of prescription drugs into illegal use (drug diversion) and overdose. • Section III provides an overview of the paper’s methods and discusses types of evidence for effectiveness, the relative strength of the methods and evidence, and how the current evidence base for potential PDMP best practices was assessed. • Section IV describes candidate PDMP best practices, the extent to which they are implemented by PDMPs, and the evidence base for each practice, and identifies barriers to their adoption. • Section V discusses conclusions and recommendations regarding PDMP best practices. It includes a table summarizing the types of evidence that currently exist for each practice and the strength and consistency of evidence within those types. This section also outlines a research agenda, suggesting the kinds of studies needed to produce a stronger evidence base for practices we believe have the greatest potential to improve PDMP effectiveness. • Section VI provides the references we have examined in developing this white paper. These references are summarized in two tables in an appendix: one providing an overview of the peer-reviewed, published literature on PDMP practices and effectiveness, and a second providing an overview of other literature of evaluation studies and reports, case studies, anecdotal information, and expert opinion. Details: Washington, DC: Pew Charitable Trusts, 2012. 100p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 25, 2012 at: http://www.pewhealth.org/uploadedFiles/PHG/Content_Level_Pages/Reports/PDMP_Full%20and%20Final.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United States URL: http://www.pewhealth.org/uploadedFiles/PHG/Content_Level_Pages/Reports/PDMP_Full%20and%20Final.pdf Shelf Number: 126443 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse PreventionPrescription Drug AbusePrescription Drug Monitoring |
Author: Lowe, Kevin Title: Sharing the Learning: The Drug and Alcohol Transitions Project for Young Adults Derby City 2009-12 Summary: The aim of this report is to tell the story of the Addaction Drug and Alcohol Transitions Project for Young Adults in Derby City. This project carried out successful, innovative work, helping young adults aged 17-24 to end, or substantially reduce, their substance misuse. The approach was highly cost effective and makes a powerful case for age-appropriate services for young adults. This report is designed for a diverse audience. It will enable practitioners, commissioners and policy-makers working in the substance misuse field to learn the lessons from the project’s work and will also be valuable for all agencies concerned about how best to meet the needs of vulnerable young adults.1 The report has been written by external consultants who interviewed the project staff and some of the young adult clients. Information has also been drawn from the project’s records. It covers: • an overview of the project • a timeline of the project’s activities • the community outreach work and individual treatment in detail • what the focus on young adults meant in practice • finance and value for money • The main messages from the project’s work. There are also several appendices which cover the project’s clients, information about the changing nature of young adulthood, and national data on the use of drugs and alcohol by young adults. The interview material provides the kind of detail that is necessary to bring the work alive. It shows what the staff actually did and contains their reflections on what worked and what was less successful. The young people also tell about what made a difference to them at a crucial stage in their lives. This report is not a formal evaluation of the outcomes of the project’s work; however, it paints a picture of a very effective project that broke new ground in work with young adults. Details: London: Addaction, 2012. 74p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 15, 2012 at: http://www.addaction.org.uk/news.asp?section=408§ionTitle=Addaction+in+the+media Year: 2012 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.addaction.org.uk/news.asp?section=408§ionTitle=Addaction+in+the+media Shelf Number: 126730 Keywords: Alcohol AbuseDrug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse PreventionYouth Adults |
Author: MITRE Corporation Title: Enhancing Access to Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs Using Health Information Technology: Work Group Recommendations Summary: Prescription drug misuse and overdose is one of the fastest growing health epidemics in the United States. In 2010, U.S. pharmacies dispensed enough opioid pain relievers to medicate every adult in America with a 5 mg hydrocodone every 4 hours for an entire month. As of 2010, nearly 5% of people 12 years or older in the United States stated that they used opioids nonmedically. The amount of controlled substances dispensed and used nonmedically is alarming considering that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2009, opioid drugs, including oxycodone and hydrocodone, caused more than 15,500 overdose deaths - a number that is increasing. The overdose death rates for all drugs including opioids increased in Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky and West Virginia from the years 1999 to 2008. In 2008, New Mexico and West Virginia reported the highest drug overdose death rates at 27 and 25.8 deaths per 100,000 population respectively. To address the prescription drug abuse problem, many states have established Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs). These programs collect prescription data on medications that the federal government classifies as controlled substances and other non-controlled substance drugs. Their purpose is to reduce prescription drug abuse and diversion. PDMPs are not federally operated; they are statewide electronic databases that collect, monitor, and analyze electronically transmitted prescribing and dispensing data submitted by pharmacies and dispensing physicians. PDMP information can be useful to improve decision-making when prescribing and dispensing scheduled prescription drugs, but not all states benefit equally from these programs. Although this data is made available to authorized healthcare professionals in the majority of states, access is generally optional. Details: McLean, VA: MITRE Corporation, 2012. 191p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 7, 2012 at: http://www.ihealthtran.com/Enhancing-Access-to-prescription-drug-monitoring-programs-using-health-information-technology-report.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United States URL: http://www.ihealthtran.com/Enhancing-Access-to-prescription-drug-monitoring-programs-using-health-information-technology-report.pdf Shelf Number: 127134 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse PreventionPrescription Drug Abuse |
Author: Ransley, Janet Title: Reducing the Methamphetamine Problem in Australia: Evaluating Innovative Partnerships between Police, Pharmacies and other Third Parties Summary: The aim of this research was to explore the role of partnerships between the police and third parties in reducing methamphetamine problems in two different states in Australia. A variety of research methods and data sources were used to comprehensively assess the nature and impact (both intended and unintended) of these partnerships so as to contribute to the drug law enforcement evidence base and help police to better control drug problems in Australia. The overall research objectives, as set out in the original grant submission, were to: document the creation, nature and characteristics of partnerships between the police and third parties that seek to reduce sales of pseudoephedrine and control the methamphetamine problem in Queensland and Victoria; understand the wider impact of law enforcement efforts to reduce pseudoephedrine sales in terms of treatment, prevention and harm reduction across Queensland and Victoria; evaluate the impact of drug law enforcement partnerships with third parties (including Queensland's Project STOP) on the methamphetamine market in Queensland and Victoria; and assess any displacement (spatial, temporal, tactical, offence), diffusion of crime control benefits, or other unintended consequences of these partnerships (including Project STOP). The research has been jointly funded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund (NDLERF) and the Drug Policy Modelling Program (DPMP) at the University of New South Wales, a collaboration between the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) and a number of other organisations. This report discusses findings and outcomes in relation to the aspects of the research funded by NDLERF. Research funded by DPMP is still in progress and will be separately reported at a later date. Together, these two arms of the research will represent a comprehensive evaluation of the Project STOP partnership. This report therefore focuses on the first and second objectives above, the documenting and analysis of police partnerships with third parties and understanding the wider impact of law enforcement efforts to reduce pseudoephedrine sales across Queensland and Victoria. In addition, it includes best practice guidelines for reducing problems in relation to pseudoephedrine diversion. The research yet to be completed will address the final two research objectives listed above, namely the impact if any of Project STOP on methamphetamine markets and crime outcomes. This arm of the research will be completed in 2011. Details: Canberra: National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund, 2011. 59p. Source: Internet Resource: Monograph Series No. 39: Accessed February 14, 2013 at: http://www.ndlerf.gov.au/pub/Monograph_39.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Australia URL: http://www.ndlerf.gov.au/pub/Monograph_39.pdf Shelf Number: 127622 Keywords: Drug Abuse PreventionDrugs and CrimeMethamphetamine (Australia)PartnershipsPharmaciesThird-Parties |
Author: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drugs Addiction (EMCDDA) Title: Drug Prevention Interventions Targeting Minority Ethnic Populations: Issues Raised by 33 Case Studies Summary: This Thematic paper contains the results of a study that examined drug prevention interventions for minority ethnic populations in 29 European countries. A total of 33 interventions were reported to the study and the issues they raise are presented and discussed in the paper. The results will inform the EMCDDA’s plans for 2013–15 in terms of monitoring drug prevention interventions particularly in three areas: data collection, design and quality, and the dissemination of knowledge. Details: Lisbon: EMCDDA, 2013. 115p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 3, 2013 at: http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/attachements.cfm/att_197631_EN_TDXA13001ENN.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Europe URL: http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/attachements.cfm/att_197631_EN_TDXA13001ENN.pdf Shelf Number: 128611 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse PreventionDrug Abuse TreatmentDrug Policy (Europe)Minority GroupsSubstance Abuse Treatment |
Author: Obot, Isidore S. Title: Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependence in West Africa Summary: The main objective of this policy brief is to assess the state of drug demand reduction (prevention of use and treatment for dependence) in West Africa and analyze responses to the problem of drug demand in the region. The discussion draws from a diverse array of available information from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), research published in peer-reviewed journals, and reports and other materials from non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The focus is on illicit drugs though the perspective taken in this brief questions the value of the distinction often made between licit and illicit drugs when addressing dependence on psychoactive substances. This persistent false dichotomy ignores several issues: i) the reality that licit substances such as tobacco and alcohol are usually the first drugs to which young people are exposed; ii) a high proportion of dependent persons use both legal and illegal substances; and iii) dependence on legal drugs is associated with very high health burden and social harm often surpassing the harm attributable to illicit substances. Details: Accra, Ghana: West Africa Commission on Drugs, 2013. 17p. Source: Internet Resource: WACD Background Paper No. 2: Accessed May 22, 2013 at: http://www.wacommissionondrugs.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Prevention-Treatment-of-Drug-Dependency-in-West-Africa-2013-04-03.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Africa URL: http://www.wacommissionondrugs.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Prevention-Treatment-of-Drug-Dependency-in-West-Africa-2013-04-03.pdf Shelf Number: 128772 Keywords: Drug Abuse and Addiction (West Africa)Drug Abuse PreventionDrug Abuse Treatment |
Author: Ferri, Marica Title: Media Campaigns for the Prevention of Illicit Drug Use in Young People (Review) Summary: Background Substance-specific mass media campaigns which address young people are widely used to prevent illicit drug use. They aim to reduce use and raise awareness of the problem. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of mass media campaigns in preventing or reducing the use of or intention to use illicit drugs amongst young people. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 1), including the Cochrane Drugs and Alcohol Group’s Specialised Register; MEDLINE through PubMed (from 1966 to 29 January 2013); EMBASE (from 1974 to 30 January 2013) and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I (from 1861 to 3 February 2013). Selection criteria Cluster-randomised controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, interrupted time series and controlled before and after studies evaluating the effectiveness of mass media campaigns in influencing drug use, intention to use or the attitude of young people under the age of 26 towards illicit drugs. Data collection and analysis We used the standard methodological procedures of The Cochrane Collaboration. Main results We included 23 studies involving 188,934 young people, conducted in theUSA, Canada and Australia between 1991 and 2012. Twelve studies were randomised controlled trials (RCT), two were prospective cohort studies (PCS), one study was both a RCT and a PCS, six were interrupted time series and two were controlled before and after (CBA) studies. The RCTs had an overall low risk of bias, along with the ITS (apart from the dimension ’formal test of trend’), and the PCS had overall good quality, apart from the description of loss to follow-up by exposure. Self reported or biomarker-assessed illicit drug use was measured with an array of published and unpublished scalesmaking comparisons difficult. Pooled results of five RCTs (N = 5470) show no effect of media campaign intervention (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.15 to 0.12). We also pooled five ITS studies (N = 26,405) focusing specifically on methamphetamine use. Out of four pooled estimates (two endpoints measured in two age groups), there was evidence of a reduction only in past-year prevalence of methamphetamine use among 12 to 17 years old. A further five studies (designs = one RCT with PCS, two PCS, two ITS, one CBA, N = 151,508), which could not be included in meta-analyses, reported a drug use outcome with varied results including a clear iatrogenic effect in one case and reduction of use in another. Authors’ conclusions Overall the available evidence does not allow conclusions about the effect of media campaigns on illicit drug use among young people. We conclude that further studies are needed. Details: The Cochrane Collaboration, 2013. 109p. Source: Internet Resource: The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 6: Accessed July 17, 2013 at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009287.pub2/pdf Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009287.pub2/pdf Shelf Number: 129428 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse PreventionIllicit Drug UseMedia Campaigns |
Author: Barthe, Emmanuel P. Title: Reno, Nevada Smart Policing Initiative: Reducing Prescription Drug Abuse Summary: Prescription drugs are among the fastest growing form of drugs being abused in the United States, and Nevada ranks first among the 50 states in prevalence rates. The Reno Police Department and its research partner at the University of Nevada, Reno sought to reduce prescription drug abuse throughout the Reno community by achieving three goals: 1. Increase knowledge about the problem (Education/Prevention). 2. Reduce the number of prescription pills available for illicit use (Supply Reduction). 3. Aggressively investigate and prosecute offenders (Law Enforcement Suppression). The Bureau of Justice Assistance selected the Reno Police Department to receive funding through the Smart Policing Initiative (SPI) because their program reflected the core principles of SPI, most notably collaboration, comprehensive responses, and prevention. The foundation of the Reno SPI involves a collaborative partnership between the Reno Police Department, its research partner, and key stakeholders—including non-profit coalitions (e.g., a local substance abuse coalition called Join Together Northern Nevada), pharmacies, physicians, other healthcare professionals, school district personnel, and parents and their children. The Education/Prevention component of the Reno SPI included a school-based survey that captured prescription drug use patterns among students. Survey results helped to guide the development of an informational video that was shown to more than 1,100 students across six regional schools. The Reno SPI also included specialized training for police regarding the nature of prescription drug abuse; information on how to report prescription drug offenses more accurately; relevant criminal statutes and charging methods; and pill confiscation and identification. The SPI team also developed individualized training regarding various aspects of the prescription drug abuse problem for medical professionals (many of whom reported that they had not received such training previously), including physicians and nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. More than 530 medical professionals in the Reno area received the training. The centerpiece of the Supply Reduction component involved a series of prescription drug round-ups, in which more than 750,000 pills were collected and destroyed. The Reno SPI team also distributed 800 “MedSafe” locking medicine cabinets for home use, and distributed more than 100,000 educational stickers that pharmacies placed on prescription bags given to customers. The Law Enforcement Suppression component involved the assignment of a dedicated detective to handle all prescription drug abuse and fraud cases. The Reno SPI team also opened a phone line for the medical community to report suspicious or fraudulent behavior. Early results from the program evaluation suggest that progress has been made toward reducing the availability of prescription drugs in the Reno area. The Reno SPI highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and other stakeholders to address this complex problem, most notably parents and their children, medical professionals, and the prosecutor’s office. The Reno Smart Policing Initiative has been recognized by the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing, and by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Details: Alexandria, VA: CNA Analysis & Solutions, 2013. 11p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 24, 2013 at: http://www.cna.org/sites/default/files/research/Reno_Program_Profile.pdf Year: 2013 Country: United States URL: http://www.cna.org/sites/default/files/research/Reno_Program_Profile.pdf Shelf Number: 129502 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse PreventionDrug OffendersPrescription Drug Abuse (U.S.)Problem-Oriented Policing |
Author: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) Title: Drugs and Vulnerable Groups of Young People Summary: Social policy in Europe has long identified disadvantaged populations who manifest potential for marginalisation and social exclusion. hese vulnerable groups are specific groups among the wider population that may be more prone to a range of problems, from ill health, substance use and poor diet, to lower educational achievement. In the area of illicit drug use, vulnerability and vulnerable groups are gaining increased attention on the European drug policy agenda, particularly as regards young people and drug use. Vulnerability as it relates to drugs is defined in this Selected issue as whether a specific group, based on sociodemographic profile and related risk factors, has an increased susceptibility to drug use and related problems. Groups identified as vulnerable examples include children in care institutions or homeless young people might be prone to earlier, more frequent, or more problematic drug use. They might also experience faster progression to problem drug use. As levels of both current drug use and the risks of developing drug-related problems are likely to be much higher among vulnerable groups, these groups are being given special attention in terms of demand reduction responses. Identifying these groups is important because direct assessment of drug use at the population level for example, through large-scale screening is often not feasible. Furthermore, selecting individuals based on individual risk factors may prove both difficult and problematic. So identifying vulnerable groups is becoming an important tool for directing or channelling policy responses at those groups or geographical areas where problem drug use is more likely to develop. This is particularly the case for those groups which might not perceive their drug use as problematic. In Europe, interventions targeted at vulnerable groups referred to as selective prevention (1) are gaining both increased policy visibility, and maturity in terms of design and evaluation. This Selected issue examines aspects of social vulnerability at the group or geographical level in Europe, focusing specifically on young people in the age-group 1524. There is a need to find more effective ways to approach and involve vulnerable young people in demand reduction interventions, in a manner which reflects their immediate sociodemographic context. The report includes examples drawn from the EDDRA database to illustrate some of the interventions carried out in Europe. Details: Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2008. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Selected Issue 2008: Accessed March 20, 2014 at: http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/attachements.cfm/att_64250_EN_EMCDDA_SI08_vulnerable-young.pdf Year: 2008 Country: Europe URL: http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/attachements.cfm/att_64250_EN_EMCDDA_SI08_vulnerable-young.pdf Shelf Number: 131988 Keywords: At-Risk YouthDrug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse Prevention |
Author: Calafat, Amador Title: Lifestyles and Drugs: Prevention Interventions in Recreational Settings Summary: The publication seeks to explore a range of possible drug misuse prevention activities that could be delivered to young people and families during their holidays as well as in the recreational settings, and provide examples of innovative drug misuse prevention activities in holiday and leisure time settings. There are many economic, social and cultural advantages of national and international tourism and the problems addressed in this publication are far outweighed by the benefits. Nevertheless, there is a need to pool together successful experience from different localities in order to tackle problems related to misuse of drugs during holidays and in leisure settings. Certainly, big differences exist in the possibilities for responses available to different localities and settings - depending on resources available, extent of control (for example, licensing of premises for serving alcohol), local laws and traditions (e.g. laws and customs relating to cannabis possession and consumption) and the national contexts. The present publication will attempt to provide the readers with detailed examples of practice to illustrate the general principles which could be applied in most settings including: - understanding the issue through research, data collection and analysis, - involving the local community in developing solutions, - intelligent policing, - creating safer environments through planning and design, - working with local businesses to discuss issues and find solutions, - transport development, - providing alternatives to substance misuse, - working with and by the country of tourists' origin. Details: Strasbourg: Pompidou Group, Council of Europe, 2010. 74p. Source: Internet Resource: P-PG/Prev (2010) 7: Accessed March 28, 2014 at: http://www.coe.int/t/dg3/pompidou/Source/Files/minconf/P-PG-PREV-2010-7-en.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Europe URL: http://www.coe.int/t/dg3/pompidou/Source/Files/minconf/P-PG-PREV-2010-7-en.pdf Shelf Number: 132016 Keywords: Alcohol AbuseAlcohol Related Crime, DisorderDrug AbuseDrug Abuse PreventionDrunk and DisorderlyNuisance Behaviors and DisordersTourists |
Author: Broadhurst, Kate Title: Consultation with Young People/Parents and Carers in Leicestershire Summary: As part of the Every Child Matters guidance, public funded bodies must now demonstrate how children and young people participate in the design, delivery and evaluation of the services they use. Leicestershire YOS commissioned Perpetuity to consult with young people and their parents/carers to understand how best to actively engage them in the planning and commissioning of substance misuse services. The YOS was also provided with key findings on service users' experience of the service they received, their awareness of services, as well as recommendations for improvement in a succinct report. Details: Leicester, UK: Perpetuity Research & Consultancy International, 2008. 48p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 19, 2014 at: http://perpetuityresearch.com/778/youth-offending-service-consultation-with-young-people-parents-and-carers-in-leicestershire/ Year: 2008 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://perpetuityresearch.com/778/youth-offending-service-consultation-with-young-people-parents-and-carers-in-leicestershire/ Shelf Number: 132071 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse PreventionDrug Abuse Treatment |
Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Title: Impacts of Drug Use on Users and their Families in Afghanistan Summary: Afghanistan is the world's largest producer and cultivator of opium poppies; it produces almost three quarters of the world's illicit opium. While a significant amount of the opium produced in Afghanistan is trafficked out of the country, in 2009 it was estimated that almost 10 per cent of Afghans aged between 15 and 64 were drug users. Based on interviews with drug users, the family members of drug users, key informants and Government officials, this study aims to provide an insight into the origins, evolution and impact of drug use on users and their families across Afghanistan. While the study is not nationally representative, it seeks to enhance understanding of drug use in Afghanistan and provide information to help strengthen prevention and treatment policies. All the drug users interviewed during the study were "problem drug users", who used drugs such as opium, heroin, hashish and tranquillizers (for non-medical use) daily or several times a week. Although the use of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) is rising in Afghanistan, the number of ATS users remains small and that group was not interviewed for the present research study. Details: New York: UNODC, 2014. 120p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 21, 2014 at: http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/Studies/Impacts_Study_2014_web.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Afghanistan URL: http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/Studies/Impacts_Study_2014_web.pdf Shelf Number: 132097 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse PreventionDrug Abuse TreatmentFamilies of Drug Users |
Author: Bagalman, Erin Title: Prescription Drug Abuse Summary: An estimated 6.8 million individuals currently abuse prescription drugs in the United States. Unlike policy on street drugs, federal policy on prescription drug abuse is complicated by the need to maintain access to prescription controlled substances (PCS) for legitimate medical use. The federal government has several roles in reducing prescription drug abuse. Coordination. The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) coordinates and tracks prescription drug abuse reduction efforts and funding of multiple federal agencies. Regulation. The primary federal statutes governing prescription drug regulation are the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) and the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, commonly called the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Law Enforcement. Federal law enforcement, primarily the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), aims to prevent, detect, and investigate the diversion of prescription drugs while regulating the supply for legitimate medical, commercial, and scientific purposes. Health. Federal agencies and programs involved in health may address prescription drug abuse through service delivery (e.g., the Veterans Health Administration), financing (e.g., Medicare), and research (e.g., the National Institute on Drug Abuse). The federal government, state and local governments, and various private entities (e.g., pharmacies) are currently undertaking a range of approaches to reducing prescription drug abuse. Scheduling of PCS. The scheduling status of a PCS (1) affects patient access to PCS (e.g., by limiting refills); (2) affects the degree of regulatory requirements (e.g., supply chain recordkeeping); and (3) determines the degree of criminal punishment for illegal traffickers. Safe Storage and Disposal. DEA regulates storage of PCS by registered entities (e.g., pharmacies); provides registered entities with options for proper disposal of PCS; and sponsors National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days to assist citizens in safe disposal of PCS. Enhancing Law Enforcement. Federal law enforcement efforts may focus on geographic areas with higher rates of prescription drug abuse or on High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) that experience a higher volume of illicit trafficking of PCS. Using Data to Identify Risk. Most states operate prescription drug monitoring programs - databases of prescriptions filled for PCS. Other public and private entities also have data that may be analyzed to identify high-risk behavior among prescribers, dispensers, or patients. Awareness and Education. Efforts to increase awareness and education about prescription drug abuse may focus on health care providers, patients, or the general public. Treatment. Some prescription drug abuse may be avoided in treating underlying conditions (e.g., pain) or may be treated with pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic interventions. New products may improve treatment for both underlying conditions and prescription drug abuse. Details: Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service, 2014. 23p. Source: Internet Resource: R43559: Accessed June 17, 2014 at: http://www.nacds.org/ceo/2014/0529/CRS_Drug_Abuse_Report.pdf Year: 2014 Country: United States URL: http://www.nacds.org/ceo/2014/0529/CRS_Drug_Abuse_Report.pdf Shelf Number: 132480 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse PolicyDrug Abuse PreventionDrug EnforcementDrug RegulationPrescription Drug Abuse |
Author: Origin Consulting Title: Whole of Strategy Evaluation of the Petrol Sniffing Strategy: Future Directions for the PSS 2013 Summary: This report provides a high-level strategic review of the implementation of the Petrol Sniffing Strategy (PSS) since its inception and provides guidance on the future management and structure of the PSS. The evaluation examines the management and implementation of the PSS Eight Point Plan to control petrol sniffing, the extent to which it has been coordinated at a regional/community level, and its impact at a national level. The evaluation uses case studies in the East Kimberley and Ngaanyatjarra Lands in Western Australia to investigate how well components of the PSS interact at specific locations, whether it is effective and sustainable at a regional level and how effective the partnership approach is at the whole of government level. These regions were chosen as case studies because of their distinctly different histories and responses to petrol sniffing Details: Balmain, NSW, Australia: Origin Consulting, 2013. 103p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 18, 2014 at: http://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/04_2013/petrol_sniffing_strategy_evaluation_report.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Australia URL: http://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/04_2013/petrol_sniffing_strategy_evaluation_report.pdf Shelf Number: 132502 Keywords: Drug Abuse and Addiction Drug Abuse Policy Drug Abuse PreventionPetrol Sniffing |
Author: Australia. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Title: Final Report of the National Ice Taskforce Summary: The Final Report of the National Ice Taskforce found that ice use in Australia is a complex problem that requires a multi-faceted response. Proportionally, Australia uses more methamphetamine than almost any other country, and the number of users continues to grow. Today, evidence suggests there are well over 200,000 users. In its Report, the Taskforce has made 38 recommendations across five areas of priority. 1. The first priority must be supporting families, workers and communities to better respond to people affected by ice. 2. Efforts to reduce demand for ice through prevention activities must be strengthened. 3. Ice users need treatment and support services that cater to their needs. 4. Efforts to disrupt supply must be more coordinated and targeted. 5. Better data, more research and regular reporting is needed to strengthen Australia's response and keep it on track. The National Ice Taskforce The National Ice Taskforce was established on 8 April 2015 to advise the Government on the impacts of ice in Australia and drive the development of a National Ice Action Strategy. The Taskforce presented its interim findings to the Council of Australian Governments on 23 July 2015, and delivered its Final Report to the Prime Minister of Australia on 9 October 2015. The Taskforce engaged extensively with people around Australia to develop this report. The Taskforce spoke to over 100 experts on research, education, prevention, treatment, law enforcement and support for users, families and Indigenous people. The Taskforce also visited nine treatment and support services, and received around 100 submissions from organisations, clinics, research bodies and academics. The Taskforce also received more than 1,200 submissions from the public. Around a quarter shared personal stories of how ice has affected them, their families and their communities. The Taskforce also held seven targeted community consultations in Mt Gambier, Broome, Darwin, Newcastle, Hobart, Townsville and Mildura. Details: Sydney: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, 2015. 252p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 22, 2016 at: http://www.dpmc.gov.au/pmc/publication/final-report-national-ice-taskforce Year: 2015 Country: Australia URL: http://www.dpmc.gov.au/pmc/publication/final-report-national-ice-taskforce Shelf Number: 137655 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse PreventionDrug OffendersMethamphetamine |
Author: Nigg, Claudio R. Title: State Epidemiological Profile: Selected Youth and Adult Drug Indicators Summary: Background: The State of Hawaii Epidemiological Profile: Selected Youth and Adult Drug Indicators was developed as one of the services provided by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD) Epidemiology Team. The ADAD Epidemiology Team is a partner of the Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS), which is funded through a federal grant provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The purposes of this profile are identifying Hawai'i's status of drug use by youth and adults, detecting trends of drug use, and providing information in a user-friendly format for planning and implementation of drug use prevention and treatment programs. Methods: The drug-related indicators in this profile were selected based on SAMHSA's National Outcome Measures (NOMs). In order to report those selected indicators, Hawaii Youth Risk Behavior Survey (Hawaii YRBS) and National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) were utilized as primary data sources in this profile. Results and Findings: The overall prevalence rates of each drug-related indicator among high school students in 2013 were: 18.9% for 30-day marijuana use; 10.4% for trying marijuana before age 13 years; 6.5% for ever using cocaine; 9.2% for ever using inhalants; 8.0% for ever using ecstasy; 3.4% for ever using heroin; 4.3% for ever using methamphetamine; and 12.9% for ever using prescription drugs without a doctor's prescription. The findings indicated that there were no significant differences in drug indicators for youth (high school students or individuals aged from 12 to 17) in Hawai'i since 2007 except that rates of ever having used ecstasy were slightly but significantly higher in 2011 than 2009. Marijuana was the most prevalent illicit drug among youth with 18.9% reporting that they had used it in the past 30 days (2013). Prescription drugs and inhalants were two most common substances that were ever used by youth (12.9% and 9.2%, respectively in 2013). The least common illicit drug was heroin with 3.4% of youth reported that they had ever used it (2013). There were no sex differences for any youth drug indicator in any year from 2007 to 2013. Overall, no significant differences by grade were seen for any drug indicator except for prescription drug misuse (use without a doctor's prescription), in which 12th graders had higher rates than 9th graders in 2011 and 2013. Native Hawaiians, Caucasians, and other Pacific Islanders generally had the highest rates of youth drug use. The overall prevalence rates of each drug-related indicator among adults in 2010-2011 were: 6.9% for 30-day marijuana use; 22.1% for ever using cocaine; 10.4% for ever using inhalants; 9.4% for ever using ecstasy; 2.5% for ever using heroin; 7.1% for ever using methamphetamine; and 13.6% for ever using prescription drugs without a doctor's prescription. There were no significant differences in adult drug indicators for Hawaii since 2007. Other than marijuana use (data of ever having used marijuana is not available, but 6.9% of adults in Hawaii reported that they had used marijuana in the past 30 days in 2010-2011), rates of ever having used illicit drugs were highest for cocaine (22.1%) followed by prescription pain relievers (13.6%), and lowest for heroin (2.5%) in 2010-2011, the most current year available. Program Recommendations: Prevention efforts should be strengthened in response to the fact that the prevalence rates of illicit drugs have not changed in the past seven years. Focus should be on marijuana use and prescription drug misuse as usage rates for these substances are relatively high (prevalence - 10%) among youth and the interventions should equally target both boys and girls since there were no sex differences in any indicator. To reduce health disparities among ethnic groups in Hawaii, culturally appropriate and evidence-based programs are strongly recommended, especially for the groups with the highest rates, such as Native Hawaiians and Caucasians, and other Pacific Islanders. For the drugs with relatively lower prevalence rates such as cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, or methamphetamine, interventions that are highly targeted towards people at greatest risk are recommended. Moreover, prevention programs should be provided to middle school students in order to lower the prevalence rates in high school students. Prevention efforts for adults also should be strengthened since prevalence rates of illicit drugs have not significantly changed in the past seven years. Focus should be on marijuana, and other drugs with relatively high lifetime use rates (prevalence - 10%), such as cocaine, pain relievers, and inhalants. More young adults (aged 18 - 25) than older adults (age 26 and older) perceived no risk or slight risk of experiencing adverse health effects from marijuana use, which may indicate that young adults have an increased risk of marijuana use. Thus, it is recommended that communities have prevention interventions specifically designed for young adults and focus on risks and negative health outcomes of marijuana consumption. Details: Honolulu: Department of Public Health Sciences University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2014. 81p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 8, 2016 at: http://health.hawaii.gov/substance-abuse/files/2013/05/2014State_Drug_Profile_Youth_Adults.pdf Year: 2014 Country: United States URL: http://health.hawaii.gov/substance-abuse/files/2013/05/2014State_Drug_Profile_Youth_Adults.pdf Shelf Number: 137787 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse PreventionDrug OffendersSubstance Abuse |
Author: Trust for America's Health Title: Reducing Teen Substance Misuse: What Really Works Summary: A significant number of students try alcohol, tobacco or other drugs as teenagers. More than 65 percent of students have used alcohol, more than 40 percent used illegal drugs and around one-quarter used cigarettes at some point before entering or while in high school. While the number of teens who regularly misuse or develop substance use disorders has been decreasing over time, overall levels are still too high. More than 90 percent of adults who develop a substance use disorder began using before they were 18-years-old. Substance misuse can have long-term adverse effects on physical and mental health, academic and career attainment, relationships with family and friends and establishing and being a connected part of a community. For decades, substance misuse strategies focused on individual willpower to "just say no" or intervening once a person already has a serious problem. But, the evidence shows that if the country is going to maintain a continued downward trend in substance use - it will require a greater emphasis on: 1) preventing use in the first place; 2) intervening and providing support earlier after use has started; and 3) viewing treatment and recovery as a sustained and long-term commitment. More than 40 years of research exists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other experts that supports this approach, but there has been a disconnect in implementing the science into real-world practice. A prevention-oriented approach - building positive protective factors and reducing risk factors - can decrease the chances of tweens and teens initiating, regularly using or developing an addiction to alcohol and/or drugs. This approach not only lowers the chances for substance misuse, but also has a bigger impact, since similar underlying root causes have also been shown to contribute to increased likelihood of poor academic performance, bullying, depression, violence, suicide, unsafe sexual behaviors and other problems that can emerge during teenage years. Details: Washington, DC: Trust for America's Health, 2015. 100p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 8, 2016 at: http://healthyamericans.org/assets/files/TFAH-2015-TeenSubstAbuse%20FINAL.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United States URL: http://healthyamericans.org/assets/files/TFAH-2015-TeenSubstAbuse%20FINAL.pdf Shelf Number: 137805 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse PreventionSubstance AbuseSubstance Abuse PreventionSubstance Use |
Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Title: World Drug Report 2016 Summary: The World Drug Report 2016 comes at a decisive moment, just months after Member States, at a special session of the General Assembly, adopted a comprehensive set of operational recommendations on the world drug problem. The session was only the third in the history of the General Assembly to focus on drugs, and the resulting outcome document, entitled "Our joint commitment to effectively addressing and countering the world drug problem", provides a concrete way forward to take action on shared challenges. In the outcome document, Member States reaffirmed their commitment to addressing persistent, new and evolving challenges in line with the three international drug control conventions, which were recognized as allowing States parties sufficient flexibility to design and implement national drug policies consistent with the principle of common and shared responsibility. The operational recommendations contained in the outcome document encompass measures to address demand and supply reduction, as well as to improve access to controlled medicines while preventing their diversion; they cover human rights, youth, children, women and communities and highlight emerging challenges and the need to promote long-term, comprehensive, sustainable, development-oriented and balanced drug control policies and programmes that include alternative development. The text highlights the importance of drug abuse prevention and treatment; encourages the development, adoption and implementation of alternative or additional measures with regard to conviction or punishment; and promotes proportionate national sentencing policies, practices and guidelines for drug-related offences. Now the international community must come together to make good on its commitments. The World Drug Report 2016, which provides a comprehensive overview of major developments in drug markets, trafficking routes and the health impact of drug use, supports comprehensive, balanced and integrated rights-based approaches. This year's report offers insight into the wide-ranging impact of drugs not only on the health and well-being of individuals, but also on the people around them - families and communities. This can include such harms as HIV, as well as the threat of violence, faced in particular by women and children. Details: New York: UNODC, 2016. 174p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 28, 2016 at: https://www.unodc.org/doc/wdr2016/WORLD_DRUG_REPORT_2016_web.pdf Year: 2016 Country: International URL: https://www.unodc.org/doc/wdr2016/WORLD_DRUG_REPORT_2016_web.pdf Shelf Number: 139529 Keywords: Drug Abuse and CrimeDrug Abuse PreventionDrug ReformDrug TraffickingDrug-Related ViolenceDrugs and Crime |
Author: Neill, Katharine A. Title: Fake Weed, Real Consequences: Effective Strategies for Addressing Synthetic Cannabinoids in Houston Summary: As governments across the United States are scaling down the war on drugs, many states and localities are simultaneously turning to law enforcement and criminal sanctions to combat the latest drug threat—designer substances. Designer drugs, or novel psychoactive substances, are manufactured to mimic the effects of other illicit drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy, and opioids, but are considerably more dangerous. The latest drugs to cause alarm are synthetic cannabinoids (SynCans). Cities across the country are reporting upticks in SynCan-related emergency department visits and increases in violent encounters between first responders and individuals under the influence of SynCans. Marketed as "legal weed," SynCans are not marijuana. Known by a variety of names including kush, K2, and spice and often sold in colorful packaging, SynCans are manufactured chemical compounds that are usually sprayed on plant material to be smoked, but they are also available in liquid form (Image 1). They are theoretically supposed to behave like THC, the primary psychoactive element in cannabis, but in reality they tend to have a much broader and more intense array of side effects than natural cannabis. Because the popularity of SynCans is relatively new, reliable data on use rates and health effects are not yet available. But anecdotal accounts indicate a rise in use, especially in urban areas and among the poor, the homeless, and adolescents. The dangerous and sometimes fatal side effects of extreme instances of SynCan use, including seizures, brain damage, and death, have prompted the U.S. government, all 50 states, and many localities to enact bans on SynCans. While these knee-jerk reactions may be understandable, it is unclear whether such an approach will reduce SynCan use in any way. Decades of evidence from the war on drugs indicate that prohibition and criminal penalties do little to deter people from using or selling drugs. Instead of going down this path again, governments would be better served by treating SynCans as a public health issue, focusing on increasing awareness of the risks associated with SynCan use and minimizing the harms caused by SynCan use by emphasizing treatment and prevention. A rise in SynCan use in the city of Houston has burdened first responders and, due to some very public overdoses, caused a public outcry. So far, the city’s response has emphasized utilizing law enforcement to target SynCan sellers and, more often, SynCan users. While trying to reduce the SynCan supply in Houston may be a legitimate use of city resources, arresting people for SynCan use arguably wastes manpower and taxpayer money while failing to improve public safety or lower use rates. This report reviews the current state of SynCan use and some of the factors that have led to the popularity of these designer drugs. It then examines the extent of the SynCan problem in Houston and the city's response to date. It concludes by urging the city to adopt a public health-based approach to SynCan use and offering several related policy recommendations. Details: Houston, TX: James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, 2017. 22p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 21, 2017 at: http://www.bakerinstitute.org/media/files/files/06d6390c/DRUG-pub-SynthCann-030117.pdf Year: 2017 Country: United States URL: http://www.bakerinstitute.org/media/files/files/06d6390c/DRUG-pub-SynthCann-030117.pdf Shelf Number: 144522 Keywords: Drug Abuse and Addiction Drug Abuse PreventionDrug Addiction Psychoactive Substances Synthetic Drugs |
Author: Guerin, Paul Title: College Student Athletes Early Intervention Program at the University of New Mexico Summary: The Bernalillo County Department of Substance Abuse Programs (DSAP) contracts and works with the Public Safety Psychology Group (PSPG), Media Literacy and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) in an effort to prevent drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the age of college athletes, and the above average risk of heavy episodic drinking, getting to these groups of students early in their college and sport careers is vital. Details: Albuquerque, NM: University of New Mexico, Institute for Social Research, 2016. 14p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 16, 2017 at: http://isr.unm.edu/reports/2016/college-student-athletes-early-intervention-program-at-the-university-of-new-mexico.pdf Year: 2016 Country: United States URL: http://isr.unm.edu/reports/2016/college-student-athletes-early-intervention-program-at-the-university-of-new-mexico.pdf Shelf Number: 147352 Keywords: Alcohol Abuse PreventionAthletesColleges and UniversitiesDrug Abuse PreventionSportsSubstance Abuse Prevention |
Author: U.S. Government Accountability Office Title: Preventing Drug Abuse: Low Participation and Other Entities as Voluntary Collectors of Unused Prescription Drugs Summary: In 2015, 3.8 million Americans reported misusing prescriptions in the prior month, and deaths from prescription opioids have quadrupled since 1999. Most people get these drugs from friends or relatives, so providing secure and convenient ways for people to dispose of their unused drugs could help. A 2010 federal law authorized pharmacies and other entities to voluntarily maintain a prescription drug disposal bin for the public. We found that 3% of entities eligible to collect drugs in this way volunteered to do so. Stakeholders reported that this is partly due to the cost of purchasing a bin and paying for the destruction of collected drugs. Details: Washington, DC: GAO, 2017. 25p. Source: Internet Resource: GAO-18-25: Accessed November 15, 2017 at: https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/687719.pdf Year: 2017 Country: United States URL: https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/687719.pdf Shelf Number: 148176 Keywords: Drug Abuse and Addiction Drug Abuse PreventionPrescription Drug Abuse |
Author: Maryland. Heroin and Opioid Emergency Task Force Title: Heroin and Opioid Emergency Task Force: Final Report Summary: On February 24, 2015, Governor Hogan issued Executive Order 01.01.2015.12, which created the Heroin and Opioid Emergency Task Force. The Task Force is composed of 11 members with expertise in addiction treatment, law enforcement, education, and prevention. Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford served as the Chair. The Task Force was charged with advising and assisting Governor Hogan in establishing a coordinated statewide and multi-jurisdictional effort to prevent, treat, and significantly reduce heroin and opioid abuse. Specifically, Governor Hogan ordered the Task Force to provide recommendations for policy, regulations, or legislation to improve access to high quality heroin and opioid addiction treatment and recovery services. In addition, the Task Force was asked to provide recommendations to improve federal, State, and local law enforcement and public health coordination. It also had to provide recommendations to increase public awareness and reduce stigma associated with addiction while equipping parents and educators with tools to prevent youth and adolescent use of heroin and opioids. Lastly, the Task Force was asked to recommend alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenders whose crimes are driven primarily by their drug addiction. This Final Report, in conjunction with the August 2015 Interim Report, completes all of the Task Forces duties. It is divided into seven major sections: Military Department Counterdrug Program Strategy; A Step Toward Treatment on Demand; Task Force Final Recommendations; Recently Approved Resource Allocations; Update on Maryland Medication Assisted Treatment Reentry Programs; Update on Interim Report Preliminary Recommendations; and Update on Interim Report Resource Allocations. In the Military Department Counterdrug Strategy section, the report provides general background on the Maryland National Guard Counterdrug Program, which primarily focuses on providing law enforcement agencies with military-unique criminal analysis capabilities. In addition, the Guards Civil Operations program will enhance partnerships with community-based coalitions that share a common goal to deter and prevent the illicit abuse of controlled substances. In the A Step Toward Treatment on Demand section, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, local hospitals, skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, and law enforcement will be brought together to develop a pilot program that establishes a full continuum of substance use disorder services in a target area, including leveraging excess capacity in various health care facilities to provide additional care, residence, and treatment for individuals with heroin and opioid use disorders. The Task Force Final Recommendations section details 33 recommendations. Eight recommendations relate to expanding access to treatment; five relate to enhancing quality of care; two relate to boosting overdose prevention efforts; six relate to escalating law enforcement options; six relate to reentry and alternatives to incarceration; four relate to promoting education tools for youth; parents, and school officials; and two relate to improving State support services. Details: Annapolis: Governor's Office, 2015. 142p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 18, 2018 at: https://governor.maryland.gov/ltgovernor/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/12/Heroin-Opioid-Emergency-Task-Force-Final-Report.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United States URL: https://governor.maryland.gov/ltgovernor/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/12/Heroin-Opioid-Emergency-Task-Force-Final-Report.pdf Shelf Number: 150264 Keywords: Drug Abuse and Addiction Drug Abuse PreventionDrug Offenders Heroin Opioid Epidemic Opioids Substance Abuse |
Author: Sacco, Lisa N. Title: Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs Summary: In the midst of national concern over the opioid epidemic, federal and state officials are paying greater attention to the manner in which opioids are prescribed. Nearly all prescription drugs involved in overdoses are originally prescribed by a physician (rather than, for example, being stolen from pharmacies). Thus, attention has been directed toward better understanding how opioids are being prescribed and preventing the diversion of prescription drugs after the prescriptions are dispensed. Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) maintain statewide electronic databases of prescriptions dispensed for controlled substances (i.e., prescription drugs with a potential for abuse that are subject to stricter government regulation). Information collected by PDMPs may be used to educate and inform prescribers, pharmacists, and the public; identify or prevent drug abuse and diversion; facilitate the identification of prescription drug-addicted individuals and enable intervention and treatment; outline drug use and abuse trends to inform public health initiatives; or educate individuals about prescription drug use, abuse, diversion, and PDMPs themselves. As of February 2018, 50 states, the District of Columbia, and two territories (Guam and Puerto Rico) had operational PDMPs within their borders. How PDMPs are organized and operated varies among states. Each state determines which agency houses the PDMP; which controlled substances must be reported; which types of dispensers (e.g., pharmacies) are required to submit data; how often data are collected; who may access information in the PDMP database (e.g., prescribers, dispensers, or law enforcement); the circumstances under which the information may (or must) be accessed; and what enforcement mechanisms are in place for noncompliance. PDMP costs may vary widely, with startup costs that can range as high as $450,000 to over $1.5 million and annual operating costs ranging from $125,000 to nearly $1.0 million. States finance PDMPs using monies from a variety of sources including the state general fund, prescriber and pharmacy licensing fees, state controlled substance registration fees, health insurers' fees, directsupport organizations, state grants, and/or federal grants. The federal government supports state PDMPs through programs at the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Health and Human Services (HHS). Since FY2002, DOJ has administered the Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, and in FY2017, DOJ incorporated this grant program into the new Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program. HHS programs include National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting (NASPER), State Demonstration Grants for Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Response, Opioid Prevention in States grants, State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis Grants, and various pilots and initiatives under the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). Of note, NASPER last received appropriations (of $2.0 million) in FY2010. State PDMPs vary with respect to whether or how information contained in the database is shared with other states. Federal policymakers have repeatedly emphasized the importance of enhancing interstate information sharing and the interoperability of state PDMPs. In 2011, the Obama Administration included efforts to increase interstate data sharing in its action plan to counter prescription drug abuse. In 2017, a presidential commission recommended, among other things, that the Trump Administration support legislation to require DOJ to fund a "data-sharing hub" and require states receiving federal grant funds to share PDMP data. Details: Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service, 2018. 34p. Source: Internet Resource: R42593: Accessed May 25, 2018 at: https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42593.pdf Year: 2018 Country: United States URL: https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42593.pdf Shelf Number: 150372 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse PolicyDrug Abuse PreventionDrug RegulationOpioid EpidemicOpioidsPrescription Drug Abuse |