Latest Drug and Alcohol News

The Council strives to share relevant and timely news and information regarding drug and alcohol issues. The following are recent news stories that may be of interest to you.

Wine Being Sold from Vending Machines in PA
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is testing out a pair of win vending machines located inside supermarkets. Read the full article dated July 8, 2010.

Full Plate for FDA Tobacco Center
The FDS's new Center for Tobacco Products has had a busy first year -- banning most tobacco flavorings and issuing regulations on cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, among other steps -- and the coming year promises to be equally active. Read the full article dated July 6, 2010.

Underage Drinking-Related Hospital Emergency Visits Nearly Double Over Fourth of July Weekend
According to a new study by SAMSHA. Read the full article dated July 1, 2010.

First Anniversary of the Tobacco Control Act
CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. releases a Media Statement surrounding the first anniversary of the Tobacco Control Act. Read the media statement dated June 24, 2010.

Navy Bans Smoking on Submarines
Citing secondhand-smoke dangers for nonsmoking crew members, the U.S. Navy will impose a smoking ban on its submarine fleet at the end of the year. Read the full article dated June 20, 2010.

Experts Struggle to Determine Overdose Deaths
Overdoses from prescription drugs have sometimes led to civil or criminal charges against prescribing physicians, but even toxicologists have problems distinguishing between overdoes deaths and fatalities from other causes. Read the full article dated June 16, 2010.

Major New Tobacco Rules Take Effect This Week
Restrictions on cigarette branding and new labeling requirements go into effect June 22 -- part of the new federal Tobacco Control Act. Read the full article dated June 21, 2010.

New Study Shows a Dramatic Rise in the Proportion of Older Americans Admitted for Substance Abuse Treatment
New admissions data show sharp increase in the proportion of older Americans being treated for illicit substances such as cocaine, heroin and marijuana. Read the full article dated June 16, 2010.

US Continues to Achieve Goals in Restricting Tobacco Sales to Minors Under Synar Program
SAMSHA announced that all states have met their goals of curtailing sales of tobacco to underage youth despite 2009 data that shows a slight increase in the average national rate of tobacco sales to underage youth of about one percent. Read the full article dated June 4, 2010.

All Kids Should Be Screened for Alcohol, Pediatricians Say
The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) has recommended that doctors screen all of their young patients for alcohol use starting in middle school. Read the full article dated May 19, 2010.

SAMHSA, Ad Council, and Inspire USA Foundation Launch National Suicide Prevention Campaign for Teens
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24 year olds. A national public service campaign - We Can help Us- was launched in an effort to prevent teen suicide. Read the full article dated March 31, 2010.

12 Year Olds More Likely to Use Inhalants Than Cigarettes or Marijuana
When used as intended, these products are harmless; however, when they are used as inhalants, they can be dangerous and even deadly. Read the full article dated March 11, 2010.

Game Helps Parents and Children Talk about Alcohol
A new DVD game designed to bring parents and children together to talk about the dangers of underage drinking. Ready, Set, Listen!, offers a fun and interactive experience that introduces and reinforces the importance of family discussion on an important subject. Read the full article dated January/February, 2010.

Innovation in Gatekeeper Training
Faculty and staff members at Penn State Altoona have been learning how to identify a student in distress because of innovative web based trainings that utilize avatars in virtual environments. Read the full article dated Janury/February, 2010.

Violent Behaviors Involove One in Four Girls
When you think of violent behavior among teens, the first image that comes to mind may be a clump of boys fighting in a school hallway or in a park. But violent behavior among adolescent girls can be a problem as well
Read the full article dated January/February, 2010.

Obama Administration Issues Rules Requiring Parity in Treatment of Mental, Substance Use Disorders
The Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and the Treasury jointly issued new rules providing parity for consumers enrolled in group health plans who need treatment for mental health or substance use disorders. Read the full article dated January 29, 2010.

Teens Who Drink with Parents May Still Develop Alcohol Problems
Parents who try to teach responsible drinking by letting their teenagers have alcohol at home may be well intentioned, but they may also be wrong, according to a new study in the latest issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. Read the full article dated January 27, 2010.

Adults Consuming Five or More Alcoholic Beverages in 1 Day
Think before you drink: excessive alcohol use can lead to health problems such as liver disease, unintentional injuries, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), and other alcohol issues. Read the full article dated January 13, 2010.

Increasing Substance Abuse Levels among Older Adults Likely to Create Sharp Rise in Need for Treatment Services in Next Decade
According to a new report, need for substance abuse treatment among Americans over age 50 projected to double by 2020. A new study done by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicates that the aging of the baby boom generation is resulting in a dramatic increase in levels of illicit drug use among adults 50 and older. Read the full article dated January 8, 2010.

Did you resolve to stop drinking in 2010 — or even to just cut back a bit?
One place to spend some of the time you don't plan to be spending in bars may be the Internet. A new study adds to a growing body of literature suggesting that free online drinker-checkup programs can have powerful effects on reducing alcohol-related problems. The new research, published in the journal Addiction, found that heavy drinkers cut their alcohol consumption 30% after using the website Check Your Drinking. The reduction was maintained for at least six months.
Read the full article dated January 8, 2010.

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