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.

"When Love Is Not Enough"
A new Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, “When Love Is Not Enough,” which tells the dramatic and courageous love story of Lois and Bill Wilson and their battle with the disease of alcoholism which led to the founding of Al-Anon and AA, will air on the CBS Network on Sunday evening, April 25th at 9 p.m. EST.

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.

Nationwide Public Health Alert Issued Concerning Life-Threatening Risk Posed by Cocaine Laced with Veterinary Anti-Parasite Drug
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is alerting medical professionals, substance abuse treatment centers and other public health authorities about the risk that substantial levels of cocaine may be adulterated with levamisole – a veterinary anti-parasitic drug. There have been approximately 20 confirmed or probable cases of agranulocytosis (a serious, sometimes fatal blood disorder), including two deaths, associated with cocaine adulterated with levamisole. Read the full article dated September 21, 2009.

Lower Drinking Age Linked to Later-Life Problems
Study finds more alcohol, drug abuse among those who could drink before 21. People who grew up in a place and time when they could legally buy alcohol before age 21 are more likely than others to be alcoholics or have a drug problem, even well into adulthood, new research shows. Read the full article, which was dated September 18, 2009.

Increases, Not Decreases, in Adolescent Drug Use
According to PRIDE Surveys, based in Bowling Green, KY, a national survey shows that there are many small increases, no decreases, in adolescent alcohol, tobacco and drug use. Read the full article, which was dated September 15, 2009.

Teen Agents in Berks County Enforce Ban on Tobacco Sales to Minors
About a dozen students from six highs work undercover; stores that sell to minors receive citations. Read the Reading Eagle article.

Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Berks on BCTV
The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Berks appeared on BCTV on September 10, 2009. Watch the program.

New Meth Ingredient
There is a new methamphetamine ingredient being used that is easier to obtain. Read the full article, which was posted on August 19, 2009.

Juveniles with Disabilities
"Throwing the Book" at Juveniles with Disabilities was written by Jennifer M. Lukach Bradley of McAndrews Law Offices in Berks County. Read the full article.

Contact Rebecca D. Dauber with questions or comments about this website.Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved.