By January W. Payne “Michael Jackson’s death has brought renewed attention to prescription drug abuse, which has long been a problem for everyday Americans as well as pill-popping celebrities. About 48 million people, or 20 percent of Americans over age 12, have taken prescription medications—often, the painkillers called opioids—for nonmedical reasons, according to the National … Read more
“OCT 22 – The Department of Justice recently issued guidelines regarding the use of federal resources in investigations and prosecutions in states that have passed laws authorizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued the following statement: “DEA welcomes the issuance of these clarifying guidelines pertaining to the use … Read more
By Sandy Smith “In today’s sluggish economy, most companies are exploring ways they can reduce inventory, personnel and expenses in general. But according to an executive with a Chicago construction association, many businesses may be overlooking a prime cost-saving measure: keeping employees drug-free.” “Because drug testing may involve additional expense, some business owners and managers … Read more
By Claire Truscott “GOLESTAN, Afghanistan — Lack of training, equipment and mentors are hampering efforts to transfer responsibility for Afghanistan’s domestic security to local forces, US military officials say. Widespread drug use, tribal divisions, corruption, and a high drop-out rate are also slowing attempts to create a credible force able to protect the public from … Read more
A federal agency warned this week that cocaine laced with levamisole, a veterinary anti-parasitic drug, has caused 20 cases of a serious medical disorder. Officials at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration say they expect to see more cases of people sickened by the adulterated cocaine as doctors learn of the association. The drug mixture … Read more
By Emily P. Walker, Washington Correspondent, MedPage Today An FDA advisory panel voted to recommend approval of a new formulation of oxycodone hydrochloride (OxyContin) that is more difficult to crush or dissolve, and which may deter drug abuse. By a 14-4 margin, with one abstention, the panel recommended that the FDA approve Purdue Pharma’s application … Read more
By Jane Velez-Mitchell Addiction in America has a new face: prescription drugs. Last year, prescription drugs replaced heroin and cocaine as the leading cause of deadly overdoses. And celebrities are showing us that mixing prescription pills — the pills you may have in your home right now — could be just as deadly as shooting … Read more
“A Cumberland County nursing home worker is accused of stealing liquid morphine from patients and replacing the pain-relieving drug with water. Link worked at The Bridges at Bent Creek Assisted Living facility in Silver Springs Township. While there, police said Lint stole the morphine and other prescription drugs to feed her own habit.” https://www.wgal.com/cnn-news/20687523/detail.html
Border Crackdown Makes Farming in U.S. Forests Attractive; Cartel Links Suspected By STEPHANIE SIMON “Marijuana growers, many believed to be affiliated with Mexican drug cartels, are aggressively expanding their illegal farming operations in the U.S., clearing land to plant pot in dozens of national forests from coast to coast. Authorities have discovered pot farms in … Read more