Research
Young middle class clubbers happy to take huge drug risks
This large-scale survey of drug taking had responses from 15,500 people, average age 28, mainly from the UK and North America. Respondents were often well educated, well paid, with no criminal record or rehab history, and happy with their often risky recreational lifestyle. Younger people in particular appeared to regularly take reckless risks such as accepting 'mystery white powders'. Interestingly, alcohol was almost universally taken in combination with other substances but alcohol was also most often rated as something respondents would most like to cut down on. The online survey was carried out by the 'Global Drug Survey' in association with the Guardian newspaper and the clubbing magazine 'Mixmag'. One student is quoted as saying, 'It's actually quite hard to kill yourself' and that you try to learn about drugs, 'in the same way you wear a seat belt in a car. And for me, the risks are very much worth it.'
Links:
Guardian/Mixmag drug survey reveals a generation happy to chance it. The Guardian (One of several articles available)
Which drugs do you take? US and the UK compared by the global drug survey. The Guardian
News
UN implores governments to be more proactive in drug prevention
The wide ranging INCB annual report gives an interesting world snapshot. Some Brazilian authorities, for example, have attempted to complement enforcement with 'Peace Police' working with young people in the community. In South Africa 'active boxes' staffed by local residents are an attempt to provide safe havens in areas of urban degradation. In Iran, there has been a determined effort to strengthen the provision of drug abuse prevention material in schools, prisons and the workplace. Among recommendations is a very clear call for international cooperation and for governments to ensure provision of drug abuse prevention services by involving all stakeholders in the design and implementation of interventions. Sadly, some feel that this plea falls on deaf ears in many national governments across the developed and developing world.
Resources
New plain language prevention website launched
NIDA have launched a website designed for adults with a low reading literacy level, although some might see a much broader target audience. The site provides plain language information on neuroscience, drug abuse prevention and treatment. It also aims to be a resource for adult literacy educators. It has a simple design with a large default text size, motion graphic videos and other features that make it easy to read and use. Audio versions of each page are available.
Links:
NIDA creates easy-to-read website on drug abuse. News Release
Easy-to-Read Drug Facts. New NIDA website
Mentor has not undertaken a thorough review of the resources mentioned as to their ultimate value and worth, however we welcome reader and user feedback.
Policy
Drinking guidelines campaign fails to impress Australian public
Here's another example of how well intentioned drinking guidelines may enjoy only very limited success unless very carefully designed and backed up with effective education campaigns. For example, recent research showed that 70% of 14-19 year old Australians overestimated safe single session limits and overall only 5 per cent of the general population could identify safe drinking levels. National debates and changes in policy may also tend to confuse drinkers. Guidelines introduced in 2001 were debated nationally again in 2007 and revisions published in 2009.
Links:
- No impact from safe alcohol use campaign. The Sydney Morning Herald
News
Do we inadvertently underplay 'alcohol poisoning'?
Dr David Slack argues that the drug behing many drug overdose fatalities is actually alcohol, often in combination with other substances. The wider public, including particularly vulnerable groups such as teenagers and college students, often fails to fully credit the role played by the legal and more socially acceptable substance. We have published research from around the world illustrating drinkers' inability to accurately assess the alcohol content of drinks, and figures from the USA show a 25% increase in alcohol overdose among Americans ages 18-24 from 1999 to 2008, plus a 76% rise in overdoses involving alcohol in combination with other drugs. The US spring break is a period of high levels of student alcohol abuse.
Links:
- Let’s Call Alcohol Poisoning What It Really Is: Drug Overdose. Addiction Recovery
Policy
Tobacco packaging health warnings violate 'free-speech' in USA!
While some progress is being made around the world on tobacco packaging health warnings, Federal authorities in the USA have had to contest constitutional concerns over 'free-speech'. In a recent ruling, however, most of the Administration's proposals were upheld. In another story, the US Surgeon General is strongly urging states to restore cuts in anti-smoking campaigns.
Links:
Federal Appeals Court Upholds Graphic Cigarette Warning Labels. Partnership at Drugfee.org
Tobacco health labels violate free speech, judge rules. Reuters
States urged to restore funding for anti-smoking programs. USA Today
News
The latest caffeine worry: an inhaler
We have previously covered the potential misuse of caffeine, including its association with other substances. Young people are particularly vulnerable when studying or out drinking. This latest story concerns the marketing of a caffeine inhaler. The device delivers a fine powder of vitamins and caffeine which is both ingested and inhaled. 'AeroShot' was recently marketed in the USA as a calorie-free breathable energy product but Federal authorities have lodged some concerns.
Links:
FDA Warns Maker of Inhalable Caffeine Product Over False or Misleading Labelling. Partnership at Drugfree.org.
Research
Bullying in schools linked with substance use: implications for prevention
A study of over 74,000 middle and high school children in Ohio has identified a relationship between school bullying and substance use. For example, 11.4% of middle school bullies used marijuana compared with only 1.6% of those not involved in bullying. Similarly, 31.7% of high school bullies used marijuana compared with only 13.3% of non-bullies. Similar patterns emerged for other substances. Victims of bullying were also likely to have elevated rates of substance use compared with those not involved. The findings have implications for anti-bullying and substance misuse prevention programmes.
Links:
School Bullies More Likely To Be Substance Users, Study Finds. Ohio State University
Illuminating the relationship between bullying and substance use among middle and high school youth. Addictive Behaviors (Abstract)
News
Should more of us pester government on prevention issues?
Public comments made to government agencies must often be taken seriously so it is surprising how few of us remember to register our views. We have often covered the saga of high alcohol fruit flavoured drinks such as Four Loko, but during recent moves to change their packaging, only just over 200 replies were sent in to US authorities, and his number is unusually high! The negotiated deal means Four Loko cans would be re-sealable and have more accurate alcohol strength labelling. Most commentators, however, felt the deal still favoured the brewer and did not go far enough.
Links:
- Government eyes popular malt liquor Four Loko. Associated Press