New Research Stresses Health Dangers of Bath Salts

National Institute on Drug Abuse research published in this week’s Neuropsychopharmacology shows that MDPV, a synthetic chemical commonly found in the drugs referred to as “bath salts,” is potentially more dangerous than cocaine when tested in rodents. In this study, MDPV prolonged the effects of two neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine (by blocking reuptake at brain nerve cells) and produced hyperactivity, rapid heart rate and increased blood pressure, which are highly dangerous symptoms.

Though this study was done in rodents, these results could explain why these substances are addictive and highly dangerous in humans, as indicated by reports that MDPV is the chief substance found in the blood and urine of emergency room patients who have overdosed on so-called “bath salts.”

For a copy of the study abstract, go towww.nature.com/npp/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/npp2012204a.html. 

To watch the recent CADCA TV show on this subject, “Designer Drugs: The New Frontier,” click here.

Red Ribbon Week is October 23 - 31

October is filled with many opportunities to promote healthy, drug-free living, including Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31).

As part of this important occasion, Red Ribbon week is used to emphasize the significance of students, educators and communities working together to prevent substance abuse.

The Red Ribbon Celebration was originally established as a national drug awareness campaign in 1988, after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. The Celebration was created to take a collective stand against underage use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. The Red Ribbon Celebration is promoted to reach all audiences, but is particularly targeted toward elementary and middle school students to encourage them to make a commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.

Drug Free Action Alliance (DFAA) encourages schools and organizations to use this week as a springboard to other prevention observances throughout the year. Drug Free 24/7 is a program designed by DFAA to help communities galvanize their efforts into a consistent, year-long message. Check out how Drug Free 24/7 can be the tool to tie all of the important things you do in your community into an exciting and easily recognizable campaign.  Download the toolkit to get ideas for your Red Ribbon Week events or visit www.DrugFreeActionAlliance.org. 

White House Drug Policy Office Awards More Than $84 Million to Local Communities to Prevent Youth Substance Use

(Washington D.C.) – Today, Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy, announced $84.6 million in Drug-Free Communities Support Program (DFC) grants to 692 communities across the country.  These grants will provide local communities support to prevent youth substance use and reduce the demand for drug consumption in the United States.  Kerlikowske made the announcement during an address to the Council on Foreign Relations.

“America’s success in the 21st century depends in part on our ability to help young people make decisions that will keep them healthy and safe,” said Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy. “We commend the Drug-Free Communities Support Program grantees on their work to raise a generation of young people equipped to remain drug-free and ready to prosper in school, in their communities, and in the workplace.  While law enforcement efforts will always serve a vital role in keeping our communities safe, we know that stopping drug use before it ever begins is always the smartest and most cost-effective way to reduce drug use and its consequences.”

The Drug-Free Communities Support Program is directed by ONDCP, in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  The DFC Program provides grants of up to $625,000 over five years to community coalitions that facilitate youth and adult participation at the community level in local youth drug prevention efforts. Coalitions are comprised of community leaders, parents, youth, teachers, religious and fraternal organizations, healthcare and business professionals, law enforcement, and media.  The Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition is receiving $125,000 in DFC Funding.

In April, the Obama Administration released the 2012 National Drug Control Strategy, the Obama Administration’s primary blueprint for drug policy in the United States.  The new Strategy is guided by three facts: addiction is a disease that can be prevented and treated; people with substance use disorders can recover; and innovative new criminal justice reforms can stop the revolving door of drug use, crime, incarceration, release, and re-arrest.

The rate of overall drug use in the United States has declined by roughly 30 percent since 1979. More recently, there has been a nearly 40 percent reduction in the number of current cocaine users and the number of current meth users has dropped by half.  To build on this progress and support a balance of public health and safety approaches to drug control outlined in the Strategy, the Obama Administration has committed over $10 billion for drug education programs and support for expanding access to drug treatment for people suffering from substance use disorders in FY 2012.  

For more information about the Administration efforts to reduce drug use and its consequences, or to learn more about the Drug Free Communities Support Program, visit: www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp

October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

The Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition supports the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s second annual National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, which was launched by a Presidential Proclamation this week. You can read the proclamation here.  

In 2011, 20.6 million Americans were classified with substance dependence or abuse. National Substance Abuse Prevention Month is a prime opportunity to rally together and put the spotlight on substance abuse and those affected by this issue. It’s also a chance to recognize the organizations that provide substance abuse prevention services and to share resources that are available to prevent substance use problems before they start.

On Oct.18, the first-ever National Above the Influence Day will be celebrated in communities throughout the country. Coalitions will be able to hold events and activities that reinforce the Above the Influence campaign.