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Drug Rehabilitation
Drug Rehabilitation is an umbrella term for a variety of processes by which a person addicted to a drug stops using that drug. These processes can vary from cold turkey to the use of substitute drugs which do not have the same action upon the state of consciousness as the original drug to which the person was addicted.
Heroin Rapid Detox
As an Opioid heroin use escalates as the body’s tolerance for the drug increases. The increased tolerance is the cause of many overdose deaths given that the heroin user may be injecting 3 to 5 times the lethal dose in order to maintain their high. Rapid detoxification from high tolerance heroin use is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Relapse for a heroin user after some period of absence can also be fatal as their tolerance level is no longer present and the same amount used during their last episode prior to a period abstinence will often kill the user.
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October 11, 2004

Heroin Movement Worldwide
This presentation developed by the Central Intelligence Agency reviews the production, consumption, and geographical/political factors associated with the worldwide use of heroin.

August 29, 2004

Internet Pharmacies
This U.S. General Accounting Office report examines: (1) the extent to which certain drugs can be purchased over the Internet without a prescription; (2) whether the drugs are handled properly, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and authentic; and (3) the extent to which Internet pharmacies are reliable in their business practices. Their conclusions suggest that consumers should be extremely careful about using Internet pharmacies. The report is available as a PDF file, requiring Adobe Reader (free download).

August 22, 2004

College Tobacco Prevention Resource
The College Tobacco Prevention Resource (CTPR) provides practical information, ideas, and guidance to assist college leaders with planning, implementing, and evaluating effective campus tobacco policies and programs. The site includes facts about college tobacco use, campus tobacco programs, resources, and a comprehensive prevention model that can be applied on college campuses.

August 8, 2004

Your Disease Risk
This Harvard School of Public Health website allows users to estimate their risk of five major categories of diseases - cancer, dibaetes, osteoporosis, stroke, and heart disease. The site provides prevention information for each disease. Please note that Your Disease Risk is an educational web site for informational purposes only and does not take the place of regular medical check-ups.

May 30, 2004

Toll-Free Numbers from the National Library of Medicine
The National Library of Medicine offers this online database of health-related organizations operating toll-free telephone services, including everything from accident prevention to youth-related services. You can search for desired resources by keyword or an alphabetical list. The database also includes information on services and publications available in Spanish.

May 2, 2004

Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
This searchable directory sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows the location of programs around the country that treat alcoholism, alcohol abuse and drug abuse problems. The Locator includes more than 11,000 addiction treatment programs, including residential treatment centers, outpatient treatment programs, and hospital inpatient programs for drug addiction and alcoholism. Listings include adult treatment programs for marijuana, cocaine, and heroin addiction, as well as drug and alcohol treatment programs for adolescents.

April 11, 2004

World Drug Report
The United Nations estimates that 180 million people worldwide were consuming drugs in the late 1990s. This United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report describes the extent of drug abuse across the world and the efforts being taken to address the problem. The report is illustrated with maps, graphs, charts and tables, and is available in seven languages. The report is in PDF format and requires Adobe Reader (free download).

March 14, 2004

BBC Addictions Guide
The website developed by the British Broadcasting Corporation offers information about various drugs, treatment approaches, personal stories, news, and a message board for people to share their views and experiences.

February 29, 2004

The Genetics of Alcoholism
This National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse Alcohol Alert offers a concise summary of the latest genetic research on alcoholism in animals and humans. Research has shown conclusively that familial transmission of alcoholism risk is at least in part genetic and not just the result of family environment. Recent research also reports that 50 to 60 percent of the risk for alcoholism is genetically determined, for both men and women.

February 22, 2004

Food for Thought: Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders
Up to to 35% of alcohol or drug abusers have eating disorders (compared to 3% of the general population). This National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse report finds that eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are commonly linked to substance abuse. The report also identifies the shared risk factors and shared characteristics of both disorders.

January 18, 2004

Preventing Drug Abuse among Children and Adolescents
This new guide, developed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, presents updated prevention principles, an overview of program planning, and critical first steps for those learning about prevention. It includes examples of research-based prevention programs, as well as resources for those interested in prevention. This document is available in a PDF format.

December 7, 2003

Energy Drinks and Ephedrine on College Campuses
Energy drinks contain caffeine, sugar, and other ingredients such as ginseng, taurine, guarana, and B-complex vitamins, and are consumed by about 20% of college students. This update from the Higher Education Center provides the latest research on these readily available substances.

November 23, 2003

Best Practices - Methadone Maintenance Treatment
This Health Canada document provides information on evidence-based best practices in methadone maintenance treatment, and the key components of comprehensive methadone maintenance treatment programs. Best Practices reviews the rationale for methadone treatment, program policies that enhance effectiveness, and strategies to meet the needs of specific groups.

October 26, 2003

Alcohol Problems in Intimate Relationships
This National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism guide for therapists reviews the link between alcohol use and relationship problems, offers guidelines for assessing intervening with couples and families, and discusses ways to enhance family safety amd coping.

October 6, 2003

Reducing Underage Drinking
This Institute of Medicine report describes the scope and consequences of underage drinking in the United States, the role of the alcohol and entertainment industries, and individual and community interventions.

September 14, 2003

College Alcohol Marketing
High risk drinking (a.k.a. "binge drinking") has been recognized as a major problem on American college campuses. This report from the Harvard University College Alcohol Study examines the alcohol environment surrounding college campuses including alcohol promotions, price specials, and advertising at drinking establishments.

August 31, 2003

Tobaccopedia
A comprehensive Australian site developed by the International Tobacco Control Network. Offers information about special populations, smoking cessation, environmental effects, and policy issues.

August 31, 2003

PBS Teacher Source
This site offers over 4000 free lesson plans and activities in a variety of health areas, including addiction, nutrition, exercise, and workplace health. Activities are available for the preschool to high school grade levels. This site can be personalized based on the desired grade level and subject.

August 17, 2003

Why Do You Smoke?
This questionnaire developed by the National Cancer Institute helps smokers determine their primary reasons for smoking, including handling cigarettes, stimulation, and habit. You can score this questionnaire for six different reasons to see how motivations compare.

August 10, 2003

APA Dot.com Sense
This site developed by the American Psychological Association helps consumers protect their privacy and assess the credibility of mental health information online. This site discusses everything from "cookies" to commercial influences.

August 3, 2003

Online Dictionary of Mental Health
This site is not really a dictionary, but a means of linking to information on many mental health terms. These links cover many disciplines and points of view in the field. ODMH also includes links to mental health news, mental health "bestsellers," and discusion groups on various mental helath topics.

July 27, 2003

Drug Calculator
This calculator totals a person's monthly and yearly expenses due to use of various substances --- cigarettes, alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, and marijuana. Created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

July 20, 2003

Electronic Journal of Gambling Issues
This online journal is published by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Canada. It covers a variety of gambling addictions, special populations, and interventions for the compulsive gambler.

June 22, 2003

Drug Photos
This set of links from the Indiana Prevention Resource Center comprise a variety of sites with photos of various illicit drugs. Sites include the Drug Enforcement Administration and various U.S. government publications. Some are downloadable free of charge and others require permission.

June 15, 2003

Dietary Supplements
In recent months, there has been growing concern about the use and abuse of various dietary supplements. This link provides a comprehensive listing of common supplements, potential health risks, safety notices, and fact sheets.

June 1, 2003

Smokefree.gov
This website, created by the Tobacco Control Research of the National Cancer Institute, allows you to choose the help that best fits your needs. You can get immediate assistance in the form of an online step-by-step cessation guide, local and state telephone quitlines, NCI's national telephone quitline and instant messaging service, and online publications.

May 25, 2003

APA Help Center
This website, created by the American Psychological Association, provides resources to help people cope with stress at work, improve the "mind-body connection," and handle issues in family relationships. The site includes brochures and advice on how to access psychological services.

May 18, 2003

Alcohol Stats
This website, created by Anheuser-Busch, highlights research and statistics regarding alcohol abuse and responsible consumption. Much of the statistical information provided at this site comes from independent government and university research. Areas include underage drinking, drunk driving, college issues, responsible drinking, alcohol advertising, and state statistics.

May 11, 2003

Keeping Youth Drug Free
Keeping Youth Drug Free is a publication designed to help parents and caregivers of children aged 7-13 prevent their children from getting involved with alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.This guide stresses the importance of having parents and other caring adults talk with children early and often in an effort to create a substance-free environment. KYDF is sponsored by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.

May 4, 2003

Helping Patients With Alcohol Problems
This guide is written for primary care practitioners such as physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, who see patients for general health care. It has been produced by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), in order to help practitioners screen for alcohol problems and provide brief interventions or a treatment referral when needed.

April 13, 2003

Hispanic/Latino Prevention Portal
This site, produced by the Indiana Prevention Resource Center, is available in both Spanish and Portuguese. It provides links to information on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; HIV/AIDS; general health resources; asset building, including cultural pride; and research tools such as databases and bibliographies.

April 6, 2003

Merck Manual of Medical Information--Home Edition
This comprehensive and respected source of medical information is available online in both text and interactive versions. Both versions contain the complete resource, written by nearly 200 leading medical experts, and include sections on drugs, mental health disorders, and women's and men's health.

March 30, 2003

The Secret Life of the Brain
This Public Broadcasting Service special explores the brain from the infant years through the adult years. It includes a three-dimensional tour of the brain, a timeline of man's understanding of the brain, and technologies for exploring the brain. Along the way, you can learn about epilepsy, sleep, and Alzheimer's Disease.

March 23, 2003

Parenting Resources for the 21st Century
This website links parents and other adults responsible child care with a full spectrum of parenting information. This site, federally sponsored through the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, addresses school violence, child development, home schooling, organized sports, child abuse, and the juvenile justice system.

March 16, 2003

Psychiatric Medications
This online booklet is designed to help mental health patients and their families understand how and why medications can be used as part of the treatment of mental health problems. This booklet describes medications by their generic and trade names, and divides them into four large categories --- antipsychotic, antimanic, antidepressant, and antianxiety medications. Developed by the National Institute of Mental Health.

March 2, 2003

Drug Free Sport
This site offers information to coaches, trainers, and athletes on nutritional supplements, sports nutrition, drug testing, and responsible decision-making about drugs. Drug Free Sport provides information about substance use and the law, the effects of substance use on performance, and how to get help. Developed with support from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

February 23, 2003

Changing the Culture of Campus Drinking
Alcohol consumption is linked to at least 1,400 college student deaths and 500,000 unintentional injuries annually. This Alcohol Alert from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism describes the factors that influence college drinking, approaches to address the problem, and resources for more detailed information on this important topic.

February 16, 2003

15+
The 15+ Make Time to Listen...Take Time to Talk campaign provides practical guidance for parents and caregivers on how to strengthen their relationship with their children by spending at least 15 minutes of communication time each day. The campaign has a fatherhood initiative that is sponsored by the Center for Mental Health Services, the Baltimore Ravens, and the National Campaign Against Youth Violence.

February 9, 2003

The Formative Years
This report from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University examines the pathways to addiction for girls and young women between the ages of 8 and 24. The report highlights ways in which girls and young women use cigarettes, alcohol, and other drugs differently from boys. This research indicates that females are more vulnerable to substance abuse and addiction and its consequences. The report (PDF format) is a free download.

February 2, 2003

The Research Assistant
This site provides resources for behavioral researchers, including tips on locating funding opportunities, collecting data, formulating a research proposal, choosing a statistical method, or finding a journal for publishing an article. There is also a step-by-step grant writing tutorial for new and minority drug abuse researchers, from research question to grant submission.

January 26, 2003

Best Practices of Youth Violence Prevention
The homicide rate for youth under the age of 19 has averaged 9 deaths a day over the last decade. The Center for Disease Control Injury Center has developed this guide to look at the effectiveness of specific violence prevention practices in four key areas: parents and families; home visiting; social and conflict resolution skills; and mentoring. This publication offers a comprehensive directory of resources for more information about programs that have used these practices. The guide is in PDF format and requires Adobe Reader (free download).

January 12, 2003

What Am I Inhaling?
Ever wonder what you are inhaling in a room full of smokers? This secondhand smoke calculator from the Physicians for a Smokefree Canada tells you. You plug in your age and weight, the size of the room, the number of lit cigarettes, the number of hours of exposure, and the chemical of interest (ammonia, benzene, cadmium, etc). It then calculates the level of exposure and describes the effects of the chemical.

January 3, 2003

Reducing Youth Access to Alcohol
This document provides strategies for various community groups, including police, civic groups, faith organizations, schools, worksites, parents, students, and hotel and motels, to combat underage drinking. This document is also available as a PDF (requires Adobe Reader, free download).

December 22, 2002

Drug Classification
This document provides an explanation of the major classes of drugs based upon their primary effects, as well as the classification system used by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

December 15, 2002

Stress and Substance Abuse
This report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse reviews the effects of stress on substance use. Stress represents one of the most powerful relapse triggers for addicted individuals. This report includes selected research findings on the contribution of post-traumatic stress disorders to drug abuse.

December 8, 2002

War on Drugs Clock
This tool calculates: (1) the money spent on the war on drugs this year in real time --- state, local, and federal levels; (2) the number of drug-related arrests and incarcerations this year; and (3) the hypothetical number of HIV infections that could be prevented if the federal ban on needle exchange is lifted. This calculator was developed by drugsense.org.

December 1, 2002

Guide to Safe and Sober Event Planning
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has joined forces with the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) to develop this year-round party planner. The guide provides ideas for party settings, themes and activities, as well as party task lists and event resources.

November 24, 2002

Interactive Healthy Eating Index
The Healthy Eating Index is an online dietary assessment tool that includes nutrition messages and links to nutrient information. After providing a day's worth of dietary information, you will receive a "score" on the overall quality of your diet for that day. This "score" looks at the types and amounts of food you ate as compared to those recommended by the Food Guide Pyramid. It also tells you how much total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium you have in your diet.

November 17, 2002

Faith-Based and Community Programs
Since the 1970s, research has consistently demonstrated that a commitment to personal religious beliefs reduces the risk of substance use. This web area contains resources and material that provides information relating to faith-based community approaches to substance abuse prevention. You will also find links to federal departments and state substance abuse offices that have faith-based initiatives.

November 10, 2002

Marijuana: Facts for Parents
This National Insitute on Drug Abuse brochure, set up as frequently asked questions, offers the latest scientific information and strategies for parents addresssing this issue with their children. Topics include ways to determine whether someone has been using marijuana, how long it stays in the system, and how it affects driving.

November 3, 2002

Prescription Drug Abuse
This National Institute on Drug Abuse report covers the types of commonly abused prescription drugs, trends in the abuse of these drugs, and  prevention, detection, and treatment issues. This document includes a glossary and references for this often ignored public health problem.

October 27, 2002

Alcohol Alerts
Alcohol Alerts are concise, research-based bulletins offered by the National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse. They cover the gamut of topics concerning alcohol and its physiological, psychological, and behavioral effects. If you have a question about alcohol, you will probably be able to answer it through an Alcohol Alert.

October 20, 2002

Marijuana Abuse
This updated research report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse reviews the key questions about marijuana, such as: What are the effects on the brain? What are the physical effects? Can it harm pregnant women and their babies? Is it addictive? This document is also available in PDF format.

October 13, 2002

Managing Anxiety in Times of Crisis
The recent sniper attacks in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia not only are terrible tragedies but the randomness and inexplicability of the shootings can generate anxiety among all of us, including our children. This online National Institutes of Health publication offers tips for talking with kids, mental health resources, and links to information on school violence and dealing with disasters.

October 6, 2002

Principles of HIV Prevention in Drug-Using Populations
Since the mid-1980s, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has sponsored research to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of strategies to reduce risk behaviors and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, particularly among injection drug users (IDUs), their sex partners, and crack cocaine users. This manual discusses the principles of HIV prevention for drug users and their sex partners, includes step-by-step instructions for conducting community-based outreach, and provides suggestions for designing outreach risk reduction programs.

September 29, 2002

Drug Testing in Schools
A decision in June 2002 by the U.S. Supreme Court expands the authority of public schools to test students for drugs. The Office of National Drug Control Policy has put together What You Need To Know About Drug Testing in Schools to provide anyone who is considering a drug-testing program in his or her community with a broad understanding of the issue and up-to-date information on which to base a decision.

September 22, 2002

Drugs and Terror Quiz
Take this quiz and discover more about the link between terror groups and drug trafficking.

September 15, 2002

Student Counseling Virtual Pamphlet Collection
College student counseling centers often educate through informational pamphlets, but developing new pamphlets can be labor intensive and buying materials can be costly. This terrific resource offers links to a huge collection of pamphlets produced by many universities, covering topics from addiction to test-taking. Many of the materials can be applied to populations other than college students.

September 8, 2002

The Drugs Debate
This BBC series explores issues related to Ecstasy, marijuana, legalization, and the legal background in the drug legalization debate in the United Kingdom. Issues such as "cannabis cafes," the "dope economy," and reclassification of drugs are reviewed.

September 1, 2002

CASA 2002 Teen Survey
Teen risk of substance abuse increases by almost 500 percent between the ages of 12 and 16. This report surveys risk factors through interviews with teens, parents, and siblings. The National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse: Teens, Parents and Siblings was conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, and is available in PDF format (requires Adobe Reader, available free).

August 18, 2002

America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2002
This U.S. government report presents 24 key indicators of the well-being of children, defined as those under the age of 18. Four major areas of child well-being are covered --- economic security, health, behavior and social environment, and education. Overall, this document provides an excellent snapshot of how U.S. children are faring.

August 11, 2002

National Center for Sleep Disorders Research
About 70 million Americans suffer from sleep problems --- among them, nearly 60 percent have a chronic disorder. In addition, many people with addictions suffer from sleep disorders. This site, produced by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, offers professional resources and public information about ways to achieve better sleeping habits.

July 28, 2002

Substance Use and the Risk of Suicide Among Youths
Approximately three million youths are at risk for suicide each year. This National Household Survey on Drug Abuse highlights the link between suicide and substance use, regional differences in suicide risk, and the inadeqaute use of mental health counseling among young people at risk.

July 21, 2002

Principles of HIV Prevention in Drug-Using Populations
This guide from the National Institute on Drug Abuse offers principles of effective HIV/AIDS prevention in drug-using populations, frequently asked questions about HIV/AIDS, the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS risk behaviors, and the effectiveness of interventions in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and other diseases among drug users and their partners. The guide is also available in PDF format.

July 14, 2002

State Health Facts Online
This website, developed by the Kaiser Family Foundation, provides a searchable United States map with extensive health information for each state. This health information includes demographic, health status, managed care, women's health, minority health, and HIV/AIDS data.

July 7, 2002

YES, you may use the car, but first ...
This guide, produced by the National Commission Against Drunk Driving, assists parents in talking to their teenagers about safe driving with a focus on preventing alcohol and drug impaired driving. Safe driving also includes wearing seat belts, avoiding distractions while driving, and driving within the speed limits. The guide offers suggested readings and a parent-teen agreement.

June 30, 2002

Drug Story
Drug Story is a resource for entertainment writers and journalists but includes much valuable information for the general public and other professionals. The site provides a background on drug effects, statistics, prevention and treatment, and international trends. The site is currently featuring information on sports and doping.

June 23, 2002

CRAFFT
The CRAFFT is a new six-item questionnaire for screening substance abuse problems in adolescents, and takes only five minutes to administer. Research on the CRAFFT has determined that answering "yes" to two of the questions is highly predictive of substance abuse problems. Please note that this questionnaire is meant to be administered by a health professional, and NOT by parents. The CRAFFT was developed by Harvard-affiliated researchers at Children's Hospital in Boston.

June 16, 2002

College Drinking News
Although geared for journalists, College Drinking News offers much material that is of interest for clinicians, educators, and the general public. The site includes background information, press kits, resources, and daily news related to problems associated with high-risk drinking among college students.

June 9, 2002

Model Prevention Programs
The Center of Substance Abuse Treatment has awarded its "seal of approval" to 25 exemplary substance abuse prevention programs for preventing and reducing illegal drug use, alcohol abuse and other risky behaviors in communities across America. You can use this website to find programs addressing alcohol, drugs, violence, tobacco, and social skills building.

June 2, 2002

Steroids in Baseball
This special report in Sports Illustrated details the trend toward steroid use among major league baseball players. Some estimate that as many as 50% of players take steroids. There are also increasing muscle tendon injuries because tendons cannot support an overly large muscle mass. Of greater concern is the tendency for younger athletes to copy such behaviors.

May 26, 2002

The Wager
The Wager is a weekly research bulletin that provides readers with the latest information on pathological gambling. Recent topics include online gambling, student gambling, and the link betweeen alcohol use and gambling. The Wager is published by the Division on Addictions at Harvard Medical School in collaboration with the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling.

May 19, 2002

Prom Night Tips for Parents
This online publication (also available as a PDF) provides suggestions for parents whose children will be attending a prom. This site includes an e-card with tips that can be sent to a friend. Presented by the Century Council.

May 12, 2002

Retrospective: Parent's Guide to Youth Culture
This online publication (also available as a PDF and by mail) reviews the influence of culture on youth's attitudes and behaviors, including the the role of media and music and the importance of media literacy. PGYC offers offers suggestions for starting conversations with youth about alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and media influences.

May 5, 2002

Team Sports Participation and Substance Use Among Youths
Prior research has linked sports participation among youths to a decreased risk of substance use. This report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) highlights this linkage. One substance is used more by youths involved with sports. Do you know what it is?

April 28, 2002

Substance Abuse Among Older Adults
This report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) highlights recent substance use findings among adults 55 and older. Not surprisingly, the most common abused illicit drugs were psychotherapeutic medications used nonmedically. Do you know the second most abused illicit drug?

April 21, 2002

Street Drug Slang
This searchable dictionary from the Indiana Prevention Resource Center contains 5000 street drug slang terms. Please note that these terms are limited to the United States and that meanings may vary from one part of the country to another. This dictionary is very comprehensive --- for example, entering "horse" results in eight different matches.

April 14, 2002

About Methadone
This article from the Drug Policy Foundation reviews the effects of methadone, its use as a treatment, myths and facts, drug interactions, issues related to overdose, special considerations with women, detoxification, and practical concerns related to driving and travel. The article is in PDF format, which requires Adobe Acrobat (free download).

April 7, 2002

Drug Photos
This set of links from the Indiana Prevention Resource Center comprise a variety of sites with photos of various illicit drugs. Sites include the Drug Enforcement Administration and various U.S. government publications. Some are downloadable free of charge and others require permission.

March 31, 2002

Your Cancer Risk
The Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention has developed this tool to help people identify their risks of various cancers --- breast, prostate, lung, colon, etc. --- and then how to focus their prevention efforts. The calculator is most accurate for people 40 and over with no history of cancer. Note: this site is for informational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a physician.

March 24, 2002

Binge Drinking in Adolescents and College Students
This Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration fact sheet highlights the prevalence of binge drinking among young people, drinking on college campuses, and the consequences and secondary effects of binge drinking. Keep in mind that "binge drinking" in this context is defined as consuming five or more drinks in a row for boys and four or more in a row for girls.

March 17, 2002

Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
This site includes a variety of ways to search for a treatment facility in the United States --- clickable map, list, quick search, or detailed search via zip code, state, address, etc. The list of facilities was most recently updated in October, 2001 and includes private and public facilities that have been licensed or certified. The site was developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

March 10, 2002

Staying Clean
This feature article, published by the New York Times, follows several addicted clients through their experience in a treatment center. The article highlights issues in treatment and the "brain disease" approach to addiction. Note: You need to be registered with the New York Times site to see the article (it's free).

March 3, 2002

Teen Tipplers: America's Underage Drinking Epidemic
This highly publicized report, published by the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, documents the ways in which children and teenagers progress from use to abuse of alcohol. The report identifies obstacles to effective prevention, including the influence of advertising, ready availability, parental attitudes, and alcohol industry activities. This is a PDF file, so you need Adobe Reader (available free) to view it.

February 24, 2002

Illicit Drug Policies: Selected Laws from the 50 States
This report, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is the first comprehensive reference guide to illicit drug laws in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It documents each state's scheduling and penalty provisions for selected drugs, as well as medical marijuana. Drug offenders are subject to widely different penalties, depending on the state in which they are prosecuted. For example, selling Ecstasy may result in a penalty of one year to life imprisonment and from $5000 to one million dollars in fines.

February 17, 2002

Drugs and the Internet
This report from the National Drug Intelligence Center is an overview of the threat that certain Internet websites pose to adolescents and young adults. Many websites, newsgroups, bulletin boards, and chat rooms promote the drug culture by providing information on drugs and drug paraphernalia. The report focuses on three significant club drugs --- MDMA (Ecstasy), GHB, and LSD.

February 10, 2002

Addressing the Problem of Juvenile Bullying
Bullies have a higher risk of vandalism, fighting, school problems, and drug and alcohol use. Victims have a higher risk of depression and other mental health problems. This fact sheet from the Office of Justice Programs highlights the definitions, effects, and ways of approaching the problem of bullying. This document is in PDF format, which requires Adobe Acrobat (free download).

February 3, 2002

Smoker's Body
Remember when your health teacher showed you what a diseased smoker's lung looked like? This link shows the ultimate multimedia version of the smoker's body, with graphic photos of diseased organs. This presentation takes a little time to load, as it requires Macromedia Flash (free download at www.macromedia.com). Be patient --- it's worth it. WARNING: This site is not for the squeamish.

January 27, 2002

Working Partners
This U.S. Department of Labor website is rich with information about maintaining an alcohol- and drug-free workplace. Working Partners includes a "Small Business Workplace Kit" with web-based tools, facts and figures, steps to a drug-free workplace, and information about substance abuse in specific industries. The site also lists key workplace laws and information about keeping office parties safe.

January 20, 2002

President's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports
The President's Council is responsible for promoting, encouraging, and motivating Americans of all ages to become physically active and participate in sports. Because physical activity is part of a balanced lifestyle, it should be considered an essential prevention and intervention tool for dealing with substance abuse. This site includes information about exercises and nutrition, as well as research digests that address timely topics (such as motivating kids to exercise more).

January 13, 2002

So Help Me God: Substance Abuse, Religion, and Spirituality
This report from the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse reviews the potential for religion and spirituality as means of promoting recovery. Two major findings resulted from this study: (1) clergy lack the knowledge and training to deal with substance abuse in their congregations, and (2) health professionals fail to take advantage of the importance of spirituality in treating substance abusers.

January 6, 2002

Blown Away: Inside the Drug War
This Dateline NBC investigation, hosted by Geraldo Rivera, explores Colombia's role as the world's principal source of cocaine and heroin being sold on the streets of the United States. This report examines how U.S. aid to Colombia is spent, the front lines of drug interdiction, and the role of rebel groups in drug production and dealing.

December 30, 2001

Meditations
Yes, you can use your computer to meditate. This page of meditations, offered by Beliefnet, offers a range of techniques. Some meditations are based on mindfulness meditation, some are religion-based, and some are nature-based. You will need Macromedia Flash (free download at site) to use some of these meditations.

December 23, 2001

Stress and Substance Abuse
This report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse reviews the effects of stress on substance use. Stress represents one of the most powerful relapse triggers for addicted individuals. This report includes selected research findings on the contribution of post-traumatic stress disorders to drug abuse.

December 16, 2001

Daily HIV/AIDS Report
This daily summary from the Kaiser Family Foundation provides international HIV/AIDS news in the areas of public policy, global challenges, drug access, media and society, and science and medicine.

December 9, 2001

Be a Responsible Host
This fact sheet from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers information on drunk driving prevention, tips for party givers, and tasty nonalcoholic drinks.

December 2, 2001

Complete Home Medical Guide
This third revised edition of "The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Complete Home Medical Guide" is a comprehensive home medical reference. The guide has sections on the medical care system, wellness, fundamentals of good health at different life stages, first aid and safety, and prevention and treatment of hundreds of diseases. As with any guide of this sort, the goal is educational and should not replace consultation with medical professionals.

November 25, 2001

War on Drugs Clock
This tool calculates: (1) the money spent on the war on drugs this year in real time --- state, local, and federal levels; (2) the number of drug-related arrests and incarcerations this year; and (3) the hypothetical number of HIV infections that could be prevented if the federal ban on needle exchange is lifted. This calculator was developed by drugsense.org.

November 18, 2001

Youth Tobacco Surveillance
This report by the Centers for Disease Control describes the current status of middle and high school tobacco use in the United States. It reviews teenagers' patterns, social perceptions, and means of obtaining tobacco products. The report covers all types of tobacco --- cigarettes, cigars, smokeless, bidis, and kreteks.

November 11, 2001

Raves
This information bulletin from the National Drug Intelligence Center describes raves and club drugs in the United States. Topics covered include the history of raves, how raves are promoted, clothing and paraphernalia associated with raves, and initiatives designed to curb the use of club drugs.

November 4, 2001

Alcohol Alerts
Alcohol Alerts are concise, research-based bulletins offered by the National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse. They cover the gamut of topics concerning alcohol and its physiological, psychological, and behavioral effects. If you have a question about alcohol, you will probably be able to answer it through an Alcohol Alert.

October 28, 2001

What Am I Inhaling?
Ever wonder what you are inhaling in a room full of smokers? This secondhand smoke calculator from the Physicians for a Smokefree Canada tells you. You plug in your age and weight, the size of the room, the number of lit cigarettes, the number of hours of exposure, and the chemical of interest (ammonia, benzene, cadmium, etc). It then calculates the level of exposure and describes the effects of the chemical.

October 21, 2001

Resource Guide: Marijuana
Marijuana use has doubled in the 12-17 year-old age group since 1992. This Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration resource guide lists prevention materials, studies, articles, reports, and referral information for various programs. The list is annotated and provides an excellent overview of each resource.

October 14, 2001

Stateline
This website provides updates on a variety of legislative initiatives, issues, and news developments in all 50 states. Stateline offers more than health care --- it offers breaking news in related areas like education and crime and the courts. You can personalize the site and receive regular news updates based on the issues and state(s) that interest you. Very useful if you are interested in policy issues and the workings of government in your state.

October 7, 2001

2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse
This just-released survey provides annual estimates of the prevalence of illicit drug, alcohol and tobacco use in the U. S. and monitors the trends in use over time. It is based on a representative sample of the U.S. population age 12 and older, including persons living in households and in some group quarters such as dormitories and homeless shelters.

September 30, 2001

Women in Substance Abuse Treatment
There are 23 men for every 10 women in treatment. This report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reviews the number of women in treatment, the most common drug addictions that led to admission, and employment status. This report is in PDF format, which requires a free download of Adobe Acrobat.

September 23, 2001

Drug Calculator
This calculator totals a person's monthly and yearly expenses due to use of various substances --- cigarettes, alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, and marijuana. Created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

September 16, 2001

Toll-Free Numbers from the National Library of Medicine
The National Library of Medicine offers this online database of health-related organizations operating toll-free telephone services, including everything from accident prevention to youth-related services. You can search for desired resources by keyword or an alphabetical list. The database also includes information on services and publications available in Spanish.

September 9, 2001

Malignant Neglect: Substance Abuse and America's Schools
This Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse report found that substance abuse and addiction will add at least $41 billion—10 percent—to the costs of elementary and secondary education this year. The report charges that the widespread availability of drugs in schools is due to "malignant neglect" of parents, teachers, administrators, communities and students themselves.

September 2, 2001

Impaired Driving State Cost Fact Sheets
This National Highway Traffic Safety Administration listing reviews impaired driving cost data for every state. Each fact sheet includes the incidence of impaired driving, blood alcohol levels of arrestees, costs of alcohol-related injuries, impact on auto insurance rates, and potential svaings that can be realized through various policy and law enforcement initiatives.

August 26, 2001

Major Drug Traffickers
This U.S. Department of Justice report details the individuals and groups responsible for trafficking drugs in countries across the world. Reviews the cartels in Colombia, organized criminal groups in Mexico, and traffickers from the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Nigeria. Also covers domestic groups such as prison, street, and outlaw motorcycle gangs.

August 19, 2001

Substance Abuse Habits of NCAA Athletes
This survey, conducted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association with 21,000 athletes, found that 42% of athletes take supplements (which may include banned substances such as ephedrine). The survey also notes that there have been increases in the use of amphetamines and steroids.

August 12, 2001

National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month
This event will be observed in September, 2001. This year's theme is We Recover Together: Family, Friends, and Community. The site includes educational materials for community organizations, cultural groups, health professionals, educators, employers, and faith communities.

August 5, 2001

Practical Steps to Smoking Cessation for Alcoholics
This American Academy of Family Physicians article reports that 80-95% of alcoholics smoke, compared to the 25% rate in the general population. It addresses how readiness to change can be assessed, effective counseling strategies, and ways to enhance motivation.

July 29, 2001

Inhalants
This Center for Substance Abuse Prevention guide features prevention materials such as reports, classroom materials, organizations, and Internet sites to inform and educate youth, parents, prevention specialists, and others about the serious dangers of inhalant abuse.

July 22, 2001

Marijuana: Facts for Parents  This National Insitute on Drug Abuse brochure, set up as frequently asked questions, offers the latest scientific information and strategies for parents addresssing this issue with their children.

July 15, 2001

Straight Scoop  This site assists student journalists in disseminating information about drug abuse to their peers. Offers feature story ideas, advice from professional journalists, story-writing resources, and "fast facts" about drugs. 

July 8, 2001

How Marijuana Works  This article reviews the entire process of marijuana's effects on the body, from entering the body to workings in the brain to physiological effects. The article also covers topics such as "the munchies," potency, and drug testing. 

July 1, 2001

Global Drugs Trade  This British Broadcasting Corporation special report details the multibillion dollar worldwide drug trade, estimating about 50 million drug users around the world. This site covers key aspects of production, trafficking, and use of drugs in different parts of the world. 

June 24, 2001

Drug Reform Coordination Network (DRC Net)  This national network of drug reform activists has produced a highly informative website, including detailed examination of the drug war, harm reduction, international perspectives on substance abuse, and the "world's largest library on drug policy."

June 17, 2001

Roswell Park Tobacco Documents  Want to know what the tobacco companies have been doing behind the scenes? This site offers an in depth look at tobacco ads for virtually every brand, the Youth Marketing Collection, and a collection of documents released by the U.S. House of Representatives. 

June 11, 2001

Personal Alcohol Feedback  This interactive questionnaire from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Canada allows users to receive personalized feedback about their alcohol use and consequences, as well as risk reduction strategies.

June 3, 2001

Dying To Be Thin  This Nova special from PBS examines the disturbing increase in anorexia and bulimia. Site includes the whole program online, personal stories, an interactive nutrition feature, answers from experts, and eating disorder resources.

May 27, 2001

Smoking Among Minorities  This Surgeon General's report offers statistics about tobacco use, adolescent use, and risk factors among African Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics.

May 20, 2001

Sober Houses  This site offers recovering people seeking supportive housing a means to locate available residences around the United States. Listings include halfway and 3/4 houses, sober houses, and treatment programs.

May 13, 2001

DWI Laws in Other Countries  This National Highway Traffic Safety Administration document reviews impaired driving laws from other countries. The intent is to contribute to an understanding of impaired driving countermeasures and of how U.S. laws compare to countries around the world.

May 6, 2001

OxyContin Diversion/Abuse  This recently released Drug Intelligence Center report addresses the diversion and abuse of the prescription pain reliever OxyContin and the impact of abuse, particularly in the eastern United States. 

April 29, 2001

Prescription Drug Abuse  This recently released National Institute on Drug Abuse report covers the types of commonly abused prescription drugs, trends in the abuse of these drugs, and  prevention, detection, and treatment issues. This document includes a glossary and references for this often ignored public health problem.

April 9, 2001

Hallucinogens & Dissociatives  This National Institute on Drug Abuse report covers hallucinogens such as LSD and dissociative drugs such as ketamine and PCP. Includes a glossary and references for further information.

April 1, 2001

Women and Smoking  This 2001 Surgeon General's report summarizes women's patterns and trends in smoking, factors associated with starting and continuing smoking, health consequences, and interventions for cessation and prevention.

March 26, 2001

The Merchants of Cool  This PBS Frontline report describes the relationship between the media and teenagers, the disappearance of adults in popular culture being marketed to kids, the effects of media of teenagers, and the impact of the five major multimedia giants who control what is being marketed to young people. 

March 11, 2001

New Advances in Alcoholism Treatment  This Alcohol Alert from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reviews the effectiveness of twelve-step approaches, psychosocial therapies, and medications in the treatment of alcoholism. 

March 4, 2001

Introduction to Addiction Studies  An excellent manual covering addiction models, drug classifications, assessment issues, relapse prevention, multicultural perspectives, and ethical issues; developed at the University of California, San Diego.

February 25, 2001

World Drug Report  United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention report describes and explains the extent of drug use in developed and underdeveloped countries --- 180 million people throughout the world consume drugs.

February 18, 2001

DWI Detection Guide  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guide that describes the 24 driving cues that are predictive of impaired driving. Covers lane position, speed and braking, vigilance, and judgment problems.

February 11, 2001

Impaired Driving Among Youth  This technical report answers frequently asked questions about impaired driving trends, minimum drinking age laws, zero tolerance, and graduate licensing. Prepared by the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information.

February 7, 2001

NIDA Clinical Toolbox  This site provides a variety of science-based clinical tools for addiction treatment providers, including therapy manuals, approaches to drug counseling, and research reports. Developed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

January 28, 2001

Safe Youth Violence prevention resource site includes areas for parents and guardians, professionals, and teens. Extensive collection of web links and hot topics such as risk and protective factors, youth suicide, and after school programs.

January 21, 2001  

How Are The Children? U.S. Department of Education report reviews how children's early experiences help them get a healthy start, including brain function, relationships, and important types of stimulation.

January 14, 2001  

Drugs & Crime Facts  This Bureau of Justice Statistics site summarizes drug-related crime, law enforcement, court, and corrections data. The data are useful for policymakers, criminal justice experts, researchers, and the general public.

January 7, 2001

Drug Policy Debate The Schaffer Library for Drug Policy, which opposes current "drug war" tactics, has compiled a list of debate manuals that have been formulated by "pro" and "con" organizations. Includes the Drug Enforcement Administration debate manual.

December 31, 2000

Depression  Online American Psychological Association brochure describes the causes, the importance of psychotherapy, and medications used to treat depression.

December 24, 2000

In the News  Complete addiction news coverage from the National Clearinghouse on Alcohol and Drug Information. Includes recently released statistical reports, as well as press releases from the National Institutes of Health.

December 19, 2000

Overweight and Obesity Among Adults  Initial results from the 1999 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

December 10, 2000

Healthy Holidays  The information provided in this web area has been developed to help plan alcohol-safe celebrations, prevent alcohol-impaired driving, and reduce holiday depression.

December 3, 2000

Inhalant Abuse  National Institute on Drug Abuse research report details the scope, patterns, types, effects, and medical consequences of inhalant abuse. This site includes a glossary and references.