This annual meeting brings together scientists from dozens of different disciplines, from laboratory to translational to clinical research, from throughout the United States and the world. Through thousands of lectures, symposia, research presentations, and exhibits, Experimental Biology provides scientists and clinicians an unparalleled opportunity to step outside the boundaries of their own fields and share information with colleagues looking at similar biomedical problems through the lens of different disciplines. The meeting also offers a wide spectrum of professional development for scientists, as listed below. Read more online.

Labels: brain_chemistry, research, biological_causes

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A new study was published in February 2007 that showed conclusively that wilderness therapy is effective in treating teens with substance abuse issues. Wilderness therapy programs became more well-known last year when they were profiled in a reality show called Brat Camp. The study, conducted by Keith C. Russell, Ph.D., of the University of Minnesota, showed very positive results after a child attended an outdoor wilderness therapy program:

Findings showed that the majority of participating teens with serious or significant substance use issues who previously were rated as "passive" about or "reluctant" to address problem behaviors became "actively interested" in working on or overcoming the issues triggering their substance use after attending an outdoor behavioral healthcare program. Other findings included significant reductions in symptoms of pre-existing depression, anxiety and stress after attending a program.

If you are interested in learning more about where the phrase brat camp originated, visit bratcamps.com.

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The Pequannock High School recently approved a new "Monday Test" that can determine if students had been drinking for up to 80 hours prior to the test. The tests will take place each Monday, but testing is voluntary and will not be forced.

"...students who test positive will not be kicked off sports teams or barred from extracurricular activities. Instead they will receive counseling, and their parents will be notified."

This is not the first school district to implement such tests. Alcohol and drug testing has been implement in several other states, including Texas. Pequannock implemented drug testing in 2005 and has seen a dramatic reduction is drug use among the school's students. Read more at DailyRecord.com.

Labels: high school, students, drug testing

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USA Today recently published a report on the long term affects of marijuana use. Because of its ease to get and a general belief that it is the mildest of all drugs, many teens and adults admit to smoking pot at least once. But new data shows that smoking pot affects neuropsychological functioning, such as hand-eye coordination, reaction time and memory. Heavy marijuana users also have lower IQ scores and are typically less satisfied with their quality of life.

Then there is the ongoing debate about whether or not pot is a "gateway drug".

"...Studies have shown that when regular pot smokers quit, they do experience withdrawal symptoms, a characteristic used to predict addictiveness. Most users of more addictive drugs, such as cocaine or heroin, started with marijuana, scientists say, and the earlier they started, the greater their risk of becoming addicted. Many studies have documented a link between smoking marijuana and the later use of "harder" drugs such as heroin and cocaine, but that doesn't necessarily mean marijuana causes addiction to harder drugs."

Read more from USA Today.

Labels: marijuana, pot, addiction, gateway drugs

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The Center for Disease Control, after reviewing death certificates from 1999 to 2004, has determined that accidental overdose is now the nation's leading cause of accidental death. They attribute the rise, in part, to an increase in prescriptions for drugs like oxycontin and vicodin.

"'The broadest newest development in substance abuse in America is the intentional abuse of medicine,' said Stephen Pasierb of the Partnership for a Drub Free America. 'It's gone from subset to a whole tier of abuse.'"

This new tier of substance abuse is more common than the use of heroin, cocaine and ecstasy, and is believed to have contributed to a 113% rise in teenage fatal drug overdoses. Read more at WSAW.com.

Labels: prescription drugs, overdose

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It's not widely known or widely practiced, but Judith Ann Miller, founder and president of the Courage to Change Ranch, says that the use of nutritional supplements at part of addiction treatment works. The supplements correct imbalances in the brains neurotransmitters, helping the addict get through the difficult "detoxing" stage.

"[The therapy] helps them get their brains working so they can actually think. A person like this can't even fathom a 12-step program until they can get their brain working."

Miller's treatment includes neurotransmitter therapy, a structured work environment, and individual and group therapy. Read more at Kansas.com.

Labels: treatment, therapy, supplements

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The second National Conference of Methamphetamine, HIV and Hepatitis takes place this weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah. Scientists, teachers and substance abuse workers from across the country will come together to discuss treatments, prevention, and the current state of meth.

"Among the variety of presentations on the opening day of the three-day conference... included a presentation of new data released by the Bureau of Forensic Toxicology on methamphetamine deaths in Utah during a 10-year period."

The conference will also focus on policy-making, scientific research, and needle-exchange programs. Read more online.

Is your older teen or young adult trying to maintain their sobriety and continue their education? NorthStar Center can help! By offering a sober living environment and help with academics, NorthStar is more than just young adult drug rehab.

Labels: meth, research

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Every week, in 14 cities across the United States, young people don layers of clothing, hop on a bus, and strap on snowboards and helmets - all in the name of "therapy". The program is called "Chill", and its focus is to improve self-esteem and confidence of at-risk and inner city youth.

"Through the challenge of learning a tough new sport, the snowboarders undergo intensive therapy, program officials say. The staff members try to get the youth to focus on six themes when they struggle: patience, persistence, respect, integrity, courage, and pride."

The bus rides to and from the ski centers are opportunities for young people to talk, share, and think. Read more at ChicagoTribune.com.

Labels: treatment, therapy

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A group of students recently gathered for Putnam County's (New York) first Communities That Care Youth Summit. The purpose of the summit was for adults to gather information and suggestions from students about how to prevent substance abuse and drug use among young people.

"One group wanted the schools to alternate hosting family dinner nights. Another wanted community service to be rewarded with free movie tickets or passes to amusement parks. A third group wanted the community to build a recreation center complete with an arcade, a swimming pool, computers and miniature golf."

Janeen Cunningham, deputy director of the Youth Bureau believes that it's time the adults started asking young people for their input about ways to curb teen drug and alcohol abuse and taking it seriously. Read more at TheJournalNews.com.

Labels: prevention, teenagers

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Copper Canyon Academy, in Rimrock, Arizona, offers an extremely comprehensive therapeutic program for troubled teenage girls and their families. Through individual, group, and animal therapy, the licensed therapists at Copper Canyon Academy treat girls who have abused drugs and alcohol, made exhibited poor impulse control, and shown a lack of boundaries and disrespect towards parents and authority figures. Learn more about Copper Canyon Academy >>>

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On March 5th, researchers and clinicians will come together for a two-day meeting to discuss the complicated issues surrounding pain management and addiction.

"'The goal of this two-day meeting is to inform researchers and practitioners about the state of the science of the intersection of addiction and pain management.'"

The meeting will take place in Rockville, Maryland and includes speakers who specialize is substance abuse, psychiatry, pharmaceuticals, internal medicine and more. Read more online.

Labels: addiction, treatment, research

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A year ago, most city, county, and sate officials were concerned with teen use of things like marijuana and cocaine. Though use of those drugs is still an issue, more and more people are becoming aware of the increased abuse of prescription medication.

"According to an analysis of national surveys prepared by [John] Walters office, 2.1 million teenagers abused prescription drugs in 2005, the most recent year for which figures are available."

The increased used is primarily attributed to accessibility and the misconception that prescription drugs are safer. Read more at TheOaklandPress.com.

Labels: prescription drugs, teenagers, abuse

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Smokers who underwent intensive, structured treatment were much more likely to quit the habit than those left on their own, a new study finds.

Researchers at Creighton University Cardiac Center in Omaha, NB, worked with 209 heart patients. They divided them into two groups. Both groups got thirty minutes of anti-smoking counseling and self-help materials. However, one group also underwent three months of behavior modification therapy and took free drugs tailored to their needs, such as nicotine smoking patches or ibuprofen.

Two years later, almost 40% of the group receiving structured treatment had quit smoking, compared to 9% of those who had no interventions.

This study appears in the February 2007 issue of CHEST, the journal of the American College of Chest Physicians.

Labels: smoking, treatment

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Sober College, a private institution in South Carolina, has released a handbook that gives parents signs to watch for which indicate their child may be abusing drugs. The handbook also shares treatment solutions.

"'Everyday I am asked by parents if there is a way to really tell if their child is using and abusing drugs. The answer is a definitive YES!'"

Sober College released the handbook at a 'Bridging the Gap' meeting at Agoura High School. Read more online.

Labels: parents, children, signs

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In mid-January, an unsuspecting community was stunned to find out that one of the homes in their neighborhood was being used to grow marijuana. In August and September of last year, over 40 similar drug busts took place, exposing a San Francisco based crime syndicate's latest twist on drug trafficking and dealing.

"'Our theory is they're picking newer neighborhoods because of the relative anonymity. They know the neighbors don't know each other as well as they would in established neighborhoods.'"

Growers often pay as much as $750,000 for houses in new subdivisions, the literally gut the home to make room for the marijuana plants. It's an elaborate operation, but as the public becomes more aware, officials are hoping neighborhoods will no longer be safe locations for these indoor marijuana fields. Read more at USAToday.com.

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