Kratom, used as a medicinal plant in some countries in Southeast Asia, is increasingly popular as a drug of abuse in South Florida, the Sun Sentinel reports. The drug is available online, and at tobacco and head shops, the newspaper notes. Some people use it recreationally, while others use it for pain relief, or as a treatment for depression and other ailments. It is also used by some people as a substitute for heroin, prescription painkillers or opium. Its very easy to get, said Nancy Steiner, founder of The Sanctuary, a transitional living facility for people in recovery from chemical dependency in Delray Beach, Florida. Its not just a problem for the recovery community, but its in high schools and colleges. Its a mass problem. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), kratom is mainly being abused orally as a tea, but some people chew kratom leaves. Kratom has been described as producing both stimulant and sedative effects. Acute side effects include nausea, itching, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, increased urination and loss of appetite. Kratom consumption can lead to addiction, according to the DEA. The agency notes that while kratom is not controlled under the Controlled Substances Act, there … Continue reading →

By Ginny Greene Content provided by Drug addiction and abuse is a serious problem in America. Some people believe addiction is all about willpower. However, much research has shown that addiction is a brain disease. Early experimentation with illicit drugs, nicotine and alcohol may be voluntary. But using or abusing these drugs can change the way our brains work. This, in turn, causes changes in our social behavior, judgment and relationships. Our actions can become centered on getting more of the drug we crave. Drug abuse and addiction can affect heart and liver disease, lung disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, federal health officials say. Some of these physical effects occur over time. Some may occur with just a single use. Let's test your drug IQ. See how many of these questions you can answer correctly. 1. Abuse of alcohol, nicotine and illegal substances costs Americans a lot of money. The yearly cost of their combined medical, economic, criminal and social impact is estimated at: A) $500 million B) $1 billion C) $100 billion D) $500 billion Answer: d. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says half a trillion dollars is spent on these areas related to alcohol and … Continue reading →

About 85 percent of Lycoming County Drug Court defendants are addicted to heroin. For every one addict who has found help in the system, there are 10 more who haven't yet been caught, according to James Schriner, a county probation officer. And the problem is getting worse. In the first 11 months of the year, the West Branch Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission has treated 278 clients who identified heroin as their primary drug of choice. In 2011, they treated 173 heroin addicts in the same time period. The drug, which is highly addictive and readily available, creates physical dependency in the user. The euphoric effect lures people from all walks of life, from high school students to the elderly. "Addiction happens as readily to the wealthy and educated as it does to anyone. There is no stereotype for an addict," Jennifer Reeder, the commission's assistant director, said. "There are a number of reasons people turn to drugs, such as curiosity and escape from life's problems, but ultimately they are all attempting to fill a void in their lives," said Reeder. Once you're hooked, it's almost impossible to stop without help, Shriner explained. Those who are concerned they may have … Continue reading →

Dec. 3, 2012, 4 a.m. A MAN found in the Apollo Estate with "deal bags" of crystal methamphetamine has been placed on an eight-month good behaviour bond in Dubbo Local Court. Bradley Vandermaal pleaded guilty to possessing the prohibited drug (commonly known as ice) when he appeared before Magistrate Andrew Eckhold. The court heard the 22-year-old bakery labourer was stopped and searched after he came to police attention on October 11. Vandermaal had previously appeared in court on a charge of driving under the influence of a drug. On that occasion, he was assessed as suitable to participate in the Magistrate's Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) drug and alcohol program. Vandermaal's solicitor said his mother was concerned about him. The solicitor asked for a good behaviour bond with supervision. Magistrate Eckhold asked Vandermaal if he knew what he was doing to his brain. "Crystal methamphetamine is a very dangerous drug - the maximum penalty for possession is two years in jail,'' the magistrate said. "A scale was found in your car. You were very lucky not to have been charged with a more serious offence. "You need to be very careful. You will develop a dependency to the drug, if … Continue reading →

Community workers in nations capital attend Truth About Drugs seminar at Church of Scientology National Affairs Office. Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) December 03, 2012 Coming on the heels of National Red Ribbon Week, the seminar was conducted by Jesse Morrow, National Affairs Office Social Reform Director, who began with an overview of the church-supported Truth About Drugs curriculum covering the most commonly abused drugs: marijuana, alcohol, Ecstasy, cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal meth, inhalants, heroin, LSD, prescription drugs, painkillers, and Ritalin. The Truth About Marijuana booklet was emphasized in the seminar for two reasons, said Morrow: There are a lot of mixed messages about the effects of marijuana, making it one of the most misunderstood drugs, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) study of August 2011 ranked the District alongside the 10 states whose residents most frequently use the drug. Several of those attending are former addicts who have turned their lives around and are now drug prevention activists, helping youth avoid the grip of addiction they once suffered. They discussed their own drug dependency having begun with marijuana and each spoke of the accuracy of The Truth About Marijuana booklet. After studying and discussing The Truth … Continue reading →