Join Together
Join Together, a collaboration of the Boston University School of Public Health and The Partnership at Drugfree.org, delivers substance abuse and addiction news that impacts your work, life and community. Learn more.
Medical Marijuana Supporters Call for Tighter Restrictions on the Drug
Supporters of medical marijuana legislation around the country are calling for tighter restrictions on the drug, in reaction to critics’ fear that passing such laws will lead to increased use.
Google Still Isn’t Doing Enough to Prevent Illegal Online Drug Sales: Mississippi AG
Google still isn’t doing enough to prevent illegal online sales of drugs without prescriptions, according to Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood. He announced Tuesday he is sending out subpoenas for company documents, the Associated Press reports.
Animal Study Links Missing Brain Enzyme with Addiction to Painkillers
A new animal study suggests a missing brain enzyme increases concentrations of a protein related to opioid addiction, Science Daily reports.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Autism May Share Similarities: Rodent Study
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and autism spectrum disorder may share some molecular similarities, a new study of rats suggests. The findings could help researchers trying to develop new treatments for both disorders, Fox News reports.
An Author Takes a Look Inside Rehab
Join Together chats with New York Times best-selling author Anne Fletcher, MS, RD, whose latest book is “Inside Rehab: The Surprising Truth About Addiction Treatment – And How to Get Help That Works” (Viking, 2013), to discuss addiction treatment today and the future of recovery.
18 Percent of U.S. Adults Smoke, Down Slightly From Previous Year
The percentage of adult smokers in the United States declined last year to 18 percent, from 18.9 percent the previous year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Doctors Shouldn’t Prescribe Medical Marijuana to Teens with Chronic Pain: Mayo Clinic
Doctors should not prescribe medical marijuana to teens with chronic pain, say researchers at the Mayo Clinic. Marijuana can lead to some negative short-term side effects, including impaired concentration, fatigue and slower reaction times, they write in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Smoking at Bar and Restaurant Entrances Affects Patrons and Workers Inside
The smoke of cigarettes from bar and restaurant patrons who stand just outside the entrance appears to drift inside, a new Spanish study suggests. The researchers call for laws that restrict smoking outside these venues, to more completely protect against secondhand smoke.
Kentucky Officials Announce Study of Prescription Drug Abuse Laws
Officials in Kentucky will study the effectiveness of new laws designed to reduce prescription drug abuse, The Courier-Journal reports.
Urban Outfitters to Discontinue Products Promoting Rx Drug Abuse
Urban Outfitters announced Friday it will discontinue selling products that promote prescription drug abuse. The move comes after a campaign by public health groups, state attorneys general and legislators.
