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.
Bill Would Require Tamper-Resistant Formulas for Certain Drugs
A new bill introduced Friday in the U.S. House of Representatives would require new drugs, and certain generic drugs, to have tamper-resistant formulas, ABC News reports. The proposed legislation is designed to reduce prescription drug abuse.
Critics of Mental Health Disorder Manual Say Mental Illness Being Overdiagnosed
Critics of the soon-to-be-released updated manual used to identify mental illness, say it will expand the list of what constitutes mental illness and will lead to a needless increase in diagnoses, according to CNN.
Modest Alcohol Consumption Can be Dangerous for Those with Hepatitis C
Even moderate amounts of alcohol can be dangerous for people with hepatitis C, according to a new study.
Middle School Dating Linked to Increased Substance Use in New Study
Middle school students who date report using twice as much alcohol, tobacco and marijuana, compared with their classmates without romantic relationships, a new study finds.
Addiction Expert: Care Needed in Implementing New Buprenorphine Prescribing Rules
In January, new government regulations took effect that allow greater take-home privileges for buprenorphine patients who are treated in clinic-based Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs). While this change will allow more patients to have increased flexibility as they progress in their recovery, providers must be careful in deciding who to give the medication to, in order to avoid diversion, says a New York addiction specialist.
FDA: Expect Delays Before Hydrocodone Combination Drugs Reclassified
The Food and Drug Administration told lawmakers this month that the process of reclassifying hydrocodone combination products, in order to make them more difficult to prescribe, will be long, The Hill reports.
Recreational Marijuana Use Violates International Law, UN Body Says
The recreational use of marijuana is a violation of international law, the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board warned the United States this week.
Florida Court Reaffirms Allowing Sick Smokers, Survivors to Sue Tobacco Companies
The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday reaffirmed its decision allowing sick smokers or their survivors to sue tobacco companies for cigarette-related illness or death.
Binge Drinking Costs Billions in Wisconsin, Study Finds
A new study calculates binge drinking cost Wisconsin $6.8 billion last year. Easy availability of alcohol, combined with low alcohol taxes, has contributed to high rates of alcohol use in the state, NPR reports.
Medical Group Warns Against Giving Attention Drugs to Healthy Teens
Healthy children and teenagers should not be given drugs designed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the American Academy of Neurology said this week.
