Join Together
Join Together is a collaboration of the Boston University School of Public Health and The Partnership at Drugfree.org, dedicated to advancing effective drug and alcohol policy, prevention and treatment. Learn more.
DEA Creates Cleveland-Based Unit for Investigating Prescription Drug Abuse Cases
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will create a 12-member investigative unit, based in Cleveland, which will focus on prescription drug cases. The unit will include agents from the DEA, FBI, and local law enforcement agencies.
Substance Abuse a Top Non-Combat Medical Condition Leading to Soldier Hospitalization
Substance abuse is one of the top non-combat medical conditions that result in hospitalization for U.S. troops, according to a new Pentagon report.
Breaking the Intergenerational Cycle of Substance Abuse
Children raised in a household with one or more parents struggling with a substance use disorder often use compliance as a coping mechanism—a skill that often no longer serves them well in adulthood, according to an expert who spoke recently at the National Council Mental Health and Addictions Conference. He says teaching new skills to substitute for learned patterns can help break the intergenerational cycle of substance abuse.
Kentucky Medicaid Provider Reverses Decision on Payment for Buprenorphine
The Medicaid contractor in Kentucky that announced last week it would stop paying for the opioid addiction medication buprenorphine has reversed its decision, according to The Courier-Journal.
Some Question Fairness of New Jersey Drug Treatment Plan
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s plan for mandatory treatment for all low-level drug offenders could reduce treatment slots for people who seek treatment voluntarily, but don’t have the money to pay for it, critics say.
NY Mayor Bloomberg Donates Own Money to Support California Tobacco Tax Measure
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg will donate up to $500,000 of his own money to support California’s tobacco tax measure, known as Proposition 29. He challenged supporters to match that amount.
Military Limits Use of Antipsychotic Medications to Treat Soldiers with PTSD
The U.S. military is limiting the use of certain antipsychotic drugs such as Seroquel for treatment of post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). These drugs, used to treat severe mental illness, are sometimes prescribed in lower doses to relieve symptoms of PTSD and anxiety. When they are mixed with other prescriptions, however, they can be dangerous and even deadly.
Revised Definition of Addiction Could Lead to Millions More Being Diagnosed
A proposed revision to the definition of addiction by mental health specialists could lead to millions of additional people receiving an addiction diagnosis, The New York Times reports. The changes could lead to big consequences for both health insurers and taxpayers, according to the newspaper.
Tobacco Industry Ads Oppose Proposed California Cigarette Tax to Fund Cancer Research
The tobacco industry is funding ads opposing California’s proposed tax on cigarettes to raise money for cancer research.
Stolen or Fabricated Prescription Pads Play Role in Surge in Painkiller Abuse
Stolen or fabricated prescription pads are contributing to the surge in prescription drug abuse, experts say. There is a growing call for computer systems that directly link doctors to pharmacies, to avoid this problem.
