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.
Require Random Drug and Alcohol Tests for Doctors, Experts Advise
Patient safety experts are urging hospitals to require physicians to have random drug and alcohol tests. The tests should also be conducted if a patient dies suddenly or is injured unexpectedly during surgery, they write in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
“Recovery Courts” to Combat Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues in Tennessee
Nine “recovery courts” will be created in Tennessee to combat substance abuse and mental health issues, state officials announced this week. They will combine services currently found in drug courts, mental health courts and veterans courts.
Chronic Pain Program Focuses on Education for Patients with Addiction
The Neurological Center for Pain’s Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program at the Cleveland Clinic has created a Chemical Education Track designed specifically for patients with chronic non-cancer pain who also have a therapeutic opioid addiction. Initial results are promising.
Vaccine Blocks Heroin Addiction Relapse in Rats
Scientists have blocked heroin addiction relapse in rats using a vaccine, according to U.S. News & World Report. They hope the vaccine will be ready for human testing later this year.
Clinton Foundation Aims to Reduce Prescription Drug Abuse Among College Students
Former President Bill Clinton this week pledged his foundation will work with the New York Police Department and other partners to address prescription drug abuse, with a focus on college students.
Mental Health Disorder Manual Lacks Scientific Validity, Government Expert Contends
The soon-to-be-released update of the manual used to diagnose mental illness lacks scientific validity, says the director of the National Institute of Mental Health.
California Court: Local Governments Can Outlaw Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
The California Supreme Court on Monday ruled local governments can outlaw medical marijuana dispensaries, according to Reuters.
Many Drug Companies Creating Abuse-Resistant Painkillers
More than a dozen drug companies are working on abuse-resistant painkillers, in the wake of the Food and Drug Administration’s decision last month not to approve any generic versions of the original form of OxyContin.
Law Enforcement Has Few Tools to Crack Down on Nitrous Oxide Abuse
Law enforcement officials who are trying to crack down on the growing problem of nitrous oxide abuse have limited options to punish people who sell the gas to those who use it to get high, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
California Veterinarian Says Medical Marijuana Could Help Some Pets
A California veterinarian is advocating using medical marijuana to help improve the quality of life for some pets with untreatable conditions, according to ABC News.
