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.
Gene Variants May Protect Babies Exposed to Opioids in the Womb
Certain genetic variants in babies who were exposed to opioids in the womb may protect them, leading to shorter hospital stays and less treatment, according to a new study.
Doctors Treating Alcoholics Should Go to Some AA Meetings: Expert
Clinicians who treat patients dealing with alcohol abuse often refer them to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), but many have never gone to a meeting and are not familiar with what goes on there, according to an expert on Twelve-Step programs.
Marijuana Businesses Deal in Cash, Creating Banking Woes
Financial institutions are avoiding dealing with marijuana businesses, even in states where the drug is legal. As a result, owners of these businesses are forced to institute cash-only policies, CNN reports.
Study: Smoking Prevention Programs in Schools Can Reduce Number of Future Smokers
Smoking prevention programs delivered in schools can be effective in reducing the number of future smokers, a review of studies suggests.
Medical Board of California Supports Bills Aimed at Prescription Drug Abuse
The Medical Board of California has voted to support measures designed to fight prescription drug abuse, the Los Angeles Times reports. The board refused to transfer its investigators looking into physician misconduct in prescription drug abuse cases to the state Attorney General’s office.
New Jersey Acts to Save “Good Samaritan” Overdose Measure
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Democratic senators agreed on changes to a “Good Samaritan” bill that allows people to call 911 to report a drug overdose, without the fear of getting arrested for drug possession themselves.
Government Hasn’t Made Progress on Most Drug Control Goals: Report
The Government Accountability Office found the federal government has not made progress on most goals for reducing drug use, which were outlined in the 2010 National Drug Control Strategy, UPI reports.
Some States Want to Ease Alcohol Restrictions to Raise Tax Revenues
Some states are considering legislation that would ease restrictions on alcohol sales, in an effort to increase tax revenue, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Peer Pressure to Smoke Greater in Middle School Than High School: Study
Parents’ smoking behavior influences their teens’ decisions about cigarette use throughout high school, a new study suggests. Peer pressure to smoke is greater during middle school than high school, according to researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.
Colorado, Washington State Struggle to Devise Marijuana Health and Safety Rules
Officials in Colorado and Washington state, which recently legalized the recreational use of marijuana, are struggling to devise health and safety rules for the drug.
