The government was at loggerheads with its own advisers last night over its new drugs policy.
An influential Home Office-backed committee raised serious doubts about the consultation process behind the 10-year strategy which will be unveiled in April. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) described the process as 'self-congratulatory and generally disappointing' and questioned the credibility of much of the evidence presented to government.
A spokesman for the Home Office said last month that the consultation process, which is being conducted by the polling agency Mori, had been 'open' and had included a wide range of views.
But the council said: 'We consider that an opportunity has been missed to address the public health problem relating to drug misuse and the balance with law enforcement and the Criminal Justice System...The consultation would benefit from extending further to the wider social harm of drug misuse.'
It also said: 'It is of concern that the evidence presented, and the interpretation given, are not based on rigorous scrutiny. It is not acknowledged that in many cases the information is uncertain and sometimes of poor quality.'
Last night politicians said the council's response raised questions about whether the government was more interested in spinning its record than tackling the war on drugs.
'The failures of the government's drugs policy are laid bare for all to see when their own advisory committee condemns the Home Office as being misleading and self-congratulatory,' said Liberal Democrat leadership contender Nick Clegg. 'When will the government wake up and acknowledge something many members of the public know: we are losing the war on drugs?' Clegg said
Steve Rolles of think tank Transform, which advises the UN on drugs policy, said: 'The consultation process behind the new strategy has been woeful.' Last month Transform branded the consultation process a 'sham', saying the government had already made up its mind to continue with its current strategy.
Concerns about the direction of the government's next drugs strategy come as senior police officers warn that cannabis now presents a greater 'long-term' threat to Britain than cocaine. The increasing strength of high-grade 'skunk' combined with growing evidence of major criminal involvement in its production was fast becoming an issue of mounting concern. Hospitals recently revealed that the number of mental health admissions as a result of cannabis use had risen by 73 per cent.
Source: http://politics.guardian.co.uk/homeaffairs/story/0,,2220563,00.html
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Canadian Teens Using Prescription Painkillers More
21% of Canadian teenagers in grades 7 to 12 said in a survey that they had used prescription painkillers (opioid drugs), such as Tylenol No. 3 and Percocet at least once during the previous twelve months for recreational purposes - the survey, carried out by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto interviewed teenagers in Ontario. Approximately three-quarter of these teenagers said they obtained the painkillers from their homes. OxyContin was the only drug to show a significant, albeit small, increase in non-medical use since the previous survey - in 2005 18,100 (1%) students reported using it, compared to 2% (about 18,100 teenagers) in 2007.
The surveyors were encouraged to find that there was no increase in the uptake of other drugs, saying that this may be because of effective health promotion initiatives that have been in place over a number of years. Louis Gliksman, Acting Chief of Research, CAMH, study spokesperson, said "The reasons for the increase in OxyContin® use are currently unknown, and we need to monitor this finding to determine whether it is a real trend or a one-time finding. However, the finding that 72% of the student users report obtaining the drugs from home suggests that some intervention with families might be appropriate." Students still opt for alcohol as their drug of choice, the report explains. Approximately 61% of all the students surveyed consume alcohol. About 26% of students binge drink.
In this report binge drinking means consuming five or more alcoholic drinks in one session. 19% of students may be drinking hazardously, the same proportion as in 2005. Drinking hazardously means doing so in a way that significantly raises your chances of having social, psychological and physical problems. 26% of the students said they had consumed cannabis at least once during the previous twelve months - a slight drop on previous years. 14% of all students said they had consumed cannabis at least six times during the previous twelve months.
A higher number of students said they drove a car after using cannabis (16%) than those who had consumed alcohol (12%).Just 5% of all the students said they smoked cigarettes regularly, while 72% had never tried a cigarette ever. In fact, the prevalence of daily smoking is at its lowest since 1977, when records began - today 12% of students smoke cigarettes regularly. Gail Czukar, CAMH's VP of Policy, Education and Health Promotion, said "Survey indicates that it is the legal drugs - alcohol and prescription opioids - that are being used by Ontario's youth today, and our governments' efforts to address substance use among youth need to be in synch with that reality if we want to improve the health of our young people."
The survey also revealed:-- 4% of students use OTC (over-the-counter) sleeping medication-- 3% of students use Jimson Weed-- 1% of students use ADHD (attention deficient/hyperactivity disorder) medicines for non-medical use-- Speed (methamphetamine) and crystal meth (crystal methamphetamine) does not seem to have made any inroads into the student population. In fact 'speed' consumption dropped, from 2% of all students in 2005, to 1% in 2007-- 3% of students consumed cannabis every day during the 4 weeks prior to the survey (about 27,300 students in grades 7-12) -- Approximately 28,700 students in Ontario (3%) may have a cannabis dependence problem-- 15% of all students said they got drunk at least once during the previous twelve months-- 21% were either sold, offered or given drugs at schoolThe survey, called the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS). It is Canada's longest running school survey of teenagers, describing drug use and changes since 1977.
Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/89535.php
The surveyors were encouraged to find that there was no increase in the uptake of other drugs, saying that this may be because of effective health promotion initiatives that have been in place over a number of years. Louis Gliksman, Acting Chief of Research, CAMH, study spokesperson, said "The reasons for the increase in OxyContin® use are currently unknown, and we need to monitor this finding to determine whether it is a real trend or a one-time finding. However, the finding that 72% of the student users report obtaining the drugs from home suggests that some intervention with families might be appropriate." Students still opt for alcohol as their drug of choice, the report explains. Approximately 61% of all the students surveyed consume alcohol. About 26% of students binge drink.
In this report binge drinking means consuming five or more alcoholic drinks in one session. 19% of students may be drinking hazardously, the same proportion as in 2005. Drinking hazardously means doing so in a way that significantly raises your chances of having social, psychological and physical problems. 26% of the students said they had consumed cannabis at least once during the previous twelve months - a slight drop on previous years. 14% of all students said they had consumed cannabis at least six times during the previous twelve months.
A higher number of students said they drove a car after using cannabis (16%) than those who had consumed alcohol (12%).Just 5% of all the students said they smoked cigarettes regularly, while 72% had never tried a cigarette ever. In fact, the prevalence of daily smoking is at its lowest since 1977, when records began - today 12% of students smoke cigarettes regularly. Gail Czukar, CAMH's VP of Policy, Education and Health Promotion, said "Survey indicates that it is the legal drugs - alcohol and prescription opioids - that are being used by Ontario's youth today, and our governments' efforts to address substance use among youth need to be in synch with that reality if we want to improve the health of our young people."
The survey also revealed:-- 4% of students use OTC (over-the-counter) sleeping medication-- 3% of students use Jimson Weed-- 1% of students use ADHD (attention deficient/hyperactivity disorder) medicines for non-medical use-- Speed (methamphetamine) and crystal meth (crystal methamphetamine) does not seem to have made any inroads into the student population. In fact 'speed' consumption dropped, from 2% of all students in 2005, to 1% in 2007-- 3% of students consumed cannabis every day during the 4 weeks prior to the survey (about 27,300 students in grades 7-12) -- Approximately 28,700 students in Ontario (3%) may have a cannabis dependence problem-- 15% of all students said they got drunk at least once during the previous twelve months-- 21% were either sold, offered or given drugs at schoolThe survey, called the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS). It is Canada's longest running school survey of teenagers, describing drug use and changes since 1977.
Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/89535.php
Herald investigation: Party pill pushers beat the ban
Experimental "next-generation" party pills designed to side-step next month's Government ban have hit the streets.
One test batch put a man who took them in hospital.
A Weekend Herald investigation has found at least one of the new pills contains a substance police believe is illegal.
A legal loophole means party pill makers can put products on the market without having to prove they are safe.
Doctors say the new pills being created in the rush to meet demand may be as dangerous as those being banned.
The Government aims to have its ban on core party pill ingredient BZP in effect by Christmas.
The law change will classify BZP as a class C drug.
A range of pills being marketed as "non-BZP" is now on shop shelves. The pills, with names such as "Neuro Blast", cost $40 for a pack of three.
A man who took part in a trial of non-BZP pills for Auckland company London Underground was hospitalised when he found himself almost unable to breath, went numb and had his blood pressure almost double after taking two pills in August.
He said he felt he was going to die when he was hit by a "a surge of adrenalin into my heart".
The Ministry of Health says other users of next-generation pills have had heart palpitations and their fingers or toes have turned blue.
The Neuro Blast pills are being investigated by the police national drug intelligence bureau after scientific testing found they contained a stimulating substance called diphenyl prolinol.
Bureau head Mick Alexander said police believed they could prove this was a close version or "analogue" of pipradrol, a stimulant with side effects ranging from insomnia to psychosis and convulsions.
He would not comment further, saying legal action was possible.
London Underground refused to discuss the pills with the Weekend Herald and did not return calls about the police allegations.
A staff member, who would only give his name as Stan, said he knew of problems experienced by one of the trial participants but would not say what was in the pills.
He said Neuro Blast was no longer in shops - but the Weekend Herald bought some in the city yesterday.
Mr Alexander said police were aware parts of the multi-million dollar party pill industry were "pushing boundaries" with "obscure compounds" before the BZP ban.
"There are party pill suppliers selling pills without even knowing what is in them. If I was a user I would just stay away."
Mr Alexander said the party pill industry was exploiting a loophole in the Misuse of Drugs Act which meant manufacturers did not have to prove pills were safe before putting them on sale, as happened with food and medicine. Instead, the onus was on police to prove the pills were dangerous.
Source: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10473827
One test batch put a man who took them in hospital.
A Weekend Herald investigation has found at least one of the new pills contains a substance police believe is illegal.
A legal loophole means party pill makers can put products on the market without having to prove they are safe.
Doctors say the new pills being created in the rush to meet demand may be as dangerous as those being banned.
The Government aims to have its ban on core party pill ingredient BZP in effect by Christmas.
The law change will classify BZP as a class C drug.
A range of pills being marketed as "non-BZP" is now on shop shelves. The pills, with names such as "Neuro Blast", cost $40 for a pack of three.
A man who took part in a trial of non-BZP pills for Auckland company London Underground was hospitalised when he found himself almost unable to breath, went numb and had his blood pressure almost double after taking two pills in August.
He said he felt he was going to die when he was hit by a "a surge of adrenalin into my heart".
The Ministry of Health says other users of next-generation pills have had heart palpitations and their fingers or toes have turned blue.
The Neuro Blast pills are being investigated by the police national drug intelligence bureau after scientific testing found they contained a stimulating substance called diphenyl prolinol.
Bureau head Mick Alexander said police believed they could prove this was a close version or "analogue" of pipradrol, a stimulant with side effects ranging from insomnia to psychosis and convulsions.
He would not comment further, saying legal action was possible.
London Underground refused to discuss the pills with the Weekend Herald and did not return calls about the police allegations.
A staff member, who would only give his name as Stan, said he knew of problems experienced by one of the trial participants but would not say what was in the pills.
He said Neuro Blast was no longer in shops - but the Weekend Herald bought some in the city yesterday.
Mr Alexander said police were aware parts of the multi-million dollar party pill industry were "pushing boundaries" with "obscure compounds" before the BZP ban.
"There are party pill suppliers selling pills without even knowing what is in them. If I was a user I would just stay away."
Mr Alexander said the party pill industry was exploiting a loophole in the Misuse of Drugs Act which meant manufacturers did not have to prove pills were safe before putting them on sale, as happened with food and medicine. Instead, the onus was on police to prove the pills were dangerous.
Source: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10473827
Herbal Highs Facts And Recommendations For Those Who Get Herbal Highs
Herbal highs are easily accessible, legal in the United States and many more countries. The natural high is derived from herbs, herbal blends, and in some cases by using extracts. A natural euphoric high is not the same as that gotten with alcohol.
There are a few important facts that you should be aware of before considering getting a natural high. Herbs are not tobacco nor are they Marijuana. They do not produce the same kind of high gotten with tobacco or Marijuana. Each herb also has its own distinct characteristics and flavor. Some smooth herbs may be ground into a very fine powder. They burn well but might be harsh.
Let me give you a tip regarding herbal highs. When you begin smoking, it is probably best to start out with small amounts. This will help you decide whether you like its flavor or its effects. Obtaining herbal sample blends will be your best bet. It will also help your body to be come used to it.
There are some herbs when smoked that can be as addictive as nicotine is. If you are using herbal highs as an alternative to tobacco and nicotine, you may be trading one addiction for another one. However, smoking herbs will be better than tobacco and it may be a way to reel yourself of tobacco smoking.
There are some precautions you should take before getting high with herbs or making purchases of the herbs. Check the ingredients: there should be no additives or preservatives. Do not buy any herb or blend that contains Kava or other bark or root herbs because they are not smooth to smoke.
Avoid or do not smoke any product that contains the herb called Salvia Divinorum. It must burn hot to get the desired affect. When used in a blend it is difficult to get the effects. When however, it is used in a blend to smooth out the smoke, it works well.
Do not use if you have any health conditions or are taking any kind of medications without consulting your physician. Also you should not get high with herbs if you are pregnant or if you are nursing. Not enough is known of its effect on the babies. While under the influence of herbal highs do not drive or operate any machinery.
Source: http://www.safetylit.org/citations/index.php?fuseaction=citations.viewdetails&citationIds%5B%5D=citjournalarticle_78400_19
There are a few important facts that you should be aware of before considering getting a natural high. Herbs are not tobacco nor are they Marijuana. They do not produce the same kind of high gotten with tobacco or Marijuana. Each herb also has its own distinct characteristics and flavor. Some smooth herbs may be ground into a very fine powder. They burn well but might be harsh.
Let me give you a tip regarding herbal highs. When you begin smoking, it is probably best to start out with small amounts. This will help you decide whether you like its flavor or its effects. Obtaining herbal sample blends will be your best bet. It will also help your body to be come used to it.
There are some herbs when smoked that can be as addictive as nicotine is. If you are using herbal highs as an alternative to tobacco and nicotine, you may be trading one addiction for another one. However, smoking herbs will be better than tobacco and it may be a way to reel yourself of tobacco smoking.
There are some precautions you should take before getting high with herbs or making purchases of the herbs. Check the ingredients: there should be no additives or preservatives. Do not buy any herb or blend that contains Kava or other bark or root herbs because they are not smooth to smoke.
Avoid or do not smoke any product that contains the herb called Salvia Divinorum. It must burn hot to get the desired affect. When used in a blend it is difficult to get the effects. When however, it is used in a blend to smooth out the smoke, it works well.
Do not use if you have any health conditions or are taking any kind of medications without consulting your physician. Also you should not get high with herbs if you are pregnant or if you are nursing. Not enough is known of its effect on the babies. While under the influence of herbal highs do not drive or operate any machinery.
Source: http://www.safetylit.org/citations/index.php?fuseaction=citations.viewdetails&citationIds%5B%5D=citjournalarticle_78400_19
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
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