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Study shows school-based prevention program reduces problem behaviors in fifth-graders

A study suggests that school-based prevention programs begun in elementary school can significantly reduce problem behaviors in students. Fifth graders who previously participated in a comprehensive interactive school prevention program for one to four years were about half as likely to engage in substance abuse, violent behavior, or sexual activity as those who did not take part in the program.

18 Jun 2009

Cargo-screening ferret to detect hidden drugs and weapons

A new type of robot being developed will make it easier to detect drugs, weapons, explosives and illegal immigrants concealed in cargo containers.

13 Jun 2009

Childhood health disparities can have life-long health effects

Research indicates that physical and mental stress in childhood may have life-long adverse health effects and policy initiatives are needed to emphasize the importance of starting health promotion and disease prevention early in life, according to an article in the June 3 issue of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on child and adolescent health.

2 Jun 2009

Easier access to media by children increases risk for influence on numerous health issues

With children having easier access to media and a wider variety of content, the possible negative influence on health issues such as sex, drugs, obesity and eating disorders is increased, and warrants monitoring usage and limiting access if necessary, according to a commentary in the June 3 issue of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on child and adolescent health.

2 Jun 2009

Report identifies early childhood conditions that lead to adult health disparities

The origins of many adult diseases can be traced to early negative experiences associated with social class and other markers of disadvantage.

2 Jun 2009

Criminal behavior intervention program found to reduce teens' rate of pregnancy

A program aimed at reducing criminal behavior in juvenile justice teens has yielded a surprising side benefit. The program is also reducing the teens' rate of pregnancy, according to a new study out this week.

1 Jun 2009

Thai HIV/AIDS advocates urge increased treatment access for IDUs

The Thai AIDS Treatment Action Group recently called on the country to launch a comprehensive harm reduction program for injection drug users in an effort to help curb the spread of HIV, Thailand's The Nation reports.

31 May 2009

Perceived barriers to treatment for adolescent depression

Although teen depression poses a widespread problem for which proven treatments exist, few depressed teens receive any care.

26 May 2009

Impaired ability to monitor behavior, emotions may underlie vulnerability to drugs; suggests new targets for treatment

Parts of the brain involved in monitoring behaviors and emotions show different levels of activity in cocaine users relative to non-drug users, even when both groups perform equally well on a psychological test.

25 May 2009

Double the number of Australians now being treated for heroin addiction

The latest report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows in the last decade the number of Australians being treated for heroin, or other opioid, addiction has almost doubled.

22 May 2009

Schizophrenia, substance abuse, and violent crime

In the debate surrounding violent crimes referred to as "acts of madness" or the like, it is often assumed that the violence is a direct result of the perpetrator's mental illness.

20 May 2009

A new path for cocaine addiction research

Cocaine is one of the oldest drugs known to humans, and its abuse has become widespread since the end of the 19th century. At the same time, we know rather little about its effects on the human brain or the mechanisms that lead to cocaine addiction.

19 May 2009

Sex workers in Pakistan give recommendations on HIV prevention to health officials

Although the recorded HIV prevalence in Pakistan is relatively low, health officials are concerned that a concentrated epidemic of the virus among injection drug users could carry over to commercial sex workers and other high risk groups in the country, IRIN/PlusNews reports.

18 May 2009

The impact of third hand smoke on risk for genetic mutations wins Addiction Science Award

A resourceful study into the effect of third hand smoke upon the risk for genetic mutations in fruit flies won the top Addiction Science Award at this year's Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world's largest science competition for high school students.

18 May 2009

Family-based prevention program helps teens override a gene linked to risky behavior

A family-based prevention program designed to help adolescents avoid substance use and other risky behavior proved especially effective for a group of young teens with a genetic risk factor contributing toward such behavior, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Georgia.

15 May 2009

About 20% of surveyed sex workers who use drugs in Irish capital living with HIV, report finds

About one-fifth of commercial sex workers surveyed in Dublin, Ireland, are HIV-positive, while 78% of the surveyed group is living with hepatitis C, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs, the Irish Times reports.

14 May 2009

Drug Abuse News and Research

Study shows school-based prevention program reduces problem behaviors in fifth-graders

Cargo-screening ferret to detect hidden drugs and weapons

Childhood health disparities can have life-long health effects

Easier access to media by children increases risk for influence on numerous health issues

Report identifies early childhood conditions that lead to adult health disparities

Criminal behavior intervention program found to reduce teens' rate of pregnancy

Thai HIV/AIDS advocates urge increased treatment access for IDUs

Perceived barriers to treatment for adolescent depression

Impaired ability to monitor behavior, emotions may underlie vulnerability to drugs; suggests new targets for treatment

Double the number of Australians now being treated for heroin addiction

Schizophrenia, substance abuse, and violent crime

A new path for cocaine addiction research

Sex workers in Pakistan give recommendations on HIV prevention to health officials

The impact of third hand smoke on risk for genetic mutations wins Addiction Science Award

Family-based prevention program helps teens override a gene linked to risky behavior

About 20% of surveyed sex workers who use drugs in Irish capital living with HIV, report finds

Promising new targets for medications to treat cocaine addiction

Drug abuse prevention programs can curb risky sexual practices in young adulthood

Brain works best when cells keep right rhythms

Genetics may help explain alcohol-related susceptibility and resistance

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

From Puberty to Menopause: Clue’s CEO, Audrey Tsang on the Power of Femtech

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