The governors of Florida and Kentucky urged Congress on Thursday to help states fight the rise of so-called “pill mills” and the abuse of prescription painkillers hurting their states’ communities. Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear told lawmakers that the illegal distribution of prescription drugs has exploded in their states in recent…

According to a new study released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) medical emergencies relating to the illegal drug Ecstasy jumped 75% between 2004 and 2008. More than two-thirds of these ER patients were between 18 and 29 years old, but a sizable number, nearly 18 percent, were from 12 to…

Synthetic substances that mimic marijuana, cocaine and other illegal drugs are making users across the nation seriously ill, causing seizures and hallucinations and even killing some people. The products are often packaged as incense or bath salts and can be obtained for as little as $10 at many head shops. As more people experiment with…

A new national study indicates that the number of hospital emergency visits involving the illicit drug Ecstasy increased from 10,220 in 2004 to 17,865 visits in 2008 – a 74.8 percent increase. According to this new study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) most of these Ecstasy-related visits (69.3 percent) involved…

In 2009, colored ecstasy pills started popping up around the country in the shape of President Barack Obama’s head. Those came on the heels of yellow smiley-faced marijuana gum balls appearing at a Howard County school, THC candy bars called “Stoners” marketed underground in California, and turtle-shaped chocolate psychedelic mushrooms in Oregon. Every year, it…

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott signed an executive order Tuesday that will require random drug testing of many current state employees as well as pre-hire testing for applicants. “Floridians deserve to know that those in public service, whose salaries are paid with taxpayer dollars, are part of a drug-free workplace,” Scott said. “Just as it…

Methamphetamine continues to be a major drug threat in Louisiana and law enforcement reporting indicates it is replacing crack cocaine as the primary drug threat in some areas because of its availability, low cost and long lasting effects. http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20110327/UPDATES01/110327004

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its community partners will hold the second National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day at sites throughout the United States. This will be an opportunity for the public to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for safe disposal.…