Misuse of the bath salt has the same effects as meth, and is actually banned in Scotland following related deaths. Now, Lee County authorities have learned of local usage through domestic disturbances. “Hallucinations, seeing things that weren’t there. We had one individual in the backseat of our car that was just absolutlely paranoid because he…

“Substance abuse is rising, and drug abuse of all kinds is exploding as a major public health concern for our country,” said Pamela S. Hyde, administrator of HHS’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “The challenge for our healthcare practitioners is to see that patients receive medications when there is medical need but also…

The California Chamber of Commerce disagrees that Prop. 19’s effects would be minimal. Last week, the employer lobbying group began airing radio ads in Southern California detailing its opposition. “It creates a whole new protected class of employees and ties employers’ hands in maintaining a drug and alcohol-free workplace,” said Erika Frank, general counsel for…

PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police are reminding motorists that driving while under the influence of prescription and over-the-counter medication can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs. PennDOT will work with state and municipal police departments throughout Halloween week to step up impaired-driving enforcement, with increased emphasis…

The newest trend in teen drug abuse is coming out of a bottle instead of from the street, and the national D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program has supplemented its curriculum to address this growing epidemic. Paragould Police Department D.A.R.E. officer Cpl. Brad Snyder said the typical D.A.R.E. program lasts 10 weeks, but the newest…

Officials are working together to stop prescription drug abuse in local schools and communities. “Ninety percent of our problem with drugs is from prescription drugs,” School Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hathcock said. http://www.thestclairtimes.com/view/full_story/10038557/article-Working-to-stop-prescription-drug-abuse?instance=home_news

Teens were 52 times more likely to test positive for cocaine use than report using it, while parents were 6.5 times more likely to do the same, the researchers said. Both groups misrepresented their illicit drug use despite knowing they would undergo a drug test. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39830827/ns/health-addictions/

Pratt said the testing policy gives students another weapon against peer pressure.“It allows them when they go to parties to say, ‘Hey, look, I might get drug tested. This is my reason to not use drugs,'” he said. “It has been good for us, and we think it has been a great thing for our…

Police have accused the janitor of a local elementary school of selling drugs.26-year-old Christopher D. Roland was the janitor of Tully Elementary School in Jeffersontown, Ky. on Friday when police detectives received a tip that he was selling marijuana there. http://www.fox41.com/Global/story.asp?S=13341312