• Drug Use Survey Shows Mixed Results for Nation's Youth, 12/20/97.
  
  
• New Research Documents Success of Drug Abuse Treatments, 12/15/97.
  
  
• NIDA Infofax - Science-based Facts on Drug Abuse and Addiction, 12/4/97.
  
  
• NIH Consensus Development Conference on Effective Medical Treatment of Heroin Addiction, 11/13/97.
  
  
• New Science-Based Drug Education Materials Available for Students and Teachers, 10/8/97.
  
  
• Mind Over Matter Science Education Program, 10/3/97.
  
  
• Preventing and Treating Heroin Use Is Focus of National Research Conference, 9/29/97.
  
  
• New Imaging Techniques Provide Brain Map of Cocaine-Induced Euphoria and Craving, 9/25/97.
  
  
• Preventing and Treating Heroin Use Is Focus of National Research Conference, 9/24/97.
  
  
• Later Criminal Behavior and Drug Use Dramatically Reduced By Drug Treatment Beginning in Prison, 7/18/97.
  
  
• Effects of Long-Term Marijuana Use on the Brain Shown Similar To Other Addicting Drugs, 6/26/97.
  
  
• Medication for Treating Heroin Dependence Proven Safe and Very Effective If Used at High Enough Doses, 6/24/97.
  
  
• Researchers Meet to Discuss Emerging Drug Trends in U.S. Metropolitan Areas and Internationally, 6/23/97.
  
  
• Chicago Area Town Meeting and School Event to Promote Understanding and Dispel Myths About Drug Abuse and Addiction, 4/30/97.
  
  
• Scientists Identify Brain Mechanisms of Cocaine's Euphoric Effects, 4/24/97.
  
  
• Role Found for Natural Body Opioids in Reproduction and Resistance to Infection, 4/22/97.
  
  
• Genetic Basis Indicated for Abuse of Marijuana, 4/4/97.
  
  
• New Research-Based Guide Now Available To Help Prevent Teen Drug Use, 3/6/97.

For Immediate Release: Saturday, December 20, 1997
Contact: Mona W. Brown or Sheryl Massaro: (301) 443-6245

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After years of dramatic increases, illicit drug use among eighth graders remained stable for most drugs from 1996-1997, and decreased slightly for marijuana, cigarettes, and certain other substances, according to the 23rd annual Monitoring the Future Survey released today by the Department of Health and Human Services.

The 1997 survey of drug use among adolescents found general stability among the proportion of high school seniors and 10th graders using most illicit drugs in the past year or past month, although there were some increases, generally in lifetime use. Similar to findings of the 1996 Household Drug Survey released earlier this year, these new results offer hope in the fight against drug abuse in America.

"The possible slowdown of illicit drug use among young people is encouraging, even though rates of use remain unacceptably high. All of us, especially parents and teachers, need to redouble our efforts to make young people understand that drug abuse is illegal, dangerous and wrong," Secretary Shalala said. "The changes we're seeing from 1996 to 1997 may be a sign of hope for the future, particularly among eighth graders."

National Drug Policy Director Barry R. McCaffrey said, "We know that the heart and soul of the nation's counterdrug strategy is to keep our young people from using illegal drugs-- particularly marijuana--as well as drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. The results of this survey are a sign that we are moving in the right direction. If American parents, teachers, ministers and community coalitions can stay focused, we can succeed in our goal of reducing the country's drug problem to two percent of the population within the next ten years."

Among 12th graders, past month cigarette use increased from 34.0 percent to 36.5 percent. However, daily smoking within the past 30 days decreased from 10.4 to 9.0 percent among 8th graders and smoking a half-pack or more cigarettes per day decreased from 4.3 percent to 3.5 percent within the same age group. "The news on 8th graders is encouraging, but we've got to keep the pressure on. We must continue to send strong messages to young people that smoking and drinking are dangerous to their health," Secretary Shalala said.

For the first time since 1991, the 1997 survey also indicates an increase in the percentage of 8th graders disapproving of occasional use of marijuana, from 76.5 percent in 1996 to 78.1 percent in 1997. Disapproval among 8th graders of regular marijuana use, occasional cocaine powder use, and heavy drinking along with frequent cigarette smoking also increased. Adolescent attitudes about drug use are key predictors of increases and decreases in the subsequent use of drugs.

"The apparent shift in attitudes and leveling off of drug use among eighth graders provides additional evidence that anti-drug prevention activities may be taking hold with young people. This study emphasizes the importance of continuing to protect our children with regular boosters of prevention in their homes, schools, and communities," said Dr. Alan I. Leshner, Director of HHS' National Institute on Drug Abuse, the agency that funded the study.

When the Monitoring the Future survey showed a sharp increase in drug use among young people in the early 1990s, HHS and other federal, state and local agencies took steps to combat pro-drug perceptions and improve substance abuse prevention programs. Among those efforts were the marijuana initiative, the Girl Power! campaign targeting pre-adolescent girls, increased support for public education and media activities, and partnerships with Scholastic Magazine, Weekly Reader, the National PTA, the Partnership for a Drug Free America, the National Association of Broadcasters and others. "The findings today indicate that our efforts may be paying off," said Secretary Shalala.

Overall in 1997, 54.3 percent of high school seniors said they have used an illicit drug at least once in their lives, while 47.3 percent of 10th graders, and 29.4 percent of eighth graders said they have used an illicit drug at least once.

Study findings related to specific drugs include:

Marijuana: Marijuana remains the most widely used drug among adolescents. The percentage of 10th and 12th grade students who had tried marijuana at least once in their lifetime increased from 1996 to 1997. This may be affected by the fact that 12th graders in 1997 were 8th graders in 1993 and 10th graders in 1995, a time when marijuana use was increasing annually among seniors and students in the lower grades.

The percentage of students who used marijuana in the past year and past month remained unchanged for students in all three grades. However, daily marijuana use by 8th graders decreased from 1.5 percent in 1996 to 1.1 percent in 1997, and daily use among seniors increased from 4.9 percent in 1996 to 5.8 percent in 1997. The decrease in marijuana use among 8th graders is the first found by this survey for any age group since 1992.

Cocaine: Rates of cocaine use remained level for 8th and 10th grade students. Among 12th graders, however, lifetime use of cocaine in all forms increased. The percentage of seniors who had used cocaine at least once increased from 7.1 percent in 1996 to 8.7 percent in 1997, the highest rates reported since 1990.

Heroin: Past year use of heroin among 8th graders decreased from 1.6 percent in 1996 to 1.3 percent in 1997. In 1997, 2.1 percent of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders report having used heroin at least once in their lifetime.

Stimulants: There was no change in the percentage of 8th, 10th, or 12th graders who have tried stimulants at least once. In 1997, 12.3 percent of 8th graders, 17.0 percent of 10th graders, and 16.5 percent of 12th graders used stimulants at least once in their lifetime. Stimulant use in the past month increased among 12th graders, but use of these drugs in the past year and in the past month decreased among 8th graders.

Cigarettes: The percentage of 8th graders reporting heavy cigarette smoking decreased between 1996 and 1997. Daily smoking in the past 30 days decreased from 10.4 to 9.0 percent and 8th graders smoking a half-pack or more cigarettes per day decreased from 4.3 percent to 3.5 percent. Use of cigarettes in the past month by 12th graders, however, increased from 34.0 percent to 36.5 percent. Daily cigarette use among seniors increased to 24.6 percent, its highest level since 1979.

Alcohol: Although rates remained mostly stable, alcohol use remains a problem among adolescents. On the positive side, the percentage of 8th graders reporting having been drunk in the past 30 days decreased from 9.6 percent in 1996 to 8.2 percent in 1997. However, the percentage of 10th graders reporting having been drunk daily increased from 0.4 percent in 1996 to 0.6 percent in 1997. Among 12th graders, past year use of alcohol increased from 72.5 percent in 1996 to 74.8 percent in 1997. Lifetime use also increased among seniors.

Attitudes and Perceptions About Drug Use: The 1997 survey found that, for most drugs, adolescents' perception of the perceived risk of harm from drug use remained stable. The few exceptions include an increase in the percentage of 8th graders saying there is great risk in having five or more drinks once or twice each weekend (heavy drinking), increasing from 51.8 percent in 1996 to 55.6 percent in 1997, and an increase in the percentage of seniors saying there is great risk in trying heroin once or twice (52.5 percent in 1996 to 56.7 percent in 1997).

Moving in the wrong direction, however, are attitudes about drinking among 12th graders, specifically a decrease in the percentage of seniors saying there is great risk in heavy drinking (49.5 percent in 1996 to 43.0 percent in 1997). In addition, the percentage of 8th graders saying there is great risk in trying marijuana once or twice decreased from 27.9 percent in 1996 to 25.3 percent in 1997 and the percentage of seniors saying there is great risk in taking barbiturates regularly decreased.

Disapproval of others' occasional or regular use of marijuana increased among 8th graders. There was also an increase in the percentage of 8th graders saying they disapprove of people who engage in heavy drinking including those who take one or two drinks nearly every day or have five or more drinks once or twice each weekend. Rates for the percentage of 8th and 10th graders saying they disapprove of people who smoke one or more packs of cigarettes per day increased. The percentage of 8th graders saying they disapprove of people who take cocaine powder occasionally and use smokeless tobacco regularly also increased.

For Immediate Release: Monday, December 15, 1997
Contact: Mona W. Brown or Sheryl Massaro: (301) 443-6245

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According to research findings released today by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), at least four major types of drug abuse treatment can be extremely effective in reducing drug use. In addition, drug abuse treatment produces decreases in illegal acts and increases in full time work for most treatment modalities.

The Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Study (DATOS) tracked 10,010 drug abusers in nearly 100 treatment programs in 11 cities from 1991-1993. Patients were enrolled in one of four types of treatment: outpatient methadone treatment, outpatient drug-free behavioral treatment, long-term residential treatment, and short-term inpatient treatment programs. A random sample was selected for follow-up and nearly 3,000 patients were interviewed 12 months after treatment to compare drug use and behavioral functioning before and after treatment.

Major findings from DATOS include:

• Methadone treatment reduced heroin use by 70%. In the follow-up year, 27.8 percent of patients in outpatient methadone treatment reported weekly or more frequent heroin use, down from 89.4 percent reporting heroin use prior to admission.
  
  
• Both long-term residential and outpatient drug free treatment resulted in 50 percent reductions in weekly or more frequent cocaine use at the one-year follow-up point.
  
  
• Reductions in drug use were significantly greater for patients in treatment for three months or more.

"DATOS overwhelmingly confirms the effectiveness of drug abuse treatment. In addition to significant reductions in drug use, treatment also led to significant improvements in other aspects of patients' lives, including their abilities to function in their families and communities. The knowledge gained from DATOS will enable us to refine and strengthen treatment further," said Dr. Alan I. Leshner, Director of NIDA, the agency that funded the study.

DATOS also provides information about patients at entry to treatment. The average age of a patient entering treatment was 32.6 years. Ninety seven percent had used alcohol, 95 percent used cocaine, and 46 percent reported having used heroin before entering treatment. The majority of patients were male (66 percent), 47 percent were African American and 13 percent were Hispanic. The average age at first treatment was 29.5 years and patients reported having been addicted for 10-15 years on average before first entering treatment.

DATOS is the third in a series of studies funded by NIDA to assess short- and long-term treatment outcomes. The Drug Abuse Reporting Program (DARP) collected data from 44,000 clients in 52 federally-funded treatment programs from 1969 to 1973. The Treatment Outcome Prospective Study (TOPS) followed 11,000 patients admitted to 41 treatment programs in 10 cities between 1979 and 1981. These studies along with DATOS allow NIDA to make comparisons of drug abuse treatment services over three decades, focusing on the populations and problems that were current at the time of the study.

Dr. Leshner said, "In 1969-1973, heroin was the major problem. In 1979-1981, the problem was heroin along with the illicit use of other psychoactive drugs alone or in combination. In the 1990's cocaine has been by far the most significant drug abuse problem. DATOS shows that cocaine abuse and dependence are being treated effectively and with positive results."

Drug abuse treatment services, in all four types of treatment, typically included supportive group therapy, urine monitoring during treatment, relapse prevention, post-treatment involvement in self-help groups.

Despite the positive findings for the effectiveness of treatment, DATOS found that many drug abuse treatment patients received a decreasing number of health and social services in the past decade even as the need for these services has increased. More than half of patients in all four types of treatment reported that they received no services specifically for medical, psychological, vocational, family, social, or legal problems.

In explaining the importance of DATOS, Dr. Leshner says, "DATOS will be used to examine treatment outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of drug abuse treatment, to describe the evolving treatment system, to research relationships between patient and program factors, and to identify research gaps that will inform future research agendas. DATOS is invaluable in informing treatment providers and policy makers about the effectiveness of treatment. "

NIDA has entered into cooperative agreements with three research sites to provide analysis of DATOS data and wide and rapid dissemination of the study results. DATOS researchers are conducting analyses in four major areas: health services research, retention and engagement in treatment, studies of the life course of treated addicts, and analyses of research issues of significance to drug treatment policy.

Findings from DATOS are published in the December volume of the journal Psychology of Addictive Behaviors. This issue contains nine articles, each focusing on a different aspect of DATOS. Articles are titled: 1) Introduction to Special Issue; 2) Treatment Evaluation Research in the United States; 3) Methodological Overview and Research Design; 4) Treatment Structure and Program Services; 5) Overview of One-Year Follow up Outcomes; 6) Program Diversity and Treatment Retention Rates; 7) Treatment Retention and Follow up Outcomes; 8) Drug Addiction and Treatment Careers Among Clients. The ninth article, The National Treatment Outcome Research Study (UK): 6-Month Follow-up Outcomes, presents an overview of a treatment outcome study in the United Kingdom. Its findings on the effectiveness of treatment in the UK are strikingly similar to findings on outcomes in the United States.

NIDA supports more than 85 percent of the world's research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction. The Institute also carries out a large variety of programs to ensure the rapid dissemination of research information and its implementation in policy and practice. Further information on NIDA research and other activities can be found on the Home page at http://www.nida.nih.gov/.

For Immediate Release: Thursday, December 4, 1997
Contact: Mona W. Brown or Sheryl Massaro: (301) 443-6245

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Now Available via Toll-free, 24-hour Information Service
1-888-NIH-NIDA (1-888-644-6432)
1-888-TTY-NIDA (1-888-889-6432) (For Hearing Impaired)

NIDA Infofax, a new information resource of science-based facts about drug abuse and addiction, was announced today by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health. NIDA Infofax is a toll-free recorded phone service providing:

• Fact sheets via fax-on-demand, mail, or TTY
• Access 24 hours a day in English, Spanish, or TTY
• Brief audio messages on drugs of abuse and other topics

NIDA Infofax was introduced at NIDA's Fourth Annual Constituent Conference in Lansdowne, Virginia. The system is the newest part of NIDA's ongoing information dissemination activities. Dr. Alan I. Leshner, Director of NIDA, said, "Over two decades of scientific research have produced a tremendous wealth of information that can be of great use to both drug abuse professionals and to the general public. These are facts everyone can use to educate themselves about drugs of abuse, the chronic illness of addiction, how to prevent abuse, and the options for treating addiction. This service is one of the best ways I can think of to ensure access by the general public to this information."

NIDA Infofax provides about 40 fact sheets on a range of topics related to illicit drug abuse. The fact sheets are based on recent research findings and are updated regularly. They are available by dialing 1-888-NIH-NIDA (1-888-644-6432) and, for the hearing impaired, 1-888-TTY-NIDA (1-888-889-6432). Callers to 1-888-NIH-NIDA can listen to audio messages about drug abuse and addiction and also can instruct the system to send them fact sheets via fax or mail. The fact sheets and audio portion of NIDA Infofax are available in English and Spanish. NIDA supports more than 85 percent of the world's research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction and carries out a large variety of programs to disseminate research information.

Information on NIDA's activities and research also can be accessed on the Home Page at http://www.nida.nih.gov.

For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 13, 1997
Contact: Mona W. Brown or Sheryl Massaro: (301) 443-6245

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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will hold a Consensus Development Conference on Effective Medical Treatment of Heroin Addiction, November 17-19, 1997, in the main auditorium of the William H. Natcher Building on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. A news conference will conclude the 2.5 - day meeting at 1 p.m. EST on Wednesday, November 19, 1997.

In the United States alone, approximately one-half million people are addicted to heroin. Estimates of heroin incidence (122,000 new users) in recent years suggest an increased incidence and an emerging pattern of drug use among the young. For many years, heroin addiction has been associated with increased criminal activity and human suffering. In the past 10 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and tuberculosis among intravenous heroin users. From 1991 to 1995 in major metropolitan areas, the annual number of heroin-related emergency room visits has increased from 36,000 to 76,000, and the annual number of heroin-related deaths has increased from 2,300 to 4,000. The associated morbidity and mortality further underscore the human, economic, and societal cost of heroin addiction.

Over the last 20 years, a significant body of evidence has accumulated on the neurobiology of heroin addiction and on the safety and efficacy of narcotic (methadone) maintenance treatment. Although there have been other medications (e.g., levo-alpha acetylmethadol [LAAM]) subsequently determined safe and effective in narcotic maintenance treatment, the focus of this consensus development conference will be on methadone, because methadone has been the medication used in most narcotic treatment research. Most recent data indicate that there are approximately 112,000 patients in narcotic maintenance treatment. Evaluation studies have consistently shown methadone treatment to be effective in reducing drug use and crime and in enhancing social productivity. More recent studies demonstrate that methadone treatment is an effective method for preventing the spread of HIV, HCV, and tuberculosis among intravenous drug users.

To address the most important and controversial issues surrounding narcotic maintenance treatment, the Office of Medical Applications of Research and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the NIH have organized this 2.5 day conference to present the available data on opiate agonist treatment for heroin addiction. The conference will bring together national and international experts in the fields of basic and clinical neuroscience, epidemiology, natural history, prevention and treatment of heroin addiction, as well as representatives from the public.

After 1.5 days of presentations and audience discussion, an independent, non-Federal consensus panel chaired by Lewis L. Judd, M.D., Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, will weigh the scientific evidence and write a draft statement that will address the following key questions:

• What is the scientific evidence to support a conceptualization of opiate addiction as a medical disorder including natural history, genetics and risk factors, pathophysiology, and how is diagnosis established?

• What are the consequences of untreated opiate addiction to individuals, families and society?

• What is the efficacy of current treatment modalities in the management of opiate addiction including detoxification alone, non-pharmacological/psychosocial treatment, treatment with opiate antagonists, and treatment with opiate agonists (short-term and long-term)?

• What is the (scientific evidence for the) most effective use of opiate agonists in the treatment of opiate addiction?

• What are the important barriers to effective use of opiate agonists in the treatment of opiate addiction in the U.S. including perceptions and the adverse consequences of opiate agonist use, legal, regulatory, financial and programmatic barriers?

• What are the future research areas and recommendations for improving opiate agonist treatment and improving access?

The panel will present its draft statement to the public for comment at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19. Following this public comment session, the panel will release its revised consensus statement at a news conference at 1 p.m. and take questions from the media. Dr. Judd will moderate the news conference. The consensus statement is the report of an independent panel and is not a policy statement of the NIH or the Federal Government.

The NIH Consensus Development Program was established in 1977 as a form of "science court" to resolve in an unbiased manner controversial topics in medicine. To date, NIH has conducted 107 such conferences addressing a wide range of controversial medical issues important to health care providers, patients, and the general public. An average of six consensus conferences are held each year.

Additional information about this conference, including the meeting agenda, local area hotels, and directions to NIH, is available at the NIH Consensus Development Program Web site at http://consensus.nih.gov. To register for the conference, call 301-468-MEET, send e-mail to NIHconsensus@ProspectAssoc.com, or visit the Web site.

NOTE TO RADIO EDITORS: An audio report of the conference results will be available November 19-28, 1997 from the NIH Radio News Service by calling 1-800-MED-DIAL (1-800-633-3425).

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, October 8, 1997
Contact: Mona W. Brown or Sheryl Massaro: (301) 443-6245

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The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, today announced the release of Mind Over Matter, a new series of drug education materials for students in grades five through nine. Six colorful, oversized, glossy magazines that unfold into posters explore the effects drugs have on the brain and also help encourage student interest in science.

"One of the best ways of preventing drug abuse is education," said HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala. "These striking materials help young people understand the effects of drugs on the brain by demystifying their appeal and clarifying the risks of use."

The magazine-posters are designed to prompt students to avoid the use of drugs by learning about their effects on the brain. In addition, this series contains an underlying message that neuroscience is a challenging and exciting field and anyone regardless of class, race, or gender can become a scientist.

Speaking today at the Annual Conference of the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) in Minneapolis, Dr. Alan I. Leshner, Director of NIDA, said, "These products were created to spark the curiosity of young students and inform them with scientific research findings on the neurobiology of drug abuse."

The Mind Over Matter magazine-posters explain the effects marijuana, opiates, inhalants, anabolic steroids, stimulants, and hallucinogens have on the brain. On the magazine side, the young character Sara Bellum takes the reader on an exploration of the brain's response to one of these drugs. By the journey's end, the "magazine" has been unfolded, displaying on the reverse side an artistic photograph of a brain image with a quotation that inspires curiosity about science.

The series provides a comprehensive teacher's guide of the materials and suggested activities to encourage students in scientific discovery. Mind Over Matter was launched at the NABT conference, which attracts nearly 2,000 biology and life science educators and administrators from all grade levels.

NIDA supports more than 85 percent of the world's research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction and carries out a large variety of programs to disseminate research information. Mind Over Matter is part of NIDA's Science Education Program, which provides educators with tools to improve science education and literacy in the United States. Further information on NIDA's research and activities can be found on the Home Page at http://www.nida.nih.gov.

For Immediate Release: Friday, October 3, 1997
Contact: Mona W. Brown or Sheryl Massaro: (301) 443-6245

[Back to Index]

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, will release a new science education program entitled Mind Over Matter. The program is a six-part series of colorful, oversized, glossy magazines that unfold into posters. They are designed to encourage young people in grades five through nine to learn about the effects of drug abuse on the body and the brain. Dr. Alan I. Leshner, Director of NIDA, will launch the program during his address at the Annual Conference of the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT).

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