Parents and educators may play critical role in prevention
By Angela Sivak
We’ve just released a report on how synthetic marijuana accounted for 11,406 visits to hospital Emergency Departments in 2010.
CBS News, U.S. News and World Report, WebMD and The Hill have all reported on the new data.
So what’s all the fuss about?
Synthetic marijuana, while different from authentic marijuana, can still have a negative impact on your health. Our Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) reported that the use of this drug has been linked to high blood pressure, increased heart rate, …

The more that we know about veteran’s substance abuse treatment needs, the better job we can do to collectively ensure that our nation’s heroes get the specialized treatment and care they need and deserve. A new Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report provides further insight for policy makers and providers moving forward.
According to the report, when compared to their civilian counterparts, veterans between the ages of 21 and 39 who seek substance abuse treatment are:

More likely to report alcohol as their primary substance of abuse (50.7 vs. 34.4 percent)
Less …

Written By:  Frances M. Harding, Director, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, a time for all of us to take a closer look at what we—as organizations, communities, families, and individuals—can do to prevent substance abuse.  SAMHSA applauds this observance, which is focused on preventing substance abuse before it starts and recognizing everyone who has been affected by this issue.
We support the observance, because we know that together, individuals and communities can make a difference in preventing and reducing alcohol and drug abuse.  Substance abuse takes …

Written By: Pamela S. Hyde, J.D., Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrator
Health care is one of the most prominent subjects in our nation’s discourse. When our discussions turn to substance abuse, one thing is abundantly clear – substance abuse prevention leads to better health.
 As we celebrate National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, we need to keep in mind that:

Nearly 17 million people aged 12 or older are classified with alcohol dependence or abuse.[1]
Alcohol consumption is associated with approximately 79,000 deaths per year.[2]
Approximately 23 million Americans are current illicit drug …

Written By: Frances M. Harding, Director, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
  October is Bullying Prevention Month and National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, a busy and important time for prevention efforts.  On the surface, bullying and youth substance use may seem like separate problems.  However, from research, we know that youth who use substances are at risk for other problem behaviors during their teen years.  In fact, new findings suggest that middle and high school students who bully their peers are more likely to use alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana.
Bullying and substance use …