July 27, 2010 The Facts About Decriminalization of Drugs in Portugal   Portugal's law to decriminalize illegal substances turned 10 years old this month. In light of the recent attention and applause it has received by advocates of decriminalization, it is important to read the real facts about decriminalization in Portugal. Released on the World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) website, Manuel Pinto Coelho, M.D., President of the Association for a Drug Free Portugal, outlines the many overlooked problems of decriminalization and drug use rates in Portugal. Read more.

July 26, 2010 New York Times Highlights Problem of Impaired Driving Due to Prescription Drugs   As a new article in the New York Times shows, police commonly struggle with the challenge of prosecuting individuals driving under the influence of prescription drugs, despite it being a significant problem on the nation's roads. Some states have made it illegal to drive with any detectable level of prohibited drugs in the blood but setting limits for prescription medications is complicated. Improving the detection, enforcement, and prosecution of drugged drivers is essential to reduce this ongoing problem as is increasing public awareness of the dangers of drugged driving. Read more.

July 23, 2010 Number of Emergency Department Visits Involving Nonmedical Use of Pain Relievers More Than Doubled from 2004 to 2008   The nonmedical use of prescription drugs is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States. The estimated number of emergency department visits involving the nonmedical use of narcotic pain relievers increased from 144,644 in 2004 to 305,885 in 2008, according to a recent report from the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN). This increase was driven by increases in visits involving the three most reported narcotic pain relievers: oxycodone (152% increase), hydrocodone products (123% increase), and methadone (73% increase). Read more.

July 20, 2010 Joint Statement in Opposition to the Vienna Declaration   In anticipation of the International AIDS Conference from July 18-23, 2010, the Vienna Declaration was released by a group of non-governmental organizations and signed by private individuals to outline a global strategy to deal with the modern drug epidemic. The Vienna Declaration is based on three false premises: 1) that the criminalization of illegal drug use fuels the HIV/AIDS epidemic, 2) that criminal justice and heath promotion are conflicting approaches to drug policy, and 3) that the major costs of illegal drug use are those generated by the criminal justice system. The Institute for Behavior and Health along with the World Federation Against Drugs, Drug Free America Foundation, International Task Force on Strategic Drug Policy and Drug Free Projects Coalition, has just released a joint statement in opposition to the Vienna Declaration. Read Joint Statement. Read Vienna Declaration.

July 12, 2010 ONDCP Update Highlights Drugged Driving, Drug Courts, and New Prevention Campaign   In its latest edition of ONDCP Update, the Office of National Drug Control Policy highlights its work to raise drugged driving awareness at a recent news conference which included special guest and professional race driver Sarah Fisher. ONDCP also underscores the importance of drug courts in reducing drug abuse and its consequences. In addition, ONDCP recently kicked off the new Above the Influence (ATI) national drug prevention campaign. Over the next several months, the ATI Campaign will roll out programs in over 20 cities across the U.S. Read more.

July 11, 2010 Research Review Shows Lack of Support for Medical Use of Crude Smoked Cannabis   Despite the widespread public interest in the therapeutic potential of herbal cannabis, little rigorous data exist on its use for specific, chronic medical conditions. In the latest edition of the Journal of Global Drug Policy and Practice, Dr. Andrea Barthwell examines the findings of the body of research supported by the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at the University of California San Diego and raises issues about the adequacy of the data and findings to support conclusions drawn from the studies. The data alone fail to make the case that crude, smoked cannabis should be available to patients Read more.

July 6, 2010 New Study Shows High Prevalence of Doctor Shopping for Prescription Drugs   A new study determined the prevalence of multiple providers for different controlled substances using the largest electronic prescription monitoring program in the United States. Analysis found a 2-fold increase in the likelihood of individuals receiving opioids from multiple providers or "doctor shopping" when they were also being simultaneously prescribed a single additional class of a controlled substance, such as benzodiazepines or amphetamines. When there was more than one additional drug class involved, there was a 13-fold increase for individuals seeing multiple providers. This study demonstrates the high prevalence of doctor shopping in the growing problem of nonmedical use of prescription drugs. Read more. Read Article Abstract.

July 6, 2010 How many does the U.S. imprison for drug use, and who are they?   Proponents of marijuana legalization claim that hundreds of thousands of Americans are in prison for using marijuana. However, Jonathan P. Caulkins and Eric L. Sevigny accurately show in their article entitled "How many does the US imprison for drug use, and who are they?" that less than one half of a percent (0.1-0.2%) of the U.S. prison population is incarcerated for marijuana use. This article published in Contemporary Drug Problems refutes the false claim pro-legalization groups use to justify the legalization of the drug. Read more.

July 1, 2010 Random Drug Testing Protects Patients and Medical Personnel   A new MSNBC article highlights the ongoing addiction problems of medical personnel and the negative effects on job performance and patient care. When addicted health care workers use drugs of abuse, they put their patients at risk. While medical personnel may have to pass an initial drug test as part of the hiring process, they are not required by law to be randomly screened for drugs. In a new commentary, IBH President Robert L. DuPont, M.D. explores how the random drug testing of medical personnel can save careers and families as well as protect patients. Read more. Read MSNBC article.

June 24, 2010 Medical Marijuana in NY - Sheep's Clothing for the Wolf of Legalization   Joe Califano, Chairman of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA), commends New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg for calling the "medical marijuana" bill before the New York state legislature a quintessential example of political hypocrisy. He and Mayor Bloomberg do not support the bill which is tied into the state's budget legislation. In a new article, Califano explains the many problems with the bill and how medical marijuana will do great harm to the state of New York. Read more.

June 24, 2010 White House Fills Drug Policy Leadership Roles   The U.S. Senate confirmed Benjamin B. Tucker to be the new Deputy Director of State, Local and Tribal Drug Affairs at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). Also confirmed was David K. Mineta to be the Deputy Director of Demand Reduction at ONDCP. IBH endorses the confirmation of these qualified leaders who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to support ONDCP in achieving the ambitious goals outlined in the 2010 National Drug Control Strategy. Read Tucker Press Release. Read Mineta Press Release.

June 23, 2010 Study Shows 111% Increase in Emergency Department Visits Involving Nonmedical Use of Prescription Pain Relievers   The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that from 2004 to 2008 the estimated number of emergency department visits linked to the nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers rose from 144,644 visits to 305,885 visits a year. In this same time, the number of visits to hospital emergency departments involving nonmedical use of prescription narcotic pain relievers more than doubled, rising 111%. The nonmedical use of prescription drugs is the fastest growing drug problem in the U.S Read more. Read Report.

June 22, 2010 Rates of Medical Marijuana Use Have Increased in Montana and Among Parolees   Since passing medical marijuana legislation in November, 2004, the number of medical marijuana users in Montana has substantially increased. In 2005, 176 marijuana cards were issued compared to nearly 15,000 (1.25% of the state population) marijuana cards. Currently an astounding 9% of Montanans on parole possess medical marijuana cards, including those with histories of drug offenses. As the Independent Record reports, justice officials are concerned about false reports of chronic pain in order to obtain marijuana cards among the entire Montana population as well as how the criminal justice system will deal with increases in the number of parolees in the community who are using medical marijuana. Read more. Montana Parolees & Marijuana Statistics.

June 18, 2010 Pot Smoking Can Worsen Schizophrenia   A new study comparing schizophrenic and healthy marijuana users shows the symptoms of schizophrenia are worsened after using marijuana. There is already substantial evidence that smoking marijuana triggers symptoms of schizophrenia in people at risk for mental illness. This study further supports the connection between marijuana and mental illness. Read more. Read Abstract.

June 16, 2010 Marijuana Dispensaries and the Federal Government: Recommendations to the Obama Administration   In 2009, Andrea G. Barthwell, M.D. and Michael C. Barnes, Esq. published recommendations on marijuana dispensaries to the Obama Administration. Medical marijuana dispensaries are proliferating at a rapid rate -- a cause for concern, given the potential for such operations to take advantage of desperate patients and put seriously ill patients at affirmative risk. Local jurisdictions do not have sufficient resources to deal with these abuses. In a two part publication, authors explain how the federal government can help rather than hinder the treatment of medical patients and describe the fundamental problems with permitting marijuana dispensaries. Read Part I. Read Part II.

June 8, 2010 County Sheriffs of Colorado and Colorado Drug Investigators Association Issue Questions and Answers on Medical Marijuana Distribution Centers   Since February 2009, the number of marijuana dispensaries in Colorado has increased dramatically, as have the number of medical marijuana patients. The County Sheriffs of Colorado and Colorado Drug Investigators Association address critical questions about medical marijuana distribution centers in a new issue paper to inform cities and counties as they determine whether to ban or approve distribution centers. The conclusion drawn from answering key questions about dispensaries is that the benefits to communities of banning dispensaries far outweigh the disadvantages. Read more.

June 7, 2010 The Involvement of Marijuana in California Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes   In a new research paper, California data on drivers involved in passenger vehicle fatal crashes using marijuana were analyzed to determine the impact on traffic safety and to provide information on the possible impact of an initiative, the Tax and Regulate Cannabis Initiative (TC2010) which is on the California ballot in November 2010 to reform and partially legalize marijuana. Researchers found that for the five years following the establishment of the Medical Marijuana Program in 2004, there were 1,240 fatalities in fatal crashes, compared to 631 fatalities for the five years prior, for an increase of almost 100%. Authors also concluded that if TC2010 passes, the estimated annual tax income on marijuana of $1.4 billion will pale in comparison to an estimated $4 billion or more in economic loss from marijuana-related fatal crashes. Read more. Read Press Release.

May 20, 2010 National Institute on Drug Abuse Focuses on Drugged Driving   The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) held a meeting entitled Drugged Driving: Future Research Directions on March 19, 2010. NIDA released the meeting summary which describes presentations made by leaders in drug policy and in drugged driving. The Institute for Behavior and Health has teamed with NIDA to write a White Paper on what is known today about the problem of drugged driving and to develop recommendations for new research to fill the most policy-relevant gaps in knowledge. Read Meeting Summary.

May 19, 2010 IBH President Discusses Benefits of Zero Tolerance in Addiction Programs and the Criminal Justice System   IBH President Robert L. DuPont, M.D. is featured in a new article entitled "Zero Tolerance Links Addiction Program for Physicians, Convicts" by Sherry Boschert. Dr. DuPont describes the success physicians health programs (PHP) have utilizing intensive monitoring that includes zero tolerance of drug and alcohol use and ongoing random drug testing. These successful strategies are also used in innovative criminal justice system programs including South Dakota's 24/7 Sobriety Project and Hawaii's Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE). Read more.

May 17, 2010 National Drug Control Strategy Sets a New Course for U.S. Drug Policy   Focused on community-based prevention, treatment, and law enforcement, the 2010 National Drug Control Strategy outlines ambitious plans to improve both public health and public safety. In a new IBH Commentary, President Robert L. DuPont, M.D. describes the important, new direction for drug policy in the United States taken by the Obama Administration and White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director R. Gil Kerlikowske. Read more.

May 11, 2010 IBH Endorses National Drug Control Strategy   In the just-released 2010 National Drug Control Strategy, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) identified community-based prevention, early intervention, integration of drug treatment into health care, and breaking the cycle of drug use, crime, and incarceration as fundamental goals for the Obama Administration. Through these initiatives, the strategy named reducing drugged driving and reducing prescription drug abuse, two of the Institute for Behavior and Health's signature issues, as key priorities. Read more. Read Executive Summary. Read Full National Strategy. ONDCP Responds to Mischaracterization of Strategy.

May 10, 2010 Medical Society of New York House of Delegates Does Not Reaffirm Their Previous Position on Medical Marijuana   The Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) was recently asked by the New York Society of Addiction Medicine (NYSAM) to reexamine their support for smoked medical marijuana and instead to support the position of the American Medical Association (AMA) that calls for research but does not support smoking marijuana. The AMA opposes smoking marijuana for medical reasons and supports only medications tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Delegates refused to reaffirm the old policy and instead asked the Society leadership to study the matter further. The refusal to support the current position was an important message to the New York State Assembly and Senate that they too should re-examine this matter and support only the use of medicines that are proven to be safe and effective by the FDA. Read more. Read Policy Statement.

May 4, 2010 ONDCP Update Highlights Developments in International Drug Policy   The March-April issue of ONDCP Update, published by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, features articles on recent developments in international drug policy. An important development includes the recent joint declaration signed by U.S. and Mexican leaders to work together to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and the consequences of drug use in both countries. This issue also features an article on the 53rd Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) held in Vienna, Austria. Two resolutions focused on topics central to the Obama Administration's drug control strategy were passed; these included community-based prevention and reducing prescription drug abuse. Read more.

April 27, 2010 Swedish Parliament Rules in Favor of Random Student Drug Testing   Stockholm News has tracked developments in laws related to RSDT in Sweden. Most recently, on April 26, 2010, the Ombudsman of Swedish Parliament ruled in favor of RSDT, declaring that it is not against the Constitution to drug test students if consent is obtained from both students and parents. This voluntary RSDT program model may now be used in schools across Sweden. Read more.

April 25, 2010 IBH President Publishes Article Against DC Medical Marijuana Legalization in Washington Post   IBH President Robert L. DuPont, M.D. was featured in the Local Opinion section of the April 25, 2010 edition of the Washington Post. Entitled, "Medical marijuana is a big step toward legalizing pot," this brief editorial outlines the problems with DC's recent move to pass medical marijuana legislation. Read more.

April 22, 2010 New York State Association of Chiefs of Police Oppose Medical Marijuana Senate Bill   The New York State Association of Chiefs of Police strongly oppose the recent Senate Bill S4041-B which proposes to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes in NY. As the Association's memorandum says, "Legalizing the sale of 'medical marijuana' by allowing medical personnel to sell the controlled substance would only contribute to an already existing and growing crime problem related to excess drug use in our communities." IBH supports the Association's position on the bill and suggests that states debating medical marijuana legislation consider the impairing effects of marijuana use and its impact on future crime. Medical marijuana is not good policy for public health or public safety Read more. Read bill S4041-B.

April 20, 2010 New American Society of Addiction Medicine Public Policy Statement on Medical Marijuana   IBH President Robert L. DuPont, M.D. presented at the 2010 American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Annual Conference in San Francisco and was co-chair of the ASAM Medical Marijuana Task Force. At the conference, the ASAM Board of Directors passed a new public policy statement on medical marijuana and accepted a white paper on the topic.

April 19, 2010 IBH President Featured in CNBC Special Report Marijuana & Money   As part of the Marijuana & Money special report, IBH President Robert L. DuPont, M.D. explains "Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana." He explains that contrary to the beliefs of those who advocate for marijuana legalization, the current balanced, restrictive, and bipartisan drug policies of the United States are working reasonably well and they have contributed to reductions in the rate of marijuana use in our nation. Reducing marijuana use is essential to improving the nation's health, education, and productivity. New policies can greatly improve current performance of prevention strategies which, far from failing, has protected millions of people from the many adverse effects of marijuana use. Legalizing marijuana is not a smart public health or public safety strategy for any state or for our nation. Read more. Visit site.

April 13, 2010 South Dakota 24/7 Sobriety Project Featured in Highway to Justice   An article on South Dakota's 24/7 Sobriety Project, the innovative court-based management program for DUI offenders, was recently featured in the first American Bar Association (ABA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) newsletter of 2010. Co-authors include IBH President Robert L. DuPont, M.D., Judge and Former Attorney General of South Dakota Larry Long, and Stephen K. Talpins, CEO of the National Partnership on Alcohol Misuse and Crime. Read more.

April 11, 2010 More in NH Die from Prescription Overdoses than Car Crashes   New Hampshire is one of a growing number of states where prescription drug overdose deaths now outnumber traffic-related deaths. Drugs were illegally obtained in more than half of all prescription-overdose cases. At the national level, prescription drug use is the leading cause of overdose deaths which have doubled since 1995. National overdose data. Read more.

April 2, 2010 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Drug-Impaired Driving Report to Congress   R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), recently discussed U.S. drug policy issues and outlined the current drug use problems facing the nation. In this C-SPAN interview, Director Kerlikowske answered questions from the public and discussed the development of the soon-to-be-released National Drug Control Strategy. Watch the interview.

March 30, 2010 National Drug Threat Assessment 2010 Names Non-Medical Use of Controlled Prescription Drugs As Rising Threat   The National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) released the National Drug Threat Assessment 2010 detailing drug trafficking and abuse trends within the United States. Among the emerging issues in drug trafficking and use is the non-medical use of controlled prescription drugs, a key priority of the Institute for Behavior and Health. More state and local law enforcement agencies are reporting these drugs as their greatest drug threat (9.8%) while the number of prescription opioid-related deaths in the U.S. has increased 98% in four years. Read more. Read full report.

March 29, 2010 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Drug-Impaired Driving Report to Congress   The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a report to Congress entitled, Drug-Impaired Driving - Understanding the Problem and Ways to Reduce It, in accordance with the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA). The report summarizes a series of studies undertaken by NHTSA on prevention, detection, and prosecution of driving under the influence of drugs; issues associated with determining what drugs impair driving; difficulties in relating blood levels of drugs and impairment; lack of information about what drugs are frequently used by drivers and what drugs elevate crash risk; problems in obtaining representative data about current enforcement, prosecution and adjudication of drug-impaired driving; training for law enforcement officers in recognizing drug-impaired drivers; review of drug-Impaired driving laws, and what is known about the role of drugs as causal factors in traffic crashes. It highlights the need for further research and concludes with recommendations to better address the problem of drug-impaired driving. Read more.

March 16, 2010 Why Marijuana Legalization Would Compromise Public Health and Public Safety   R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) delivered a speech to the California Police Chiefs Association Conference on March 4, 2010 in San Jose, CA entitled Why Marijuana Legalization Would Compromise Public Health and Public Safety. Director Kerlikowske clearly outlined the many problems with legalizing marijuana in California, a state with a strong legalization agenda. ONDCP is focused on reducing the demand for drugs, including marijuana, and transforming drug abuse treatment in the criminal justice system through programs like drug courts and HOPE probation. Read more.

March 12, 2010 Evidence on Cannabis Impairment and Flying   The journal Bandolier features a review of literature entitled Cannabis and Flying which documents cannabis impairment in pilots. Four different studies tracked the level of impairment in pilots as they participated in flying simulations. Cannabis impairment lasted up to 24 hours after smoking. This review has serious implications for dealing with cannabis-related drugged driving and efforts to legalize the drug. It is clear that marijuana has a dangerous impairing effect on users. Read more.

March 11, 2010 Teen Drug Use On the Rise   The 2009 Parents and Teens Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) shows reverses in decade-long declines in teen abuse of drugs and alcohol. Key findings include past month alcohol use increased 11%, past year ecstasy use increased 67%, and past year marijuana use increased 19% from 2008 to 2009. The Partnership for a Drug-Free America and MetLife Foundation cite changes in teen attitudes, particularly in belief in benefits and acceptability of drug and alcohol use, as likely contributors to changes in substance use Read more. Read 2009 PATS.

March 9, 2010 Drug-Impaired Driving Due to Prescription Drug Use   Stephen K. Talpins, Chief Executive Officer of the National Partnership on Alcohol Misuse and Crime (NPAMC) and IBH President Robert L. DuPont, M.D., discuss the problem of drug-impaired driving due to prescription drug use in a new IBH commentary. Authors also offer suggestions for how to reduce this ongoing public health and safety problem with a combination of education and law enforcement. Read more.

March 8, 2010 Encouraging Words from ONDCP Director at United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs   R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, delivered an encouraging opening statement to the 53rd United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs. Among the priorities discussed were drugged driving, prescription drug abuse, and expanding programs within the U.S. criminal justice system to reduce drug use and incarceration. All of these issues reflect IBH priorities. Read more.

March 8, 2010 Active U.S. Military Personnel Report a Dramatic Increase in the Nonmedical Use of Prescription Drugs   In its latest issue of the ONDCP Update, the Office of National Drug Control Policy highlights new data released from the Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Military Personnel. These new data show that the current rate of illegal drug use in the military has increased to nearly 12% in 2008. However, the use of purely illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin among military personnel has not changed. The increase in the overall drug use rate is due to a significant increase in the nonmedical use of prescription drugs, with 11% of active-duty military personnel self-reporting past month use. This percentage has tripled in just three years since the last survey conducted in 2005. One of the primary priorities of U.S. drug policy in the 21st century is to reduce non-medical use of prescribed controlled substances. These new military data signal the urgency of this objective. Read more.

February 23, 2010 U.N. International Narcotics Control Board Warns of Prescription Drug Abuse   Reuters reports that according to the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board, globally more people abuse prescription drugs than heroin, cocaine and ecstasy combined. In its recently released annual report, the INCB explores the extent of this growing international drug problem which has already reached dangerous proportions in the United States. IBH agrees with the INCP President, Sevil Atasoy, that "preventing drug abuse is a crucial area of demand reduction." Read more. Read full report.

February 23, 2010 To Test or Not to Test? Drug Testing Teachers: The View of the Superintendent.   In response to court decisions that permit pre-employment and suspicionless drug testing of teachers, this study surveyed school superintendents to learn if they were implementing drug-testing policies. While most superintendents believed that they have the authority to implement teacher drug testing, most were not implementing such policies. Most superintendents believed that the drug problem among teachers was not large enough to warrant action, but many reserved the right to revisit the implementation of such policies if the circumstances in their school district changed. Read more.

February 23, 2010 The Connection Between Substance Use and High School Dropout Rates   This new IBH commentary explores the impact of alcohol and drug use on academic achievement. Pre-adolescence and adolescence are high-risk years for alcohol and drug abuse. Early initiation of alcohol and drug use is associated with more problem-generating behavior and more sustained use. It is also a primary risk factor for dropping out of school. While the dropout rate in the United States continues to make headline news, the connection between alcohol and drug use and dropping out is being ignored, not only by the media but by virtually all of the experts who study -- and lament -- the nation's high dropout rate. Our nation must act far more effectively to reduce teenage alcohol and drug use to improve the nation's competitive position in the global economy and to save and improve the lives of our youth. Read more.

February 11, 2010 Medical Marijuana Laws Hurt Teens   Dr. Christian Thurstone, a psychiatrist specializing in adolescent substance abuse, explains how the medical marijuana laws of Colorado are hurting teens in an interview with NPR. Since the state passed medical marijuana legislation, Dr. Thurstone has seen significant increases in marijuana-based referrals to his adolescent substance abuse treatment program in Denver. Medical marijuana legislation is a backdoor route to legalization that has serious implications for users. Read more.

February 10, 2010 Keep the Drug Czar   Deforest Rathbone, Chairman of the National Institute of Citizen Anti-drug Policy, confronts Timothy Lynch's proposal to eliminate the office of the drug czar known as the Office of National Drug Control Policy. In Rathbone's letter to the editor, he explains the important role the drug czar has played in U.S. drug policy to reduce illegal drug use and improve public health Read more.

February 9, 2010 The Implications of Baby Boomers' Drug Use   AOL News reports that rates of marijuana use and the non-medical use of prescription drugs are increasing among older populations, with nearly 5% of Americans over age 50 reporting past month use. This drug use not only has implications for increased health complications for this aging generation, but also has serious implications for future drug treatment needs. Read more.

February 4, 2010 IBH President Discusses Drug Testing in Clinical Settings   An article by IBH President Robert L. DuPont, M.D. on drug testing in clinical settings is featured in the Journal of Global Drug Policy and Practice. Drug testing, the pinnacle of modern biotechnology, has evolved beyond urine testing to include testing in hair, saliva, and sweat and has moved out of the laboratory to include on-site testing with results available in a few minutes. Alcohol and drug abusers characteristically lie about their substance use to anyone who might want them to stop their use. Drug testing is now highly reliable in detecting the recent use of specific drugs as well as alcohol, thereby greatly enhancing substance abuse treatment and prevention. Drug testing is also useful in schools and in family-based efforts to prevent drug use. The biology of substance abuse as well as the technology of testing needs to be understood by anyone seeking to use testing to detect the recent use of addicting substances. Read more.

February 4, 2010 New Study Shows Tough Laws and Treatment are Top Deterrents Against DUI Offenders   A University of Montana study that targeted repeat DUI offenders shows that tougher laws and chemical dependency treatment are the strongest deterrents to chronic drunken driving. In Montana where a DUI becomes a felony after the fourth offense, felony DUI offenders say that penalties for initial DUIs are not tough enough. Read more. Read the full report.

January 25, 2010 UNODC Executive Director underlines need for a multilateral approach to international drug control   Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, recently addressed the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs. Asking that the international drug control regime be updated for the 21st century, he reported the many drug control accomplishments and stated the need for a multilateral approach with a stronger focus on health. Read more. Read Costa's remarks in full.

January 23, 2010 Medical Marijuana is Not Medicine   IBH President Robert L. DuPont, M.D. submitted a letter to the editor in response to the Wall Street Journal article, Is Marijuana A Medicine? (January 18, 2010) and corresponding graphic. To characterize smoked marijuana as a medicine implies that it is safe. Smoke is neither safe nor effective as a delivery system for any medicine. Marijuana use is the major cause of substance abuse and dependence and the leading reason for admission to substance abuse treatment in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration regulates and approves medicines as safe and effective. It is not compassionate to remove this protection from seriously ill patients. Read more.

January 22, 2010 Addressing Medical Marijuana in the News   The issue of medical marijuana has flooded the news when New Jersey became the 14th state to permit marijuana use for "medical" purposes. However, marijuana remains a Schedule I, illegal drug of abuse. The Institute for Behavior and Health does not support marijuana use for any purpose. Both the Office of National Drug Control Policy and Drug Enforcement Administration do not support marijuana use or medical marijuana. Read the ONDCP fact sheet and DEA fact sheet. Legislation that allows the use of medical marijuana is a thinly disguised way to legalize the use of smoked marijuana by virtually anyone of any age. Smoked marijuana is not a medicine. In October 2009 ONDCP Director Gil Kerlikowske clearly stated that the legalization of marijuana is a "non-starter." Read more.

January 20, 2010 Office of National Drug Control Policy Update on National Strategy   The new ONDCP Update reports that the 2010 National Drug Control Strategy will call for curbing drug abuse through community-based prevention, science-based treatment, addiction-recovery programs, law enforcement efforts, and other means to reduce drug availability. The Update emphasizes the importance of recovery and addressing the problem of drugged driving. Read more.

January 18, 2010 U.S. High School Seniors' Perception of Harm from Regular Marijuana Use Decreasing   The University of Maryland's CESAR Fax reports that 52% of high school seniors thought that there was a great risk of harm from smoking marijuana regularly, down from 58% in 2006. Previous data show that as perceived risk decreases, use increases, illustrating the importance of presenting realistic information about the risks and consequences of marijuana use to youth. Read more.

January 13, 2010 New Senate Bill Aims to Reduce Drug Use Among Unemployed   Senator David Thomas of South Carolina has proposed a new bill that will require any person receiving unemployment benefits to submit to a drug test. Current illegal drug users receiving benefits will be required to attend and complete treatment before benefits are restored. They must also abstain from use, demonstrated through passing follow-up random drug tests. IBH supports this bill which addresses drug use among this at-risk population. Helping unemployed persons become and stay drug-free will improve both their lives and their future prospects for employment. Read more.

January 10, 2010 Spotlight on HOPE Probation   Jeffrey Rosen discusses how programs focused on deterrence like Hawaii's Opportunity for Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) reduce crime and may have the ability to transform the criminal justice system. Leaders in both public policy and criminal justice are changing the way people think about parole, probation, gang violence and drug markets. Read more.

January 8, 2010 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Releases State-by-State Analysis of Laws Dealing With Driving Under the Influence of Drugs   This study by reviewed each State statute regarding drug-impaired driving as of December 2008. There is a high degree of variability across the States in the ways they approach drug-impaired driving. Current laws in many States contain provisions making it difficult to identify, prosecute, or convict drug-impaired drivers. Read more.

December 30, 2009 IBH Addresses the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2010-2015 Long Range Strategic Planning   IBH President Robert L. DuPont, M.D. along with Barry K. Logan, Ph.D., Stephen K. Talpins, J.D., and J. Michael Walsh, Ph.D. responded to NHTSA's request for comment to its long range strategic plans related to drugged driving. These experts describe their recommendations for drugged driving efforts related to public education, enforcement, drug testing, prosecution, courtroom testimony, laws, sentencing, research, and future-based technology Read more.

December 20, 2009 Teens Smoking More Pot, Less Tobacco   The Washington Times reports rates of marijuana use have recently increased, with more youth smoking marijuana than tobacco. Read more. President of Drug-Free Kids: America's Challenge Joyce Nalepka published a letter in response to the article, entitled The Pot Thickens which features a quote from IBH President Robert L. DuPont, M.D. Read more.

December 17, 2009 Marijuana Use Up, Perception of Risk of Marijuana Use Down Among American Youth   Self-reported rates of youth drug use have recently demonstrated two notable, opposing trends. Within the last two years youth marijuana use has increased while use of other illegal drugs has decreased or remained stagnant. Underlying the recent rise in use is a fall in the perception of risk from marijuana use and rise in perception of risk from other illegal drugs. The glaring disparity between the trends in perception of risk of marijuana use and of using other illegal drugs with age reflects the favorable mainstream media coverage of drug policy "reformists" who advocate for medical marijuana and marijuana legalization. Simply put, these movements are based on the false premise that marijuana is different from other drugs of abuse. Read more.

December 14, 2009 New, Bipartisan Efforts to Address the Criminal Justice System   The Hill discusses bipartisan approaches to address problems within the U.S. criminal justice system including high rates of drug-related crime and recidivism. A new, bipartisan bill asks for a national effort to replicate the impressive results of HOPE Probation. Read more.

December 13, 2009 Prisons of Our Own Making: The Need for Reform in the Criminal Justice System   This New York Times op-ed discusses the problems of sentencing within the U.S. criminal justice system, highlighting the work of Mark Kleiman, Ph.D. He takes a new approach to fighting crime, advocating for programs that utilize immediate, short-term consequences for violations of parole and probation. Read more. Programs like HOPE Probation and 24/7 Sobriety utilize these strategies to reduce drug-related crime. Read more.

December 8, 2009 The Future of Drug Policy in the United States   Drug policy discussions often start with the question, "Do you favor jail or treatment?" as if the future of drug policy rests on the answer. This is a false dichotomy. The future of drug policy is not a choice between the criminal justice system and substance abuse treatment. A better policy will be created by identifying new ways to reduce the demand for illegal drugs including more cost-effective ways for the criminal justice system to reduce crime and incarceration Read more.

December 4, 2009 Presidential Proclamation Announces December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month   In a recent proclamation announcing December, 2009 as the National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, President Barack Obama recognizes the growing problem of drugged driving. Addressing impaired driving, due to drugs and/or alcohol, is a drug policy priority of the Obama Administration. Read more.

December 4, 2009 The Impact of Drug Use on Child Abuse and Neglect   The high rate of substance abuse in child neglect and abuse cases highlights the importance of reducing illegal drug use and alcohol abuse in the United States.  Protecting children is a priority for the U.S. and reducing substance abuse is one key way to make a positive impact on this at-risk population.  The price that is paid by these abused children and society as a whole, including taxpayers, is cause for action. Read more.

November 22, 2009 Cracking Down on Drunken Driving in New York State   New York State recently passed a new law to address drunk driving, making it a felony to drive while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle and mandating the use of ignition interlock devices for convicted drunk drivers. IBH supports efforts to reduce drunk driving but encourages states like New York to not overlook the issue of drugged driving. Inspired by recent alcohol and drug-related fatal car crashes, new policies and laws need to include drug use in their definitions of intoxication and prosecute drugged drivers along with drunk drivers. Read more.

November 19, 2009 High Rates of Drugged Driving: Implications for Legalizing Marijuana   The California Assembly Committee on Public Safety held a meeting on October 28, 2009 which focused on public safety issues related to legalizing marijuana. A press conference was held immediately prior to this meeting, at which a press release issued by the Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc. was read. IBH does not support the legalization of marijuana. The high rate of drugged driving in the U.S. is just one of the many reasons why legalizing marijuana would threaten public safety. Read more.

November 9, 2009 New HOPE Legislation Aims to Reduce Drug Use, Recidivism   Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Ted Poe (R-TX) introduced legislation that will create a new program to fight drug use and crime. Entitled the Honest Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) Initiative Act and based the innovative HOPE program of Hawaii, IBH supports this new piece of legislation. Read the press release printed in the American Chronicle and the letter of support IBH President Robert L. DuPont, MD sent to Congressman Schiff.

October 23, 2009 Reflections on Random Student Drug Testing Supreme Court Case: Both Support and Criticisms Remain   When random student drug testing (RSDT) programs were just beginning to have a presence in public schools in the United States, the town of Tecumseh in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma made history opening the door for students invovled in extracurricular activities to participate in these programs. Tecumseh looks back on the local court case against the testing program which ingnited the landmark Supreme Court case. Read more.

October 19, 2009 California Police Chief Stands Up Against Legalization   California is capturing national media coverage as the state debates legalizing, regulating and taxing marijuana. Legislation on this relies on a dubious study which suggests potential revenue gains but neglects to identify societal costs associated with legal marijuana. In a response to a supportive article in the Sacramento Bee, Police Chief Scott C. Kirkland addresses what the study neglected. IBH is convinced that the costs of such a move to legalize marijuana or any other currently illegal drug vastly outweigh any potential benefits. No state can afford to legalize marijuana -- or any other dangerous illicit drug. The social costs -- and financial costs -- would be astounding. Read more.

October 19, 2009 Drug Policy Changes, The Swedish Way   Legalizing drugs is not a new idea. It was legal drugs that prompted the more restrictive policies that are sometimes dismissed as "prohibition." An historical, global perspective can inform the current debate on the legalization of drugs. Swedish drug policy is well established and offers an alternative to either harsh punishment or legalization and holds real promise as a model for many other nations in the world as they cope with the menacing and divisive modern epidemic problem of nonmedical drug use.  Per Johansson, Secretary of the Board of the World Federation Against Drugs and IBH President Robert L. DuPont, M.D. wrote an unpublished letter to the editor on global drug policy Read more.

October 9, 2009 Cocaine Vaccine Shows Promise for Treating Addicts   Immunization with an experimental anti-cocaine vaccine resulted in a substantial reduction in cocaine use in 38 percent of vaccinated patients in a clinical trial supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The study is the first successful, placebo-controlled demonstration of a vaccine against an illicit drug of abuse. Read more.

October 8, 2009 Russian Teens to be Tested for Drugs at School   Russia has taken a new approach to drug testing as a means of drug use prevention and identification of users in schools. With support from the Russian President, schools will test all students for drugs as part of standard medical examinations. This is a great first step in student drug testing efforts abroad. Read more.

October 7, 2009 Prescription Drug Use is Leading Cause of Overdose Deaths   Deaths related to opioid prescription drugs (painkillers) have tripled from 1999 to 2006, rising from 4,000 to 13,800. The national number of overdose deaths grew to 39,000, nearly doubling since in this time with opioid painkillers contributing to almost 40% of all overdose deaths. Improved regulation of these drugs by physicians is necessary, as are improved policies surrounding these drugs. Read more. IBH President Robert L. DuPont, M.D. is quoted in a related USA Today article on this topic. Read the full report from Centers for Disease Control.

October 6, 2009 Half of Addicts Quit After 6 Months of Treatment   A recent study of more than 14,600 patients addicted to heroin, crack cocaine, or both in England's treatment programs found that about half stopped using the drugs after six months. Weighing in on this finding is Thomas McLellan, PhD, Deputy Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy who suggests continued, long-term management of these addicts. The drug treatment provided to patients in England extends beyond the time fram of short-term treatment commonly provided in the United States and may be more cost-effective in the long run. Read more.

October 2, 2009 Drug Use Continues to be Significant Danger to Public Health; Overdose Deaths Outnumber Traffic Deaths in 16 States   A new report from the Centers for Disease Control puts the enormity of drug deaths into perspective by comparing them to the widely appreciated number of traffic deaths each year. The report shows that more people have died from drug overdoses than traffic deaths in 16 states. The national rate of traffic deaths fell 6.5% since 1999 while overdose deaths nearly doubled in that time. Prescription drugs play a critical role in the number of overdoses and IBH connects this finding to both national drug policy and the role of drugged driving in traffic deaths. Read more.

September 23, 2009 Mandatory Alcohol Testing Associated with Reduction in Alcohol-Related Fatal Crashes Among Commercial Drivers   Researchers determined the risk of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes among commercial drivers from 1982 through 2006 by comparing the rates of fatal crashes before and after the mandatory alcohol testing program. There was a 23% reduction in fatal crashes that involved alcohol among commercial drivers during the period of testing. Surprisingly this study does not contain data on the relationship of the use of other drugs in fatal crashes even though drug tests are included for a very good reason: drugged driving is a major problem for commercial drivers, as it is for all drivers. Read more.

September 15, 2009 What Will Mexico's Drug Laws Do? Responses to Mexico's new law that decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana, cocaine, and heroin have been mixed.   Other countries in Latin America are considering similar changes in their laws, prompting both negative and positive feedback. Tony Payan, Jorge Castaneda, Calvina Fay, Peter Reuter and Ethan Nadelmann weigh in on this issue. Read more.

September 10, 2009 Wall Street Journal article Mexico Eases Ban on Drug Possession ignites questions on what impact new laws will have on the domestic consumption of illegal drugs and drug-related violence.   IBH President Robert L. DuPont submitted an unpublished letter to the editor in response to the Wall Street Journal's recent article on drug policy and laws in Mexico. "The violence that is tearing apart Mexico is 100% funded by the users of illegal drugs. President Calderon and President Obama recently targeted American demand for drugs as a key driver of this violence. In light of Mexico Eases Ban on Drug Possession (August 22) we must ask: What effect do the Mexicans think their decision to decriminalize personal consumption of illegal drugs will have on their domestic consumption of illegal drugs and thus on their drug-related violence?" Read more.

September 8, 2009 HOPE Probation continues to reduce illegal drug use and new crimes by offenders on probation.   Hawaii's Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) is being considered as a model in several states and could soon double in size in Hawaii. "This isn't a program -- it's a revolution... As a recidivism prevention program, it's unmatched, and as a drug treatment program, it's unmatched." Read more. The Hawaii Star Bulletin also featured a recent editorial on why Hope Deserves Support. Read more.

August 27, 2009 Drugged driving becomes a national priority in the United Kingdom: New education campaign sets precedent for United States.   The United Kingdom's Department for Transport (DfT) recently launched a £2.3 million campaign to address drugged driving. Entitled THINK! Drug Drive, this campaign reinforces key educational, legal, and policy messages to the public. Read more.

August 1, 2009 Mark H. Moore explains that "Actually, Prohibition Was a Success"   This 1989 New York Times article discusses how prohibition was not a "failure," but rather a successful public health initiative. IBH President Robert L. DuPont, M.D. provides commentary on how this important article relates to the legalization issues of today. Read more.

July 30, 2009 IBH President Robert L. DuPont, M.D. featured in European Cities Against Drugs publication   IBH has continued to expand its international efforts to reduce drug abuse and increase prevention abroad. Jorgen Sviden, Director of the European Cities Against Drugs (ECAD), interviewed Dr. DuPont who discussed international drug policy and the Swedish and American drug experiences. Dr. DuPont was also recently named Chair of the North American Section of World Forum Against Drugs (WFAD). Read more.

July 27, 2009 National Survey Confirms that Drugged Driving is Significantly More Widespread than Drunk Driving   The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a report on the 2007 National Roadside Survey of alcohol and drug use by drivers. In a random sample of weekend nighttime drivers across the contiguous 48 states, researchers found that 16.3% of weekend nighttime drivers tested positive for drugs, compared to 2.2% of drivers with blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) at or above the legal limit of 0.08 g/dL. Drugs were present more than 7 times as frequently as alcohol in those surveyed. Read more. Read the full research report

June 16, 2009 Could youth drug use be making a comeback?   Rates of youth drug use which have continually declined since the late 1990s have leveled off. The recent softening of youth attitudes on perceived risks of drug use has created a great concern that youth drug use may begin to rise. This policy brief describes the inverse relationship between youth drug use and youth disapproval of use and offers effective solutions to address youth drug use at the local and national levels. Read more.

June 11, 2009 The Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring Program (ADAM II) annual report confirms the long expected link between drug use and crime.   Interview and drug testing data from male arrestees across the U.S. show drug use is much higher among this population than the general public. In the 10 metropolitan areas surveyed, 49% to 87% of arrestees tested positive for at least one illegal substance. A range of 15% to 40% tested positive for more than one drug. IBH is working to improve quality and access to drug treatment in the criminal justice system to reduce illegal drug use among this population. Read more. The Center for Substance Abuse Research released its July issue of CESAR FAX, ONDCP Brings Back ADAM Program.

June 7, 2009 Policy consultant Kevin Sabet weighs in on the implications of legalizing marijuana, confronting the commonly overlooked costs that trump the anticipated monetary benefits from taxing this dangerous drug.   Legalization would likely increase rates of marijuana use ­ as seen with currently legal drugs alcohol and tobacco ­ and will not decrease the levels of drug-related violence. Sabet offers drug prevention efforts in the criminal justice system as part of a research-based solution to addressing this important issue. Read more.

May 18, 2009 Harm Reduction in Action: With one of the most liberal drug policies in Europe, the UK has seen significant increases in rates of problem drug use.   The Government has repeatedly declared that it is fighting a War on Drugs. The data presented here show that this is a Phoney War. It is currently spending £1.5 billion a year on its drugs policy. Yet enforcement of drugs laws is weak and underfunded, while treatment policy is counter-productive. The UK drug problem is the worst in Europe. The UK has one of the highest levels of recreational drug use. There are over ten Problem Drug Users (PDUs) per 1,000 of the adult population, compared to 4.5 in Sweden or 3.2 in the Netherlands Read more.

May 8, 2009 Jonathan Caulkins, PhD and Kevin A. Sabet, PhD respond to The Lancet's recent essay "The war on drugs: A devastating public-policy disaster," suggesting a "mend it, don't end it" approach to prohibition.   Recent events at the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs offered an opportunity for many drug policy groups, including Wood et al.'s (2009) recent article in the Lancet, to espouse the superiority of certain favored policy recommendations as scientifically established. The reality is that our ability as scientists to predict how policy changes will affect drug markets, drug use, and related problems is quite limited. Read more.

Apr 14, 2009: ONDCP names A. Thomas McLellan, Ph.D., as its new Deputy Director; read about this accomplished national leader in drug treatment research and McGovern Award recipient   The nomination of Tom McLellan, Ph.D., to be Deputy Director of ONDCP is the most important White House appointment for substance abuse treatment in over a decade. Tom is widely recognized as the leading drug treatment researcher in the world. This appointment brings great credit to the Obama administration. It fulfills the President's ambition to bring new ideas to solve long-neglected, urgent national priorities.Read more.

Apr 2, 2009: "The Obama Administration's New Strategy to Curb Drug-Related Violence" is IBH's commentary focusing on evolving U.S. drug policy against dangerous drug cartels in Mexico   Bipartisan efforts to contain illegal drug use in the US have shown success that few public health efforts can match. However US demand for drugs remains high enough to keep traffickers in businesses year after year. There is much to do in order to continue and improve demand reduction efforts including gathering support for such an approach. The US needs to reduce the use of illegal drugs at home to make a significant impact in decreasing international drug trafficking. Read more.

Mar 24, 2009: IBH's Commentary on The Economist's article, "How to Stop the Drug Wars," examines pro-legalization myths and considers "What's Wrong with Legalizing Illegal Drugs"   The Economist, in its March 7-13, 2009 cover story, "How to Stop the Drug Wars," has escalated 20 years of increasing support for legalizing illegal drugs by calling this the "least bad solution." "Prohibition has failed," opens the lead article, one of a collection of reports in this issue. The facts are otherwise. On the contrary, restrictive drug policies are working reasonably well. In the US, illegal drug use has been cut from 14% of Americans aged 12 and older in 1979 to 8% in 2007. Far from a failure this is a result that any public health program can envy. Read more.

Mar 9, 2009: Commentary by Robert DuPont, M.D., on Barack Obama's statements and approach on medical marijuana   During his presidential campaign, Barack Obama commented on the issue of medical marijuana. His words on the campaign trail were instructive and likely indicative of his administration's policy position in the coming months. While supporters of medical marijuana often present Obama's words out of their original context, this IBH Commentary reflects Obama's thoughtful and deliberate choice of words about this important issue. Read more.

Mar 1, 2009: from Science Daily: IBH and the Treatment Research Institute conduct landmark study of effective models of treatment for drug- addicted physicians   Doctors who become addicted to alcohol and other drugs can be treated successfully and returned to medical practice with the help of special programs that couple referral to treatment and monitoring with rapid responses to noncompliance, University of Florida researchers report. The study is the first national-level analysis of such Physician Health Programs, and confirms they are effective alternatives to simply punishing drug-addicted doctors. Read more.

Feb 12, 2009: Seattle Police Chief R. Gil Kerlikowske, a distinguished law enforcement leader, named next White House Drug Czar   The position of White House Drug Czar holds abundant challenges for a man whose career is distinguished by the breadth of his vision, his ability to implement cutting-edge programs, and his skill as a communicator who can mobilize wide support. Kerlikowske will step into a minefield of controversies over the future of drug prevention policies, but these daunting challenges will present significant opportunities for new ideas in drug abuse prevention. Read more.

Feb 4, 2009: As a result of using marijuana, 2008 Olympic medalist Michael Phelps has set a different kind of example to young people   The Washington Post writer Michael Wilbon examines eight-time 2008 Olympic medalist Michael Phelps' decision to smoke marijuana and the impact of this decision. As a result of smoking marijuana, Michael Phelps has become a different kind of role model by showing how much young people have to lose as a result of using marijuana. Read more. Also read about "Why Marijuana Use by Celebrities is a Big Deal" along with the Baltimore Sun's article offering some perspective on this complex and frustrating issue. Read more.

Dec 23, 2008: Drug Rehabilitation or Revolving Door?: A New York Times article examines the costly world of addiction treatment and the demands on treatment programs to demonstrate efficacy   Four million Americans receive drug treatment at a cost of $20 billion per year, 2/3 of which is paid for by taxpayers. For too many people, treatment as an expensive revolving door, as described in this article. While "evidence-based" treatment is a step in the right direction, the key to getting better treatment is described late in the article when it discusses the program run by the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. This program monitors treatment for results, including the simplest of all results, the percentage of patients who stay in treatment until it is completed. This new focus on accountability of treatment is welcome, and long overdue. Read more.

Dec 11, 2008: ONDCP has just released a new report providing evidence that a bipartisan, balanced drug prevention strategy is succeeding in Making the Drug Problem Smaller   A major preoccupation of parents since the 1960s, the problem of illegal drug use has been implicated in everything from urban crime to undermining worker productivity and lowering SAT scores. The good news is that drug use is down, in some cases down sharply, with the use of some drugs at or near historic lows. Drug use among young people has only been lower in three of the past 17 years. Evidence is building that these reductions in drug use, which have largely erased the run-up that began in 1993, are the result of innovations in the way we educate young people about the harms of illegal drugs provide help to drugs, those already embarked on a career of drug use, and interdict the drugs and drug traffickers seeking to compromise the integrity of our borders. Read more.

Dec 10, 2008: Innovative Probation Changes Criminal Justice Outcomes: Success of Project HOPE Reduces Drug Use Among Offenders   HOPE (Hawaii's Opportunity Probation with Enforcement), a new program that has been implemented in Honolulu, successfully links the criminal justice system to substance abuse treatment when needed. This program has the potential to command strong bipartisan support and substantially extend the reach of drug courts. HOPE holds the promise of significantly reducing the demand for illegal drugs, crime, and prison populations across the US. Read more. Access the Project HOPE website directly from this link.

Sept 8, 2008: Battle Over the Furture of Drug Abuse Prevention: A Presentation by Robert L. DuPont, M.D. at the World Forum Against Drugs (WFAD) in Stockholm, Sweden   More than 600 delegates representing over 80 countries attended the meeting of the World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) in Stockholm, Sweden, at which IBH president Robert L. DuPont, M.D. delivered the plenary address: The Battle Over the Future of Drug Abuse Prevention. Read more. He also authored an article in the WFAD newsletter encouraging attendees to sign the declaration. The declaration of WFAD has been published and can be read here.