Discusses the competing definitions and issues surrounding various designer drugs, primarily 3, 4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA). Offers a rationale for why interest in MDMA, which possesses both stimulant and psychedelic properties, will continue to grow despite the drug's recent illegality and increasing evidence of neurotoxicity.…

This Drug Enforcement Administration publication delivers clear, scientific information about drugs in a factual, straightforward way, combined with precise photographs shot to scale. The publication is intended to serve as an A to Z guide for drug history, effects, and identification information. Chapters are included on the Controlled Substances…

Reviews popular drug education textbooks and curricula. Finds most juxtapose physiologic effects of licitly manufactured drugs under headings representing illicitly prepared drugs, ignoring literature reporting that illicit drugs contain adulterants and substitutes. Concludes that one cannot extrapolate results of licitly pure drug lots…

States that, although sociologists have made contributions to the drug abuse research literature, they have been absent in the formulation of drug policy. Argues that sociologists should take a pragmatic approach, using the tools of their science within the context of existing policy, to reduce drug abuse and thereby limit the need for punitive…

Research is developing a clearer picture of the dangers of mind-altering drugs. The goal of this report is to present the latest information to providers to help them strengthen their prevention and treatment efforts. A description is presented of dissociative drugs, and consideration is given as to why people take hallucinogens. The physical…

This document describes major provisions of the Anti-Drug Abuse Amendments Act of 1988, a federal law relating to enforcement of controlled substances laws which authorizes over two billion dollars for anti-drug activities. Provisions of the Act relating primarily to drug abuse education, prevention or treatment and regulation of the manufacture,…

A gifted college basketball player's cocaine addiction and eventual trafficking, his sentencing, prison life, and his efforts to educate students about cocaine are discussed. (MSE)

Recent research confirms that college campuses continue to have significant alcohol and other drug-use problems. Although the vast majority of college students are under the legal drinking age of 21, alcohol is the drug that causes the most problems. Studies conducted on college campuses suggest a strong relationship between alcohol and other drug…

Interview data indicate that Nebraska's statutory provision of drug education for those convicted of possession or sale of illegal drugs does not deter illicit drug use. A comparison of instructors' and participants' responses to the same questions reveal major ideological differences regarding drug policy in general, and marijuana policy…

The most widely used school-based substance abuse prevention program in the United States is the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, which is funded by a variety of sources, including private, federal, and other public entities. DAREs primary mission is to provide children with the information and skills they need to live drug- and…

Examines the many effects of marijuana use on the lungs. States that patients with pre-existing immune deficits are particularly vulnerable to marijuana-related pulmonary infections. However, warns that habitual use of marijuana may lead to respiratory cancer must await epidemiological studies, which are now possible since 30 years have passed…

Compares four subgroups of young adult drug users based on secondary analysis of data originally collected in 1993. Consistent with results from clinical studies, polydrug users were far more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors. Findings demonstrate the need to offer a full complement of drug rehabilitation and education services to…

A hearing was held on the role of prevention in the comprehensive drug control policy of the United States. The hearing demonstrated a strengthening of the commitment to reduce the demand for drugs. It also showed bi-partisan support to remain vigilant in defense of the borders and in punishing those who sell or manufacture drugs. It states that…

A questionnaire was constructed which allowed students to formulate questions they felt college students had about drugs. Most questions about effects concerned herbal drugs. Most questions about hazards concerned tobacco. Questions about drug regulation concerned illicit drugs. Student surveys should precede planning of drug education programs.…

Uses longitudinal analysis to measure the effectiveness of the Drug Abuse Resistance Program (D.A.R.E.) in a rural Tennessee school system. Results suggest that time, rather than D.A.R.E. participation, produced lower frequencies of alcohol and drug use. Additionally, adolescents did not report a delay in the use of alcohol or drugs, offering…