Content about Substance abuse

WASHINGTON — The Drug Enforcement Administration collected more than 371 tons of unused medications last month as part of its sixth annual drug take-back program, the agency said.

WASHINGTON — More than 1.3 million emergency room visits in 2010 were related to abuse of prescription drugs, and the problem has become widespread enough that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies it as an epidemic. In response, curbing abuse of prescription drugs has become a cornerstone of the Obama administration's drug policy.

DUBLIN, Ohio — Cardinal Health's philanthropic division is offering grants to organizations for programs to prevent abuse and misuse of prescription drugs.

The Cardinal Health Foundation said it was inviting non-profits in 18 locations around the country, as well as Puerto Rico, to apply for grant funding. The announcement marks the fourth year of the foundation's Prescription Drug Abuse and Misuse Prevention Grant Program.

DUBLIN, Ohio — With the growing concern of the abuse of prescription stimulants like Adderall on college campuses, the Cardinal Health Foundation and the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy on Wednesday introduced Generation Rx University, the fourth in a series of interactive toolkits designed to help reduce the abuse of prescription drugs. 

WASHINGTON — Several senators have requested that the Government Accountability Office look for ways to coordinate the efforts of law enforcement and public health agencies at various levels and nonprofit organizations to address prescription drug abuse.

WASHINGTON — The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association on Tuesday joined forces to honor the Bucks County, Pa.-based Bucks Promise for Youth and Communities with this year’s Dose of Prevention award. This award recognizes community-based organizations that have implemented successful initiatives to raise awareness of the dangers of prescription drug abuse and OTC cough medicine abuse.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — One of the most serious drug abuse problems in the country doesn't involve heroin, methamphetamine or crack, but abuse of legal prescription drugs, particularly opioid painkillers, a problem that the Food and Drug Administration aims to change with draft guidance released Wednesday.

SUPPLIER NEWS — Summit Laboratories recently launched a pair of skin care items ideal for people with diabetes. Aside from kidney and eye disorders, skin disorders are one of the top challenges for diabetics. Summit Laboratories’ Dr. Fred Summit Type 1 & 2 Diabetic Rehydrating Cleanser and Cream provide a one-two punch to help promote proper leg and foot care. The pair of products are being merchandised as a solution for dry and itching skin associated with diabetes, and retail for $6.99 and 
$12.99, respectively.


 WASHINGTON — The Senate on Wednesday passed a resolution naming October as National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month. The resolution was sponsored by Sens. Diane Feinstein, D.-Calif., and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and urges communities to carry out programs and activities to educate parents and youth of the potential dangers associated with medicine abuse.