NCJ Number
234962
Journal
ONDCP Update Volume: 2 Issue: 5 Dated: June 2011 Pages: 1-6
Date Published
June 2011
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Issues addressed in this newsletter of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), are the cost of illicit drugs to the U.S. economy, specialized care for military veterans, the 2010 Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring Annual Report, veterans treatment courts, the DEA's collection of unused prescription drugs, a Military Helpline, and the exposure of an "invisible" drug problem by a Virginia coalition.
Abstract
The front-page story reports on a new study by the National Drug Intelligence Center that found illicit drug use in the United States cost the U.S. economy $193 billion in 2007. These costs were incurred in the domains of crime, health, and productivity. Another article describes Second Genesis, which provides homeless military veterans with safe housing, psychiatric services, integrated co-occurring treatment plans, and clinical programming. A review of the 2010 Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring Annual Report (ADAM II) indicates that in the 10 participating sites, just over half of study participants tested positive for at least 1 illicit drug or medication. A story describes Veterans Treatment Courts, which are modeled after Drug Courts and Mental Health Courts in combining rigorous treatment and accountability for veterans facing incarceration due to charges stemming from substance abuse. A report on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA's) second National Prescription Drug Take-Back event on April 30 indicates that just over 188 tons of unwanted, unused, or expired medications were turned in for safe and proper disposal at 5,361 sites in all 50 States. In Oregon, a Military Helpline was established in April 2010 to provide free, confidential support for veterans and their families suffering from substance abuse and mental health disorders. The final story of the issue describes how the survey by a Virginia coalition showed a high rate of inhalant use by 8th, 10th, and 12th graders in one county.