Drug Abuse
The Edit, Episode #1: A Conversation About New Treatment Options for Opioid-Addicted Moms
On the latest episode of Pacific Standard's podcast about how our stories are made, staff writer Francie Diep discusses her experiences covering the opioid epidemic and a promising new treatment program at the University of Kentucky.
How Big Pharma Gave America Its Heroin Problem
OxyContin, designed for cancer pain relief, became the drug prescribed for back and tooth aches.
Prescription Painkiller Abuse Linked With Heroin
As states crack down hard on pain prescriptions, some are seeing a resurgence in abuse of the harder stuff.
The Elusive Link Between Casinos and Crime
With a study of the impact of Philadelphia’s SugarHouse Casino, a heated debate gets fresh ammunition.
The Dangers of Criminalizing Pregnancy Outcomes
New legislation in Tennessee has implications much wider than the use of illegal drugs by pregnant mothers-to-be.
Remembering the Drug Court Revolution
Stories from the 25th anniversary celebration of the nation’s first drug court.
Reducing Crime With Limited Legalization
Expanding on the Situational Crime Prevention theory that making crimes harder or less appealing to commit will make them less likely to occur, two criminologists make the case for "providing opportunities" for would-be criminals to commit their acts legally and safely.
Late Nights, Long Drives, and Too Much Speed
New research on the why and when of truckers abusing drugs.
Drug Courts Are the Answer: Save Money and Reduce Prison Populations
Eric Holder’s plan to reduce mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenders is met with praise, and supported by the facts.
Tribal Communities Explore Creative Alternatives to Incarceration
From elder meetings to equine therapy, programs focusing on healing are found to be cheaper and more effective than jail time.
Bath Salts, Zombies, and Crossbows: An Update
Scientists are working to study the make-up and effects of bath salts, while ER doctors are struggling to treat its victims.
Solo Rock Stars Die Young
New research links premature deaths of pop stars with childhood traumas, and suggests being part of a band may help protect them against self-destructive behavior.
Feds Poke Hole in Needle Exchange Funding
Despite evidence that needle exchange programs for drug users slow the spread of AIDS, the new U.S. government spending bill once again defunds such programs.
War on Drugs Remains at Stalemate After 40 Years
Pretty much everyone agrees the war on drugs is a failure. So why don’t we try a different approach?
Supervised-Injection Site in Vancouver Meets Big Hurdle
With the backing of numerous scientific studies and provincial health authorities, Insite will fight for its life against the Canadian federal government in court.
Is a Dip in Cocaine Use a War on Drugs Victory?
Washington remains optimistic about the war on drugs based on dips in the importation of cocaine. But even the “good news” derived from comparisons with Europe is distressing.
Marijuana Use Hastens Onset of Schizophrenia
A review of 83 studies provides strong evidence that reducing marijuana use could delay or even prevent some forms of psychosis.
Portugal Benefits by Treating Drug Abuse as Medical, Not Legal, Issue
Portugal’s example suggests that de-escalating the war on drugs might create a new sort of peace dividend.
Drug Testing Welfare Recipients in Vogue
Proposals to test Americans on the dole for illegal drugs seem grounded more in stereotypes and less in data.
Strict Policy Prevents Use of Alcohol, Not Marijuana
A cross-national comparison of alcohol and marijuana use among adolescents indicates that stricter laws may prevent high school kids from drinking, but not from smoking pot.
Connection Found Between Body Art and Deviant Behavior
A new study of college students finds a correlation between body art and deviant behavior, but only for those with multiple tattoos or piercings.
Problem-Solving (and Award-Winning) Courts
The verdict is in: Center for Court Innovation honored with national nonprofit award.
'Magic Mint' Fails to Double Users' Pleasure
A hallucinogen derived from the Salvia divinorum plant — Sally D on the streets — is the latest worrisome drug, however research shows that the buzz, no pun intended, isn't quite living up to the hype.
Needle Exchange
Some readers say our article on a "harm reduction" approach to the drug problem is, itself, harmful.