The War on Drugs as we know it, today, “officially” began in 1973 when with passage of New York’s strict sentencing guidelines “known as the ‘Rockefeller drug laws’ — after their champion, Gov. Nelson Rockefeller — that put even low-level criminals behind bars for decades,” according to Brain Mann’s NPR story, today, “The Drug Laws… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Public Policy
Addiction Impacts Lives of Millions and Costs Billions
Addiction is so deeply shrouded in secrecy, discrimination and shame in America [and I cite America for the sake of the statistics used, however similar realities exist around the world] that the lives of over one-half the population are affected and the economic costs exceed one-half trillion dollars. It was for this reason that I… Continue Reading
The War on Drugs – Rethinking the Approach
The War on Drugs – is it time to rethink our approach? The following is a guest post by Kalen Smith, who writes on behalf of drug-rehab.org, a nonprofit substance abuse referral and resource center. Kalen has been writing about drug abuse and addiction for the past five years and can be reached at kalens9112@gmail.com.… Continue Reading
Advocating for Standard Alcohol Drink Labels
Ever thought of a standard alcohol drink label? Probably not, but here’s why you might think they’d be a good idea. We’ll start with the new can in town. It’s a 12-ounce can of 3-year old Blended Scotch Whisky from Scottish Spirits Imports, Inc. Each non-re-sealable, 12-ounce can (which looks exactly like a 12-ounce beer… Continue Reading
Drug Addiction is a Chronic Brain Disease
Calling drug addiction a chronic brain disease was a portion of Kerlikowski, Director of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), June 11, 2012 speech at The Betty Ford Center. Quoting from The Betty Ford Center’s introduction to the video, Gil Kerlikowske “delivered a major speech at the Betty Ford Center on Monday, June 11th, 2012, calling on… Continue Reading
National Recovery Month September 2012
National Recovery Month September 2012 – this year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: It’s Worth It.” Mental and/or substance use disorders (also known as behavioral health conditions) affect millions of individuals, as well as their families and friends who are concernedabout them. Many opportunities exist to help them reclaim their lives, restore their relationships, and build promising… Continue Reading
Take the Pledge – The National Prevention Week Pledge
National Prevention Week is a new annual health observance supported by SAMHSA that celebrates the work that community organizations and individuals do year-round to prevent substance abuse and promote mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being. National Prevention Week starts today, May 20, and continues through May 26, 2012, and this year’s theme is We are the ones.… Continue Reading
Get Involved in the 2012 Election for Recovery!
Congress and state legislatures across the country are considering a host of misguided, ineffective, tax-wasting legislative proposals with regards to drug treatment, drug testing of citizens receiving social services and incarceration vs drug court… and don’t get me started on the lack of adequate medical benefits for those seeking recovery or help with Secondhand Drinking/Drugging…… Continue Reading
Filed Under: Public Policy