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Story Archives of 'Substance Abuse'Selling the Sin TaxBy Laura Knoy on Thursday, May 8, 2008.Governor Lynch’s latest plan to address the state’s budget shortfall would involve raising taxes on cigarettes, reducing the state discount to wine retailers, and introducing a brand new tax on charity poker games. We’ll unpack the economics of so-called “sin taxes” and explore what these increases could mean for consumers, businesses and the state budget. Guests
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  Residents Resist a Drug Clinic in ConwayBy Richelle Elberg on Monday, May 5, 2008.Drug addiction is a well known problem across America, and small towns like Conway are not immune. But area residents were shocked last month when they learned that a private, for-profit company wants to open a methadone clinic in town to treat people addicted to opiates. It isn't heroin use that's driving the reported demand - it's the growing problem of prescription drug abuse. NHPR correspondent Richelle Elberg reports from Conway. listen:
The Mellowing of Marijuana LawsBy Richard Ager on Friday, April 25, 2008.A new bill proposes to reduce penalties for possessing a small amount of marijuana in the state. Supporters call it more just punishment for an infraction many already commit, but opponents warn it would send the wrong message about drug use. The bill has passed the House but faces a tough time in the Senate and a veto threat from the Governor. We’ll look at current marijuana law, the new proposals and New Hampshire's attitudes around this drug. Guests
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Hooked from the First CigaretteBy Virginia Prescott on Thursday, April 24, 2008.Research on cigarette addiction has long held that it takes years to develop the nicotine habit. But new research indicates that the symptoms of addiction - withdrawal, cravings, and failed attempts at quitting - can appear within the first week of smoking. That's even more cause for tobacco-prevention programs to keep kids from picking up the habit in the first place.
Word of Mouth host Virginia Prescott spoke about the research with John Rennie, editor-in-chief of Scientific American, which published the new findings in its May issue. Read a preview of the Scientific American article "Hooked from the First Cigarette" (Photo by Juan Jackson) listen:
Online Rogue Pharmacies Selling Prescription Drugs to AddictsBy Dianne Finch on Wednesday, April 23, 2008.Last year, 168 people died from drug overdoses in the state – many from prescription pain killers. But for those who don’t have prescriptions – narcotics can still easily be bought on the internet through rogue pharmacies. NHPR’s Dianne Finch reports that state senators are considering a House-backed bill that aims to crack down on the practice. listen:
Can Voting in New Hampshire Cost a Lawmaker a Job?By Ellen Grimm on Wednesday, March 26, 2008.A recent story out of Manchester has highlighted one of the difficulties of being a New Hampshire citizen lawmaker. Members of the legislature sometimes have to vote on bills that could endanger their jobs. NHPR Correspondent Ellen Grimm reports. listen:
Prescription Drug AbuseBy Laura Knoy on Monday, February 11, 2008.While illegal drug use among teens seems to be dropping, perfectly legal medicines like Oxycontin, Ritalin and Methadone are increasingly being misused, sometimes with serious consequences. We’ll look at the trends and how the health care system might change in response. Guests
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Rise in Healthcare Troubles Corrections DepartmentBy Dan Gorenstein on Thursday, January 10, 2008.Everybody around the state is struggling to keep up with the rising cost of healthcare. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that the New Hampshire Department of Corrections is having problems too. New Hampshire Public Radio’s Dan Gorenstein reports. listen:
Hostage Crisis Shines Light on State ServicesBy Dan Gorenstein on Tuesday, December 4, 2007.According to his attorney, Leland Eisenberg was so desperate to get psychiatric help; he took six people hostage at Hillary Clinton’s campaign office in Rochester last Friday. Leading up to the incident, Eisenberg’s wife says he had been drinking for three weeks. Mental health advocates say the case shows how difficult it is to get treatment, especially for someone with both emotional and substance abuse problems. State healthcare officials agree services don’t meet demand. New Hampshire Public Radio’s Dan Gorenstein reports. listen:
Kids and DrugsBy Jon Greenberg on Monday, January 29, 2007.The latest on an old habit... A major conference in the Granite State this week looks at the research & trends on today’s teens and the drugs they use. We’ll learn more about these findings and how they differ in many ways from a generation ago. Jon's guests are Maria Gagnon, Assistant Director of the Adolescent Treatment Initiative at New Futures, the past Director of the Reclaiming Futures project and a clinical social worker who spent four years working at New Hampshire’s Division for Children, Youth and Families; and Eileen Fiori, Program Supervisor of Child and Family Services’ Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment program, licensed social worker and licensed alcohol and drug counselor. We'll also hear from Michael Nerney, Expert on adolescent brain development and a Consultant in substance abuse prevention and education. He is the featured speaker at an upcoming Child and Family Services seminar on adolescent substance abuse & risk behavior. listen:
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Here in New Hampshire, 20.5 percent of high school students smoke cigarettes. Last year, the state ranked dead last in the country for spending on tobacco prevention programs, with zero dollars spent on prevention, and it looks like New Hampshire will earn that dubious distinction again this year due to budget constraints. It's alarming, given that some scientists have found evidence of changes in the brain of novice smokers after just one dose of nicotine.