What's in the News?
Fentanyl Pain Patch a Dangerous Street Drug
Fentanyl, a pain killer originally prescribed for cancer patients, is being used on the streets by opiate addicts with sometimes deadly consequences, experts warn. (Associated Press)
Click here to read the CBC News article.
Binge Drinking May Harm Learning, MemoryCNN discusses a recent study published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research on the longer-term harmful effects of binge drinking (five drinks in close succession for a man, four for a woman) on memory, which is potentially due to damage to the brain (specifically, the hippocampus, which is used in learning). Click here to read the CNN article. Visit the Centre's Published Research page to download a copy of our study on Binge Drinking Perceptions and Practices among Post-Secondary students.
Vancouver Island Teens Overdosing on Cold Meds
In March 2011, the CBC published a story on teenagers overdosing on cold medications and potential pharmacy reforms to restrict access among youth to certain medications. Click here to read the article.
Private Liquor Stores Bad for Health
A new report by CARBC found a negative effect on public safety in BC from increased density of privately owned liquor stores. To read the report, published in the Addiction Journal, click here.
New Website Aims to Stop Gang Violence
This website was created to prevent youth involvement in gang activity by distributing information and resources to parents, teachers, and youth. These resources seek to de-glamourize the gang lifestyle and show youth the reality of gangs. Click here to Get the Real Facts About Gangs and Crime Prevention in BC.
ReachOut Psychosis
ReachOut Psychosis educates young people, parents, and teachers about psychosis to reduce the stigma of mental illness. Teachers can learn how to spot and stop psychosis from an early stage. Early medical treatment for psychosis has been shown to be important in ensuring that young people make a full and speedy recovery. Click here for resources for parents, friends and siblings, and teachers. ReachOut is presented free of charge to secondary schools with an audience over 100.
Cocktails: Facts for Youth about Mixing Medicines, Booze, and Street Drugs
This is a newly created booklet by youth for youth and their health care providers held by the BC Children's Hospital in their Family Resource Library. Learn about 105 medications in terms of how they may interact with alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, street drugs, and oral/injectable contraceptives. 'Drunkorexia' a growing trendThis article, on www.thespec.com, discusses the trend of swapping food calories for alcohol calories - read it here.
CBC's The Current - Special Mental Health Focus
The Current devoted a four-part program that takes an in-depth look at mental health, youth mental health, a pediatrician's personal experience with his own mental health challenges, and creativity and mental health.
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