Tuesday, January 28, 2003 @ 5:05 pm by Dr. Joe Graas	General News
Arkansas House Passes 'Clean Urine' Bill LITTLE ROCK (Reuters) - Something smells funny in the Arkansas drug-testing business, and a state legislator thinks it might be the urine. Jay Martin, a freshman state representative, won passage through the Arkansas House of Representatives last week of his measure that will make it illegal to sell or use "clean" urine to falsify a drug or alcohol test. Martin said he is confident the first bill he ever sponsored will become state law. Martin said he was urged to introduce the "clean urine" bill by a local drug-testing company that complained of widespread trafficking in urine untainted by drugs. Many of the sales in the market are made over the Internet, he said. Click here for full article
Wednesday, January 22, 2003 @ 5:01 pm by Dr. Joe Graas	General News
Early Marijuana Use Ups Risk of Drug Abuse NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Teens who smoke marijuana at an early age are more likely than their siblings to use more dangerous drugs later on or to become addicted to drugs or alcohol, according to a study of twins published Tuesday. The study found that a twin who smoked marijuana before the age of 17 was up to four times more likely to use other drugs and up to six times more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, compared to their twin sibling who did not smoke at an early age. Other risk factors for drug abuse, including depression, childhood sexual abuse, or a parent's separation or divorce, did not affect the findings. Click here for full article
Thursday, January 2, 2003 @ 5:09 pm by Dr. Joe Graas	Drug Related News
Parents' Involvement Helps Kids Overcome Peer Influence On Smoking Having involved parents -- those who know a lot about their children's friends, activities, and how they're doing in school -- can help children overcome peer influence to start smoking, according to a study by a researcher at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). The study also confirmed earlier findings that the more widespread children think smoking is, the more likely they are to start. Moreover, children who are socially competent -- who have the ability to exercise self control and good judgment -- and have parents who monitor their behavior tend not to start smoking. The study surveyed students in four middle schools in a suburban Maryland school district. Click here for full article