This Week's News in Substance Use: 4/14/17

Substance Use Disorders Could Be Costing Your Business More Than You Think, Forbes

“Along with NORC at the University of Chicago and Shatterproof, the National Safety Council has created a tool to show how the substance use disorder crisis can affect your workforce.

The Substance Use Cost Calculator is a quick and easy way to track the potential cost of substance use disorders. Employers input basic statistics about their workforce, such as industry, location, and number of employees. The tool then calculates the estimated prevalence of substance use disorders among employees and dependents, associated costs, and potential savings if employees and their family members treat substance use disorders.”

NYPD: ‘We Were Not Ready’ For Flood of Drug Overdoses, The New York Post

“The NYPD said it was not prepared for the massive uptick in fatal opioid overdoses in the city last year, which killed approximately 1,300 people — more than homicides and traffic collisions combined.”

Addicts Who Can't Get Opioids Are Overdosing on a Diarrhea Drug, The Atlantic

“Opioid painkillers have an inconvenient, lesser-known side effect: terrible constipation.

Perhaps then it’s no surprise that people addicted to opioids have considered the converse. If a drug that gets you high causes constipation, could a drug that causes constipation get you high?”

Opioid Fight Unites Democrats, Republicans — Even During Gorsuch Vote, The Washington Times

“Extreme partisanship is rampant on Capitol Hill, but a glimmer of hope for cooperation is emerging from a dark place — the prescription painkiller and heroin crisis that’s ravaging the country. It’s an issue where all sides have said they want to act, though getting agreement hasn’t always been smooth.”

Colleges Can Get Free Doses of Naloxone for Students Overdosing on Heroin and Other Opioids, The Washington Post

“The Clinton Foundation and Adapt Pharma are working together to give colleges 40,000 doses of NARCAN nasal spray, which is the only FDA-approved nasal spray and is designed to be simple enough to administer that people without medical training can provide a potentially lifesaving dose.”

Alcohol Abuse Leads to 4,300 Deaths Annually Among People Under 21, Miami Herald

“It is common knowledge that the drinking age in the United States is 21. However, by age 13, one third of boys and about one fourth of girls have tasted alcohol. Even scarier, excessive alcohol consumption leads to more than 4,300 deaths annually among people under 21.”

Trump to Tap GOP Rep. Tom Marino as 'Drug Czar': Report, The Hill

“President Trump plans to tap Rep. Tom Marino (R-Pa.) as his drug czar, according to a CBS News report on Tuesday. Marino would head the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). He is finishing up his paperwork and an official announcement is expected shortly thereafter, a person familiar with the personnel matter told CBS.“

Upcoming Exhibit Seeks to Educate Parents on Teen Substance Abuse, Chicago Tribune

"On display April 18 at the Jewett Park Community Center, the exhibit will feature a mock teenager's bedroom containing 100 items that may be warning signs of illicit behaviors in young adults. The items can point to substance abuse, underage drinking, eating disorders, sexual activity and suicide."