Monthly Archives: February 2008

Diltiazem, a drug used in the treatment of high blood pressure, reduces cocaine cravings in a rat model. Previous work showed that two brain chemicals, dopamine and glutamate, independently contribute to the development of cocaine addiction. This new research indicates that calcium channels provide critical links between dopamine and glutamate that drives the intense craving associated with cocaine addiction. Continue reading →

The road home to civilian life is not always easy for returning veterans or their families. Substance use and mental health issues are all too common. To help, SAMHSA is collaborating with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the National Guard to make the reintegration needs of returning veterans a top priority. SAMHSA News highlights SAMHSA’s activities in support of this effort, including recent statistics, a special webpage, and a second national conference.

Date Added: 02/28/08
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The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2008 for a Technical Assistance Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention (TA Center) grant.

Date Added: 02/27/08
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The National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week begins on March 16. While this health observance is still more than a month away, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can help you prepare.

Date Added: 02/27/08
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Many studies on cocaine addiction – and attempts to block its addictiveness – have focused on dopamine transporters, proteins that reabsorb the brain’s “reward” chemical once its signal is sent. Since cocaine blocks dopamine transporters from doing their recycling job, it leaves the feel-good chemical around to keep sending the pleasure signal. Now a new study suggests that cocaine’s effects go beyond the dopamine system. In the study, cocaine had significant effects on brain metabolism, even in mice that lack the gene for dopamine transporters. Continue reading →

The Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) announce the availability of funds for new FY 2008 Drug-Free Communities Mentoring Program (DFC Mentoring) grants.

Date Added: 02/22/08
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Hallucinogens are drugs that distort a person’s perception of reality. Hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), phencyclidine (PCP), ketamine, and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or Ecstasy) are man-made chemicals, while others, such as psilocybin mushrooms and the herb Salvia divinorum, occur in nature.

Date Added: 02/19/08
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Methamphetamine and amphetamines are highly addictive central nervous system stimulants. Methamphetamine and amphetamine abuse can lead to serious health consequences, such as rapid or irregular heartbeats, dental problems, mood disturbances, impaired memory, and chronic psychiatric problems. From 1995 to 2005, the percentage of substance abuse treatment admissions for primary abuse of methamphetamine/amphetamine more than doubled from 4 percent to 9 percent.

Date Added: 02/14/08
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