• Mission & Governance
• Services Overview
• How to Get Involved
• Standing Committees
• NCSL Foundation

• Issue Areas: A-Z
• State-Federal Relations
• NCSL Standing Committees
• News from D.C. and the States

• About State Legislatures
• Elections, Campaigns & Redistricting
• NCSL's StateConnect Directory
• Web Sites

• Online Guide to NCSL Services
• Staff Sections and Networks
• Meetings & Professional Development
• Staff Directories

• Meetings Calendar
• Online Registration
• Meetings Home Page
• Legislative Summit

• Bookstore
• State Legislatures Magazine
• NCSL's StateConnect Directory

NCSL Substance Abuse Snapshot

Matthew Gever, Staff Writer
Allison Colker, Editor

February 15, 2008

Emerging Issues

Substance Abuse Rates Higher for Displaced

Adults who lost their home for two weeks or more as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita had higher rates of substance abuse and mental health problems according to a new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Compared to those who were not displaced, those who lost their homes reported higher rates of past month use of illicit drugs, marijuana and cigarettes as well as higher rates of binge drinking. The report was based on data drawn from National Survey on Drug Use and Health surveys conducted before and after the hurricanes and represented approximately 14 million adults living in the Gulf State Disaster Area (regions of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas declared eligible for disaster relief). The figure below details the rates of use.

Criminal Justice Interventions

Vermont Committee Reconsiders Marijuana Penalties

In a 4-1 vote, the Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee voted to adjust the state’s penalties for first-time marijuana possession, eliminating jail time for possession of small amounts, the Burlington Free Press reports. For offenders caught possessing one ounce or less of the drug, diversion would be offered in lieu of any criminal penalties, which presently could be up to six months in jail and a $500 fine. If the offender successfully completes the diversion program, the record associated with the possession crime would be erased. Generally, in Vermont, those caught with small amounts do not go to jail unless other crimes are involved, a spokesperson for the Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs told the Free Press. These and similar comments have led some to think that the new penalties will not result in substantive changes.

Drug Specific Issues

Camden, NJ launches Needle-Exchange Program

In an attempt to curb the spread of HIV among intravenous drug users, Camden County, New Jersey launched a needle-exchange program, the second in the state to open up, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Camden County has one of the highest rates of heroin and other opiate use in the state, according to the New Jersey Substance Abuse Monitoring System, which in turn has led to a high number of HIV cases. Implemented in January, the program operates out of a van that parks in the downtown area on Tuesday afternoons where volunteers provide new needles and counseling. Participation so far has been low, but officials hope that the program’s consistency will encourage more heroin users to take part. New Jersey was the last state to legalize needle-exchange programs, passing a law in 2006. However, the law provided no funding for the programs, which have to rely on private grant money. Currently, only Atlantic City offers such a program, although state officials expect others to open in Newark and Paterson later this year.

 Return to Snapshot Index
 Return to Forum Main Page