Andrae Crouch, Grammy-winning gospel singer and pioneer, dies at 72
Although he had studied elementary education and worked as a counselor for recovering drug abusers, he was driven to a musical career. He formed the Disciples in the mid-1960s and released his first album, “Take the Message Everywhere,” in 1971. Read more on Valdosta Daily Times

City cops use Narcan, save 3 suburban residents
City police and later city firefighters began carrying Narcan in the first few months of 2014 and on several occasions now, police or other emergency crews have revived unconscious drug addicts with the antidote. Sadly, officials say … “Within two … Read more on Buffalo News

Berkshire chapter of opioid support network a godsend for families
According to the Taunton Daily Gazette, Learn to Cope founder and executive director Joanne Peterson was also tapped at the start of the month to provide input to Attorney General Maura Healey's task force on opiate and prescription drug abuse. Julian … Read more on Berkshire Eagle

Payment-by-results in International Development: the elixir or the poison?
As the concept of Payment-by-Results (PbR) gains momentum in the international development sector, it hasn't taken long for it to turn into somewhat of a 'dirty' word – particularly among not-for-profits. … In criminal justice, PbR was trialled in … Read more on PLoS Blogs (blog)

Mothers leading recovery movement with Register Awards
Genesis members, however, vowed to only allow people who have first established their sobriety to live in this drug-free safe haven, effectively ensuring long-term recovery. Sometime in spring, it's expected the group — led by Prentice and Sherwood … Read more on Sandusky Register

HC notice to Punjab health secy on contempt of court petition
The Punjab and Haryana high court on Wednesday issued notice to the principal secretary, health, Punjab, on a contempt of court petition seeking directions to the Punjab government to evolve a comprehensive policy for de-addiction of drug addicts. Read more on Hindustan Times

The Life and Times of an Addict in Myanmar
He wasn't the first drug addict I had seen locked up in Kachin State. At other rehab centers in the area, I had seen drug addicts locked in cages, some of them ironically called “prayer rooms.” Rehab centers in this religious area have little in the … Read more on New York Times

Drug Abuse Helpline for Independence, OH Offering Support and Advice for …
LIGHTNING RELEASES 12/23/14 — The new drug rehab abuse helpline for Independence, OH is changing how people in the area locate a reliable drug and alcohol recovery center. By calling (216) 242-14414 right now, anyone can find the substance … Read more on Ticker Report

Hope Fund: Music died with drinking, drug use; fomer addict wants instrument
For more than a year, Florence has been free from substance abuse and takes his medications religiously. Currently, Florence lives on a monthly Social Security disability insurance check of just over $ 800. After rent, cable and groceries, he has little … Read more on Florida Times-Union

Music died with drinking, drug use; but former addict wishes for instrument …
For more than a year, Florence has been free from substance abuse and takes his medications religiously. Currently, Florence lives on a monthly Social Security disability insurance check of just over $ 800. After rent, cable and groceries, he has little … Read more on Florida Times-Union

'Average age of drug addicts is decreasing and it's alarming': Mukta …
This place can only close down if there are no addicts and hence this is my unusual wish,” said Puntambekar. Stressing on various patterns in drug and substance abuse, she said, “Over the years since I joined the institution in 1993, I have seen … Read more on The Indian Express

ODRC director supports local treatment for drug addicts
Tom Stotts, chief probation officer, said it will provide guidance for clients on any medications used to recover from addiction. The court also will cater to first-time drug offenders to get treatment without felonies on their record. Judge Jim Slagle … Read more on Marion Star

Prop. 47 could leave counties scrambling for drug treatment funds
The passage of Proposition 47 could leave San Francisco and other counties scrambling to make up the state money they used to receive for successfully treating rather than imprisoning low-level drug and property crime offenders, law enforcement … Read more on SFGate

Shia LaBeouf complying with drug treatment
“Transformers” star Shia LaBeouf is complying with his drug treatment program and should see charges dismissed stemming from his Broadway breakdown, a judge said Tuesday. LaBeouf, 28, pleaded guilty in September to disorderly conduct, a violation, … Read more on New York Daily News

NIH medical research funding is vital in Louisiana and across the nation: Dr …
LSU Health New Orleans research programs address some of the most important health issues today — cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, childhood obesity, Alzheimer's disease, stroke and substance abuse. Recent discoveries made by our faculty … Read more on The Times-Picayune – NOLA.com

From jail cell to voting booth, ex-prostitutes and drug addicts find a voice …
"I've never voted in my life," the 30-year-old Louisiana native said with a shrug. "I don't even understand politics." Fisher came to Houston five years … Those who do are moved to a "tank" at the jail where they all live, and where specialists visit … Read more on Houston Chronicle

Fighting an Epidemic With Hands Tied
Organizing workers in West Africa has been a problem. Credit Daniel Berehulak for … Although there are currently no drugs or vaccines approved in the United States to treat or prevent Ebola, health officials have used several experimental drugs in … Read more on New York Times

L.A. County backs laws allowing access to experimental drugs for the …
“Terminally ill patients should not have to navigate the FDA's bureaucratic process to access a drug and treatment that may help save their life,” Antonovich, who is in Washington, D.C., and did not attend today's board meeting, said in a statement … Read more on MyNewsLA.com