COUNTERDRUG HEADLINES

By STEPHANIE SAUL, The New York Times
Published: July 17, 2008

A new Harvard study claims that the tobacco industry in recent years has manipulated menthol levels in cigarettes to hook youngsters and maintain loyalty among smoking adults. The report could further inflame a controversy over menthol in pending tobacco legislation. Skip to next paragraph

The study by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, released Wednesday, concludes that manufacturers have marketed brands to what it called a "vulnerable population" of adolescents and young adults by "manipulating sensory elements of cigarettes to promote initiation and dependence."

Young people, the study said, tolerate menthol cigarettes better than harsher nonmenthol cigarettes. In low-level menthol cigarettes, the menthol primarily masks harshness, making it easier to begin smoking. But as smokers become more accustomed to menthol, they prefer stronger menthol... (Read More at The New York Times)



It appears 8.8% of Hawaii High School students have drank on school property at least once during the last 30 days. This is #1 highest state rate in this report (includes about 40 states). Both males and females are also the highest.


We are also tied for 2nd highest (7.2%) with the other island state (Rhode Island) for Pakalolo on school grounds. We were edged out by New Mexico who was #1 (8.4%).

This information, and photo, was obtained from a research study conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study was published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, June 9, 2006 / Vol. 55 / No. SS-5 (PDF).


The New York Times, April 8, 2008
By Tara Parker-Pope

The ritual of drinking 21 or more alcoholic beverages to celebrate the 21st birthday appears to be far more common than expected, according to new research.

It's estimated that more than four out of every five American 21-year-olds drink alcohol to celebrate the birthday milestone, which is the the legal drinking age in the United States. But a new study from University of Missouri researchers of 2,518 students shows that many young adults aren't just drinking to celebrate - they are drinking to extremes... (read the full article at The New York Times)

Drinking Game Can Be a Deadly Rite of Passage
The New York Times, March 12, 2005
By KATE ZERNIKE



Lt Governor James "Duke" Aiona Jr, proclamation April as Alcohol Awareness month in the state of Hawaii. Pictured below are members from the Hickam AFB community supporting this initiative with a $950k Military grant to address underage drinking on Hickam AFB and the surrounding communities. Read More.

(From left) Col. Dean Wolford, 15 AW/CV; Lt. Gov. James R. "Duke" Aiona, Jr.; Capt. Maritza Sayle-Walker, 15 AW Sexual Assault Response coordinator; Rep. Lynn Finnegan; and Marisela Doyle, EUDL (Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws) Hickam AFB Community Coordinator; at the Hawaii State Capitol Building on April 2.

Video by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).