Learnt behaviour
With children as young as 10 being initiated into drug use by their parents, a new report calls for a family-led approach to addiction. Sharon Simms knows exactly who introduced her to drugs: her own father. During her childhood, his twin weaknesses were Special Brew lager and marijuana. Drug dealers plied their trade from the house she shared with him, and he let heroin addicts inject in the bathroom in return for a spliff or can of beer. > Read more.

Thousands in drug rehabilitation
More than 8,000 heroin addicts went into rehabilitation programmes across the East Midlands in 2007-08. Figures from the National Treatment Agency show 3,300 heroin users in Nottinghamshire are seeking help. The government estimates that for every £1 spent on treatment, it saves £9.50 from the crime and health budgets. Almost 2,000 heroin addicts went onto treatment in Leicestershire and Rutland, while in Derbyshire about 2,700 addicts were getting treatment. > Read more.

Interventions for children and families where there is parental drug misuse
Executive summary. 6-page PDF > Read more.

Solon pushes drug tests for congressmen
MANILA, Philippines -- Following President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's order to conduct random drug tests on students, a lawmaker on Wednesday suggested that members of the House of Representatives undergo mandatory tests "to set an example" among public officials. Cavite Representative Elpidio Barzaga drug tests for House members would "show to the public that we are not drug users and also to set an example among public officials." > Read more.

Ketamine tops cocaine as new drug of choice
Government advisory panel ranks class C drug as more harmful than Ecstasy. Ketamine - once the drug of choice for ravers - is now in widespread use. The horse tranquilliser ketamine is increasingly replacing cocaine as the substance of choice among Britain's recreational drug users, according to charities and experts. > Read more.