Posted by azdrugrehabctr on October 8, 2014 under AZ Drug Rehab News | 
Two and a half hours after being born, a newborn baby boy passed away in Tucson, AZ. When doctors looked into the reason behind the death they found that the baby had methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana in its system. As the hospital staff looked into the devastating turn of events they found that the baby’s mother had been abusing drugs while she was pregnant.
The medical examiner’s office released a report, stating that the cause of death was, “prematurity with substance abuse by his mother as a contributing factor to his prematurity and subsequent death.” Perhaps even more shocking than the mother’s alleged extreme negligence and reckless endangerment is that seven months later she has still not been charged with any crime.
The Tucson Police Department reported that they are still investigating the case; however some people are skeptical that anything is going to be done to avenge the baby’s death. The police department cites complicated loopholes regarding infant death so soon after birth as the main reason why no charges have been filed yet, they are still investigating to ensure that they have a solid case before committing to charges. It should also be noted that the baby’s mother was arrested on drug charges only one month prior to the child being born.
Drug and alcohol abuse during pregnancy is one of the most dangerous things a mother can do to her child. The baby becomes addicted to the drugs while still in the womb and can develop serious and life-threatening complications. Once born, if the baby survives, the child has to go through painful withdrawal in order to get off the drugs. Withdrawal symptoms are typically something that an adult cannot handle, let alone an infant. The types of withdrawal symptoms a baby may experience depend on what drugs the mother was abusing during the pregnancy.
If a mother was abusing heroin or any kind of opiate the child may experience painful flu-like symptoms, inability to sleep, severe aches and pains, cravings for the drug and vomiting. What is even scarier is that when a baby is going through withdrawals their heart rate increases and they become dehydrated.
Posted by azdrugrehabctr on September 24, 2014 under AZ Drug Rehab News |
In August, $1.6 million worth of drugs were seized within just a week at the Arizona-Mexico border. Law enforcement recently stepped up their drug-searching methods, a move which has been paying off handsomely. Once the drugs were seized, the suspects were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations for further questioning. Drug-sniffing dogs were paramount to the cause.
In one seizure of many this week, officers working with drug dogs searched a woman’s car shortly after attempting to cross over from Mexico. They found 20 packages of marijuana under her floor weighing nearly 139 pounds. The drugs had a street value of $69,000.
During another incident, officers arrested an elderly man attempting to smuggle in 14 pounds of methamphetamine. After officers took a closer look at the vehicle where drug dogs had indicated, they found the meth, which had been hidden in a secret compartment between the two front seats. Later that day at the same checkpoint, officers found 22 pounds of cocaine hidden behind another vehicle’s airbag.
During a single week, seizures at the border added up to around $1.6 million. For border control, the battle against drug smuggling is a constant game of cat and mouse. Drug traffickers are always looking for different ways to smuggle the drugs into the country and border control is challenged to stay one step ahead if they want to succeed in controlling the border.
At the end of the week, officers had confiscated drugs hidden in several different places: above a vehicle’s front fender, hidden compartments between seats and behind airbags, inside car seats, inside a vehicle’s doors, under the floor of a vehicle, in suitcases, under a truck bed, and in the crotch area of a woman’s pants.
With the high demand for drugs in our country, it is unlikely that drug smugglers will stop trying to get drugs into our country anytime soon. If we, as a nation, can get to the root of the problem and lower the demand for drugs, perhaps we can make more headway in the fight for the border.
Posted by azdrugrehabctr on September 10, 2014 under AZ Drug Rehab News |
Despite the mounting efforts exhibited by Arizona border control, there is still an alarming amount of heroin getting through from Mexico. Once the heroin crosses over into the United States, it is then shipped throughout the country.
Unfortunately, as the heroin spreads through to different cities and states, suburban youth are the most targeted clients of drug dealers. The work that Arizona border control is doing to police the thousands of people who attempt to come into Arizona on a daily basis is helping somewhat, but there is more work to be done to put a significant dent into the heroin trafficking into the United States.
Heroin can be hidden in just about anything. Arizona border control has learned that heroin can be strapped to a baby, hidden in any part of a car, even inside tires. Another scary trend that is being noticed throughout Arizona is that some people are simply walking across the state line carrying the heroin themselves. Agents have picked up grandmothers and children carrying heroin for drug cartels. Had the heroin not been intercepted it would have gone on to safe houses where it would have been distributed to waiting transporters for further distribution.
Once the heroin leaves Arizona it usually travels to major cities throughout the United States, and the usual destination is often into teenagers’ hands. The alarming number of youth who are abusing heroin is growing at a rate that is shocking law enforcement and families throughout the country. “We’ve seen a number of deaths and overdoses among young people – people who are naïve about heroin,” says Gil Kerlikowske the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
In the past, young adults have had to travel to the inner city to obtain the heroin they are seeking. Now, because there is such a demand for the potent drug, most teenagers can get their hands on heroin without ever having to leave their town. As the drug makes it way from the Arizona border into the homes of many American families, it may be time to look at alternative ways to combat the growing heroin problem in the country.
Posted by azdrugrehabctr on August 15, 2014 under AZ Drug Rehab News |
When a couple living on a ranch in Arizona suspected that illegal immigrants were sneaking through their property, they set up hidden cameras in the hopes of catching the trespassers. What they found indicates more of a problem than they originally thought.
Jim and Sue Chilton have long feared the immigrants sneaking through their property – simply because of the illegal activity. They have come face to face with armed trespassers and even caught them sneaking through their home. The Chiltons were sure that these immigrants were also smuggling drugs through their property and had alerted law enforcement several times. Because of the demand on law enforcement in the Arizona towns that border Mexico, it was hard to get anything done without proof that there was a problem.
When law enforcement failed to provide assistance, the Chiltons turned to SecureBorderIntel.org, an advocate group that helps people protect their property from drug smugglers. The group helped to set up cameras on the Chiltons’ 50,000-acre ranch in the hopes they would catch the smugglers in action. When the group came back to check the video footage, they found several groups of men carrying backpacks known to be used in the smuggling of drugs.
Illegal immigration and the smuggling of drugs into Arizona is a problem that ripples throughout the state and the rest of the country. Trespassing and smuggling is so prevalent in this area that families like the Chiltons have resorted to walking around their property in groups, rather than go out alone. Illegal immigrants smuggling drugs into Arizona are oftentimes armed and dangerous.
Now that the Chiltons have gathered evidence proving their land is being overrun with smugglers, law enforcement in Tucson have increased their security in the area. “Tucson Sector has rancher liaisons who are in constant contact with our stakeholders, including the Chilton family…Tucson Sector has deployed additional resources at the Chilton ranch to include personnel and technology,” stated the Tucson Police Department.
Posted by azdrugrehabctr on August 11, 2014 under AZ Drug Rehab News |
Karen Hobbs, Chief Deputy County Attorney in La Paz County, was honored for her efforts in helping children who come from families with a history of drug addiction. Hobbs was presented with an award from the Arizona High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). The group’s goal is to facilitate, support and enhance collaborative drug control efforts among law enforcement. Hobbs was recognized after she worked with different law enforcement groups to educate them on signs that a child is in a drug-endangered environment and successfully protected a child from the actions of their parents who were manufacturing methamphetamine.
HIDTA was impressed with Hobbs’ dedication to the cause, stating that, “she took to heart the recommendations for prosecuting parents that subject their children to a drug environment”. She had one case where the parents were both engaged in making methamphetamine. Instead of just prosecuting them for manufacturing drugs, Hobbs also cited their parental negligence and child endangerment. She charged both the parents with Contributing to Delinquency and Dependency – a class 1 misdemeanor. The statute states that it is against the law to put a child in harm’s way. Hobbs successfully pointed out that the dangers of making methamphetamine certainly warranted a harmful environment for the child. The child was taken from the custody of her parent’s and placed in a safer environment. This was one of the first times a prosecutor successfully used this statute to protect a child.
After the case Hobbs went on to co-host an educational forum to help law enforcement recognize when a child is in danger. During the meeting Hobbs recognized Curt Bagby, the Lieutenant that followed up with the child and who’s investigation made it possible for Hobbs to prosecute the parents. Hobbs presented Bagby with the first La Paz DEC Award for his persistent efforts to protect the child.
Currently Hobbs is working with the state of Arizona to change and strengthen the laws that protect minors from parents who are engaging in drug-related behavior. One thing that law enforcement can tend to lose sight of is that people can recover from their addictions and become good parents again. It is agreed that children should be protected from dangerous environments, but the system should also be set up to work toward reuniting them all as a healthy family once again.
Posted by azdrugrehabctr on August 9, 2014 under AZ Drug Rehab News |
In May, President Obama designated a portion of New Mexico’s state line to be recognized as a protected national monument despite common border security concerns. Those who oppose the president’s decision argued that creating a national monument on the border would hinder efforts to police any drug activity or trafficking coming in from Mexico.
This issue also reignited debates about Arizona, a state whose border sees tons of pounds of illegal drugs smuggled into the United States. In both states, local and federal law enforcement officials are hoping to garner enough manpower and resources to effectively police the borders, and many feel that this designation will represent a step backwards in this effort.
The White House subsequently issued a statement reassuring the public that the new monument will in no way impact border control’s ability to monitor state lines, however some people are not convinced. Speaker of the House, John Boehner was one of the first people to announce their displeasure with the new monument distinction.
The primary intention of the The White House in making the land a monument is to protect and preserve it. “I have personally seen from my time in Arizona how pristine landscapes can be quickly destroyed after illegal encampment, covered in trash and waste,” explained Brandon Judd, a Border Patrol agent and president of the National Border Patrol Council.
Many feel that the president ignored the opinions of local authorities and residents when approving the designation for the sake of preservation. As a result, the U.S. Border Patrol, as well as, state and local law enforcement officers will no longer have full access to nearly 500,000 acres of land near the Mexican border. Many argue that the effort to protect the land, now known as the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, will have no impact on those using the land for drug smuggling and human trafficking. Some even predict that those hoping to elude authorities will benefit since Border Patrol will now face delays when cutting through “red tape” to be able to access the area.
Posted by azdrugrehabctr on July 17, 2014 under AZ Drug Rehab News |
As the drug cartels in Latin and South America gain more and more control, the United States is seeing more and more illegal immigrants at its borders. Looking further into this problem shows that the drug activity in the south is spurring on more and more refugees attempting to come into the United States, some being forced to smuggle illegal drugs.
Due to the drug cartels taking hold of much of the human trafficking routes used to get people into the United States, those attempting to cross over are being forced to comply with what the drug cartels are demanding. If individuals cannot come up with the large amount of money the cartels want in order to get the people over the border those people are forced to smuggle in drugs. The cartels target those who cannot afford to pay for protection and in exchange strap large quantities of drugs onto the bodies of those attempting to get into the United States. The drug cartels are also recruiting individuals to smuggle in drugs for money.
One reporter commented, “By making these countries so dangerous and virtually unlivable for its poorest citizens, the cartels have effectively created an incentive for people to flee, thereby providing themselves with more clientele for their human smuggling business.” This is interesting because what it points out is that the drug cartels are cashing in on two lucrative businesses. They are reaping the benefits of the high demand for drugs by United States citizens and cashing in on those attempting a better life in the United States, because the cartels have made life in their own country so unlivable.
The U.S. government is aware that there is an increase in the amount of people attempting to get into the country, but some individuals do not think the government sees the correlation between the drug cartels and the increase in illegal immigrants. In order to really handle the problem, some are calling for the government to get more involved in the disbanding of the drug cartels. As the problem continues to grow many eyes are fixed on governmental solutions, but as stated in many areas of the drug addiction treatment field, reducing the demand for the drugs through effective treatment and prevention will also reduce the amount of drug trafficking that occurs. Boarder control is not the main problem.
Posted by azdrugrehabctr on March 26, 2014 under AZ Drug Rehab News |
A report surfaced this week that the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is tightening its regulations on rehabilitation facilities throughout the state. One of the areas in focus seems to be the portion about the licensing of six-bed facilities.
Previously, treatment providers could bundle up several buildings on a property and list them as separate facilities, which was a way around the regulation of having to comply with more standards. One famous facility that has done this is Passages Malibu, which received a letter from the city stating they are no longer in compliance with state regulations. The DHCS issued a statement to the Malibu Times that exclaimed, “We will license all buildings as a single facility to discourage facilities from obtaining numerous six-bed licenses at one address. Although this was allowed in the past, we’re changing the license to a single license when the provider renews every two years.”
Given the recent levels of fraud detected in the state’s treatment system, the DHCS is also submitting to have nearly two dozen more code enforcement officers for inspections of facilities. Boutique rehabs have become somewhat of a cottage industry in certain parts of California, as high-priced facilities have been able to cater to wealthy clients. Malibu alone has nearly three dozen licensed facilities and multiple sober living homes as well.
There is apparently two sides to the problem that Malibu faces. On one side there are people who simply have a case of NIMBY, while on the other there are treatment programs intentionally skirting the law to increase profits rather than being respectful of the surrounding community. It is absolutely true that there is a shortage of treatment beds in this country, and it takes all different kinds of facilities to meet the needs of the various clientele. Hopefully there can be some middle ground when it comes to treatment center expansion and residential communities.
Posted by azdrugrehabctr on March 11, 2014 under AZ Drug Rehab News |
Jonathon “Jon” Singleton has recently opened up about the most significant obstacle he faces on the road to big league success: marijuana and alcohol abuse.
The 22-year-old is exactly what the Houston Astros need after consecutive 100-loss seasons. He is a left-handed, power-hitting first baseman with the potential to help the Astros turn things around in a big way. In order to attain a spot on Houston’s roster, Singleton is making an effort to stay clean after a history of drug-related setbacks.
In December 2012, Singleton failed his second drug test. He later admitted that he knew he had a problem when he continued to get high every day despite the consequences. During the subsequent 50-game suspension, Jon spent a month at an inpatient rehabilitation center.
With the support of the Astros Organization, the infielder now talks about his experience with admirable candor.
“At this point it’s pretty evident to me that I’m a drug addict,” he told The Associated Press. “I know that I enjoy smoking weed…so I have to work against that.”
Even though Jon was just 21 upon entering rehab, he admitted to using the drug “on and off” since the age of 14. He blamed the culture growing up in Long Beach, CA for his early exposure to marijuana. He estimated 80% of his friends knew where to get marijuana within the hour.
Jon says he hasn’t used marijuana since his time in rehab, although he divulged that he resorted to alcohol abuse as a substitute for marijuana after leaving rehab. Fortunately, Singleton decided to turn things around for the Puerto Rican winter league.
“I made up my mind to be the best, so hopefully better things happen because I’m not going out drinking and partying and doing all that kind of crazy stuff,” he said.
After an improved performance in Puerto Rico, the prospect knows he’ll have to stay clean to reach his goals.
“Recently I’ve been more or less just sticking to myself and worrying about what I need to do to get better and become better as a person, not just a baseball player,” he told the press.
Singleton is confident he can avoid a relapse by focusing on his opportunity, keeping better company and avoiding bad situations. He is entering spring training with a renewed outlook and a bright future.
Posted by azdrugrehabctr on March 4, 2014 under AZ Drug Rehab News, Prescription Drugs |
The Food and Drug Administration has recently approved a potent new painkiller scheduled to become available to patients this month. As part of the hydrocodone-based family of opioid analgesics, Zohydro, a high-dose pain pill is expected to be a dangerous new factor in the growing prescription abuse epidemic in the U.S.
A league of more than 40 health care, consumer and addiction treatment groups is urging the FDA to revoke its approval of the prescription. In a letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg, addiction experts echoed concerns surrounding the risks tied to the drug.
Dr. Andrew Kolodny, president of the advocacy group Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing has a strong opinion on this subject. “It’s a whopping dose of hydrocodone packed in an easy-to-crush capsule,” said the doctor. “It will kill people as soon as it’s released.”
That is not the only letter of concern in the FDA’s mailbox. Other groups petitioning the FDA to revoke their approval include members of the congress and 29 state attorneys general, among others. The common fear among these groups is the high-dose and its potential to amplify already-rising overdose numbers.
Prescription opioid deaths more than quadrupled since 1999, according to the Centers for Disease Control. There were 4,030 deaths involving the drugs in 1999, compared with 16,651 in 2010.
Zohydro is reported to be approximately five times more potent than what is available now. Both the FDA and Zohydro’s maker, Zogenix, claim that the drug’s benefits outweigh the risks.
Zohydro is intended to be prescribed solely for patients dealing with severe pain, according to advocates for the drug. Dr. Brad Galer, executive vice president and chief medical officer at Zogenix, stated that the company will focus its commercial efforts on a small group of doctors with good experience prescribing opioids, so that only appropriate chronic pain patients would receive the drug.
Despite these intentions, many are expecting the narrow patient group to eventually expand to patients with less serious pain issues. If Zohydro follows in the footsteps of its opioid-containing predecessors, the drug will become more and more available to those who are likely to abuse it. It seems not everyone is comfortable with the FDA’s “risk-benefit” way of thinking.
