Drug use is fueling the rise of HIV infection in many countries. Although many populations throughout the world have observed a decline in number of AIDS cases.

The 16th International AIDS Conference in Toronto is targeting prevention as a key focus of meeting highlighting drug users and engaging them in the fight against the infectious disease

A study in the Archives of General Psychiatry reveals obesity may increase the risk of some mental illnesses, including mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders like panic or generalized anxiety disorder. At the same time, the study indicates that the risk for alcoholism and drug abuse is less with obesity.

A national survey of over 9,000 men and women was conducted to collect data. Over 2,300 had a body mass index -a measure of weight relative to height - of 30 or higher which are determiners for obesity. Interestingly enough, the obesity-psychiatric illness association was most common among whites and people with higher education levels

Researchers may have hit the jackpot in identifying key areas of the brain associated with gambling. Utilizing brain imaging, a new study has pinpointed corresponding areas of the brain that light up when subjects gamble or make decisions based on risk versus reward.

Scientists are convinced that the finding will allow them to look for better treatment procedures for those addicted to gambling. The study also hopes to provide insight into substance abusers and the mentally ill

Doctors in Madison are testing an experimental vaccine that makes the immune system attack nicotine in much the same way it would fight a life-threatening germ. The new way to help smokers' quit by a shot that "immunizing" them against the nicotine rush that aggravates their addiction.

The new method keeps nicotine from reaching the brain, thus making smoking less pleasurable and easier to give up. However the small amount that still manages to get in helps to ease withdrawal, the main reason most quitters relapse

An 18-year-old French girl recently was hospitalized after she developed scaly skin on her legs and hands, unsteadiness and mental sluggishness. Medics initially could not determine the cause of her condition, but days later the New England Journal of Medicine reported the girl had become sick from using mothballs as a recreational drug.

The girl's room was searched while she was being treated at the Hospital of Timone in Marseille and a bag of mothballs were found