A recent study at Washington University School of Medicine has found a link between teenage smoking and alcoholism. The study included three groups ranging in age from 12 to 20, and found that smokers had more than a 50 percent increased risk for alcoholism.

"Younger smokers in the 12- to 14-year-old age group were 28.4 percent more susceptible to developing an alcohol problem later, compared with 4.2 percent for nonsmokers, although both reported having one to eight drinks in the past month."

The study polled over 74,000 households with adolescents and young adults, as part of the U.S. National Surveys on Drug Use and Health.

Read more online.

Labels: addiction, cigarettes, smoking

A recent study released by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services shows that, while drug use has declined among teens, it has actually increased among adults. Though less than 10% of adults age 45 to 59 admit to using illegal and controlled substances, the increased use sends a clear message to parents; get to know the other parents in your teens circle of friends.

"...baby boomers have had much higher rates of drug use than their older peers... As a result, some boomers may well have spent the better part of their lives fighting drug addictions."

Read more at CourierPostOnline.com

Operation Right Track, in central Florida, takes "at-risk" youth ages 10-17 through a day-long program that emphasizes the consequences of bad decisions. The day starts at 7am, and includes an hour of exercise, time in a classroom, and time a tour of the Seminole County Jail.

"It's a military-style atmosphere where the youths have scripted responses. Much of the afternoon is spent in the classroom, learning the consequences of substance abuse and the keys to building character."

The cost for the program costs just $35. Kids are referred to the program by parents, or law enforcement authorities.

Read more online.

Quetzal and Y.E.S. (Youth Experiencing Success) are schools that break the mold. Both are part of the Office of Education's alternative education system. They were started when officials became aware that the school system lacked adequate support for students struggling with substance abuse problems.

"Many of the kids come from homes where drugs and alcohol are used. Some are in the foster care system. Half have been sexually, physically or emotionally abused, and turned to drugs to deal with their feelings..."

The programs are strict, but have so far seen good results. The goal is to create nurturing, safe environments that includes education as well as counseling.

Read more in the Santa Cruz Sentinal.

Judge and lawyer Belinda Loveland has created a program called ROCK - Reaching Our Community's Kids. The goal is to give every student in the community the necessary resources to complete their education, provide mentors, and advocate clean living.

"'I chose to step outside the traditional dictates of a judge and an attorney in order to become more involved with the social issues facing our community,' Judge Loveland said."

The program has been running for two years. Many parents have told Judge Loveland that they've seen significant changes in their teens as a result of the program. Learn more online.

In the 1980's it was gasoline and rubber cement. Today it's hair and cleaning products. "Huffing", the practice of inhaling dangerous chemical in order to get high, is not as prevalent as other forms of substance abuse, but still exists.

"These products are cheap, easy to access, provide a quick, intense buzz and allows students to return to classes odorless, unlike smoking or drinking."

The high experienced by huffing is caused by a lack of oxygen. Though the effect is short-lived, repetition can cause brain, liver, and/or kidney damage. Read more online.

Labels: huffing

Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood tells the story of Koren Zailckas. Now 24, Koren first tasted alcohol at the age of fourteen. Alcohol was her companion throughout high school, and on into college.

"...she didn't know how to function without alcohol. She didn't know how to make friends when she wasn't drinking..."

Koren now shares her experiences with teens, teachers, parents and others in hopes of encouraging them to talk about the dangers of teen drinking. Learn more online.

Many parents and teachers want to be considered "cool" by their teenage kids and students. But what does it cost to be "cool"? Two Newport, Ohio teachers were recently arrested for letting students drink alcohol or smoke marijuana.

"Adults may want to be viewed as the 'cool parent', scoff at substance-abuse laws as intrusive or even consider under-age experimentation with alcohol or other drugs under their supervision as safely controlled - but 'control' is only a delusion. Underage access to intoxicating substances can swiftly spin out of control."

Adults in the Newport case have been charged with "unlawful transaction with a minor". Learn more online.

Despite efforts by the government, media, and grassroots organizations, amphetamines are still widely used. Methamphetamines are especially popular because they are easy to make illegally.

"A new pattern of abuse has evolved in which methamphetamine-based crystals, also known as ice, are smoked, similar to the use of crack cocaine."

The effects of long-term use can include psychosis, compromised immune system, and even brain damage. Learn more online.

Janine Pacelli, a treatment specialist for the Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Commission, has implemented a five-evening program called Underage Curriculum for Adolescent Needs. Participants can volunteer for the program, or be assigned to it by a judge, school official, physician or parent.

"During the five evenings, Pacelli describes the effects that drugs and alcohol have on the body, relates the family issues that can arise from substance abuse and explores the link between substance abuse and sexual activity."

There is also a family session, during which one relative attends and participates in the discussion. Pacelli's goal is to enlighten young people as to the effects of substance abuse, and make them aware of potential risk factors. Read more from PittsburghLive.com.

A recent forum in a Chicago suburb focused on the dangers, and prevalence, of heroin use. Kyle, the main speaker, was a 20-year-old former addict who shared his story of addiction and recovery. A substance abuse counselor spoke as well.

"John Meissner, a substance-abuse counselor with Crystal Lake's The Advantage Group Foundation, says that within the past five years, heroin has become one of the leading drugs that his clients report."

How do you help keep your teen from going down the road of substance abuse? The suggestion offered most frequently to parents was "talk to your kids." Read more online.

The Hythiam Corporation has developed a new "drug cocktail" called Prometa purported to be the first effective treatment for methamphetamine and cocaine addiction. The treatment is not a new drug, but a new combination of drugs that are given intravenously and orally over the period of a month. While some addiction centers claim to have experienced tremendous success with the treatment, others not convinced and are asking people to be cautious.

"...critics note that the field of addiction treatment is littered with 'miracle cures' that ultimately failed or, in a few cases, caused harm to test subjects. And they warn that Prometa has never been subjected to double-blind, placebo-controlled testing."

Hythian Corp. is currently conducting double-blind studies, but the results won't be available until 2008. Learn more from MSNBC.