In Galesburg, Illinois, four high school students participated in the annual Knox County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition to share their opinions and ideas about preventing substance abuse among teenagers.

"One of the key problems identified was a lack of prevention programs and support in schools after students finish programs like DARE in junior high."

Many of the students said drug and alcohol problems increase significantly in high school and that the peer pressure is strong. Many of the opinions and suggestions will be used to develop the Coalitions 2007 plan. Read more at Register-Mail.com.


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Labels: prevention, teenagers

A recent study in Australia revealed that many of the high school students who tried alcohol got it from their parents. Of the students who said they had recently consumed alcohol, 37 percent said their parents provided the drink.

"Dr. Delyse Hutchinson, from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, says the figures are a concern, because research shows those who drink early are more likely to develop problems with alcohol later in life."

Some proponents say it's good to introduce alcohol to kids early, to reduce or remove the stigma of drinking - as is done in many European countries. But Dr. Hutchinson warns that the positive effects are largely overstated, and many of those countries have higher rates of alcohol abuse that we realize. Read more at ABC.net.au.

Labels: alcohol, parents, teenagers

Once it becomes available, genetic testing will be a useful tool in helping people get the right treatment for drug and alcohol addictions. But until then, scientists are seeking other ways to help the medical community identify and treat addiction.

"Scientists know that people whose brains don't function properly - they have trouble reasoning and remembering - are more prone to addiction... Because brain functioning can be improved through rehabilitation, [Glen] Hanson advocates reforming the educational system from one that encourages 'memory and regurgitation' to one that 'trains people to think'."

Cognitive testing is another suggestion, as is testing for illiteracy, since both have a direct affect on a person's ability to reason and problem solve. Read more online.

SunHawk Academy has a teen residential treatment center for adolescents struggling with substance abuse addictions. SunHawk Academy is licensed and approved as an Adolescent Residential Treatment Center and provides 24 hour supervision and care in a Boarding High School setting. SunHawk combines a therapy, accredited academics, and family development workshops to help troubled teens and their families.

Labels: addiction, prevention, research

The North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District (New Jersey) has revised its drug policies after a fierce debate that began in June of last year. Thirteen students were pulled from the school’s senior program for blood-alcohol testing. Though five of the students tested positive, parents of the other students were outraged that their students missed the prom.

"Board member Barbara Walter, who co-chaired the task force, said after Tuesday night's meeting that students provided administrators with invaluable input that not only led to policy changes, but also to wider implementation of the rules."

According to the new policy, any student involved in athletics or other extra-curricular activities must submit to random drug and alcohol testing. Read more online.

Substance Abuse Boarding Schools help teenagers with alcohol or drug addictions learn from past mistakes, stay clean and sober, and earn academic credits so they can finish school and become healthy, productive adults. With daily AA and NA meetings, individual and group therapy, and personalized education plans, the structured, hard-working environment fosters positive changes and personal growth. Learn more about SunHawk Academy >>

Kentucky Senators have introduced a bill that they are hoping will cause teens to think twice about consuming alcohol. Under the bill, anyone under 21 who's found in possession of alcohol could have their driver’s license suspended for three months.

"Last year, nearly 1,900 minors statewide were found guilty of possessing alcohol, or paid fines after being issued citations..."

Though some skeptics doubt whether the threat of losing a license will deter teens from drinking, many feel that it’s better than nothing. Read more at Courier-Journal.com.

Labels: alcohol, prevention, teenagers

Porter County, Indiana officials are considering creating juvenile drug court that closely mimics one that already exists for adults.

"Drug court programs allow qualified individuals the opportunity to wipe criminal charges from their records by successfully completing a closely monitored program aimed at helping them overcome drug and alcohol problems, while improving other areas of their lives."

A similar program in Tippecanoe County has seen 32 juveniles complete it's 18-month program. Read more online.

Richard Gallagher, Ph.D., Director of the Parenting Institute and the Thriving Teens Project at the NYU Child Study Center recently published five tips for parents to help curb teenage binge drinking. The NYU Child Study Center is also exploring more ways that parents can keep their teens substance free. Clinicians and researchers are developing workshops for parents of middle school students to improve their parenting skills in ways that will keep their kids alcohol and drug free.

Dr. Gallagher’s tips for parents of teens:

• Clearly state what actions you expect your teen to take when confronted with substance use.


• Talk about the alcohol use that your children observe.


• Help your teen find leisure activities and places for leisure activities that are substance-free.


• Limit the access your children have to substances.


• Inform teens about the honest dangers that are associated with alcohol use and abuse.

Read more detail about each tip online.

Want to know more about teen binge drinking? Visit drugrehabtreatment.com for articles on Teenage Alcoholism and College Binge Drinking.

Labels: binge drinking, prevention, teenagers

The Baltimore Sun reported on a new study in Pediatrics that shows teenagers who drink often do so solely to get drunk. Of the 15,000 teens surveyed, 64% admitted to regular binging.

"Those rates are 'unacceptably high,' said Susan Foster, director of policy at the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. 'We're seeing an increase in rates of drinking to get drunk, and we're seeing that most who drink in college began drinking in high school or younger. The more they drink, the greater the likelihood they'll become addicted,' said Foster."

This study shows an increase in binge drinking among high school and college students. Read more from the BaltimoreSun.com.

Labels: alcohol, binge drinking, teenagers

In the 1960's, rehabilitation centers primarily treated men who suffered from alcoholism. Today, rehab centers treat men, women, and teens who struggle with additions with everything from alcohol to crystal meth.

"The American Journal of Public Health estimates that one in four families in the nation is affected by drug and alcohol abuse."

Where many treatments centers used to be staffed by volunteers, most now use trained professionals - often with medical education and backgrounds - for therapy, the detoxification process, and to prescribe medications. Read more at PhillyBurbs.com.

Finding the best adolescent rehab center can be difficult. Learn more about what questions to ask and how to get the best help for your troubled teen or young adult from drugrehabtreatment.com.

A report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ranks San Francisco and Detroit as the metropolitan areas with the highest incidents of substance abuse (12.7% and 9.5% respectively). Chicago and Houston had the highest rates of binge drinking.

"The report compares estimates for illicit drug use, binge alcohol use, and cigarette use for the nation as a whole with the same behaviors in the 15 largest metropolitan statistical areas [MSA]."

Among drugs surveyed were marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. Read more online.

If your child has a problem with substance abuse, SunHawk Academy can help. SunHawk is an adolescent residential treatment center in a boarding school environment that caters to helping teens with chemical dependency get back on track academically and emotionally.

Taking a cue from Montana's 2005 anti-drug campaign which focused on methamphetamine, Idaho has launched a campaign called "Not Even Once".

"A staggering 85 percent of Idaho inmates admit to having a substance abuse problem, and about half of those say meth is their drug of choice."

Idaho's new drug czar, Debbie Field, also hopes to develop a classroom version to take into area high schools. Read more at NWCN.com.

Many people create or revive commitments to dieting and exercise in the New Year, but they aren't the only hoping for a new start. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, requests for treatment and admission information increases sharply after the holidays.

"But unlike people hoping to lose weight, addicts don't necessarily seek help simply because of resolutions to do better. For them, the holidays can precipitate a turning point - one recognized by themselves or by friends and family."

Though much of the information about intervention and recovery are initiated by addicts, intervention from a family member can go a long way as well. If someone you care about seemed a little out of control over the holidays, now is a good time to bring it up. Let the person know you care about him or her, and offer to help them get help. Read more at LATimes.com.

In response to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which found an increase in teen binge drinking, the NYU Child Study Center has released five (5) recommendations to help reduce binge drinking among teens.

"'Contrary to popular belief, parents remain the greatest influence over their children’s behavior.' Said Richard Gallagher, Ph.D.,'though media and peers play a role, parental influence is critical...'"

Recommended tips include clearly stating your expectations with regards to alcohol and substance use, and helping your child find activities and events that are substance-free. Read more at MedicalNewsToday.com.

Learn more about Teen Substance Abuse and Teen Drug Addiction at drugrehabtreatment.com.

Labels: binge drinking

A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control found that binge drinking is the most common form of alcohol consumption among teenagers. The study also found that binge drinking is tied to other forms of risky behavior.

"Among the more 15,000 teens surveyed, nearly half reported drinking alcohol in the prior month, and more than 60% of those who drank had binged on five or more drinks..."

Binge drinking was also associated with increased risk behaviors such as getting in the car with a drunk driver, and being sexually active. Read more at PsychiatricTimes.com.

Learn more about high school and collge binge drinking >>

Labels: binge drinking

Little time or attention is given to the abuse of anabolic steroids by middle and high school students. Yet, a 2003 study by the Centers for Disease Control found that over 6% of students used anabolic steroid without a prescription. That’s a higher percentage than Ecstasy. It's also higher than heroin, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine use combined.

"The Hormone Foundation is creating a national program to bring together researchers, practitioners, and health and community advocates, business, sports and national organizations to help adolescents, parents, and others who want to know more about the abuse of anabolic steroids."

Studies have also shown that many anabolic steroid users are poly-substance abusers, meaning that they use a variety of harmful substances. Read more at Hormone.org.