Recently, the National Institute on Drug Abuse hosted its first-ever "Drug Facts Chat Day." The institute invited middle- and high-school students from across the country to submit questions about alcohol, drugs, addiction, and related issues. The questions were then answered by some of the nation's top experts in substance abuse.

"[Q} Would a kid get drunk or high faster than an adult? [A] You bet. A drug can have a larger effect on a child for many reasons. One reason is that children's and adult's brains are different."

Other questions included, "What percentage of high school students drink?" and "How do you know if you're an alcoholic?" Source: U.S. News and World Report

Labels: prevention, awareness, anti-drug_programs

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A group of high school students from Lewistown, Pennsylvania have created anti-drug messages that are now appearing nationwide. Nickelodeon, Lifetime and Cartoon Network are just some of the networks that have picked up the ads.

"CNN aired one of the students' PSAs Friday afternoon in the region. In the PSA, two anti-drug messages targeting area youth came across the screen. One message said 'Mifflin County teens have better things to do than drugs.' This message showed area teens involved in extracurricular activities like basketball, band and 4H as opposed to the alternative."

Other ads dispel the myth that "everybody's doing it". A 2005 survey found that 72 percent of teens in the county said they didn't drink or do drugs, but more than 50 percent believed that their peers did. Read more at LewistownSentinel.com.

Labels: prevention, media, anti-drug_programs

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Maury County, Tennessee is launching two separate anti-drug programs that both have the same focus - replacing negative substance abuse habits with positive behaviors. One of the programs, led by the Tennessee chapter of the Drug Free Clubs of America, will reward middle and high school students for remaining drug free.

"Volunteers in the program agree to take a periodical, random urine drug screening to ensure they live up to their pledge to remain drug-free. 'For volunteering to take these screenings, we give them a photo ID card they can use at all kinds of local and national businesses', said Holly Davis, Tennessee Representative of DFCA."

The other program, Centerstone's Project SELF is a six month program for students with substance abuse disorders. Read more at ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

Labels: schools, behaviors, anti-drug_programs

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