Fears of teen drug and alcohol abuse and other dangerous behaviors have prompted a high school in New York to schedule junior and senior proms for school nights. Students who do not show up for school the day after prom will be unable to make up their academic work, and will not be allowed to participate in sports.

• Pearl River High School administrators scheduled junior prom for a Wednesday night, and senior prom on a Sunday.
  
• This extreme measure is an attempt to curtail excessive partying and drinking that can often last an entire weekend.
• Principal Bill Furdon said after-prom parties were overshadowing the prom itself. Students were leaving the school dance as early as 10 o'clock to go into Manhattan and hit the nightclubs.
  
• Many students enrolled in other schools near New York City do the same, and parents worry about prom events involving too much drinking and excessive spending.
  

Most students at Pearl River High School are unhappy with the new policy, telling administrators that they believe they are being punished for behaviors of classes that went before them.

Furdon noted that this year's juniors and seniors will be treated to a breakfast of eggs, sausage, and bacon the morning after prom, courtesy of the PTA.

Labels: high school, prom, prevention

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Counselors and other health care professionals spend a lot of time trying to determine how best to protect kids from risky behaviors such as teen drug and alcohol abuse. In a recent study, scientists were surprised to learn that school connectedness is an important protective factor.

Of all the protective factors examined, school connectedness was found to be the strongest protector against substance use, school absenteeism, early sexual initiation, violence, and risk of unintentional injury (such as drinking and driving or not wearing seat belts.) -- Source: TheCW-Channel 69 (Atlanta, GA)

School connectedness also ranked second (behind family connectedness) in importance for preventing emotional distress, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts. The study also found that students felt more connected at school when teachers and administrators were attentive and engaged, when they had a positive, stable peer group, and when they felt safe at school.

Labels: prevention, drug use, alcohol, schools

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A high school junior in upstate New York has dedicated herself to helping fellow students (and parents) fight the scourge of teen substance abuse.

Democrat and Chronicle staff writer Ernst Lamothe Jr. reported on the teen's efforts in a March 30 article on www.rocnow.com:

"Parents shouldn't be hands-off because they have to know what their kids are doing," said Mia [Daniels], 16, a junior at Pittsford Sutherland High School. "I just want to help create community awareness about the issue and support any student who feels pressure themselves."

As a member of the Pittsford Alliance for Substance-Free Youth, she helped figure out strategies parents could use to prevent risky behavior by middle and high school students. ...

Mia has some advice for parents, especially those who plan to host house parties where teens can drink.

"One of the most important things is reminding parents that underage drinking is illegal, plain and simple," she said.

Labels: prevention, schools, students, awareness

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In an attempt at drawing students from Oakmont (Mass.) Regional High School to an information event about the dangers of teen drug and alcohol use, organizers with Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) included a game of dodgeball on the schedule of activities.

But the game had an unusual twist: Several participants had to wear "drunk goggles" while participating. Writer Kevin Doherty described the event in a March 17 article on sentinelandenterprise.com:

By sandwiching an informative session concerning the negative effects of drug and substance abuse between free pizza and a "drunken goggle" dodgeball tournament, school officials are getting through to students, according to David Hamolsky, a guest speaker and substance abuse therapist from LUK, Inc. in Fitchburg.

"It was a great idea," said Hamolsky. "You have two great incentives to get kids to come to the event and in between you put a quick informative session about drug abuse, and the kids are energized to learn and be here. ... I know I throw a lot of information up, but my hope is something, anything sticks and they can use that in [their] lives." ...

Karen Fortin, Oakmont psychology teacher who played in the dodgeball tournament, said "the educational piece is the real reason we are here, but the dodgeball also showed how being impaired doesn't feel so great."

Labels: prevention, alcohol_abuse, drug use, awareness

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Ray Bauer was the principal of Milford High School in Ohio. He cared so deeply about students that he even worried when they sat alone during lunch. Bauer passed away suddenly last August, but not before starting the Coalition for a Drug Free Milford-Miami Township.

"Since Bauer's sudden death in August the coalition, which is composed of local officials, students and school administrators, has continued to meet and recently launched a campaign designed to show teens and pre-teens that underage drinking isnt as prevalent as they might believe," area newspaper The Community Press reported

Studies have found that 77 percent of teenagers don't drink -- and these students are the coalition's focus, the paper reported. The group has passed out flyers, is making t-shirts and wristbands to promote its message, and is developing sixth-grade-level curriculum about alcohol abuse and prevention.

Labels: prevention, community_programs, ohio, middle_school

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According to North Carolina Attorney General Ray Cooper, the state discovered 206 meth labs last year. Thats a 40 percent drop from 2008, and Davison County report zero meth lab busts last year.

"A combination of the law and the diligent effort of the sheriffs office has resulted in the absence of meth labs for nearly two years in Davidson County," Sheriff David Grice said. "Our office will continue to work diligently and follow all leads related to meth and any other drugs." [Source: The Dispatch]

Attorney General Cooper recently implemented an electronic tracking system that will keep state investigators informed about unusual patterns of pseudoephedrine-related purchases. Pseudoephedrine is one of the ingredients necessary to produce methamphetamine. The system will track purchases in North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi.

Labels: prevention, laws, meth

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One of the more significant challenges in the fight to end teen abuse of prescription medications is the fact that so many young people have such easy access to the drugs via their parents' medicine cabinets.

In the effort to reduce this problem, a CVS pharmacy in Montana has announced that it will accept any medications for safe disposal. A Dec. 3 Great Falls Tribune article provided the following details about the drug disposal program:

People can bring their unwanted medications to CVS Pharmacy in the Holiday Village Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The drugs will be disposed of at no cost, and no questions will be asked of anyone bringing in prescription medications.

The goal of the event is to keep prescription drugs out of the hands of people who might abuse them, health department spokeswoman Kate Marone said.

"A lot of it has to do with prescription-drug abuse becoming such a big problem," she said. "This is a safe way to get rid of (prescription drugs)."

As of 2008, 2.9 percent of children and teenagers ages 12 to 17 nationwide reported nonmedical use of prescription medications, according to the health department. Of those, 62 percent of teenagers claim that they are abusing prescription medications from their parents' medicine cabinets.

Labels: prevention, prescription drugs

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West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin says the states current approaches to drug and alcohol abuse arent working, and that its time for something new. A Nov. 16 article on www.wvmetronews.com provided the following information about the governor's new plan, which was unveiled this past Monday:

A group appointed by Governor Joe Manchin put together the document that includes five key components for an effective substance abuse system for the state. ...

The plan calls for a substance abuse system that will evaluate, research and keep track of trends across West Virginia, provide training and workforce development, provide technical assistance to communities, keep the line of communication open from the local level all the way up to state leadership and provide funding and support to help eradicate the drug problem. ...

Manchin admits fighting the war on drugs doesn't come cheap. The plan calls for the legislature to budget $23.5 million a year for programs, education, community support and research.

Labels: prevention, government

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For 11 years, Robert Field has personally financed a needle exchange program in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Now, hes hoping the community-at-large will step up and continue funding the program, because of a policy shift which would lift a ban on over-the-counter syringe sales.

"Field said he is ending financial support after December because the regulatory change should free Lancaster General Hospital or other organizations to fund the effort," Jeff Hawkes reported in the Nov. 13 edition of the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal. "Alice Yoder, director of community health at Lancaster General Hospital, has met for several months with Field and others in harm-reduction work and is aware of the funding challenge Field has issued.

Yoder said her hospital doesnt have an official position regarding needle exchange, but physicians and board members have been asked for input, Hawkes reported. Rev. Edward Bailey, the pastor of the church where Fields' needle exchange currently takes place, told Hawkes that the need for the program is great, and that his church will continue to host the exchange regardless of funding.

Labels: prevention, needle-exchange

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Parents who move their families here from other countries often experience culture shock. Life in America is very different. Though kids dont face the same dangers here as they do in a place like Sudan, there are dangers. New Sudan American Hope helps parents understand those dangers.

"The goal of the coalition is to reduce substance abuse and related problems within diverse populations by building partnerships with schools, businesses, law enforcement, religious communities and other key leaders," the Rochester (Minn.) Post-Bulletin reported.

The group was recently recognized by Minnesota Department of Human Services, and received its award for Outstanding Service in the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Problems. Athou Lam, program director for New Sudan, says families in the area now know there are people who can help them if they have problems with teen drug use or other issues.

Labels: prevention

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An Illinois judge is visiting area schools in an effort to prevent students from having to visit him in court. An Oct. 20 article on the website of The Plainfield Sun provided the following details about a program that is designed to convince teens to sign contracts pledging to refrain from substance abuse and other dangerous (and illegal) behaviors:

Created several years ago by Mark A. Drummond, a judge in the Eighth Judicial Circuit in Quincy, the 50-minute program provides students with information about the consequences of poor choices.

The talk is peppered with true stories of teens who made wrong decisions and is designed to drive home this message: Encourage friends to avoid wrong behavior that might give them a criminal record or lead to the death of a friend.

"By the time a teen hits the courthouse, it is too late," said Drummond, a father of three who made a similar pact with his children when they were teenagers. Most teens want to do the right thing, and hopefully they'll encourage their peers to do the same."

Labels: prevention, illinois

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A new study from Columbia University's National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) found that eating family dinners together is linked to lower drug, alcohol, and cigarette use among children and teenagers.

"The emotional and social benefits that come from family dinners are priceless," said Elizabeth Planet, CASA vice president.

The study documented the following for children whose families eat dinner together fewer than three times per week:

• They are twice as likely to use tobacco or marijuana.
• They are one and a half times more likely to use alcohol, and twice as likely to try drugs in the future.
• They are twice as likely to have friends who use marijuana and ecstasy.
• They are one and a half times more likely to have friends who drink, abuse prescription drugs, and use crystal meth
• They are one and a half times more likely to have friends who use drugs such as cocaine, LSD, and heroin.
  

The report also found that eating family dinners without distractions such as texting or using a Blackberry put children at an advantage, too. Children who ate infrequent family dinners that involved such distractions were three times more likely to use marijuana and tobacco, and two and half times more likely to drink alcohol.

About 59 percent of children and teenagers have dinner with their families at least five times a week. The average family dinner is 35 minutes long.

Labels: prevention, dinner, communication

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According to a Sept. 29 Associated Press article, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America has partnered with the National Association of School Nurses and the National Military Family Association to address concerns about substance abuse among teens of military families:

A key risk factor for children in military families is the fact that teens are more likely to experiment with alcohol or drugs during times of transition  and many military children have experienced multiple transitions as their parents mobilized for duty in Iraq and Afghanistan on top of ordinary military relocations, which happen on average nearly every three years.

Military teens also have easy access to prescription drugs, as many war veterans are being treated for physical or mental illnesses, the AP reported. The campaign will make resources available online, which parents can download and use to start conversations with their kids.

More information on this effort is available at www.timetotalk.org/military.

Labels: prevention, prescription drugs, military families

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The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has found that nearly half of the states high school students report using alcohol on a regular basis.

According to a Sept. 17 article by Robert Levey of the website Seacoast Online, this news about the prevalence of teen substance abuse shocked many and compelled some to act:

With studies showing New Hampshire youth possess some of the highest rates of alcohol and drug use nationally, New Heights, the Community Diversion Program, and Portsmouth High School Student Assistant Program have formed the Portsmouth Reflections Program.

Noting the goal of the Portsmouth Reflections Program, or PRP, is to improve long-term outcomes for teens age 14 to 18, including those with substance abuse issues and other high-risk behaviors, Marci Albert, student assistance counselor at PHS, said the program is comprehensive by design.

As noted by the (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), To have the most positive impact on adolescent health, government agencies, community organizations, schools and other community members must work together, she said.

Labels: prevention, teenage_drinking, teen_drug_use

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Many experts have identified parental involvement as the key to helping kids stay away from alcohol and other drugs. But the truth of the matter is that parental involvement wont do any good if the child is unresponsive or detached -- thus, the essential component is cooperation between parents and teens.

This topic was addressed in a Sept. 21 article by Alice Englin, the coalition director for the Freeborn County (Minn.) Partners In Prevention:

An important step to making rules and consequences effective is to involve your kids in establishing them. Talk with your kids about your familys beliefs and values, seek their input and commit to making the topic an ongoing conversation.

Involving them reinforces that you are interested in what they have to say and, in turn, will help them be more open to the important messages you have to communicate.

Parents cant be everywhere, but you are the biggest influence in their life. Thats why its important to keep the lines of communication open, be firm about where you stand, and educate them so that they are equipped to make healthy choices when it comes to alcohol and other drugs.

Labels: prevention, parental_involvement, communication

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Vashon Island, off the coast of Washington State, has been awarded a grant aimed at addressing teen drug use. According to an article in the Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber, the grant money will benefit the newly formed Vashon Health Community Network:

The grant, $115,000 the first year and up to $125,000 for each of the next nine years, will enable the network to hire a coordinator.

In the first year of funding, the network also plans to strengthen its community mobilization skills, strengthen the coalition and begin addressing youth substance abuse by undertaking an awareness campaign about the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol and tobacco on youth, according to the networks 196-page application for the grant.

The grant was awarded by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and subsequent funding may be provided, depending upon the progress thats made during the first year.

Labels: prevention, grant

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A four-year study conducted with support of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has found that specialized, community-based prevention programs work to significantly reduce instances of drug and alcohol abuse among teens.

The study, called the Community Youth Development Study, was conducted in 24 communities across the country and included over 4,000 young people. A Sept. 7 release from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provided the following details:

• Twelve communities were randomly assigned to undergo CTC training and implementation, and 12 served as the control communities that did not implement CTC.
  
• The coalitions chose and implemented from two to five evidence-based prevention programs tailored to their risk factors, from a menu of tested and effective prevention strategies.
  
• The strategies focused on a variety of topics depending on community need, including alcohol and drugs, violence prevention, reducing family conflict, life skills training, HIV/AIDS prevention, dating safety, tobacco, and anger management.
  
• The youth were surveyed annually for four years concerning their risky behaviors to determine the impact of delivering programs through the CTC system.

"The results of this trial confirm that tools do exist that give communities the power to reduce risk for multiple problem behaviors across a community," NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow said in the NIH release. "What makes Communities That Care unique is that it enables communities to identify their own special issues so they can hand pick the right prevention programs."

Labels: prevention, community_programs

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Necessary budgetary reductions in Knox County, Ohio, have forced suspension of the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program that has been operating there for more than a decade, the Mount Vernon News has reported:

For more than 15 years, DARE deputies have provided substance abuse and violence resistance training to elementary, middle and high school students throughout Knox County ...

[Knox County Sheriff David] Barber told the News on Tuesday that although the deputies interact with and provide positive role models to thousands of youths each year, the budget reductions mandated by county commissioners forced him to make operational changes ...

DARE deputies Scott Baker and Chuck Statler will be reassigned to the Patrol Division in an effort to help eliminate overtime and control budgetary spending.

Labels: prevention, ohio, drug_abuse

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The University of Louisiana at Monroe has been awarded a $385,000 aimed at improving the Fourth Judicial District's handling of teen substance abuse.

According to a July 20 article by Stephen Largen of NewsStar.com, the two-year grant will be used for the following purposes:

• Providing and improving family counseling, group therapy, substance abuse treatment and drug screening for the juvenile drug court.
• Providing drug screening and needs assessment at the point of intake into the 4th District juvenile justice system.
• Creating a partnership with the Children's Coalition on a parenting program for parents of children involved in the juvenile justice system.
• Working with the Youth Services Planning Board to create a master plan for youth services in the 4th District.

"We spent an awful lot of money in years past on programs that just didn't produce outcomes  they just didn't work," Lynda Gavioli, executive director of the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana told NewsStar.com. "The grant will help to align and coordinate the services."

Labels: prevention, drug_abuse

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An alarmingly large number of Maine teenagers using inhalants to get high, an activity that is often referred to as huffing. For example, more than 20 percent of eighth graders in a Maine School District have tried huffing at least once.

But in the last few years, parents and school officials have increased their prevention efforts, and a June 24 article in the Republican Journal newspaper indicates that these efforts have garnered national attention:

Of those teens who die each year from inhalants, 40 percent die while trying it for the first time -- a statistic unknown to most teens or parents. Community efforts have brought the proportion of Five Town CSD eighth-graders trying huffing down to 15 percent in 2008, but too many kids are still taking risks.

"Parents usually have no idea that their kids are experimenting with inhalants, nor do they realize their own home is loaded with products that can be abused," said Dalene Dutton, executive director of Five Town Communities That Care. "Parents can quite literally save their children's lives by making a few simple changes in buying habits and becoming aware of the signs and symptoms of inhalant abuse."

Dutton was recently invited to present the work of the Five Town Communities That Care coalition at a National Academy of Sciences event in Washington, D.C. The successful work of the local coalition in using data and research to address youth behavioral problems is gaining the attention of leaders in Washington and prompted the invitation.

Teen inhalant abuse remains a troubling phenomenon throughout the United States, with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimating that more than 22.9 million Americans have "huffed" at least once in their lives.

Labels: prevention, inhalants, huffing

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The end of school has arrived for almost all U.S. students, and many are eager to take advantage of the lazy, hazy days of summer.

However, in addition to encouraging sloth-like behavior, summer is also the time of year when less supervision and more free time can prompt some young people to engage in dangerous behaviors such as drinking and the abuse of other drugs.

"There are ways to help prevent the incidences of underage drinking," Dale Cameron-Kody, the community wellness coordinator for Pittsford, N.Y., said in a June 16 article on the Democrat and Chronicle website. "Ask a lot of questions of your child. 'Where are you going? Who are you going with? Are you staying in one place or driving around? Do I have to worry about alcohol and drugs tonight?'"

If your child is going to a party at a friends house, call the parents that are hosting the party. Make sure they'll be home and that alcohol is not being served.

Labels: prevention, teenage_drinking, summer

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Sun Street Centers Parents Creating Solutions is an organization with a simple message: Don't supply teens with alcohol. According to a June 5 article by David Nordstrand of The Californian, the organization was started by a group of parents who realized that adult-provided alcohol at teen parties was a problem:

"A lot of adults think it's OK to provide alcohol at teen parties," said Anna Foglia, executive director of Sun Street Centers in Salinas, which offers drug and alcohol-abuse programs.

Adults often do provide alcohol in the well-intentioned, but mistaken, hope that they'll be better able to control things by having a party at home. It's called "social hosting."

"It's dangerous, and it's illegal," Foglia said. "All those adults are really doing is sending a message that it's OK to drink."

Experts estimate that underage drinking is responsible for about 5,000 deaths in the United States every year.

Labels: prevention, teenage_drinking, parental_involvement

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Schools in Oakland County, Michigan have seen a decrease in many types of drugs. But theyre seeing an increase in the use of prescription drugs among teenagers. To try and combat the problem, the county uses K-9 police units to conduct drug sweeps in the schools.

According to Sgt. Joseph Lambourn, acting coordinator of the K-9 units, all school requests for drug sweeps go through him. Ill bring in all the dogs for a full-scale search, he said. Depending on the schools request, we search cars, lockers, and/or backpacks. -- Source: The Spinal Column (Walled Lake, Mich.)

Though the county relies on drug sweeps as part of its overall effort to fight drug use, recent budget cuts have reduced the frequency of the searches.

Are you worried that your teen might be abusing prescription medications? If so, education is your first step: Take a few moments to learn about the signs, symptoms, and dangers of teen prescription drug abuse, as well as the intervention and treatment options that are available to help your family.

Labels: prevention, teen_drug_use, schools, prescription drugs

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Charles Rosa has experienced the unimaginable. In the course of just 14 months, he buried both of his sons, both of whom died from drug overdoses. Determined to prevent other parents from suffering the way he had, he formed a non-profit called Chuckys Fight, and on Sunday, April 19, a group of women took to the sea in support of his efforts.

According to the Hampton Union, the women planned to enter the still-frigid waters at Seabrook, New Hampshire, in order to raise awareness and cash for the fight against teen substance abuse.

In honor of his sons, Rosa swims in the ocean every day, regardless of the water temperature or weather conditions. The April 19 event was designed to increase support for two organizations that are fighting teen drug abuse: Chuckys Fight and the Portsmouth Middle Schools Project Safety Conference.

If your child is abusing alcohol or another drug, your family may benefit from the comprehensive therapeutic support and educational services that are provided at a private boarding school for recovering teens.

Labels: prevention, teen_drug_use, recovery

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Teens who were exposed to the school-based drug abuse prevention program Project Alert were less likely to engage in certain types of risky sexual behaviors than were teens who did not participate in the program.

According to an April 29 article on the ScienceDaily medical news website, researchers with the RAND Corporation reached this conclusion after surveying 1,901 unmarried 21-year-olds:

The study found that youth exposed to a drug abuse education program were significantly less likely as young adults to either engage in sex with multiple partners or to have unprotected sex because of drug and alcohol use than their peers who had not received the training.

Young adults exposed to Project ALERT were both less likely to have sex with multiple partners (44 percent versus 50 percent) and to have unprotected sex because of drug use (27 percent versus 32 percent) than their peers who had not been exposed to the program.

The effect of drug prevention education on teen sex isn't ideal, as the RAND researchers noted that about 71 percent of the study subjects reported not using condoms every time they had sex -- a percentage that was not altered by exposure to Project ALERT.

Unsafe sex is one of many dangerous behaviors that threaten the healthy development of many young people. Other dangers include drug use, alcohol abuse, tobacco use, poor school attendance, and inappropriate behaviors -- problems that some young people are unable to overcome until begin to work with therapeutic personnel who staff a teen substance abuse program.

Labels: prevention, drug use, schools, sex, teenagers

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Some Ohio teenagers got a dramatic look at the devastation that can result from drug and alcohol abuse during a "Party House" event that was staged by several drug prevention teams and organizations in the Dayton area. Writer Quest Lakes described the event in the May 6 edition of the Dayton Courier:

Several teens were sprawled on the floor in handcuffs, CPR was being performed on one teen, while oxygen was being administered to another. The scene was a dramatization of how unsupervised teen parties can -- and do -- go terribly wrong. ...

A different unpleasant scene awaited the tour participants in each room: the teen actors dramatized alcohol poisoning, overdose from prescription drugs, drunken fights, alcohol related injuries and marijuana and cocaine use.

Adults in recovery, members of Healthy Communities Coalition and Central Lyon Youth Connections, and representatives from Lyon Sheriff's Office debriefed participants at the end of each tour. They also offered suggestions about long-term strategies to reduce underage drinking and other drug use in the county.

Teen drug and alcohol use remains a significant problem throughout the nation, but a number of residential recovery programs have helped young people overcome their addictions and resume the pursuit of their greatest potential.

Labels: prevention, alcohol_abuse, drug_abuse

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A new study has found that teens who have strong relationships with their parents are less likely to begin drinking at an early age.

The findings, published in the May issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, underscore the important role parents play in the risk of problem drinking. Past studies have suggested that the age at which kids start drinking is a key factor in whether they eventually develop alcohol-related problems, like getting into fights or having academic or work problems. (Source: Science Blog)

The researchers surveyed 364 teenagers over a two-year period to determine their drinking habits and their relationships with their parents. The study defined "strong relationship" as one in which teenagers felt they could talk to their parents about their problems, and felt their parents respected their feelings.

Failing to engage in open and honest discussions with their children is among the most common mistakes parents make with teens. As the study alluded to above indicates, keeping the lines of communication open can result in a range of intended and unintended benefits.

Labels: prevention, alcohol, parental_involvement, teenagers

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It's not for everyone. But Stacey, who suspected her teenage daughter was drinking and lying about it, felt a home Breathalyzer was the right choice. She began making her daughter blow into it every time she came home - whether from a football game, a date, a school dance, or a movie.

"While much attention has been focused on preventing teenagers from drinking and driving, a Breathalyzer at home allows parents to determine whether their child has been drinking in other situations as well... Their use, as well as the use of drug tests, is catching on among parents concerned that their teens are drinking or using drugs."

Stacey's daughter admits that, when the Breathalyzer first appeared in their home, she thought her mom was "evil." But now, as a freshman in college, she feels like she has more mature attitude about drinking and realizes how serious the consequences can be. Source: Chicago Tribune

Labels: prevention, drug testing, consequences

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The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has created a traveling exhibit titled "Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause." The exhibit will be at the California Science Center in Los Angeles from October 2, 2008, to May 3, 2009.

"Target America began its national tour in 2002 and comes to Los Angeles with a new expanded section specific to Southern California. The 'Southern California Story' section looks at prevention, treatment and law enforcement issues related to drugs in Southern California..."

Drug use costs society an estimated $180 billion a year in increased health costs, criminal justice costs, lost work productivity and other areas. Source: PR Newswire

Labels: prevention, treatment

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An underage drinking prevention program was recently run in a rural area of Minnesota, as well as more urban areas of Florida. Though the program was exactly the same, the two areas saw very different results.

"...at the end of the study, year-end surveys showed no difference in alcohol use among the teens [in urban areas] who took part in the project and those who did not... One particular problem surfaced during the community component of the project. The organizers struggled to rally some community members around the cause, often having to explain why they should be concerned about adolescent alcohol use."

One positive find of the urban study was that family interventions had a more significant impact than any other aspect of the program. Researchers also found that young people's ability to buy alcohol was reduced by 64 percent in neighborhoods where community teams asked stores not to sell alcohol to underage kids. Read more at HealthNewsDigest.com.

Underage drinking can lead to a variety of problems, including academic failures and trouble with the law. If your teen is drinking and would benefit from a safe, structured, sober environment, then SunHawk Academy in Utah is a good options. SunHawk offers a private boarding school programs with accredited academics, counseling and therapy, and daily 12-step meetings.

Labels: prevention, interventions, underage_drinking

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Partnership for a Drug-Free America has teamed up with Major League Baseball to launch a new online resource about performance enhancing drugs. The program, which can be found at www.drugfree.org/playhealthy, focuses on educating teens about the dangers of steroids.

"Many teens use the Internet to search for information about steroids before deciding to use them. In an effort to communicate the dangers of steroids to teens searching online, the Partnership and MLB have launched the site with a keyword engine buy that works to actively interrupt the search and redirect teens..."

The site also provides information for parents, caregivers, and coaches, as well as tools to help guide conversations with teenagers. Source: PR Newswire

Labels: prevention, influences, role_models

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The Solano County teen drug prevention program got a boost this week in the form of a $625,000 grant from the federal Drug Free Communities. An initial $125,000 will be provided to further the work of Solano County's Reducing Rates Coalition.

"To qualify for the matching grants of the program, the Reducing Rates Coalition had to demonstrate the effectiveness of its long-term plan and how it works with a variety of community partners on substance abuse reduction initiatives, including having representation from 12 specific sectors of the community."

Since 2001, teen drug use in Solano County has dropped 24 percent, due in large part to the Reducing Rates Coalition and its unique strategy of developing city-based teams as opposed to a centralized county effort. Source: The Reporter (CA)

Labels: prevention, community_programs

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A new study of animal brains shows that subtle differences in brain circuitry can explain why some animals become addicted to nicotine and others do not. Scientists at the University of Western Ontario have also been able to reverse this process and make nicotine unpleasant to rats formerly addicted to it.

Studies published last year found that some teenagers could become smokers after just one experimental cigarette while others find the experience unpleasant. The Canadian animal studies indicate that the key to understanding why this happens may have to do with "nucleus accumbens" or areas in the reward circuitry of the brain.

Dr. Steven Laviolette, writing in the journal Neuroscience, said, "If we can develop pharmacological treatments to target those regions, we can basically affect the development of nicotine addiction by controlling the brain's perception of nicotine's rewarding effects."

Labels: prevention, addiction, medications

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The National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Program in Trinidad is hosting several breakfasts in an attempt to forge alliances among the media, sports personalities, and others in the fight against drug abuse.

"...the objective of the breakfast meeting was to 'sensitize the media to the work of NADAPP and to obtain their assistance in promoting Substance Abuse Education and Prevention.'... This breakfast meeting is just one of several stakeholder engagement initiatives that form part of NADAPP's current drive to deepen and strengthen its partnership with the NGO and Private Sectors in the fight against drugs."

Members of the media were encouraged to use their 24/7 access to listeners to expose the harsh realities of drug use, rather than making it sound "cool" or fun. Source: Newsday (Trinidad & Tobago)

Labels: prevention, influences, peers

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Grant money alone isn't enough to combat issues of underage drinking and substance abuse. "We need to do this together," said Peabody (Mass.) Mayor Michael Bonfanti. The city has been awarded a $300,000 grant aimed at fighting teen drug and alcohol abuse.

"With the money, the city will study and develop strategies to address underage drinking and substance abuse. The project - dubbed the 'Health Peabody Collaborative' - will involve a multitude of stakeholders in the community, including teachers, parents, law enforcement and outreach groups."

The collaborative will start with focus groups, surveys and interviews - all conducted with the intention of getting a clear picture of the problems and their root causes. That information will be used to develop and implement specific strategic plans. Source: The Salem News

Labels: prevention, awareness, communities

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When Jonathan Gibralter became president of Frostburg (Maryland) State University, one of the first things he did was institute a zero-tolerance policy on drug and alcohol use. Though some students were upset, many thanked him.

"Gibralter's public stand places him in a growing but still small minority of university presidents who openly acknowledge that substance-abuse issues are present on campus. Progressive colleges and universities are shifting their primary efforts from individual users to the entire campus community..."

Gibralter said his decision was influenced, in large part, by his experience running a drug and alcohol prevention program at another university. During his service in that capacity, Gibralter said, he and his wife urged the school's president to take action against the institution's glaring drug and alcohol problems. Source: University Business

Labels: prevention, college, binge_drinking

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Most of the news coming from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse indicates that marijuana use is down among teenagers. But one startling figure shows that use among eighth graders has increased by 27 percent between 1992 and 2007.

"There's also a 188 percent increase in the number of teens admitted into treatment programs with marijuana as the primary addiction .... and there's no easy answer to the problem."

One preventative measure is to ensure that children have more to do than go to school and come home. Extracurricular activities give them constructive and enjoyable things to do with their time, thus decreasing the chances that they'll turn to drugs or alcohol out of boredom. Source: Fox28 News

Labels: prevention, marijuana, pressure

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Thanks to $600,000 from the U.S. government, the Martinsville City Schools in Virginia will be starting an Alcohol Abuse Reduction Program. The federal grant will help fund increased prevention and counseling services in city schools.

"After three years of the Alcohol Reduction Program in Martinsville schools, officials aim for a 37 percent overall decrease in substance abuse, reductions in negative attitudes and behaviors, and increased decision-making and resistance skills."

The grant money will also fund two new positions in the schools and several new programs. One of the programs, Positive Action, has been used in other districts, which have reported drops of up to 71 percent in drug, alcohol and tobacco use as a result of the initiative. Source: Martinsville Bulletin

Labels: prevention, schools, counseling

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Parents feel confident about advising and guiding their young children, but they "wimp out" as the children enter adolescence, according to a new study from the Partnership for A Drug-Free America.

The findings are significant because teens in middle and high school need guidance on drugs, sex and other significant issues - but the parents of these older teens told researchers that they feel unequipped with information and answers. Many parents reported that they want to maintain a non-authoritarian friendship with their teenagers, so they were reluctant to give orders, search their children's rooms, and undertake other activities that might put them at odds with their children.

"Parents are the most powerful influencers in their kids' lives, including on their choice to try drugs or alcohol, but this study clearly shows that many parents feel increasingly overwhelmed as kids become teenagers," said Steve Pasierb, the partnership's president.

The survey involved more than 1,000 parents with children ages 10 to 19. More than half the parents of middle schoolers said they felt uninformed about drugs and alcohol, compared to 35% of parents of fourth and fifth graders. Many parents of older teens agreed with statements such as "I think it's important that my child considers me a friend" and "I have a hard time saying no."

The Partnership for A Drug-Free America is a nonprofit alliance of parents, scientists, and communication experts dedicated to helping families raise healthy children. The organization has conducted its annual Partnership Attitude Tracking Survey every year since 1978.

Labels: prevention, influences, older_teens

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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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Stephen Winkler has based his high school career around the principles of SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving): having fun without the influence of alcohol or drugs. He has shared the anti-drug and alcohol message with countless students, and now he'll be taking his message across state lines. Winkler has been named the SADD National Student of the Year.

"'I believe in the mission of SADD that students are the best people to influence other students about not making destructive decisions. It's something I'm passionate about... I've witnessed the effects of alcohol abuse firsthand. I've seen what it can do. And because I've seen it, I can stand against it and I can try to help others stay away from it, too."

Winkler admits that it's hard to know how much he has really influenced students and their decisions, but he continues to encourage them to be creative with how they spend their time. Hanging out doesn't have to include alcohol or drugs, and teens will probably enjoy themselves more if it doesn't. Source: Topeka Capital-Journal

If you suspect your child is experimenting with drugs and alcohol don't wait to get them into a treatment program. Read advice from other parents about the dangers of waiting too long before you get your teen help at DrugRehabTreatment.com.

Labels: prevention, awareness, SADD

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They were stark images: the Grim Reaper and 29 "dead" students - their faces painted white, roaming the halls of Ontario (Ohio) High School. But their message was loud and clear: "drinking and driving kills."

"'The students (with faces painted white) cannot talk to anyone and teachers cannot call on them because they are the students who are now dead because of a drunk driver,' said Veronica Cain, Ontario Schools substance abuse coordinator."

The eerie event marked the beginning of Richland County's Youth Safety Awareness Week, aimed at reminding kids that prom and graduation season is a time for celebration, but also a time for responsibility. Source: Mansfield News Journal

Labels: prevention, awareness, education

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On April 5, a group of young people will be setting the stage for a "party gone wrong." The simulated teen party will give adults an idea of what can happen when things get out of control.

"Youth leadership teams from Dayton, Silver City, Fernley, Silver Springs and Yerington have created dramatic skits involving worrisome situations for each room in a model home staged to look like a wild, unsupervised youth party. Adults will be led through a 20-minute tour of the staged party with a guide who will explain what they're witnessing."

When the tour is over, parents will have a chance to "debrief" with police officers, young people, and some adults who have recovered from addictions. The hope is that this simulated party will help parents get a better understanding of the things that can go wrong at teen parties, and how those things can be prevented. Read more at News.RGJ.com.

Parents also need to learn what they're liable for if their teen throws a party at their house. Read Hosting Teen Parties: What's Your Liability? to learn more.

Labels: prevention, parental_involvement, parties

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The New London Community & Campus Coalition has introduced a plan intended to increase community involvement in preventing underage drinking. The coalition is concerned that parents in this Connecticut town don't take adolescent drinking seriously.

"'They don't look at it as an issue generally. They don't talk about it in the same way they might about sex or other issues,' [Tony] Mollica said. Alarmingly... an overwhelming majority of teens are getting alcohol at home or from a friend - approximately 94 percent."

As part of the coalition's strategic plan, it will host a "community conversation" to encourage parents and teen to talk about the dangers of underage drinking. Read more at TheDay.com.

Labels: prevention, awareness, underage_drinking

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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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The Drug Prevention Strategy for Canada's Youth got a boost this week by a $10 million investment from the Canadian government. The strategy will be developed and implemented by the Canadian Center on Substance Abuse (CCSA).

"The goal of the CCSA's project is to reduce illicit drug use among Canadian youth between the ages of 10 and 24, including high-risk youth, focusing on risk and protective factors before drug use begins."

National drug prevention program standards will also be developed for use in schools and their surrounding communities. Read more at MediLexicon.com.

NorthStar Center is a American substance abuse recovery center where older teens and young adults can focus on their sobriety while they earn high school and college credits.

Labels: prevention, treatment, communities

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Utah substance abuse prevention advocates are asking for $71,000 in 2009 to launch a campaign against alcohol use that would focus on young, pregnant women.

"They are the most at-risk group but they aren't getting the message for some reason, agency staff members told the Legislature's Joint Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommitee&"

A proposed change in the state law (HB38) would allow the start of a public education and outreach program regarding substance and alcohol use that's especially harmful during pregnancy. Read more at DesertNews.com.

Labels: prevention, community_programs, pregnancy

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In conjunction with a nationwide survey, Westchester County, New York conducted a survey of its own to try and gauge parental perceptions of teen drug and alcohol use among the County's children. It found that, though parental awareness of substance use was higher than the national average it was still underestimated.

"The good news from this survey is that Westchester parents overwhelmingly disapprove of teen alcohol and tobacco and marijuana use. But the survey shows that they have more permissive attitudes than their national counterparts, especially when it comes to beers and wine coolers and punishing teens when they break rules."

The findings were based on a survey of 414 parents who responded to a survey-by-mail. Responses were then compared to a national sample of 10,450 parents. Read more at Westchester.gov.

Labels: prevention, awareness, acceptance

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For seven years now, Macomb County (Michigan) Sheriff Mark Hackel visited with a class of eight-graders to talk about peer pressure and the dangers of giving in to it and to curiosity about teen drug and alcohol abuse.

"After telling the story of a recent drunken driving accident that took the life of 18-year-old Armada High School senior Emilee Floer, he let the group try on a pair of Fatal Vision goggles, which simulate the vision of a person who's highly intoxicated, and made them 'walk the line,' heel to toe."

All who tried to take the test failed miserably, and one student commented that he "never wants to feel like that again". Read more at CandgNews.com.

Labels: prevention, pressure, experimentation

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This weekend, the University of Virginia (UVa) will host APPLE  Athletic Prevention Programming and Leadership Education  a conference aimed at sharing the UVa substance abuse prevention model that was developed for athletic teams. Representatives from about 40 colleges and universities are expected to attend.

"[Co-director Susan] Bruce said she hopes those schools will then be able to follow the University's example to develop and implement their own substance abuse programs. 'One of the exciting things about the conference is that many of the attendees will be student-athletes,' Bruce said."

One of the keynote speakers at this year's conference, Travis Apgar, Associate Dean of Students at Cornell University, will discuss hazing and its detrimental effects on students' mental health.

Labels: prevention, athletics, college_students

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In this Q&A from the LaCrosse Tribune, Family columnist Colleen O'Reilly advises a parent who's worried about her 15-year-old daughter and the friends she's making. How do you talk to a daughter whose friends are using drugs? How do you help her avoid the same pitfall?

"Since your main concern seems to be avoidance, I suggest that you make a date where you will not be interrupted. You want this to be important. During your date, you will express your honest concerns for your daughter and admit you are powerless to make her decisions. Continue by saying that you want her to know she can use you as an excuse if she is invited to partake. Many teens like being able to say that their parents will 'kill them if they use.'..."

Getting a teen involved in extra-curricular activities can help, too. Most school clubs and teams have strict rules about drug and alcohol use, which gives a student another great "out" if approached about trying an illegal substance.

NorthStar Center offers adolescent drug treatment to teens and young adults.

Labels: prevention, friends, pressure

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For the month of January, the Wellness Connection of Hanover, New Hampshire will focus on educating the community about substance abuse. Several events are planned throughout the month.

"Town Hall Meeting: Substance Abuse in Hanover" will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 15. A panel of experts from the fields of education, medical, mental health and the legal profession, will discuss the aspects of substance abuse. An open forum will be available for those with questions and concerns."

Another forum on January 24th will cover substance abuse trends. All related events are free to the public.

Want to learn more about teen substance abuse? Visit DrugRehabTreatment.com.

Labels: prevention, community_programs, education

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Utah's Governor has asked the Legislature for enough money to expand a program called Project Empower into four more counties across the state. The program is aimed at reducing alcohol and substance abuse among teens, and the expansion would cost over $700,000.

"Weber Human Services officials said the program has helped reduce depression, separation anxiety, anti-social behaviors  all risk factors for dangerous behaviors."

Project Empower works with high-risk offenders who are one step away from juvenile prison. Programs such as this one often reduce the rate of repeat criminal activity by about 30 percent.

Labels: prevention, treatment, risky_behaviors

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The state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) of New York has created tool it hopes will help parents spot drug abuse problems in the home.

"The state Office... created the tool to help New Yorkers track prescription and over-the-counter medicines in their home. It's intended to be filled out weekly."

The PDF tool is downloadable off the OASAS website and is a grid-like worksheet that can be used to track: a medication's dose amount, when the prescription was filled, and how much of the medication is left each day.

Visit our page on identifying the General Signs of Teen Alcohol or Drug Use and learn about what you can do to help.

Labels: prevention, awareness, prescription_drugs

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The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University has offered suggestions to schools, parents and students for reducing substance abuse among young people. The Center has also released statistics on drug and alcohol-related issues.

"[For parents], Talk with your children about substance use from an early age and continue these conversations through college. Have a comprehensive discussion about substance use - its risks, your expectations, and the consequences you will enforce should they violate the rules - during the summer before their departure to college."

Statistics released by the Center include the following: 49 percent of full-time college students binge drink and/or abuse prescription and illegal drugs, 22.9 percent of full-time college students meet the medical criteria for substance abuse and dependence. The study also reports that these numbers have not significantly changed in the last twelve years.

Learn more about binge drinking and other types of teen drug use at DrugRehabTreatment.com.

Labels: prevention, awareness, parents

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A group of public and private entities have joined forces for form a campaign called ACTION. ACTION stands for the Adopting Changes to Improve Outcomes Now. The campaign was launched in September with a goal of seeing 55,000 lives positively impacted through effective addiction treatment.

"The ACTION Campaign aims to challenge 500 treatment agencies nationwide to implement one of several simple changes in treatment operations over an 18-month period. Currently, nearly 33 percent of those who receive addiction treatment drop out of the programs."

The campaign is focusing on three main factors in order to reach its goal: 1) Rapid access to treatment, 2) Increased engagement by those who are in treatment, and 3) A seamless transition from one stage of care to another.

Excel Academy's program of recovery helps teens stay sober and get back on track academically.

Labels: prevention, treatment, supplements

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Peer pressure works both ways. It can not only push teens to try drugs and alcohol, it can keep them from it as well. A recent study conducted through the University of Southern California found that a drug prevention program was more effective when it was run by peers instead of teachers or health educators.

"The study compared substance use among students participating in the prevention program Project Towards No Drug Abuse (TND), traditionally led by a health educator or teacher, to the modified peer-led TND Network. TND held interactive discussions at the classroom level while TND Network divided the students into smaller groups composed of their friends, increased the number of group activities and a student-chosen leader led the discussion."

Drug use among teens in the peer-led groups dropped by 15 percent more than the teens in the standard program. The study emphasizes just how important it is for parents to be aware of who their kids' friends are and what they do for fun.

A positive peer culture, like the one employed at Mount Bachelor Academy, can help struggling teens turn their lives around.

Labels: prevention, influences, peers

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A study of 2000 Australian 24-year-olds found that those who had used marijuana as teenagers were more likely to use amphetamines as young adults.

The authors found that such early drug use was a more accurate predictor of using more dangerous substances later than other factors such as socio-economic background or mental depression.

This article appears in the journal Addiction.

Teenage drug addiction is often a symptom rather than the problem with troubled teens. Visit 4TroubledTeens.com to learn more.

Labels: prevention, marijuana, meth

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It's a common opinion, but one that can't be repeated too often. We need to keep teens and alcohol as separate from each other as possible, and everyone - from law enforcement to parents and teens themselves - share in the responsibility.

"Those who would minimize their own responsibility by assigning it to other or claiming that concern over the problem has been blown out of proportion should face facts: Approximately 20 percent of 13-year-olds admit they've used alcohol at least once, and often they're able to do it because parents not only ignore what their kids are doing but actually supply the drinks."

It's important for members of the community to work together in addressing under-age drinking.

Labels: prevention, community_programs, underage_drinking

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Not everyone agrees that random drug testing in schools is a good idea. A recent editorial in the Gloversville, New York Leader-Herald calls for school administrators to find more creative, effective drug prevention solutions.

"Among the opponents of random student drug testing is the American Academy of Pediatrics, which stated it 'believes more research is needed on both the safety and effectiveness before testing programs are implemented. Laboratory testing for drugs is a scientifically complex procedure, which may be prone to both false-positive and false-negative tests...'"

Awareness training for teachers, curriculum that includes drug-prevention and more parental involvement were some of the offered alternatives.

SunHawk Academy is a residential treatment center for teens struggling with drug and alcohol abuse. Visit www.sunhawkacademy.com to learn more.

Labels: prevention, schools, drug_testing

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In response to a request from Florida Governor Charlie Crist for proposed budget cuts, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement suggested eliminating the over $300,000 that is currently spent on the state's DARE program. FDLE officials cited studies which have found the program to be ineffective.

"The office cited a 2003 U.S. Government Accountability Office analysis of several DARE studies, which concluded the program had 'no statistically significant long-term effect on preventing illicit drug use.' The U.S. Department of Education and surgeon general also have found DARE to be ineffective."

If Florida cuts its DARE program it will join states such as Illinois, California, Michigan, Washington and Wisconsin which have made similar cuts. Read more at HighTimes.com.

Wondering how you can help prevent teen drug addiction? Visit DrugRehabTreatment.com to learn more.

Labels: prevention, cost_of_addiction, criminal_justice

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In response to its recent findings in its annual Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS), Partnership for a Drug-free America has launched the Time to Talk ™ Campaign and web site. Both are intended to equip, empower, and encourage parents in their efforts discuss the dangers of drug and alcohol use with their teens.

TimeToTalk.org offers parents manageable resources to help them feel empowered to speak with their kids about living healthy lives and to motivate constant communication among family members. The new web resource not only helps parents start the conversation, but encourages them to sustain it over time by providing easy-to-use tools, tips, information and support to help parents feel much more at ease.

Studies have shown that kids who learn about the risks of drugs and alcohol are 50 percent less like to experiment with substance use. Read more at MedicalNewsToday.com.

Teen-Help-Directory.com offers information about teen drug and alcohol abuse. Learn more today.

Labels: prevention, parents, communication

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Partnership for a Drug-free America just released the results of its 2006 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) which analyzes parental and teen attitudes towards drugs and alcohol. The study revealed a 12% decline in frequent conversations about drugs and alcohol between parents and teens.

"Only half of parents, 54 percent, reported thoroughly discussing the use of drugs like heroin, cocaine and crack with their kids. Even more concerning is that a mere 36 percent of parents reported having in-depth conversations about abuse of prescription medications and only 33 percent have thoroughly discussed abuse of OTC [over-the-counter] cough and cold medicines with their teens."

The study revealed that many parents don't fully understand the dangers of prescription and OTC medications. In addition, parents are uncertain about how to initiate conversations with their teens and what to say. In response to these findings, Partnership for a Drug-free America has launched the Time to Talk™ Campaign; a web site designed to equip, encourage, and empower parents to have productive, consistent conversations with their kids about drugs and alcohol. Read more at MedicalNewsToday.com.

Unsure of how talk to your teen? ByParents-ForParents.com offers help for parents of troubled teenagers.

Labels: prevention, influences, communication

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Five Iowa communities have been awarded federal grants for Drug Free Communities Support Programs. Rep. Dave Loebsack announced that the Mid-Eastern Council on Chemical Abuse in Iowa City received one of the grants.

"'This funding will allow these valuable programs to better protect the health and safety of our children,' said Loesback. 'The Drug Free Community Program uses a successful community wide approach to prevent youth alcohol, tobacco, illicit drug, and inhalant abuse.'"

The grants will be used to implement drug free community coalitions. Read more at Press-Citizen.com.

Troubled teenaged girls can benefit from the structured environment of a private all girls boarding school or a girls residential treatment center. Learn more about Copper Canyon Academy.

Labels: prevention, community_programs, federal_grants

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Kendall County, Illinois seems to be a popular shopping ground for the ingredients needed to make methamphetamine. Production of the drug itself is almost nonexistent in the county.

"Kendall County Farm Bureau manager Dan Reedy said that one of the main reasons Kendall County is a shopping ground is access to a key substance. 'Anhydrous ammonia is one of the main ingredients for making meth and the easiest place to get anhydrous ammonia is through swiping anhydrous tanks either on the farms or from the local fertilizer dealers,' he said."

The Kendall County Methamphetamine Task Force has been working to educate farmers on proper storage of the tanks so they can't be tampered with or stolen.

Read more at LedgerSentinel.com.

Labels: prevention, awareness, meth

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The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence coordinated a "Family Day for Prevention" in Middlesex County, New Jersey. The purpose was to raise awareness, and some additional funds, for the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Coalition.

"The key to drug, alcohol and substance abuse prevention is education, and the first line of defense against it is parenting, [Nina] Nieves said. 'The values that we impart is what they're going to give back to us. If I say "You cannot drink until you're 21, and then drink in moderation," I have to enforce it so they (my children) can learn by example,' Nieves said."

The 2nd annual Family Day included a 5k run, a bike ride, and it raised several hundred dollars for the Middlesex Coalition. Read more at THNT.com.

Parents struggling with troubled teens and drugs can find help at ByParents-ForParents.com. Read The Signs of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Teenagers to learn more.

Labels: prevention, awareness, education

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Dr. Berth K. Madras, U.S. Deputy Drug Czar was in Georgia on Wednesday, where she praised the efforts of those who are part of the national drug court system. There are over 1,900 drug courts nationwide that see over 16,000 people a year - and many of those people turn their lives around.

"'Drug courts are a cost-effective and innovative way to combat substance abuse in our society,' continued Dr. Madras. 'Now tested and proven on a relatively small scale, drug courts must serve as a model for how to address the broadest population of substance users in the criminal justice system..."

President Bush has committed an additional $21.7 million to expanding and further resourcing U.S. drug courts. Read more at TheCitizenNews.com.

Military boarding schools offer discipline to troubled teens and their families. Find the best military boarding schools at BoardingSchoolsInfo.com.

Labels: prevention, drug_courts, criminal_justice

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The play "Tunnels" consists of six vignettes that tell the stories of people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs. Over 700 saw the play, which was used to determine if dramatic arts can effectively educate people about substance abuse, and move them to get involved in prevention activities.

"The after-play survey revealed that the drama met its education objectives and also increased intent to participate in substance abuse prevention activities. Of participants who strongly or somewhat disagreed that drug use is a disease prior to the play, nearly half changed their opinion to somewhat agree and strongly agree after viewing it."

Three months after the play, a follow-up phone survey was conducted, and 81 percent of the respondents reported talking to friends and family about substance abuse. Read more at PsychCentral.com.

Teen with drug or alcohol abuse issues can find the help they need at SunHawk Academy. SunHawk's adolescent residential treatment center helps bring families together.

Labels: prevention, education, dramatic_arts

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A study conducted by University of Iowa researchers indicates that genetic testing could reveal a person's potential to become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Researchers are quick to point out, however, that results of the tests don't mean that a person has no choice in the matter.

"'Having a particular gene expression change does not by itself predict that a person will act a certain way. However, it can indicate who might have a greater biological basis for engaging in behaviors such as smoking and alcohol or marijuana use,' [Dr. Robert] Philibert said."

Philibert and his colleagues recognize that there are ethical concerns, but harmful choices could also be avoided because doctors could use this information to develop personalized prevention plans. Read more at MedicalNewsToday.com.

Labels: prevention, biological_causes, genetic_testing

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The National Institute on Drug Abuse has put together a list of principles that should be included in drug prevention programs. The list is the result of long-term studies of drug abuse behaviors and other factors.

"These principles were developed to help prevention practitioners use the results of prevention research to address drug use among children and adolescents in communities across the country. Parents, educators, and community leaders can use these principles to help guide their thinking, planning, selection, and delivery of drug abuse prevention programs at the community level."

Sixteen principles are listed in the article and address various stages of child development. Included in the article are tips for customizing the principles and programs for different audiences.

Labels: prevention

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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. Gallaghers 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: prevention, binge drinking, teenagers

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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 drivers 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 its better than nothing. Read more at Courier-Journal.com.

Labels: prevention, alcohol, teenagers

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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: prevention, addiction, research

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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.


COPPER CANYON ACADEMY enrolls adolescent girls 13 to 17 years of who have experimented with drugs and alcohol; made poor choices in friends; exhibited signs of depression, anger, low self-esteem, or anxiety; and who have isolated themselves from friends and family by lying and cheating. Learn more about COPPER CANYON ACADEMY >>

Labels: prevention, teenagers

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

A group of students recently gathered for Putnam County's (New York) first Communities That Care Youth Summit. The purpose of the summit was for adults to gather information and suggestions from students about how to prevent substance abuse and drug use among young people.

"One group wanted the schools to alternate hosting family dinner nights. Another wanted community service to be rewarded with free movie tickets or passes to amusement parks. A third group wanted the community to build a recreation center complete with an arcade, a swimming pool, computers and miniature golf."

Janeen Cunningham, deputy director of the Youth Bureau believes that it's time the adults started asking young people for their input about ways to curb teen drug and alcohol abuse and taking it seriously. Read more at TheJournalNews.com.

Labels: prevention, teenagers

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

If you don't want your children to drink alcohol, be very clear that you disapprove of underage drinking, according to two experts on adolescent alcoholism.

• Caitlin Abar from Pennsylvania State University studied 300 teenagers and their parents.
• Abar found that parents who disapprove of underage drinking tended to have students who engage in less drinking, and less binge drinking once they were in college.
• Parental permissiveness was a factor linked to later binge drinking.
• Her research team also found that although parents drinking patterns influence a child's later alcohol use, it was a parent's rules about drinking that had the strongest effect.
• The study appeared in the journal Addictive Behaviors.

Another study, this time from Dutch researcher Haske van der Vorst, found that the European drinking model of having children drink with their parents at home actually encourages out of control drinking.

"The more parents drink at home, the more they drink at other places and the higher the risk for problematic alcohol use later," she said.
 

 

Labels: prevention, alcohol_abuse, parental_involvement

Posted By: Jane St. Clair 0 Comments

Being religious could help teenagers resist alcohol, even if they have a genetic predisposition toward alcoholism, according to a new study from the University of Colorado. However, this effect does not carry over into young adulthood.

Dr. Tanya Button studied 1432 pairs of identical and fraternal twins when they were adolescents and young adults, measuring their religiosity and problem alcohol abuse.

"Our study showed that genetic factors could influence problem alcohol use more in nonreligious adolescents than adolescents with a greater religious outlook," said Dr. Button. "This attenuation in religious participants indicates that religiosity exerted a strong enough influence over the behavior of religious individuals to override any genetic predisposition. The same was not true for young adults, however, for whom the genetic influence was consistent across levels of religiosity."

The study appeared in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.
 

Labels: prevention, alcohol_abuse, alcohol, religion

Posted By: Jane St. Clair 1 Comment

Referred to more commonly as “NRG 1,” naphyrone is similar to mephedrone, and can be legally purchased. It is also linked to the deaths of several young people in the U.K., which has led an advisory council to call for its ban.

“ACMD [Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs] chairman, professor Les Iversen, said ‘Naphyrone is a drug with the potential to cause real harm due to its potency and associated health effects... Test purchasing has demonstrated that what you think you are buying is not often what is in the packet.’” [Source: Telegraph (UK)]

Test purchasing revealed that many products promoted as NG-1 are laced with other chemicals, some of which are potentially deadly. In addition, even though it’s often referred to as a “legal” drug, it isn’t.

 

Labels: prevention, laws

Posted By: Adolescent Substance Abuse 0 Comments