Dionne Passacantando was a cheerleader and a gymnast, but her reason for using anabolic steroids had nothing to do with athletics. She just wanted better abs. It's a story that is more common than many realize.

"A recent report by the Oregon Health and Science University using data from the Centers for Disease Control said 5.3 percent of teenage girls admitted using anabolic steroids, mostly for body-enhancing reasons or self-protection, not athletics. According to 2003 CDC data, seventh-grade girls were the fastest-growing group of steroid users, with more than 7 percent using them, the controversial report said."

Though steroids can make you stronger, they also can have devastating psychological effects. Five weeks after Dionne started using, she began feeling suicidal. Steroids also can cause liver tumors, increase blood pressure, and stunt growth. Read more at IHT.com.

Labels: abuse, steriods, supplements

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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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It's not widely known or widely practiced, but Judith Ann Miller, founder and president of the Courage to Change Ranch, says that the use of nutritional supplements at part of addiction treatment works. The supplements correct imbalances in the brains neurotransmitters, helping the addict get through the difficult "detoxing" stage.

"[The therapy] helps them get their brains working so they can actually think. A person like this can't even fathom a 12-step program until they can get their brain working."

Miller's treatment includes neurotransmitter therapy, a structured work environment, and individual and group therapy. Read more at Kansas.com.

Labels: treatment, therapy, supplements

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