On Vashon Island in Washington State, a group of parents, teenagers, law enforcement officials, and others came together to discuss the dangers of adolescent drug and alcohol use. The forum was convened in response to a recent survey which revealed that rates of teen substance abuse on the island are higher than statewide averages.

"The forum on drug and alcohol use among teens was sponsored by the PTSA and spearheaded by Laura Hansen, a mother active in school issues... In an effort to counter the perception that drinking and marijuana use are tolerated by adults on the Island, Hansen handed out a 'parents' pledge'. Parents who signed it vowed to 'teach our children to view alcohol and drug use as a serious concern...'"

Among the forum's speakers was Vashon High School student Hilary Hammond, who bravely shared her story of addiction and recovery. Last June she arrived at school so drunk that she couldn't walk straight. Today, she's clean and sober and is a primary voice in Vashon's effort to reduce teen drug and alcohol use. Source: Tacoma Daily Index

Labels: community_programs, recovery, support

Marilyn Babiarz didn't know what she was getting into when she agreed to let her daughter's friend stay with them for a while. Years later, she found herself speaking at the young man's funeral after he lost his battle with heroin addiction.

"The same week [he] died, Babiarz saw a flyer for Parents 4 A Change, a local group of residents seeking to combat drug use in town. Babiarz decided to tell her story in the hopes of encouraging other families to join the group and come forward with stories of their own."

For years, she watched Mark Gilbert, Jr. struggle to overcome his addiction. He would do well for a few months, only to relapse again. Babiarz wants parents to know the dangers of drug use are real and aren't just limited to "troubled" or inner-city kids. "He was a Southington [Connecticut] kid and he used with other Southington kids," she said.

Private schools often offer smaller, more personal classroom settings and a variety of after school activities. Visit BoardingSchoolsInfo.com to find the best private school for your child.

Labels: addiction, heroin, support

The damage caused by methamphetamine use is no secret. But how it affects on a community is not as well known. So professors from Arkansas Tech University set about conducting research and gathering information that proves that methamphetamine touches more than the lives of its users.

"'High degrees of alienation and low efficacy in individuals increases the likelihood of using drugs,' [Sean Huss, Ph.D] said, noting communities with residents who have low social capital and high alienation are more susceptible to additional problems, which in turn leads to lower support for program spending and a weakened community."

In addition, the American public will pay $1.7 million for every adolescent who becomes a drug addict and an average of $277 in state taxes to deal with the burden of substance abuse.

ByParents-ForParents offers help for parents of troubled teens. Visit www.byparents-forparents.com for articles and advice for parents of teenagers.

Labels: communities, research, support

Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson has announced the formation of a Parent Panel Advisory Council. The council's focus will be to improve the availability of substance abuse and addiction treatment services for Pennsylvania families.

"The council will examine the availability of information on substance abuse and addiction services, identify barriers to and gaps in services and treatment, and make recommendations to improve the substance abuse and addiction treatment system. Based on the assessments, the council will make recommendations to the Department of Health to share with the state House Health and Human Services Committee."

The panel is comprised of 18 parents who were selected via an application process. Each will serve from one to three year terms. Read more online.

Labels: addiction, support, treatment

On Saturday, September 29th, a "Walk for Awareness" will be held in St. George, Utah. The Walk's purpose is to raise awareness about the dangers of teen drug and alcohol abuse, and to raise money for the C.S. Landre Foundation which helps families in crisis find the support they need.

"Kicking off the event will be special guest Brian Parker, a therapist who works exclusively with troubled teens. Parker will share some insights for both teens and parents, arming them with information that can help them find answers."

Participants will walk the Bloomington Trail, which is a two-mile loop.

SunHawk Academy is a residential treatment center for troubled teens in St. George, Utah that specializes in helping teens with substance abuse.

Labels: awareness, crisis, support

The pharmaceutical company Reckitt Benckiser has announced that is has launched Addiction411; the first-ever MySpace account developed to educate people about the dangers of opioid dependence. The site offers information about treatment options, addiction red flags, and more.

"Addiction411 is the first time that MySpace members will have direct access to information about this increasingly prevalent disease and practical guidance on how to find treatment."

The World Health Organization and the National Institute for Drug Abuse both recognize opioid dependence as a chronic brain disease. Read more online.

NorthStar Center is a substance abuse treatment center located in Bend, Oregon that caters to the needs of young adults.

Labels: information, internet, support

In a letter to the editor of the Commonwealth Journal in Somerset, Kentucky, Emily Milburn tells her story of addiction and recovery. Many studies and surveys paint bleak pictures of addiction and the likelihood of recovery, but Emily hopes to paint a different picture.

"I want your readers to know that there is always hope and there is always something that can be done about addiction issues. If you are tired to watching someone you love lose everything in life that matters then do something about it now!"

When they became aware of her addiction, Emily's parents enrolled her in a Narconon program, from which Emily has since graduated. Read more at Somerset-Kentucky.com.

Teens struggling with drug addiction need all the help and support they can get. If your child is experiencing teen drug addition, visit DrugRehabTreatment.com for ways you can help.

Labels: hope, support, treatment

Readers of a Nevada newspaper, in response to an article about methamphetamine addiction, wrote to share their own stories of addiction and recovery. Though the story covered by the newspaper ended badly, many readers wanted others to know that recovery is possible.

"You stated that relapse is part of recovery. That is not true. Relapse is NOT a part of recovery, and it is a dangerous message that many people get. Many alcoholics and addicts go back out and die because of this erroneous belief. Also Mary and her boyfriend stated that rehab and meetings are bogus. When people don't get it, it is bogus. When they are ready, meetings and rehab will work."

Others encouraged people to pay special attention when they think a family member might be struggling with addiction. They encouraged readers to ask questions, and keep asking questions if something doesn't seem right. Read more at NevadaAppeal.com.

Do you have a child with a teen drug addiction? Are you looking for an adolescent drug treatment center? Visit Drug Rehab Treatment >>

Labels: addiction, recovery, support