CADCA, September 22, 2015
Did you know that one in 25 youth ages 12 through 17 has abused cough medicine to get high from its dextromethorphan ingredient, and one in 5 young adults has abused a prescription drug? Help raise awareness of the dangers of prescription (Rx) drug abuse and over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine abuse during National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month in October, and take part in the CADCA 50 Challenge.
Through the CADCA 50 Challenge, we’re asking you to host a town hall meeting or another type of educational event about BOTH prescription drug abuse and OTC cough medicine abuse in your community during National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month in October. One coalition will even be named CADCA’s Dose of Prevention Award winner and receive this honor at the National Leadership Forum in February in Washington, D.C. read more
For resources to talk to your teen about the dangers of substance abuse, click here
Friday, September 25, 2015
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Prescription Drug Take Back Day – Saturday, September 26
By Kristen Granatek, Senior Program Manager, Prevention Services
"The Governor’s Prevention Partnership is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection to promote National Prescription Drug Take Back on Saturday, September 26, 2015. This annual event sponsored by the DEA is an opportunity to dispose of unused or leftover prescription drugs in a safe manner.
More than 50 communities across the state are sponsoring prescription drug drop off sites which will be open from 10-2 on September 26. Any quantity of prescription drugs can be disposed anonymously, no questions asked and free of charge.
Click here for a list of communities participating in the DEA National Prescription Take Back on September 26:
The DEA is only able to accept pills and patches – no liquids, needles or sharps may be disposed of at collection sites."
For specific information on permanent drop boxes, including locations and the types of medication that may be dropped off, check the website of the Department of Consumer Protection
For additional information for prevention professionals, http://drugfreect.org. Prevention professionals may use the DEA’s resources to promote the National Prescription Drug Take Back, found here.
For parents and concerned adults, visit The Partnership’s parent resource area by clicking here.
To contact Kristen Granatek, email her at kristen.granatek@preventionworksct.org or call 860.523.8040 x 53.
"The Governor’s Prevention Partnership is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection to promote National Prescription Drug Take Back on Saturday, September 26, 2015. This annual event sponsored by the DEA is an opportunity to dispose of unused or leftover prescription drugs in a safe manner.
More than 50 communities across the state are sponsoring prescription drug drop off sites which will be open from 10-2 on September 26. Any quantity of prescription drugs can be disposed anonymously, no questions asked and free of charge.
Click here for a list of communities participating in the DEA National Prescription Take Back on September 26:
The DEA is only able to accept pills and patches – no liquids, needles or sharps may be disposed of at collection sites."
For specific information on permanent drop boxes, including locations and the types of medication that may be dropped off, check the website of the Department of Consumer Protection
For additional information for prevention professionals, http://drugfreect.org. Prevention professionals may use the DEA’s resources to promote the National Prescription Drug Take Back, found here.
For parents and concerned adults, visit The Partnership’s parent resource area by clicking here.
To contact Kristen Granatek, email her at kristen.granatek@preventionworksct.org or call 860.523.8040 x 53.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
The Governor’s Prevention Partnership Congratulates CT’s New Drug Free Communities Grantees
By Kristen Granatek, Senior Program Manager of Prevention Services
"Last week, the Office of National Drug Control Policy announced new and renewed Drug Free Communities (DFC) Grantees, including 4 new Drug Free Communities in CT. Bethel, Milford, Wolcott and New London join 16 other communities from around the state with DFC grant funds to involve and engage their local community to prevent substance use among youth.
The Drug-Free Communities Support Program, created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, supports community wide efforts to prevent youth substance use. CT’s 20 DFC communities receive grants of $125,000 per year for up to 5 years to facilitate youth and adult participation in local youth drug use prevention efforts.
DFCs address issues such as underage drinking; tobacco use; and marijuana and prescription drug abuse on a local level. Each DFC forms a coalition of community leaders, parents, teachers, religious organizations, healthcare professionals, law enforcement and youth to create solutions that work for the specific needs of their community.
The Governor’s Prevention Partnership applauds the state’s Drug Free Communities Grantees on the positive impact they are having on the lives of youth in their communities."
Additional information on the Drug Free Communities Support Program can be found here
For more on The Governor’s Prevention Partnership’s work to prevent youth substance abuse, go here.
"Last week, the Office of National Drug Control Policy announced new and renewed Drug Free Communities (DFC) Grantees, including 4 new Drug Free Communities in CT. Bethel, Milford, Wolcott and New London join 16 other communities from around the state with DFC grant funds to involve and engage their local community to prevent substance use among youth.
The Drug-Free Communities Support Program, created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, supports community wide efforts to prevent youth substance use. CT’s 20 DFC communities receive grants of $125,000 per year for up to 5 years to facilitate youth and adult participation in local youth drug use prevention efforts.
DFCs address issues such as underage drinking; tobacco use; and marijuana and prescription drug abuse on a local level. Each DFC forms a coalition of community leaders, parents, teachers, religious organizations, healthcare professionals, law enforcement and youth to create solutions that work for the specific needs of their community.
The Governor’s Prevention Partnership applauds the state’s Drug Free Communities Grantees on the positive impact they are having on the lives of youth in their communities."
Additional information on the Drug Free Communities Support Program can be found here
For more on The Governor’s Prevention Partnership’s work to prevent youth substance abuse, go here.
Monday, September 14, 2015
2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Finds Marijuana Use Continuing to Rise Among Youth
CADCA, September 10, 2015
"The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) report shows progress in reducing some forms of substance use – especially among teens. Substance use levels in many areas, however have remained relatively constant.
SAMHSA issued its 2014 NSDUH report on mental and substance use disorders as part of the kick off for the 26th annual observance of National Recovery Month.
The report found some areas of progress, particularly among teens. For example, the percentage of adolescents aged 12 to 17 who were current (past month) tobacco users declined by roughly half from 15.2 percent in 2002 to 7.0 percent in 2014. Similarly, the level of adolescents engaged in past month illegal alcohol use dropped from 17.6 percent to 11.5 percent over the same period. The level of current nonmedical users of prescription pain relievers decreased from 3.2 percent in 2002 to 1.9 percent in 2014 among adolescents aged 12 to 17." Read more
For resources to talk to your child about the dangers of substance abuse, click here
"The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) report shows progress in reducing some forms of substance use – especially among teens. Substance use levels in many areas, however have remained relatively constant.
SAMHSA issued its 2014 NSDUH report on mental and substance use disorders as part of the kick off for the 26th annual observance of National Recovery Month.
The report found some areas of progress, particularly among teens. For example, the percentage of adolescents aged 12 to 17 who were current (past month) tobacco users declined by roughly half from 15.2 percent in 2002 to 7.0 percent in 2014. Similarly, the level of adolescents engaged in past month illegal alcohol use dropped from 17.6 percent to 11.5 percent over the same period. The level of current nonmedical users of prescription pain relievers decreased from 3.2 percent in 2002 to 1.9 percent in 2014 among adolescents aged 12 to 17." Read more
For resources to talk to your child about the dangers of substance abuse, click here
Thursday, September 10, 2015
High School Kids Use E-Cigarettes to Smoke Cannabis: Study
NBC News, September 7, 2015
"High school students have found a creative new use for e-cigarettes, researchers reported Monday. They're a low-profile way to smoke cannabis.
The battery-powered devices let students sneak cannabis, and they might also be delivering a very powerful dose of the drug, the researchers report in the journal Pediatrics.
'This is a relatively novel way of using marijuana, and kids are using it at a fairly high rate,' said Meghan Morean, an assistant professor of psychology at Oberlin College in Ohio, who conducted the research at Yale University.
'The smell of vaping marijuana isn't as strong as smoking it, plus the similarity in appearance of hash oil and nicotine solutions make this a really inconspicuous way of using marijuana,' Morean said in a statement. Read more
For resources to talk to your child about the dangers of substance abuse, click here:
"High school students have found a creative new use for e-cigarettes, researchers reported Monday. They're a low-profile way to smoke cannabis.
The battery-powered devices let students sneak cannabis, and they might also be delivering a very powerful dose of the drug, the researchers report in the journal Pediatrics.
'This is a relatively novel way of using marijuana, and kids are using it at a fairly high rate,' said Meghan Morean, an assistant professor of psychology at Oberlin College in Ohio, who conducted the research at Yale University.
'The smell of vaping marijuana isn't as strong as smoking it, plus the similarity in appearance of hash oil and nicotine solutions make this a really inconspicuous way of using marijuana,' Morean said in a statement. Read more
For resources to talk to your child about the dangers of substance abuse, click here:
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
College Students Smoking More Pot than Cigarettes, Study Finds
CADCA Resources
"The University of Michigan this week released some data highlighting drug use by American college students in 2014.
Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey data shows that daily marijuana use by college students increased from 3.5 percent in 2007 to 5.9 percent in 2014 and surpassed daily cigarette smoking for the first time in 2014.
Daily or near daily use is defined as 20 or more times in the past 30 days. Past month and past year use of marijuana also increased (21 percent and 34 percent respectively in 2014) while the percentage of all 19-22 year old high school graduates who view regular marijuana as dangerous decreased from 55 percent in 2006 to 35 percent in 2014." Read more
For resources to talk to your child about the dangers of substance abuse, click here:
"The University of Michigan this week released some data highlighting drug use by American college students in 2014.
Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey data shows that daily marijuana use by college students increased from 3.5 percent in 2007 to 5.9 percent in 2014 and surpassed daily cigarette smoking for the first time in 2014.
Daily or near daily use is defined as 20 or more times in the past 30 days. Past month and past year use of marijuana also increased (21 percent and 34 percent respectively in 2014) while the percentage of all 19-22 year old high school graduates who view regular marijuana as dangerous decreased from 55 percent in 2006 to 35 percent in 2014." Read more
For resources to talk to your child about the dangers of substance abuse, click here:
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Bullied New Milford Teen Inspires Fans to '#BeBrave'
Hartford Courant, August 30, 2015
"There are 393 comments on Ally Del Monte's blog post 'A Princess at Any Size' on the Huffington Post. Her readers have a lot to say.
'You are so strong and I believe that you will inspire others to be brave as well,' one fan gushes on Ally's personal blog, Losergurl.com.
'Moved to tears, you eloquently redefine what it means to be a 'princess' inside and out with beauty, power and inspiration! I hope this gets read by as many who need to hear its message as possible,' says another, ending her message with a heart." Read more
For resources to talk to your child about bullying, click here:
"There are 393 comments on Ally Del Monte's blog post 'A Princess at Any Size' on the Huffington Post. Her readers have a lot to say.
'You are so strong and I believe that you will inspire others to be brave as well,' one fan gushes on Ally's personal blog, Losergurl.com.
'Moved to tears, you eloquently redefine what it means to be a 'princess' inside and out with beauty, power and inspiration! I hope this gets read by as many who need to hear its message as possible,' says another, ending her message with a heart." Read more
For resources to talk to your child about bullying, click here:
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Know the warning signs of bullying
Idaho Statesman, August 30, 2015
"For many children, the start of a new school year can be very stressful, especially if they’ve been victims of bullying in the past. Mayo Clinic Children’s Center psychologist Dr. Bridget Biggs says parents and caregivers should know the warning signs. 'If your child is reluctant to go to school, stressed after spending time online or avoids social situations, he or she may be being bullied.' Dr. Biggs points out that the consequences of bullying can be serious.
Victims are at increased risk of depression, anxiety, sleep problems, self-harm, poor grades and, in rare cases, suicide.
Biggs has tips for parents and caregivers on how to help children who are victims of bullying." Read More
For resources to talk to your child about bullying, click here:
"For many children, the start of a new school year can be very stressful, especially if they’ve been victims of bullying in the past. Mayo Clinic Children’s Center psychologist Dr. Bridget Biggs says parents and caregivers should know the warning signs. 'If your child is reluctant to go to school, stressed after spending time online or avoids social situations, he or she may be being bullied.' Dr. Biggs points out that the consequences of bullying can be serious.
Victims are at increased risk of depression, anxiety, sleep problems, self-harm, poor grades and, in rare cases, suicide.
Biggs has tips for parents and caregivers on how to help children who are victims of bullying." Read More
For resources to talk to your child about bullying, click here:
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Empty Plate: Kids Are Being Bullied to Skip Lunch at School
Whether because of pressure to be thin or more direct targeting, some students go hungry.
US News & World Report, August 24, 2015
"Anti-bullying curriculum has created a generation of kids who are much more aware of overt, classic bullying. However, bullying and peer pressure take many forms, and at times can be very difficult to spot. One alarming trend happening in some school cafeterias is kids facing pressure to not eat lunch, or to eat much less than they actually want.
This troubling practice is becoming more common, according to Dana Thompson, a registered dietitian who works with families through her diabetes practice in Glendale, Arizona. 'One of the things that is being reported is the significant amount of peer pressure exerted by certain girls to not eat lunch,' she says. 'Girls are avoiding eating or throwing out their lunch for fear of rejection by cliques.'
Thompson explains this is an act of bullying because it appears to be pressure applied purposefully – that is, the victim is targeted with dirty looks if she eats her lunch or indirect statements intended to make her feel ashamed about how much she eats. Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your child about preventing bullying, visit our Resource Center here
US News & World Report, August 24, 2015
"Anti-bullying curriculum has created a generation of kids who are much more aware of overt, classic bullying. However, bullying and peer pressure take many forms, and at times can be very difficult to spot. One alarming trend happening in some school cafeterias is kids facing pressure to not eat lunch, or to eat much less than they actually want.
This troubling practice is becoming more common, according to Dana Thompson, a registered dietitian who works with families through her diabetes practice in Glendale, Arizona. 'One of the things that is being reported is the significant amount of peer pressure exerted by certain girls to not eat lunch,' she says. 'Girls are avoiding eating or throwing out their lunch for fear of rejection by cliques.'
Thompson explains this is an act of bullying because it appears to be pressure applied purposefully – that is, the victim is targeted with dirty looks if she eats her lunch or indirect statements intended to make her feel ashamed about how much she eats. Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your child about preventing bullying, visit our Resource Center here
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