Becker’s Spine Review, July 20, 2015
"For years, physicians have been prescribing opioids as a way to combat pain, yet this feeds into our nation's serious, often fatal, opioid abuse problem. The number of prescription opioid abusers is spiking, and healthcare professionals are addressing this problem head-on, to avoid unnecessary casualties.
Here are 10 things to know about opioid abuse:
1. In the United States, approximately 2.1 million people abuse opioids, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. There are 26.4 million people abusing opioids around the world. The number of deaths in the United States due to prescription opioid pain relievers has tripled in the last 20 years, with opioid analgesic poisoning resulting in more deaths each year than heroin or cocaine. The United States alone consumes 99 percent of the world's hydrocodone pills as well as 80 percent of the world's prescription opiates." Read more
For resources to talk with your teen about the dangers of substance abuse, click here.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Prescription drug overdose deaths higher than car accident deaths
Colorado’s Own The CW2 (Denver), July 16, 2015
"DENVER — Prescription drug abuse is an epidemic in Colorado and across the country.
'As a nation, the number of deaths that come from overdose is greater than the number of deaths from car accidents,' said Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell.
Burwell’s comments came during a visit to Denver on Thursday, in which she met with Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and other state medical officials to specifically discuss the surge in prescription opioid abuse.
Colorado has improved its national standing when it comes to prescription drug abuse in recent years through programs that reduce and monitor opioid prescribing, increase medicated assisted treatment and improve access to the overdose drug Noloxone." Read more
For resources to talk with your teen about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, click here.
"DENVER — Prescription drug abuse is an epidemic in Colorado and across the country.
'As a nation, the number of deaths that come from overdose is greater than the number of deaths from car accidents,' said Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell.
Burwell’s comments came during a visit to Denver on Thursday, in which she met with Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and other state medical officials to specifically discuss the surge in prescription opioid abuse.
Colorado has improved its national standing when it comes to prescription drug abuse in recent years through programs that reduce and monitor opioid prescribing, increase medicated assisted treatment and improve access to the overdose drug Noloxone." Read more
For resources to talk with your teen about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, click here.
Auburn kids enjoy First Niagara Mentor Matters Appreciation Picnic
Syracuse.com, July 23, 2015
"Eighty kids enjoyed the First Niagara Mentoring Matters Appreciation Picnic at the Booker T. Washington Community Center in Auburn on Thursday July 23rd 2015. The kids had a cook out and played games on a perfect summer afternoon as they celebrated their mentoring program sponsored by First Niagara.
First Niagara and BTW staffers worked together to provide the food for the kids. The six-week mentoring program was funded by the First Niagara Mentoring Matters Grant. Niagara First has been providing the grants for organizations in Central New York since 2007.
'The First Niagara Mentoring Matters Grant has made a huge impact on the students that we serve. Not only are we able to tell the students how truly special they are we can now show them. Having a mentor builds self-esteem and boosts confidence levels which encourage the development of an optimistic outlook when striving to achieve positive outcomes in life.' said BTW Executive Director Denise Farrington." Read more
For more information on mentoring, click here
"Eighty kids enjoyed the First Niagara Mentoring Matters Appreciation Picnic at the Booker T. Washington Community Center in Auburn on Thursday July 23rd 2015. The kids had a cook out and played games on a perfect summer afternoon as they celebrated their mentoring program sponsored by First Niagara.
First Niagara and BTW staffers worked together to provide the food for the kids. The six-week mentoring program was funded by the First Niagara Mentoring Matters Grant. Niagara First has been providing the grants for organizations in Central New York since 2007.
'The First Niagara Mentoring Matters Grant has made a huge impact on the students that we serve. Not only are we able to tell the students how truly special they are we can now show them. Having a mentor builds self-esteem and boosts confidence levels which encourage the development of an optimistic outlook when striving to achieve positive outcomes in life.' said BTW Executive Director Denise Farrington." Read more
For more information on mentoring, click here
Friday, July 17, 2015
New law to cut down heroin and opioid abuse
The Bristol Press, July 15, 2015
"Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed his 'Second Chance Society' legislation Wednesday, a section of which is aimed at curbing heroin and prescription opioid abuse.
Approved last month by unanimous vote in the state Senate, the law improves prescription monitoring and prescribing practices, increases education and tools for healthcare professionals and provides greater emergency access to the drug naloxone, which can reverse the effects of a heroin overdose.
'We have to treat addiction like a public health issue, not a crime,' Malloy said in a bill-signing ceremony in New London. 'In signing this legislation today, Connecticut is taking a stand against a nationwide prescription opioid and heroin overdose epidemic to become a leader in combating opioid and heroin abuse, preventing drug addiction and overdoses.” Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen the dangers of substance abuse and prescription drug abuse visit our Resource Center here
"Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed his 'Second Chance Society' legislation Wednesday, a section of which is aimed at curbing heroin and prescription opioid abuse.
Approved last month by unanimous vote in the state Senate, the law improves prescription monitoring and prescribing practices, increases education and tools for healthcare professionals and provides greater emergency access to the drug naloxone, which can reverse the effects of a heroin overdose.
'We have to treat addiction like a public health issue, not a crime,' Malloy said in a bill-signing ceremony in New London. 'In signing this legislation today, Connecticut is taking a stand against a nationwide prescription opioid and heroin overdose epidemic to become a leader in combating opioid and heroin abuse, preventing drug addiction and overdoses.” Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen the dangers of substance abuse and prescription drug abuse visit our Resource Center here
Parents: Keep Talking To Your Kids
Roundupweb.com July 15, 2015
"The positive influence parents can have on their children cannot be stressed enough.
That influence faces a stiff test when Montana’s youth are forced to make tough decisions concerning drugs and alcohol.
However, in a recent survey students reported that Montana parents are talking even more to their kids about the dangers of using alcohol and other substances.
That is great news. It’s vital that children continue to hear positive messages from people they know and who care about them. In most cases, that’s a parent. The importance of talking to youth about substance use and abuse and being involved in their lives cannot be measured." Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen the dangers of underage drinking and substance abuse, visit our Resource Center here
"The positive influence parents can have on their children cannot be stressed enough.
That influence faces a stiff test when Montana’s youth are forced to make tough decisions concerning drugs and alcohol.
However, in a recent survey students reported that Montana parents are talking even more to their kids about the dangers of using alcohol and other substances.
That is great news. It’s vital that children continue to hear positive messages from people they know and who care about them. In most cases, that’s a parent. The importance of talking to youth about substance use and abuse and being involved in their lives cannot be measured." Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen the dangers of underage drinking and substance abuse, visit our Resource Center here
Underage Drinking Can Lead To Adult Brain Abnormalities, Reveals New Research
Inquisitr, July 11, 2015
"According to a recent study conducted by Duke University, scientists determined that underage drinking can lead to abnormalities in the adult brain.
The study on underage drinking, specifically on adolescent alcohol consumption, was published in the June 2015 edition of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.
The study discussed in the article, entitled “Adolescent Intermittent Alcohol Exposure: Persistence of Structural and Functional Hippocampal Abnormalities into Adulthood,” was conducted on rats. It determined that exposure to alcohol on the developing adolescent mind can lead to a number of health issues." Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen about the dangers of underage drinking, visit our Resource Center here
"According to a recent study conducted by Duke University, scientists determined that underage drinking can lead to abnormalities in the adult brain.
The study on underage drinking, specifically on adolescent alcohol consumption, was published in the June 2015 edition of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.
The study discussed in the article, entitled “Adolescent Intermittent Alcohol Exposure: Persistence of Structural and Functional Hippocampal Abnormalities into Adulthood,” was conducted on rats. It determined that exposure to alcohol on the developing adolescent mind can lead to a number of health issues." Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen about the dangers of underage drinking, visit our Resource Center here
Friday, July 10, 2015
Statement from Partnership for Drug-Free Kids President and CEO, Marcia Lee Taylor on New CDC Report on Heroin Overdose Deaths
Partnership fpr Drug-Free Kids, July 10, 2015
Heroin and prescription painkiller abuse is having a devastating effect on public health and safety across the United States – and without proper prevention and treatment, more families and communities will be impacted.
According to a concerning new report released this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heroin overdose deaths have nearly quadrupled in the decade between 2002 and 2013. The CDC also cites the surge in heroin abuse is largely due to the increased abuse of prescription (Rx) opioids. National research studies show that 4 out of 5 heroin users first began with recreational use of prescription pain relievers[1] and nearly 50 percent of young people who inject heroin started by abusing Rx drugs.[2]
The new CDC data is further evidence that more must be done to prevent heroin abuse and prevention and treatment are key components to turning the tide on heroin and prescription drug addictions. We know from experience that the most effective way to confront these challenges is to initiate a comprehensive response that addresses all aspects of this critical public health issue. Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen the dangers of substance abuse, visit our Resource Center here
Heroin and prescription painkiller abuse is having a devastating effect on public health and safety across the United States – and without proper prevention and treatment, more families and communities will be impacted.
According to a concerning new report released this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heroin overdose deaths have nearly quadrupled in the decade between 2002 and 2013. The CDC also cites the surge in heroin abuse is largely due to the increased abuse of prescription (Rx) opioids. National research studies show that 4 out of 5 heroin users first began with recreational use of prescription pain relievers[1] and nearly 50 percent of young people who inject heroin started by abusing Rx drugs.[2]
The new CDC data is further evidence that more must be done to prevent heroin abuse and prevention and treatment are key components to turning the tide on heroin and prescription drug addictions. We know from experience that the most effective way to confront these challenges is to initiate a comprehensive response that addresses all aspects of this critical public health issue. Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen the dangers of substance abuse, visit our Resource Center here
EAST WINDSOR: Businesses rally against underage drinking
CentralJersey.com (East Windsor, CT), July 9, 2015
Mayor Janice Mironov issued a proclamation June 23 recognizing Alcohol Awareness Month while kicking off the “We Check for 21” initiative aimed at deterring underage drinking.
The mayor presented all the liquor license holders in the township with a proclamation.
“This is the month where typically the liquor licenses are issued,” said Mayor Mironov.
The municipal clerk read the resolution requiring township Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licensees to pledge “We Check for 21” as a condition of receiving their liquor license renewal. Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen the dangers of substance abuse, visit our Resource Center here
Mayor Janice Mironov issued a proclamation June 23 recognizing Alcohol Awareness Month while kicking off the “We Check for 21” initiative aimed at deterring underage drinking.
The mayor presented all the liquor license holders in the township with a proclamation.
“This is the month where typically the liquor licenses are issued,” said Mayor Mironov.
The municipal clerk read the resolution requiring township Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licensees to pledge “We Check for 21” as a condition of receiving their liquor license renewal. Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen the dangers of substance abuse, visit our Resource Center here
Mayo Clinic: 1 in 4 one-time painkiller prescriptions become long term
Mayo Clinic: 1 in 4 one-time painkiller prescriptions become long term
Patients at risk of dependency urged to avoid opioid drugs
Consumer Affairs, July 7, 2015
Drugs prescribed by doctors to relieve pain often end up becoming the object of abuse as users quickly become addicted.
It is estimated that between 26.4 million and 36 million people abuse opioids worldwide, with an estimated 2.1 million people in the United States suffering from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers in 2012. By contrast, about 467,000 are addicted to heroin.
The problem is opioids perform an important function in healthcare. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, they reduce the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain and affect those brain areas controlling emotion.
Since almost all addiction to painkillers like Vicodin, OxyContin and Percocet start with a legitimate prescription, doctors at the Mayo Clinic wondered how many first-time users of an opioid drug went on to become long-term users. When they investigated, they discovered it was 25%. Read More
For tips and resources to talk to your teen the dangers of substance abuse, visit our Resource Center here
Patients at risk of dependency urged to avoid opioid drugs
Consumer Affairs, July 7, 2015
Drugs prescribed by doctors to relieve pain often end up becoming the object of abuse as users quickly become addicted.
It is estimated that between 26.4 million and 36 million people abuse opioids worldwide, with an estimated 2.1 million people in the United States suffering from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers in 2012. By contrast, about 467,000 are addicted to heroin.
The problem is opioids perform an important function in healthcare. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, they reduce the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain and affect those brain areas controlling emotion.
Since almost all addiction to painkillers like Vicodin, OxyContin and Percocet start with a legitimate prescription, doctors at the Mayo Clinic wondered how many first-time users of an opioid drug went on to become long-term users. When they investigated, they discovered it was 25%. Read More
For tips and resources to talk to your teen the dangers of substance abuse, visit our Resource Center here
Thursday, July 2, 2015
One third of people under 17 in the U. S. were assaulted in 2014
Examiner.com, June 29, 2015
"A minimum of one third of children in the United States experienced some type of physical assault in 2014. Dr. David Finkelhor with the University of New Hampshire in Durham and colleagues analyzed the data collected from phone interviews with children and their caregivers.
The study was part of the U. S. Department of Justice and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Survey of Children's Exposure to Violence. The study was published on June 29, 2015, in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
The data was collected on 4,000 children that were 17 years of age and younger. The sample group was ethnically and economically diverse and is considered to be statistically representative of the entire population of young people in the United States. The objective of the study is to determine how much violent contact young people are exposed to and hopefully develop better methods of reducing the instances of violence and the aftereffects of violence." Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen about preventing bullying, visit our Resource Center here
"A minimum of one third of children in the United States experienced some type of physical assault in 2014. Dr. David Finkelhor with the University of New Hampshire in Durham and colleagues analyzed the data collected from phone interviews with children and their caregivers.
The study was part of the U. S. Department of Justice and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Survey of Children's Exposure to Violence. The study was published on June 29, 2015, in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
The data was collected on 4,000 children that were 17 years of age and younger. The sample group was ethnically and economically diverse and is considered to be statistically representative of the entire population of young people in the United States. The objective of the study is to determine how much violent contact young people are exposed to and hopefully develop better methods of reducing the instances of violence and the aftereffects of violence." Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen about preventing bullying, visit our Resource Center here
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids Partners with CafeMom to Educate Mothers about Teen Substance Abuse
PRNewswire-USNewswire (NEW YORK), June 29, 2015
"For the second consecutive year, CafeMom, the leading digital media company for moms, has teamed up with the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, a national nonprofit dedicated to reducing substance abuse among adolescents to raise awareness about the dangers of teen substance abuse.
Through this collaboration, CafeMom will feature resources from the Partnership's Medicine Abuse Project, a multi-year campaign that aims to prevent half a million teens from abusing medicine, and the Marijuana Talk Kit, a comprehensive guide that addresses the new challenges families face with their teens around the topic of marijuana.
The information will be highlighted as part of CafeMom's 'Health and Safety' content series, a donated robust advertising sponsorship and content package to share the Partnership's valuable research, helpful tools and tips with CafeMom's highly engaged audience of more than 30 million women." Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen the dangers of substance abuse, visit our Resource Center here
"For the second consecutive year, CafeMom, the leading digital media company for moms, has teamed up with the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, a national nonprofit dedicated to reducing substance abuse among adolescents to raise awareness about the dangers of teen substance abuse.
Through this collaboration, CafeMom will feature resources from the Partnership's Medicine Abuse Project, a multi-year campaign that aims to prevent half a million teens from abusing medicine, and the Marijuana Talk Kit, a comprehensive guide that addresses the new challenges families face with their teens around the topic of marijuana.
The information will be highlighted as part of CafeMom's 'Health and Safety' content series, a donated robust advertising sponsorship and content package to share the Partnership's valuable research, helpful tools and tips with CafeMom's highly engaged audience of more than 30 million women." Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen the dangers of substance abuse, visit our Resource Center here
Concerns over powdered alcohol continue to grow
WBFO (Buffalo) – June 22, 2015
"With powdered alcohol set to launch this summer, a new poll shows most U.S. adults are concerned that the product will increase underage drinking.
According to the University of Michigan, 60% of U.S. adults favor a complete ban of powdered alcohol while 90% are worried the product will be misused by underage drinkers.
Local attorney and former prosecutor Matthew T. Murray says powdered alcohol presents unique problems that need to be considered." Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen the dangers of underage drinking, visit our Resource Center here
"With powdered alcohol set to launch this summer, a new poll shows most U.S. adults are concerned that the product will increase underage drinking.
According to the University of Michigan, 60% of U.S. adults favor a complete ban of powdered alcohol while 90% are worried the product will be misused by underage drinkers.
Local attorney and former prosecutor Matthew T. Murray says powdered alcohol presents unique problems that need to be considered." Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen the dangers of underage drinking, visit our Resource Center here
Cyberbullying on Social Media Linked to Teen Depression
Live Science, June 22, 2015
"Cyberbullying on social media is linked to depression in teenagers, according to new research that analyzed multiple studies of the online phenomenon.
Victimization of young people online has received an increasing level of scrutiny, particularly after a series of high-profile suicides of teenagers who were reportedly bullied on various social networks. In 2013, for example, a spate of suicides was linked to the social network Ask.fm, where users can ask each other questions anonymously. The deaths of teens who had been subject to abuse on the site prompted Ask.fm (which was acquired by Ask.com in 2014) to launch new safety efforts. Twitter, likewise, announced plans in April to filter out abusive tweets and suspend bullying users." Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen about preventing bullying, visit our Resource Center here
"Cyberbullying on social media is linked to depression in teenagers, according to new research that analyzed multiple studies of the online phenomenon.
Victimization of young people online has received an increasing level of scrutiny, particularly after a series of high-profile suicides of teenagers who were reportedly bullied on various social networks. In 2013, for example, a spate of suicides was linked to the social network Ask.fm, where users can ask each other questions anonymously. The deaths of teens who had been subject to abuse on the site prompted Ask.fm (which was acquired by Ask.com in 2014) to launch new safety efforts. Twitter, likewise, announced plans in April to filter out abusive tweets and suspend bullying users." Read more
For tips and resources to talk to your teen about preventing bullying, visit our Resource Center here
Becoming a father figure: Local men making big impact
Mentors, role models, brothers and fathers all have a positive impact on their charges.
THMEDIA.COM, June 21, 2015
"In Washington Park on a warm Monday afternoon, a man kicks a soccer ball toward a young boy who squeals in delight as he returns it.
Jon Peiffer, 25, has been mentoring Christian Dias, 9, for a year. It was something Peiffer always wanted to do, and now, he had time. So he contacted Mentor Dubuque, previously known as Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dubuque.
'This is my opportunity to give back,' Peiffer said. 'I had really amazing parents, and I was taught when you're blessed with something, you pay it forward.'" Read more
For more information about mentoring, visit our resource center here
THMEDIA.COM, June 21, 2015
"In Washington Park on a warm Monday afternoon, a man kicks a soccer ball toward a young boy who squeals in delight as he returns it.
Jon Peiffer, 25, has been mentoring Christian Dias, 9, for a year. It was something Peiffer always wanted to do, and now, he had time. So he contacted Mentor Dubuque, previously known as Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dubuque.
'This is my opportunity to give back,' Peiffer said. 'I had really amazing parents, and I was taught when you're blessed with something, you pay it forward.'" Read more
For more information about mentoring, visit our resource center here
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