Underage drinking-related emergency department visits increase more than 250 percent on New Year’s Day

Hospital emergency department visits involving underage drinking increased more than 250 percent on New Year's Day, according to a new study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The brief study shows that on New Year’s Day 2009, there were an estimated 1,980 emergency department visits involving underage drinking, compared to 546 such visits on an average day that year - a 263 percent increase.

The New Year’s Day underage drinking admission levels even surpassed other National holiday levels, which past SAMHSA studies have revealed often far exceed normal daily rates. For example, the 2009 New Year’s Day estimate was 191 percent higher than the Memorial Day level (676) and 110 percent higher than the Fourth of July level (942).

"This stunning increase in underage drinking related emergency room visits on New Year’s Day should be a wake up call to parents, community leaders and all caring adults about the potential risks our young people face for alcohol-related accidents, injuries and death during this time of year," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. "Parents, clergy, coaches, teachers and other role models must do everything they can to positively influence young people including talking with them early and often about the many health dangers underage drinking poses to their physical and emotional health and wellbeing."

"This very troubling finding is in line with what we already know about the increase in alcohol-related problems during the winter holidays," says Kenneth R. Warren, Ph.D., Acting Director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, part of the National Institutes of Health. "For example, during Christmas and New Year’s, two to three times more people die in alcohol-related crashes than during comparable periods the rest of the year. And 40 percent of traffic fatalities during these holidays involve a driver who is alcohol-impaired, compared to 28 percent for the rest of December."

The study was developed as part of SAMHSA’s strategic initiative on data, outcomes, and quality - an effort to inform policy makers and service providers on the nature and scope of behavioral health issues. It is based on SAMHSA’s 2009 Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) report. DAWN is a public health surveillance system that monitors drug-related hospital emergency department visits reported throughout the nation. A copy of the study is available at: http://oas.samhsa.gov/. For those interested in helping to prevent underage drinking, SAMHSA offers a variety of educational and other materials at: http://www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov/.

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Smokers' Former Homes May Pose Threat to New Residents

Residue in walls and ceilings could pose harm to new residents who move into former smokers' homes, HealthDay News reports.

Researchers at San Diego State University found that "third-hand smoke" was found on surfaces even after the homes had been vacant for two months and cleaned and repainted.

"We found that third-hand smoke is trapped on surfaces like walls and ceilings and in household dust and carpets left over by previous residents," study author Georg Matt, a psychology professor at the university said in a university news release.

Matt added that the homes of smokers become reservoirs of tobacco smoke pollutants. When new, non-smoking tenants come in contact with polluted surfaces and inhale suspended microscopic dust, they are unknowingly exposed to tobacco smoke toxins.

In the study, Matt's research team examined the homes of 50 nonsmokers and 100 smokers before and after they moved out. They measured levels of nicotine on surfaces within the homes, in the air and on participants' fingers.

The researchers found higher levels of tobacco-linked contamination in dust and surfaces of homes formerly inhabited by smokers versus nonsmoker homes. Levels of nicotine on fingers were also higher among new residents of former smokers' homes.

This study correlates to a recent one conducted by the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and the University of Rochester Medical Center that concluded children living in non-smoking apartments were exposed to smoke from neighbors' apartments that seeped through walls or traveled through building ventilation systems.

The health outcomes of “third-hand smoke” have not been assessed, the California researchers stated in their news release, but they suspect that the residues could pose risks to babies and toddlers.

New study shows dramatic shifts in substance abuse treatment admissions among the states between 1998 and 2008

Nationwide percentage of treatment admissions primarily linked to alcohol has declined, while the percentage primarily linked to illicit drugs has increased

Although the overall rate of admissions to substance abuse treatment in the U.S. remained stable between 1998 and 2008, at about 770 admissions for every 100,000 persons in the population, a new study shows striking changes and variations in admission rates by region. For example, the rate of admissions for alcohol as the primary drug has declined by 15 percent nationally. However admission rates for alcohol in West North Central states (Ark., Iowa, Kan., Minn., Mo., N.D., Neb. and S.D.) remained the same.

At the same time that admissions for alcohol treatment were declining, admission rates per 100,000 population for illicit drug use were increasing. In fact, one consistent pattern in every region was the increase in the admission rate for marijuana use which rose 30 percent nationally. From 1998 through 2008, marijuana treatment admission rates were highest in the West North Central and Middle Atlantic states (N.J., N.Y. and Pa.).

As indicated in an earlier SAMHSA report, Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions Involving Abuse of Pain Relievers: 1998 and 2008: http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k10/230/230PainRelvr2k10.cfm, the treatment admission rate for opiates other than heroin (mainly narcotic pain relievers) rose 345 percent nationwide during these 11 years. The new study shows that increased admissions for pain reliever abuse occurred in every region of the nation and were highest in the New England (Conn., Mass., Maine, N.H., R.I. and Vt.) and the East South Central states (Ala., Ky., Miss. and Tenn.).

Nationwide, the admission rate for methamphetamine treatment was 53 percent higher in 2008 than in 1998, although the level has dropped significantly and consistently from its peak in 2005. Methamphetamine admission rates were highest during this period in the Pacific (Alaska, Calif., Hawaii, Ore. and Wash.), West North Central and Mountain states (Ariz., Colo., Idaho, Mont., Nev., N.M., Utah and Wyo.).


For more information or to view entire article, click here.

MONITORING THE FUTURE SURVEY FINDS INCREASED MARIJUANA USE AMONG 8TH, 10TH, AND 12TH GRADERS

CADCA Calls for Increased Investment in Drug-Free Communities Program

Washington, D.C. – The 2010 Monitoring the Future (MTF) Survey, released today by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the University of Michigan, showed an increase in marijuana use rates among all grades measured in the survey – 8^th, 10^th and 12^th graders. Particularly concerning are that more youth report smoking marijuana on a daily basis, with 6.1 percent of high school seniors, 3.3 percent of 10th graders, and 1.2 percent of 8th graders reporting daily use, compared to last year’s rates of 5.2 percent, 2.8 percent, and 1.0 percent, respectively. Among 12th graders it was at its highest point since the early 1980’s. The perceived risk of regular marijuana use also declined among 10th and 12th graders, suggesting that marijuana use among youth may continue its upward trend.

After marijuana, prescription and over-the-counter medications account for most of the top drugs abused by 12th graders in the past year. Among 12th graders, past year non-medical use of Vicodin decreased from 9.7 percent to 8 percent. However, past year abuse of OxyContin remains unchanged across the three grades and has increased in 10th graders over the past 5 years. When asked about ways to address prescription drug abuse, ONDCP Director Kerlikowske pointed to the DFC program as something that can make a real difference in tackling this and other drug problems.

To view entire article, click here

Teen Marijuana Use Up, Alcohol Use Down

Associated Press -- America's teens are using more marijuana and less alcohol, according to an annual government study of eighth-, 10th- and 12th-graders across the country.

Some 6.1 percent of high-school seniors reported using marijuana this year, up from 5.2 percent in 2009, according to the Monitoring the Future survey released by the National Institutes of Health.

Marijuana use by 10th-graders climbed from 2.8 percent to 3.3 percent, and for eighth-grade students it edged up from 1.0 percent to 1.2 percent.

"These high rates of marijuana use during the teen and preteen years, when the brain continues to develop, place our young people at particular risk," said Dr. Nora D. Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

On the other hand, binge drinking is on the decline. While 23.2 percent of high school seniors reported having five or more drinks in a row, that's down from 25.2 percent a year earlier. The binge rate for this age group peaked at 31.5 percent in 1998.

Each Year 30 Million People Drive Drunk

A new survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicates that on average 13.2 percent of all persons 16 or older drove under the influence of alcohol and 4.3 percent of this age group drove under the influence of illicit drugs in the past year.

The survey’s state-by-state breakdown of drunk and drugged driving levels shows significant differences among the states. Some of the states with the highest levels of past year drunk driving were Wisconsin (23.7 percent) and North Dakota (22.4 percent). The highest rates of past year drugged driving were found in Rhode Island (7.8 percent) and Vermont (6.6 percent).

States with the lowest rates of past year drunk driving included Utah (7.4 percent) and Mississippi (8.7 percent). Iowa and New Jersey had the lowest levels of past year drugged driving (2.9 percent and 3.2 percent respectively).

Levels of self-reported drunk and drugged driving differed dramatically among age groups. Younger drivers aged 16 to 25 had a much higher rate of drunk driving than those aged 26 or older (19.5 percent versus 11.8 percent). Similarly people aged 16 to 25 had a much higher rate of driving under the influence of illicit drugs than those aged 26 or older (11.4 percent versus 2.8 percent).

The one bright spot in the survey is that there has been a reduction in the rate of drunk and drugged driving in the past few years. Survey data from 2002 through 2005 combined when compared to data gathered from 2006 to 2009 combined indicate that the average yearly rate of drunk driving has declined from 14.6 percent to 13.2 percent, while the average yearly rate of drugged driving has decreased from 4.8 percent to 4.3 percent. Twelve states have seen reductions in the levels of drunk driving and seven states have experienced lower levels of drugged driving. However according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) census, one in three motor vehicle fatalities (33 percent) with known drug test results tested positive for drugs in 2009.

“Thousands of people die each year as a result of drunk and drugged driving, and the lives of thousands of family members and friends left behind are forever scarred,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. “Some progress has been made in reducing the levels of drunk and drugged driving through education, enhanced law enforcement and public outreach efforts. However, the nation must continue to work to prevent this menace and confront these dangerous drivers in an aggressive way.”

For more information or to read the entire article, please go to www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1012085048.

December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

Every day, 36 people in the United States die, and approximately 700 more are injured, in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver.

This December, during National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month (3D Month), consider what you and your community can do to make injuries and deaths from impaired driving less of a threat.

The Problem:

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives.

• In 2006, 13,470 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third (32%) of all traffic-related deaths in the United States.

• In one year, over 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. This accounts for less than 1% of the 159 million self-reported episodes of alcohol–impaired driving among U.S. adults each year.

• Alcohol-related crashes in the United States cost about $51 billion a year.

Protect Yourself and Your Family and Friends:

During the holiday season, and year-round, take steps to make sure that you and everyone you celebrate with avoids driving under the influence of alcohol. Following these tips from NHTSA can help you stay safe:

• Plan ahead. Always designate a non-drinking driver before any holiday party or celebration begins.

• Take the keys. Do not let a friend drive if they are impaired.

• Be a helpful host. If you’re hosting a party this holiday season, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver, always offer alcohol-free beverages, and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.

WV Voluntary Ban on Alcoholic Energy Drinks

The Associated Press

Associated Press - West Virginia is asking retailers to voluntarily stop selling caffeinated energy drinks that contain alcohol.

The state Alcohol Beverage Control Administration said it has the support of the West Virginia Beer Wholesalers' Association, West Virginia Retailers Association and the West Virginia Oil Marketers and Grocers Association.

The action Thursday came a day after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that caffeine-infused alcohol drinks are illegal and should be removed from shelves nationwide.

Washington, Michigan, Utah and Oklahoma have all banned the products in their states. The West Virginia action is voluntary.

"We are looking at this very closely and very seriously to make a determination of what our next steps will be," said spokesman Gary Robinson. "At this moment we're waiting on what the federal government will do."

On Wednesday, the federal agency gave manufacturers 15 days to either remove added caffeine from their drinks or advise the agency in writing of how they plan to change their formulas. The drinks are particularly popular with college students - they're called "blackout in a can" by many - and contain a volatile mix of caffeine and alcohol.

"To be sold, manufacturers are responsible for meeting a legal standard that the ingredient added to the product is generally recognized as safe under its conditions of use," FDA Spokesman Michael Herdon said. "It is FDA's view that that standard has not been met."

This is not the first time the federal agency has taken action on such beverages. In 2008, it asked Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors to remove their Bud Extra, Tilt and Sparks products, which also had caffeine additives, from the market.

Proposal for New Institute to Focus on Substance Abuse

This week, the Scientific Management Review Board recommended the creation of a new institute focusing on substance use, abuse, and addiction research and related public health initiatives. The proposed institute would integrate the relevant research portfolios from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), and other National Institutes of Health institutes and centers.

In response to the recommendation, a task force was created to determine where substance use, abuse, and addiction research programs currently exist at NIH and make recommendations about what programs should be moved into the proposed new Institute. In addition, the task force will survey NIDA and NIAAA for programs that are not related to substance use, abuse, and addiction research and make recommendations about where such programs will go.

All existing substance use, abuse, and addiction research programs at NIH will continue unchanged. It is anticipated that the task force will produce a detailed reorganization plan for consideration this summer.

Minority Teens Using Drugs at Higher Rates

This week, R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, highlighted recent data showing troubling increases in drug use among certain groups of minority teens, and urged parents and community leaders to act immediately to prevent drug use.

According to recently released data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency's 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, there were significant increases in drug use among young African American teen girls and Hispanic teen boys between 2008 and 2009.

Specifically, drug use among Black/Non-Hispanic females ages 12 to 17 years old increased from 7.3 percent in 2008 to 10.4 percent in 2009, and drug use by Hispanic males of the same age group rose from 9.2 percent in 2008 to 12.8 percent in 2009, increases of 43 percent and 39 percent, respectively. According to NSDUH data released in September, overall teen drug use increased between 2008 and 2009, with 1 in 10 youth ages 12-17 and 1 in 5 young adults between 18-25 reporting drug use in the last month.

"These data confirm that in addition to overall increases in youth drug use nationwide, certain minority populations are suffering from illegal drug use at even higher rates," Kerlikowske said in the agency’s news release. "As we continue to aggressively reach out to underserved populations with vital drug prevention and treatment resources, we ask parents, teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and community leaders do their part by taking action today to protect these at-risk youth groups from a lifetime of drug-related consequences."

Coalitions take action every day to help prevent and reduce youth drug use with environmental policy changes, media advocacy, and education. To view the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign ads geared towards youth, visit AboveTheIinfluence.com.

American Medicine Chest Challenge

Join the American Medicine Chest Challenge! On Saturday, November 13th, from 10am-2pm, bring your expired or unused medicine to 1500 Chapline St. in Wheeling (Wheeling Police Dept). You will be safely and anonymously disposing of medications that are commonly abused.

The American Medicine Chest Challenge was created to help American families see their medicine cabinets through new eyes -- as an access point for potential misuse and abuse of over-the-counter and prescription medicine by young people. It provides an opportunity to properly dispose of unused, unwanted, and expired medicines and encourages families to take part in the American Medicine Chest 5-Step Challenge.

Step 1) Take inventory of your medicine.
Step 2) Secure your medicine chest.
Step 3) Take medicine only as prescribed by your doctor.
Step 4) Dispose of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine.
Step 5) Talk to your children about the dangers of prescription drugs.

For more information on the American Medicine Chest Challenge, please visit www.americanmedicinechest.com.

RX Abuse Heaviest in Rural Teens

Teens living in rural areas were more likely than their urban peers to abuse prescription drugs, data from a large national survey suggested.

In the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which included nearly 18,000 adolescents, 13.0% of rural teens reported non-medical use of prescription drugs at some point in their lives, compared with 11.5% of respondents living in suburban or small metropolitan-area counties and 10.3% of those in urban areas, according to Jennifer Havens, PhD, MPH, of the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., and colleagues.

Relative to urban youths, teens from rural areas were especially more likely to report non-medical use of tranquilizers such as diazepam and opioid painkillers, the researchers reported online in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

"While we were able to identify potential targets for intervention such as increased access to health, mental health, and substance abuse treatment, this may be difficult for rural areas where such resources are in short supply or nonexistent," Havens and colleagues observed.

"Research into the causal mechanisms surrounding initiation of non-medical prescription drug use in rural adolescents is necessary to develop tailored interventions for this population," they added.

For more information on this study, please visit www.medpagetoday.com/psychiatry/addictions/23101

New Study: Alcohol More Lethal than Heroine, Cocaine

Alcohol is more dangerous than illegal drugs like heroin and crack cocaine, according to a new study.

British experts evaluated substances including alcohol, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and marijuana, ranking them based on how destructive they are to the individual who takes them and to society as a whole.

Researchers analyzed how addictive a drug is and how it harms the human body, in addition to other criteria like environmental damage caused by the drug, its role in breaking up families and its economic costs, such as health care, social services, and prison.

Heroin, crack cocaine and methamphetamine, or crystal meth, were the most lethal to individuals. When considering their wider social effects, alcohol, heroin and crack cocaine were the deadliest. But overall, alcohol outranked all other substances, followed by heroin and crack cocaine. Marijuana, ecstasy and LSD scored far lower.

Experts said alcohol scored so high because it is so widely used and has devastating consequences not only for drinkers but for those around them.

When drunk in excess, alcohol damages nearly all organ systems. It is also connected to higher death rates and is involved in a greater percentage of crime than most other drugs, including heroin.

Experts said countries should target problem drinkers, not the vast majority of people who indulge in a drink or two. Furthermore, governments should consider more education programs and raising the price of alcohol so it isn't as widely available.

The study concludes that drugs that are legal cause at least as much damage, if not more, than drugs that are illicit.

For more information or to view the entire article, go to www.lancet.com or http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/01/AR2010110101765.html.

U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Justice award almost $76 million to enhance adult and Juvenile Drug Treatment Courts

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) are awarding up to almost $76 million in Fiscal Year 2010 grants to enhance the court services, coordination, and substance abuse treatment capacity of adult and juvenile drug treatment courts. Drug treatment courts promote treatment approaches rather than traditional incarceration for people drawn into the criminal justice system because of substance abuse related problems.

There are more than 2,200 drug treatment court programs currently providing services to adults and juveniles across the nation. In judicially supervised settings, these specialized courts effectively integrate substance abuse treatment, mandatory drug testing, sanctions and incentives, and support services needed to recover and steer clear of further involvement with the juvenile and criminal justice system.

For more information on grants, please visit www.samhsa.gov/newsroom

Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act Approved

States and private entities can now create prescription drug take-back programs to help people safely dispose of old or unwanted medicine.

President Barack Obama signed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act on Tuesday, October 12th.

The new law clears the way for more programs to collect and dispose of prescription drugs. Previously, it was illegal to turn over controlled substances to anyone but law enforcement.

In the past, unused prescription medications have been thrown in the trash, where drug-seeking criminals might find them, or flushed down the toilet, which can pollute the water supply.

A recent nationwide take-back day, organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration, collected more than 121 tons of medicine.

Support The Sober Truth on Preventing (STOP) Underage Drinking Act Reauthorization

BACKGROUND

In 2006, an effort to combat underage drinking culminated with the passage of the Sober Truth on Preventing (STOP) Underage Drinking Act.

STOP ACT REAUTHORIZATION

Representatives Roybal-Allard (CA), DeLauro (CT), Wamp (TN) and Wolf (VA) have come together again to introduce H.R. 6241 to ensure that this landmark piece of legislation is formally reauthorized. The STOP Act reauthorization will build upon the success of the original Act by continuing all the authorities in the bill until FY 2015. It:

• Authorizes an additional $4 million, for a total of $9 million for the Community Based Coalition Enhancement grants to current and past Drug Free Community grantees;

• Doubles the original investment in a multi-media campaign to educate parents and communities about the dangers of underage drinking to $2 million;

• Calls for an Institute of Medicine report on the literature regarding the influence of drinking alcohol on the development of the adolescent brain;

• Establishes grants to train pediatric health care providers in how best to screen and treat children and teens who have had alcohol exposures; and

• Maintains funding for critical underage drinking research.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Fax your Representative as soon as possible and ask him/her to sign-on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 6241, the Sober Truth on Preventing (STOP) Underage Drinking Act Reauthorization. Community Anti-Drug Coalition's of America's (CADCA) fax system allows you to automatically fax a sample letter on this issue to your legislator from CADCA's website. To send a fax to your legislator, click here: http://capwiz.com/cadca/home/

Substance Abuse Costs WV's Welfare System More Than $95 Million

The financial impact of drug and alcohol abuse on West Virginia’s welfare sector is more than $95 million, according to the latest report from the WV Partnership to Promote Community Well-Being and the WV Prevention Resource Center (WVPRC). The welfare system includes programs providing income support and other social services to WV children and families.

Yetty Shobo, WVPRC Evaluation Specialist and author of the report, projects substance abuse could cost West Virginia’s welfare system more than $300 million by 2017 if current trends persist and intervention does not occur.

To view full report click here or go to www.prevnet.org.

Prescription Drug Roundup Nets 121 Tons

An article from the Associated Press:

"A Daylong, Nationwide effort to get people to turn in old or unwanted prescription drugs collected more than 121 tons of unused medicine.

With prescription drug abuse on the rise, the goal was to keep drugs from falling into the hands of abusers and criminals. The Drug Enforcement Administration organized the national prescription drug "Take-Back" day on September 25th. Officials offered people across the country a free, anonymous and legal way to get rid of potentially dangerous prescription drugs that have been cluttering medicine cabinets".

U.S. Drug Policy Director Commends Passage of the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010

Gil Kerlikowske, National Drug Control Director issued the following statement regarding the passage of the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010:

"Prescription drug abuse is America's fastest-growing drug problem, and one largely fed by an unlikely source -American's medicine cabinets. The passage of the Secure and Responsible Drug disposal Act of 2010 will save lives by providing patients with safe, environmentally sound ways to dispose of the unused or expired prescription drugs. I commend Congress on the enactment of this important measure - it represents a significant step forward to reduce drug use and its consequences in America."

For more information visit www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov.

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Set

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is asking for your help. As you know, prescription drugs are being misused and abused at alarming rates throughout the United States. As part of our efforts to address this problem, the DEA will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction at sites across Marshall County on Saturday, September 25th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The service is free and anonymous.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash; both potential safety and health hazards.
The Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition encourages you to take part in the program. Click here for a complete list of drop-off sites. Make sure you check back often. The site will be continuously updated with new drop-off sites.

WV Medical Journal - Special Edition on Substance Abuse

The latest edition of the WV Medical Journal is a special edition focusing on substance abuse. Content includes: --Take Care WV RX Abuse Prevention PSA (PAGE 17)--Bringing All the Players to the Table: The WV Controlled Substance Advisory Board (PAGE 22)--Understanding the Cultures of Prescription Drug Abuse, Misuse, Addiction and Diversion (PAGE 64(articles by WV Partnership member Dr. Mike O’Neil)--Citation of the Governor’s Plan to Address Substance Abuse in WV (PAGE 28)--Preliminary Evaluation of the WV Prescription Drug Abuse Quitline (PAGE 38)--A Comprehensive Checklist for Prevention (PAGE 54)

West Virginians Most Medicated

A study by Forbes magazine says West Virginia is the most medicated state in the country.
The study says the average WV resident fills about 18.4 prescriptions each year. The national average is 11.6. The mountain state also ranked No. 1 last year.
The study suggests one reason may be that West Virginia residents are generally older and less healthy than those in other states. The state has the nation's highest rates for smoking, arthritis and population of those who are obese or overweight.

Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition September Meeting

The next Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition meeting will be held on September 10th at noon in the Historic Federal Building, 324 7th Street, Moundsville, WV. All community members, young and old, who are interested in helping to reduce substance abuse in our county are welcome to attend. For further information or to RSVP, contact the Marshall County FRN @ 304-845-3300.

Smokeless Tobacco Products a Potential Poison for Children

Smokeless tobacco products may look like candy to young children, but these alternative nicotine products can be poisonous if they fall into small hands and mouths. Dissolvable candy-like smokeless tobacco pellets can be tempting for children because they resemble Tic Tac candies both in their shape and packaging and are flavored with cinnamon or mint.
The Food and Drug Administration outlawed tobacco that tastes like fruit, candy or cloves in 2009 because the flavors mask the tobacco taste and appeal to adolescents. Non-tobacco flavored nicotine products still are sold legally, however. One of the most common calls parents make to poison control centers is about children who eat tobacco products. Most children are under age 6, and more than 70% are under 1 year of age, according to a study in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Smokeless products contain an average of 0.83 milligrams (mg) of nicotine. Ingesting just 1 mg of nicotine can cause a child to become nauseous and vomit. Larger doses can cause more severe reactions, including weakness, convulsions, unresponsiveness and rapid breathing.
The AAP has some great tips for parents who suspect their young child has swallowed tobacco or nicotine products.
If the child still has some of the product in his or her mouth, make the child spit it out or remove it with your fingers.
Keep the substance and package, if available, in case the child has a reaction.
If the child is not conscious or breathing or seems to be having convulsions or a seizure, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Otherwise, call the poison center hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for instructions.

The Most Beautiful Sport has the Ugliest Habit

It is as common as hot dogs and Crakerjacks when you go to a baseball game, players using smokeless tobacco. But a new campaign to stop the dangerous habit may help athletes finally spit out tobacco for good. To find out more, click here.

New Drug Mimics Marijuana

A blend of herbs laced with synthetic marijuana known popularly as K2 is being sold openly in head shops and online, often sending people who smoke it to hospitals with symptoms ranging from soaring heart rates to paranoia to near-death experiences, according to health professionals. Several states have already banned the substance. To read more about K2 and its effects click here. Then tell us what you think by clicking the comment link below.

There is no such thing as a safe cigarette. No matter what they taste, smell, or look like, all cigarettes are harmful to your health. That's why the Substance Abuse Prevenion Center is launching a new website that exposes the myths on Light, Low, and Mild Cigarettes. The site features a 30 second audio PSA, Put Out the Myth: There Is No Such Thing as a Safe Cigarette, a sharable button with links to regulatory, health, and smoking cessation information, webpage content syndication information, and a basic consumer fact sheet. To view the site click here and tell us what you think.

Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition August Meeting

The next Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition meeting will be held on August 6th at noon in the Historic Federal Building, 324 7th Street, Moundsville, WV. All community members, young and old, who are interested in helping to reduce substance abuse in our county are welcome to attend. For further information or to RSVP, contact the Marshall County FRN @ 304-845-3300.

Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition Featured

The Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition and the Marshall County Family Resource Network's efforts to curb children's access to alcohol was recently highlighted in The Intelligencer/Wheeling News Register. To read the story, click here then post your comments below.

Yet Another Reason To Quit!

A new study finds mental health issues such as depression and anxiety increase along with exposure to second-hand smoke. Research also shows that smokers have a higher rate of mental illness, specifically depression.
The study adds to the long list of reasons to quit smoking. To read the complete story click here.

ER Visits Due to Prescription Drug Abuse More Than Double

A recent study shows that Emergency Room visits due to prescription drug abuse rose 111 percent between 2004 and 2008. Officials say prescription pain-killer abuse is the number 1 reason for the increase. To read the complete story click here.
We would like you to share your thoughts on fighting prescription drug abuse. Please help us in the fight by joining the Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition. Our next meeting is July 9th at noon in the Historic Federal Building on 7th street in Moundsville. For more information on the Anti-Drug Coalition please call 304-845-3300.

Is the Indoor Clean-Air Act working?

Proponents for the Kanawha County, WV smoking ban are studying the effects it has had on the health of county residents.
The study will compare health data from 2000 to 2008, and whether the 2003 indoor smoking ban has reduced the number of heart attacks reported in smokers and nonsmokers.
For the complete story click here.
Do you think the Indoor Clean-Air Act helps reduce health risks for West Virginia residents? Login in to discuss this or any other topic.

Two West Virginia cities rank at the top of a not so good list

Charleston and Huntington are at the top of a list of cities with the highest proportion of smokers, according to a new national ranking.
Charleston ranked No. 1 in the nation, followed by Huntington at No. 3 on a list of the top 10 cities nationwide with the most smokers, according to Healthways, a well-being company based in Tennessee. West Virginia has the highest smoking rate in the nation, at about 27 percent, compared to 20 percent nationwide. To read the full article, click here.
The question is why? Why do you think the state's smoking rate is so high? And do you support a new tax on cigarettes to fund tobacco-cessation programs?

Substance Use Treatment Admissions Have Significantly Changed

Over the past decade, there have been significant changes in some patterns of substance use treatment admissions according to a new study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Between 1998 and 2008, treatment admissions for the abuse of drugs and alcohol declined from 44 percent to 38 percent; however the abuse of both substances has remained in tact. The study discovered some trends in treatment admissions found in teenagers. SAMHSA.com reports that, "The survey also showed that admissions for substance abuse treatment among those aged 12-17 increased by 13 percent between 1998 and 2002, but declined by 10 percent between 2002 and 2008. In addition, about four in five (79 percent) of adolescent treatment admissions involved marijuana as a primary or secondary substance, and almost half (48 percent) were referred to treatment through the criminal justice system...In 2000 only 24 percent of those 16 and older in treatment were unemployed in 2008 37 percent of people in this treatment age group were unemployed." The leaders of this survey hope these results will aid them in developing "more effective treatment programs."

Shoulder Taps Conducted in Marshall County

The Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition and the Marshall County Family Resource Network have been teaming up with local law enforcement and youth to prevent youth social access to alcohol. Throughout the past two months, local law enforcement officers have been conducting alcohol shoulder taps at all alcohol retailers in Marshall County. Youth decoys, under the supervision of a law enforcement agent, approach adults outside of retailer locations and ask them to purchase alcohol. If the adult says no, the youths thank him or her for not providing alcohol to minors. However, if the adults says yes, a law enforcement officer joins the youths and explains the shoulder tap program. The officer then outlines the criminal penalties the adult could have faced had he or she been caught purchasing alcohol for minors. The project is in effect now and will continue until the end of May. What are your thoughts on the program? Do you think that this is a good way to help fight substance abuse in Marshall County? Please list your comments below, or contact the Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition through email at marshallcountyspfsig@comcast.net.

Teen Alcohol Use Affects Brain Development

The American Academy of Pediatrics has been urging physicians to discuss substance abuse with their patients. The AAP issued a 2010 statement on teen alcohol use which was posted on the Pediatrics website last month. According to American Medical News online the statement "indicates that the brain's frontal lobes, essential for functions such as emotional regulation, planning and organization, continue to develop through adolescence and young adulthood. At this stage, the brain is more vulnerable to the toxic and addictive actions of alcohol and other drugs." It has been recommended by the Committee on Substance Abuse that physicians discuss the dangers of alcohol and other drugs during medical visits. It has also been suggested that parents should leave the room so that adolescents are able to talk openly and freely with their doctor. The AAP encourages physicians to conduct an annual screening of adolescents for alcohol and drug abuse. Motivational interviewing has been used as a way to help patients "attain the desire and confidence to make necessary behavioral changes." The same study has also discovered that teen girls who drink alcohol have a greater risk of benign breast disease compared to those who do not drink. American Medical News online states, "Researchers examined data on 6,899 girls age 9 to 15 who were enrolled in the Growing up Today Study. They followed the participants from 1996 to 2007. They found females who drank six to seven days a week were 5.5 times more likely to have benign breast disease than were those who didn't drink, or who had less than one drink a week. Participants who reported drinking three to five days a week had three times the risk." For more information on how to talk to your children about drugs and alcohol visit the Marshall County Family Resource Network.

Kids Are Likely To Pick Up Smoking From Their Mothers

A recent study sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration discovered that children between the ages of 12 and 17 are three times more likely to pick up smoking if their mothers partake in the habit. According to WTOP.com, "Of the teens whose mothers smoke, 16.9 percent are smokers, compared to 5.8 percent of teens whose mothers are smoke-free." However, data from the study also shows that there has been a decline in teen smoking. Between 2002 and 2009, the rate of teen smoking has dropped 3.7 percent. The full report can be found through SAMHSA's website.

D.C. Council To Vote on Legalizing Medical Marijuana

The D.C. Council is set to vote this week on legalizing medical marijuana. If the bill passes, it would allow people who are chronically ill to buy the substance from dispensaries in Washington. In an article published by the Washington Post on May 4, "Federal surveys put the District among the nation's leaders in pot consumption. More than 11 percent of Washingtonians older than 26 reported smoking marijuana in the past year -- the highest percentage of any state in the nation, according to a 2007 survey by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Vermont and Rhode Island were second and third, each with more than 10 percent of respondents reporting marijuana use." Washington D.C.'s arrest rate in 2007 for people caught in possession of marijuana was 677 out of every 10,000 residents and is among the nation's highest rate. Washingtonpost.com states, "the bill before the D.C. Council would allow physicians to recommend -- but not prescribe -- up to two ounces of pot in a 30-day period for patients with chronic, debilitating conditions." There are currently fourteen states that have already legalized the use of medical marijuana.

R-Rated Films Linked With Underage Drinking

New research has discovered that children who are permitted to watch "R" rated movies are more likely to partake in underage drinking than children who were forbidden to watch the films. Researchers at Dartmouth Medical School conducted a study with over two thousand middle-schoolers and found that "among those whose parents let them watch R-rated movies 'all the time,' almost a quarter had tried a drink without their parents' knowledge. That compares with barely 3% who tried a drink among those who were 'never allowed' to watch R-movies." These results come from an article which was published on USAToday.com. The researchers also discovered that while parenting decisions definitely have an effect on a child's actions, the movies actually had a greater influence.

Substance Abuse Proves Costly For WV Schools

Substance abuse treatment is a great help to many, but it is currently putting WV schools in debt. Substance abuse costs WV schools $13 million, and that number is expected to rise if something is not done to tackle the problem. The figure includes money spent on prevention, treatment, and school-based mental health programs in elementary and secondary schools, along with colleges and universities, according to the report by the West Virginia Partnership to Promote Community Well-Being and the West Virginia Prevention Resource Center; however, this estimate does not take into account costs such as additional school staffing, special education programs, drug- and alcohol-related truancy, property damage, and legal costs linked to substance abuse. The report states that children ages 12 to 17 make up a main portion of those being treated in WV for drug and alcohol abuse. Data has shown that the percentage of that age group being treated for substance abuse rose from 5 to 8 percent between 1992 and 2006, while the percentage of 18- to 24-year-olds did not change. Late last year, Governor Joe Manchin appointed a state policy and planning board titled "The Partnership" to fight substance abuse. The plan the partnership came up with would cost $23.5 million a year for prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery services. Manchin wished to make the plan a priority last November, but his administration said that funding at the time was impossible. While the state does allocate money to the Department of Health and Human Resources for services related to substance abuse, it has proved to be not enough. Lawmakers are still working hard to find another way to fund these programs.

Community Development Expert To Visit Marshall County

Local community members have an unique opportunity to learn from one of the nation’s leaders in community mobilization and development. Peter Hille, Director of the Brushy Fork Institute at Berea College in Kentucky will visit Marshall County on May 20 for a workshop about moving people to action, recruiting volunteers, and maintaining project focus. Hille will also talk about sustainability and strategic planning. The workshop is a great opportunity for people to become more involved in their community. The workshop will be held at Grand Vue Park’s banquet hall from 10 a.m. to noon. The event is free and refreshments will be served. Space is limited, so please register early by calling Latrisha Whitelatch at (304) 845-3300. The deadline for registration is May 17. The workshop is sponsored by the Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition.

Prism Awards Held Last Week

Jeff Bridges can now add another award next to his recently acquired Oscar trophy. He, along with "Crazy Heart" co-star Maggie Gyllenhal received Prism Awards last Thursday night for their roles in the film about an alcoholic singer. The Prism Awards were established in 1997 and honor actors, movies, and TV shows that "accurately depict and bring attention to substance abuse and mental health issues." Other winners included Hector Elizondo and Tony Shalhoub for the TV show "Monk," the film "The Soloist," and television shows "How I Met Your Mother," "Law and Order," "Breaking Bad" and "The Celebrity Apprentice." The awards are produced by the Entertainment Industries Council Inc. in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the FX Network. The award ceremony took place at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Study Shows That More Teens Are Likely To Drink On Prom Night

With the end of the school year winding down prom and graduation season are currently in full swing. New research from Liberty Mutual Insurance and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) reveals that "90 percent of teens believe their counterparts are more likely to drink and drive on prom night and 79 percent believe the same is true for graduation night." This is according to a national survey of more than 2,500 eleventh and twelfth graders. CADCA's (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) website states that "there were 380 teen alcohol-related traffic deaths during prom and graduation season (April, May and June) in 2007, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports 1,009 total teen fatalities (alcohol and non-alcohol-related) in motor vehicle crashes during those same months in 2008." Parents may be enabling their children to drink and drive during these special occasions. More than one in three teenagers say that their parents have allowed them to attend parties where alcohol is known to make an appearance. During this special time in your child's life, make sure you talk with them about the dangers of drinking and driving and drug and alcohol abuse. Visit the Marshall County Family Resource Network online to download a safe party toolkit, or to get more information on how to discuss this topic with your children.

Preteen Marijuana Use Could Lead to Psychological Disorders

One of the latest studies lead by researcher Youssef Mahfoud, MD, from the Department of Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve and University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio reveals that children who start smoking marijuana before the age of 13 have a greater risk for comorbid substance abuse and psychosocial and legal problems. Medscape.com writes, "In the study of 136 substance-dependent girls and boys, those who started using marijuana as a preteen were more likely to have a history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicide attempts, and traffic violations and to be dependent on other drugs." Ethnicity, race, parental education, parental substance abuse history, and characteristics of preteen marijuana users on admission to substance abuse programs were also taken into consideration as factors that may predict teen marijuana use. It was discovered that preteen marijuana abusers were more likely to be Hispanic. They also tended to have parents with less education. Sixty percent of these instances had parents with only a junior high education. According to Medscape.com, "The researchers plan to follow the sample in the study to see whether they find an improvement in outcomes for preteen marijuana users after substance abuse treatment and to gauge whether preteen marijuana use is associated with less successful response to substance abuse treatment therapies." If you would like more information on how you can talk to your children about drugs, check out the Marshall County Family Resource Network's Parent Toolkit.

New Tobacco Products Could Be Mistaken For Candy

It may look like candy, but purchase with caution - tobacco companies are just becoming more creative in their approach to marketing smokeless tobacco. Products that are packaged like candy are not only appealing to adults, but to children as well; and while the nicotine is pleasing to some, children are becoming poisoned by it. A research team recently discovered that nicotine poisonings caused by smokeless tobacco products are the second highest amongst children. This study can be found in the journal Pediatrics. The new products, which are currently being test-marketed in three cities, include Camel Orbs, which resemble breath mints; Camel Sticks, which are about the size of a toothpick and dissolve in the mouth; and Camel Strips, which are similar to breath-freshening strips. While the packaging is 100% child-resistant in accordance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards, and states to "keep out of the reach of children" parents should still be sure to keep these new products out of sight. According to Greg N. Connolly, DMD, the director of the Tobacco Control Research Group at the Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston and reprinted on Health.com, "just under 0.5 milligrams of nicotine per pound of body weight is the minimum lethal dose for children." These accidental poisonings are definitely a concern, but so is the increase in people who are using these products. The use of smokeless tobacco products among adolescents increased 6% per year from 2002 to 2006.

Health Pavilion to Benefit WV and VA Residents

An open house was available to the public yesterday for a new behavioral health facility that will will provide programming and services for the treatment of behavioral health, psychiatric, emotional, and substance abuse illnesses to people in both Virginia and West Virginia. The Behavioral Health Pavilion of the Virginias will be located in the former St. Luke's Hospital in Bluefield, WV. Its facilities include 64 inpatient beds which include 30 beds for geriatric patients, 24 beds for adults, a 10-bed psychiatric intensive care unit and space for outpatient therapy and counseling. The health pavilion will not only offer an outlet for behavioral health care services, but it will also create new jobs within southern WV.

Share Your Concerns With the Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition

The Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition is currently conducting one-on-one interviews to determine which projects members of the community are most interested in. The amount of support has been tremendous and we thank everyone who has participated; however, we still need help. In order to continue to move forward we would like to hear what you think about the topic of substance abuse in Marshall County. It has been brought to our attention that many people's concerns lay within the realms of more education, stricter penalties, and increased law enforcement. What are your concerns? Share them with us below in our comments section or call (304) 845-3300. You can even email us at marshallcountyspfsig@comcast.net. We will also be on hand to answer your questions at the Marshall County Home and Business Expo this Friday and Saturday at the Mollohan Building in the former West Virginia State Penitentiary. Remember, being a part of the Anti-Drug Coalition doesn't mean that you have to attend our monthly meetings. By solely supporting our mission and vision you are already involved in the effort to fight substance abuse in Marshall County.

New Report Showcases Alcohol Abstainers and Quitters

A new federal report has shed some light onto how many people have abstained from alcohol or have quit altogether. According to CADCA.com "The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics estimated in its Health Behaviors of Adults: United States, 2005-2007 report that 61.2 percent of American adults currently drink alcohol, but that 24.6 percent are lifetime abstainers and 14.3 percent of Americans call themselves former drinkers. Of the latter, 8.1 percent said they are former infrequent drinkers, while 6.2 percent classified themselves as former regular drinkers." The study also concluded that men were more likely to drink than women and more white adults were current drinkers than any other ethnic group. There was a correlation between income and education and alcohol use. People who obtained a masters, doctorate, or medical degree were more likely to drink as well as richer Americans. On the reverse side, high-school drop-outs and poor Americans were more likely to stop drinking opposed to those with higher education and wealth.

Drug/Alcohol Abuse Linked With Childhood Sleeping Problems

A recent study has discovered that children who suffer from sleeping disorders now, may be at a higher risk for drug and alcohol problems as they become young adults. According to Maria M. Wong, associate professor in the department of psychology at, Idaho State University, and printed by MedicalNewsToday.com, "The prevalence of problem sleepiness among adolescents and young adults, ages 12 to 25 years, is not only high but also increasing. Some serious consequences include increased risk of unintentional injuries or death, such as car accidents, low academic performance, negative moods, and increased use of alcohol and drugs." Researchers found that children ages three to five who had trouble sleeping were more likely to continue experiencing this problem during adolescence between the ages of 11 and 17, which resulted in the presence of drug-related problems in young adulthood between the ages of 18 and 21. Wong's study does not directly explain why this association exists; however, it only suggests a marker of drug and alcohol problems that may be noticed very early in a child's life. MedicalNewsToday.com listed Wong's steps in targeting this problem, "First, it is important to increase public awareness of the significance of sleep problems in children, and their potential effect on self-control and later substance use and abuse. Second, substance abuse prevention and intervention programs need to consider the relationships among sleep problems, self-control, and the increased risk for substance abuse. Third, health care providers may need to become more aware of the potential serious consequences of childhood sleep problems, and provide treatment when sleep disturbances are clinically indicated." The results from this study will be published in the June 2010 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research. It is currently available for early viewing.

Prescription Drug Poisionings on the Rise

A recent study conducted by Jeffrey H. Coben, M.D. of the West Virginia University School of Medicine says that between the years of 1999 and 2006, there was a 65% increase of poisionings from prescription tranquilizers, sedatives, and opioids. According to WebMD, "Opioids can produce a feeling of euphoria, leading to their recreational use. Tranquilizers and sedatives reduce tension and anxiety and can induce sleep." Some commonly abused prescription drugs include valium, xanax, ambien, and lunesta. The study found that unintentional poisoning is now the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States. It also discovered that intentional poisonings from prescription opioids, sedatives, and tranquilizers rose 130% during the seven-year period, compared to 53% in intentional poisonings from other substances. These statistics were studied by researchers who used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, which contains records for eight million hospitalizations each year; however, even though the progress made has been helpful, there is still much research to be done in order to fight this growing epidemic. This study can be found in the April issue of the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

April Marks Alcohol Awareness Month

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. In an effort to fight underage drinking, SAMHSA and the Ad Council have launched a campaign which encourages parents to talk to their children about drinking alcohol at an early age. These public service announcements have been released to media outlets across the country and can be viewed online. Click here to see these PSAs and to get more information on how to launch underage drinking campaigns in your community.

Painkiller Tramadol Should Be Contolled According To Experts

Abuse of the prescription painkiller tramadol is becoming more prevalent in the region; however, it currently does not appear on the controlled substances list. Experts are pushing to get tramadol on that list. In West Virginia, lawmakers were considering adding it to the list of prescription drugs monitored for misuse, but the proposal died in committees. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review online, "tramadol, an analgesic marketed under the trade name Ultram or Ultracet, is known on the street as 'chill pills' or 'ultras.' It can be addictive and produces a morphine-like high..." Most doctors assume it's safe, but the number of emergency room visits due to tramadol abuse shows that this drug is anything but that. In 2004 there were 4,952 visits and that number rose to 13,568 in 2008, according to the Drug Abuse Warning Network. The DEA is currently collecting information to determine if tramadol should be put on the federal drug controlled substances list. With pill or "pharm" parties becoming more of a trend amongst teenagers, the country is witnessing a huge increase in prescription drug abuse. If you have questions or concerns about tramadol abuse in your area, contact your local law enforcement agency or lawmakers.

Prescription Drug Abuse On The Rise In Rural Areas

Prescription drug abuse and fraud is at an all time high, and rural residents of West Virginia are becoming a target. The West Virginia University Health Sciences and News Service recently reported that the greatest increases of deaths from drug overdoses are in rural areas. Between 1999 and 2004, West Virginia saw the number of deaths related to drug overdoses rise 550 percent. This was the largest increase out of any state in the country. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services conducted a national survey on drug abuse and discovered that 2.1 million teenagers reported abusing prescription drugs in 2006 alone. In 2005 it was reported that 250,000 West Virginia residents had used some kind of prescribed substance for non-medical reasons. After successfully suing Purdue Pharma, West Virginia and several other states used the money received to create day report centers in order to provide prescription drug abusers with support and rehabilitation. A prescription drug abuse hotline was also set up. The hotline number is 1-866-WV-QUITT (1-866-987-8488).

Nine DUI Arrests Made This Past Weekend

A $6,000 grant from the West Virginia Highway Safety program has allowed Hancock County deputies to target drunk drivers and other traffic offenders. The program has already yielded favorable results in just its first week. To get the full story go to the Intelligencer Wheeling News Register online.

2010 WV Substance Abuse Legislation

The following is a list of substance abuse legislation bills that did and did not pass during West Virginia's 2010 legislative session. For more information on any of these bills visit the West Virginia Legislature's website.

Passed:
HB 2773 - Increases the penalties for access and usage of tobacco products by minors

SB 362 - Prohibits providing false information to obtain a controlled substances prescription

SB 81 - WV Official Prescription Program Act providing prescriptions be written on tamper proof pads

SB 365 - Requires pharmacies to provide their personnel with online access to the state controlled substances database

SB 514 - Clarifies certain language in the Controlled Substances Monitoring Act

HB 4167 - Procedures for revocation and suspension of driver license for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs

SB 186 - Creating Administrative Law Judge Office in DOT responsible for oversight of administrative license revocation hearings

HB 4018 - Making illegal possession of a mixture or preparation containing salvia divinorum intended for human consumption

Did Not Pass:
HB 466 - Establishing grant funding program DHHR for substance abuse prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery

Beer Tax Bills - Various measures attempting to place an additional tax on a barrel of beer with proceeds directed at funding of substance abuse efforts

Intervention Puts Son Back on Track

At the age of 14 Joe started smoking marijuana. He then moved on to substances such as oxycodone and heroin. Six years later Joe no longer partakes in his old habits, all because his parents stepped in. Read the full story of how Joe's parents helped change their son's life at The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review online. If you're having trouble talking to your children about drugs and alcohol be sure to check out the Marshall County Family Resource Network's Parent Toolkit. There you will find safe teen party tips, text translations, and more.

Inhalants Abuse On the Rise Among Pre-Teens

Recent data released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that 12 year olds are beginning to turn toward potentially lethal inhalants rather than marijuana, cocaine, and hallucinogens. According to a SAMHSA news release, "SAMHSA data from the 2006-2008 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health show a rate of lifetime inhalant use among 12 year olds of 6.9 percent, compared to a rate of 5.1 percent for nonmedical use of prescription type drugs; a rate of 1.4 percent for marijuana; a rate of 0.7 percent for use of hallucinogens; and a 0.1 rate for cocaine use." Common inhalants are found in everyday products such as glue, hair spray, spray paint, nail polish remover, and correction fluid. This study was released to kick off the 18th annual National Inhalants & Poisons Awareness Week which begins today and ends on March 21st. More information on this topic can be found at the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition's website or through the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Drug Bills Passed

After being passed through the Senate last week, Senate Bills 365 and 81 went up against the House of Delegates yesterday and were accepted by a 97-0 vote with three absences. These bills will attempt to control prescription drug fraud and abuse. Senate Bill 365 will allow pharmacists to access the West Virginia Controlled Substance Monitoring Database. The House amended Senate Bill 81, requiring that any paper used for writing prescriptions must be tamper-resistant. Through these bills the state is estimated to save between 10 and 25 million dollars annually. Six other pieces of legislation were introduced by Senators Evan Jenkins and Ron Stollings. All were aimed at prescription drug abuse. Three of those six are still alive.

Senate Clears Bill Aimed at Prescription Drug Abuse

Senate Bill 365 was cleared Tuesday by the West Virginia Senate. This bill would require "all retail pharmacies to provide their personnel online access to the West Virginia Controlled Substance Monitoring Program." This means that all doctors and pharmacists in the state would have access to The West Virginia Controlled Substances Monitoring Database. This database is able to track prescribed controlled substances. While the bill does not solve drug abuse entirely, Senators Evan Jenkins and Ron Stollings believe it is a start in the right direction. Senate Bill 365 is among eight pieces of legislation concerning drug abuse that have been introduced during this session. Three of these bills have already passed through the Senate and two more are up for a vote today. Senate bill 514 is one of these bills. It would require physicians to report controlled substances whenever they are prescribed. Prescribing medications electronically would fix the problem; however, federal law prohibits controlled substances from being prescribed electronically.

Alcohol and Drug Use Among Teens Rises

A study conducted by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the MetLife Foundation found that more teens are abusing drugs and alcohol than ever before. The study which was released today discovered that "the number of teens in grades 9-12 that used alcohol in the past month has grown by 11 percent, (from 35 percent in 2008 to 39 percent in 2009), past year Ecstasy use shows a 67 percent increase (from 6 percent in 2008 to 10 percent in 2009) and past year marijuana use shows a 19 percent increase (from 32 percent in 2008 to 38 percent in 2009)" (www.prnewswire.com). The idea of these habits being acceptable has contributed to the increase. Parents should take action immediately if they suspect that their child is using drugs or alcohol. Visit the Marshall County Family Resource Network's website to find links about substance abuse and how you can talk to your children about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

Beer Tax Falls Short

After a public hearing on Monday, the Health and Human Resources Committee met yesterday to discuss the possibility of raising the tax on beer in WV. The increase revenue from the tax was to go toward funding substance abuse programs across the state. The committee ultimately decided that it would pass a different bill which would allow these programs to be funded by a state Medicaid reserve fund and other sources chosen by the legislature rather than from a tax on beer. Currently, the Medicaid reserve contains almost $350 million.

Possible Tax Increase on Cigarettes

A bill has recently been introduced in the WV House of Delegates that could raise taxes on cigarettes, beer, and smokeless tobacco. If passed, House Bill 2681 would eliminate the consumer sales and service tax on food and shift the nearly 70 million dollars generated from the food tax to the luxury products previously mentioned. Under this proposal, the tax on nonintoxicating beer would go up from $5.50 per barrel to $6.35, the cigarette tax would rise from $0.55 to $1.35 per pack, and smokeless tobacco would go from seven percent to fourteen percent.

A separate bill that would increase the beer tax has been circulating throughout the House. A public hearing will be held this evening to further discuss the beer tax amendment.

WV Beer Tax Public Hearing Scheduled

The beer tax has been a topic of much debate this past month in WV. Governor Joe Manchin has said he is willing to sign a bill if lawmakers can get one passed. A bill that was introduced earlier this week was discussed yesterday in the Health and Human Resources Committee. It proposes that the beer tax rise from $5.50 per barrel to $19.25. The money from this hike will go toward substance abuse prevention funding for the state. It is estimated that nearly 20 million dollars will go toward the program. A public hearing will be held on Monday. If you have any questions about the tax, or if you would like to show your support for it, contact your local house or senate finance committee representative. Click here to review the Substance Abuse Prevention Act. And for more information on existing substance abuse bills visit the WV Legislature website.

Beer Tax Increase May Become Reality

The drumbeat is getting louder in Charleston for raising the beer tax to fund substance abuse programs.

WSAZ-TV reported Tuesday that the proposal -- which is in two bills before the Legislature -- is receiving bipartisan support. One bill would increase the tax on beer by 1 cent a can/bottle; another would raise it by 4 cents can/bottle.

"I think there are a lot of members [in the House] and in the Senate that understand alcohol and drug abuse effects everyone," Delegate Nancy Guthrie, D-Kanawha, told WSAZ. "Friends, neighbors, loved ones. If we don't have the money to help those folks, then it becomes a criminal problem in many cases."

Outreach Training Planned March 11-12

Second Chance Outreach Community Trainings will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 11-12 at the Valley Healthcare Center, 301 Scott Ave., Morgantown.

The Second Chance Outreach Program is a self-help, peer-to-peer recovery effort based on personal innate mental health, and understanding The Three Principles (as defined by Sydney Banks) of how individuals function psychologically. Preliminary results from Florida show it is a promising approach for adults in recovery. This training can not only impact your work, and how you interact with clients, but can also help you avoid burnout and find personal peace of mind. For more about the Cypress Initiative, please see here.

The event is approved for up to 12 CEUs for Addiction/Prevention, Counseling, CHES, Nursing and Social Work.

The cost for the training is $35 and includes all training materials. Please register in advance by calling Brenda Richards at (304) 766-6301 ext. 33 or email richardsb@marshall.edu.

More Treatment Facilities Needed

The Boston Globe reports that illicit drug use among baby boomers is on the rise.

About 8% of Americans ages 50-59 have taken an illicit drug in the past year, most often marijuana but also including painkillers, sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medications. That's up 50% in the past eight years.

"We are projecting that by the year 2020, we will probably have enough people in the 50-to-59 age group needing treatment that we will probably need to double the number of treatment facilities," said Peter Delany, director of the Office of Applied Studies at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Capitol Hill Rally Planned Feb. 10

New York Times bestselling author and 20-year showbiz veteran Christopher Kennedy Lawford will play one of his most dynamic roles not as an actor, but as an advocate for drug abuse issues with more than 2,500 substance abuse prevention and treatment specialists from throughout the country Wednesday. Lawford’s remarks will take place during a Capitol Hill Rally, part of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)’s 20th Annual National Leadership Forum, being held Feb. 8-11, 2010. The rally will take place at Noon on Wednesday, Feb. 10 outside of the Capitol building.

The first-born child of President John F. Kennedy’s sister, Patricia, and famous Rat Pack actor, Peter Lawford, Christopher Kennedy Lawford spent his early teen years experimenting with drugs. Sober for more than 24 years, Lawford shared his inspirational personal story in his memoir Symptoms of Withdrawal: A Memoir of Snapshots and Redemption, which became a New York Times Bestseller. His next book, Moments of Clarity: Voices from the Front Lines of Addiction and Recovery, released last year, is a series of essays by public figures, athletes and entertainers who have struggled with drug and alcohol addiction.

“Mr. Lawford is proof that drug and alcohol addiction can affect even the most privileged of families. His story can teach us all, especially our lawmakers, that recovery is possible and of the importance of drug use prevention, treatment and recovery services,” said CADCA Chairman and CEO Gen. Arthur Dean.

During the rally, drug and underage drinking prevention advocates from around the country will stress the importance of substance abuse prevention and urge Congress to continue to fund the Drug Free Communities (DFC) Program at the highest level possible. The DFC program provides funding to more than 700 community coalitions located throughout the country and U.S. territories. DFC coalitions assess their local community’s substance abuse problem, use that data to develop comprehensive community-wide prevention strategies and track their progress over time.

Other participants of the rally include: Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR); Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), one of the nation’s leading champions for substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery; Judy Cushing, President & CEO of Oregon Partnership; and Allana Chittick, with the Illinois-based Coalition Against Methamphetamine Abuse.

Capitol Hill Day kicks off at 9 a.m. with a Capitol Hill Plenary session, where participants will hear from several other key lawmakers and champions for the substance abuse field, including invited speaker Vice President Joseph Biden; Congresswomen Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA); Congressmen Danny K. Davis (D-IL) and Sander Levin (D-MI); and Sue Thau, CADCA’s Public Policy Consultant.

Following the Capitol Hill Rally, prevention activists will meet with members of their local congressional delegation to educate them about the effectiveness of substance abuse prevention. Finally, the day ends with a reception where CADCA will present awards to Senators Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT).

SAMSHA Study Focuses on Uninsured

An estimated 3 million full-time workers without health insurance needed substance use treatment in the past year, according to a national survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Levels of need were particularly high among those ages 18-25 (24%) and men (19%).

The survey also revealed that among these uninsured workers in need of substance abuse treatment, only 13% received treatment in a special facility. More than 80 percent of uninsured full-time workers needing treatment in the past year did not perceive a need for treatment. The remaining 7% of workers in need of treatment did perceive the need for treatment but did not receive it.

"This tremendous unmet need for substance abuse treatment among this work force has a devastating public health and economic effect on our nation," SAMSHA administrator Pamela S. Hyde. "We cannot afford to ignore this problem -- substance use disorder treatment has proven to be a cost-effective investment for promoting safe and productive workplaces as well as renewed hope for those affected by this disease."

Story here.

Bi-Partisan Support For Beer-Tax Increase

Will a proposed beer-tax increase fund the state's substance abuse prevention and treatment?

That's the early word in Charleston, where there's bipartisan support for a 1 cent or 2 cent per bottle or can rise in the beer tax, according to The Charleston Gazette. A similar bill failed last year.

But sponsors, including Delegate Bill Hamilton, R-Upshur County, say that the additional $10 million raised would help fight the state's drug problem. Hamilton's 30-something-year-old son has faced substance abuse issues and said that it's too big a problem to not address.

"There's one thing about getting rid of a drug dealer," Hamilton told the Gazette. "When you get rid of one -- you take them off the corner of Buckhannon or Parkersburg or Huntington -- you've got another one. ... Let's take away their customers."

The Register-Herald of Beckley, WV, quoted Delegate Barbara Hatfield, D-Kanawha, as saying that she'd support the bill.

"We have children, we have teen-agers, ruining their lives by being on drugs," Hatfield said.

Students Asked To Submit Ideas

The Underage Drinking Prevention and Social Marketing Project is pleased to announce its PSA Challenge, a statewide peer-led public service announcement (PSA) video competition to help spread the word that "21 Means 21."

The PSA Challenge will identify and reward the state's best student-led PSA projects. West Virginia's middle school, high school, and college and university students are invited to enter the contest by submitting their PSAs to the West Virginia Prevention Resource Center by March 31, 2010. The best projects -- based on creativity, originality, message and overall presentation -- will be selected. The project is funded by the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws program. The program is administered in West Virginia by the Division of Criminal Justice Services.

In this program, teams of youth from around the state develop PSAs, which are then judged by a team of media and prevention professionals. After the winners are announced in April, selected teams (and adult sponsors) will come to Charleston to fine-tune their scripts and tour the radio and television production facilities. Then, the selected teams and adult sponsors will come back to Charleston for one day (all expenses paid) to film and record their PSAs. The PSAs will be distributed statewide.

Information about the Underage Drinking Prevention and Social Marketing Project is available online or by calling Stephanie Anthony at (304) 766-6301 ext. 25.

Substance Abuse Issues Top of Mind in West Virginia Legislature

A story aired today on West Virginia Public Broadcasting talks about the chances -- which aren't good -- that state taxes will be raised. One of the reasons why it might happen is to fund the state's initiatives on substance abuse.

Delegate Don Perdue, D-Wayne, said that the state's substance abuse issues will cost now or they will cost later.

"We know that there are at least 40,000 untreated addicts in the state of West Virginia," Perdue told West Virginia Public Broadcasting. "We also know that fully 20 percent of pregnant females in West Virginia have a substance abuse problem."

Parity Required for Substance Abuse Treatment

The federal government has ruled that insurers can't deny coverage to people who have substance abuse disorders.

Group health plans that offer mental health and substance abuse benefits must fund out-of-pocket costs, benefit limits and other practices the same as they would for other claims. The rules are spelled out in the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, according to HealthDayNews through Business Week.

"These practices must be based on the same level of scientific evidence used by the insurer for medical and surgical benefits," the U.S. Health and Human Services Department said in a news release. "For example, a plan may not apply separate deductibles for treatment related to mental health or substance abuse disorders and medical and surgical benefits -- they must be calculated as one limit."

SAMHSA To Administer Surveys

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is contacting 200,000 households in 50 states about drug use, the Associated Press reports.

The survey takes about an hour and SAMHSA, along with its partner the Research Triangle Institute will be offering $30 for participation.

WV Senate Addresses Prescription Drug Abuse with Seven New Bills

West Virginia has a serious problem with prescription drug abuse, and the West Virginia Senate is trying to address it.

Seven bill have been introduced this week, the Associated Press said. The bills' measures include forcing prescriptions to be made on tamper-proof paper and providing pharmacists a controlled substances database. The AP said that the bills fall short in terms of treatment.

"This is a start, this is not a finish," said Sen. Evan Jenkins, D-Cabell County.

WV Senate Addresses Prescription Drug Abuse with Seven New Bills

West Virginia has a serious problem with prescription drug abuse, and the West Virginia Senate is trying to address it.

Seven bill have been introduced this week, the Associated Press said. The bills' measures include forcing prescriptions to be made on tamper-proof paper and providing pharmacists a controlled substances database. The AP said that the bills fall short in terms of treatment.

"This is a start, this is not a finish," said Sen. Evan Jenkins, D-Cabell County.

Prevention Focus of March 26 Summit

The Ohio Valley Chapter of the State Health Education Council is sponsoring a workshop called "Current Trends in Community Health: Prevention is Key" on March 26 at the Mountainside Conference Center in Bethany.

The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Participants will:

-- Learn strategies to increase public awareness of potential health threats without causing panic in the community.
-- Understand the dynamics of novel illness and social settings.
-- Recognize some of the symptoms and signs of the H1N1 and flu virus.
-- Understand what to do and who to contact if they suspect the presence of H1N1/flu virus.
-- Recognize the symptoms and signs of prescription drug abuse in children and adults.
-- Gain knowledge of the dangers and economic impact prescription drug abuse has on WV families and communities.
-- Understand what to do and who to contact if they suspect prescription abuse.
-- Discuss the appeal of using depressants, stimulants and/or opiods.
-- Understand effects of stress on the mind and body.
-- Identify and implement ways to manage stress.
-- Identify high-risk behaviors that result in increased incidence of STDs.
-- Identify the signs and symptoms of the most common STDs.
-- Identify ways to protect from STDs.

The presenters include Dara Pond, Region VI coordinator for the West Virginia Adolescent Health Initiative; Karen McClain, administrator of Brooke County Health Department and director of the Bethany College Community Wellness Program; John Walters, coordinator/director the Northern West Virginia Health Education Center; Anne Martin, community development specialist with the West Virginia Prevention Resource Center; Carole Scheerbaum, certified prevention specialist through the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals; and Patricia A. Owens, director of nursing for the Marshall County Health Department.

The cost of the workshop is $35. The registration deadline is Friday, March 19. Five hours of continuing education units have been applied for from the following professional organizations: WV Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals; WV Board of Examiners in Counseling; WV Nursing Board; WV Board of Social Work Examiners; and the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. Five hours of CEUs have been applied for WV STARS through the Northern Panhandle Head Start.

For more information, call Carole Scheerbaum at (304) 564-3805.

WV Prisons in Crisis; Substance Abuse Prevention Solutions Brought Forward

The state's prison system is in crisis, West Virginia Public Broadcasting said in a report this week.

With a population that has quadrupled in 20 years, there is no space at the 14 correctional facilities and regional jails are filling in. And in the near future, the crisis will get even bigger. Projections call for 8,500 inmates by the end of 2010 and 10,300 in 2017, up from 6,500 today. Many of them are for nonviolent crimes like substance abuse and theft, WVPB said.

A governor-appointed commission is asking for shorter sentences for less offenses, along with better substance abuse programs to keep people from criminal activity.

"The commission proposes increased funding for the state's 13 comprehensive behavioral health centers, increased funding for the state's nine Opioid treatment programs, and the addition of four 20-bed detoxification units, eight 10-bed long-term substance abuse treatment programs, and two transitional living programs," WVPB said.

Community Needs To Help Stop Prescription Drug Misuse, Drug Summit Told

One of the messages of Thursday night's Cabell County Drug Prevention Summit was the importance of the community in combating prescription drug abuse.

The Herald-Dispatch said that several speakers said parents, friends and relatives need to be aware of the dangers of prescription drug misuse and be alert to it.

"Law enforcement is an important component to the process, but it's not the solution to the problem," Huntington police chief Skip Holbrook said. "The partnerships and relationships we develop (and) this type of forum is what makes our community successful."

The summit, Cabell County's fourth annual, capped a daylong series of meetings about substance abuse prevention and treatment in the southern West Virginia county.

"I think the biggest benefit is that there is a community awareness now about the drug problem we have," Cabell County Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership member Tim White told WSAZ-TV.

WV Officials Tackle New Drug Threat

WSAZ-TV reports that the West Virginia Controlled Substance Advisory Board is looking to add the painkiller Tramadol to the list of controlled substances.

Tramadol is a mild to moderate painkiller but can be addictive. If the drug is added to the controlled substances list, it would be tracked by medical professionals and limitations would be placed on the refills. The House Health and Human Resources Committee has already given its OK, although not everyone thinks it's a problem.

Fayette County delegate, Dr. Margaret Anne Staggers, is also an emergency room physician. She told WSAZ that adding Tramadol to the list doesn't make sense.

"I've never seen anyone coming to the hospital asking for help withdrawing from this drug," Staggers told WSAZ. "I just don't see it as a problem."