An Average Day In The Life Of American Adolescents

According to results of a survey sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 508,000 adolescents aged 12-17 in the United States drink alcohol on an average day; 641,000 use illicit drugs; and more than 1 million smoke cigarettes.

The report, which highlights the substance abuse behavior and addiction treatment activities that occur among adolescents on an average day, draws on national surveys conducted and analyzed by SAMHSA’s Office of Applied Studies. The study, titled A Day in the Life of American Adolescents: Substance Use Facts Update, presents a stark picture of the daily toll substance abuse takes on America’s youth. Among the report’s major findings is that on any given day during 2008, 563,000 adolescents used marijuana, nearly 37,000 used inhalants, 24,000 used hallucinogens, 16,000 used cocaine and 2,800 used heroin. Essentially, this report is a wakeup call about the extent to which the nation’s youth engage in risky behavior by using
illegal and potentially dangerous substances everyday. It emphasizes that parents, families and people working in the public health and public safety professions can prevent substance abuse and promote emotional health. In the long run, efforts by these individuals can improve health status and lower costs to families, businesses and governments.

The report also sheds light on how many adolescents used illegal substances for the first time. On an average day in 2008, approximately:

• 7,500 adolescents drank alcohol for the first time;
• 4,360 adolescents used an illicit drug for the first time;
• 3,900 adolescents smoked cigarettes for the first time;
• 3,700 adolescents used marijuana for the first time; and
• 2,460 used prescription pain relievers nonmedically for the first time;
• 1,400 used hallucinogens for the first time;
• 1,310 used inhalants for the first time;
• 650 used cocaine for the first time;
• 630 used licit or illicit stimulants nonmedically for the first time;
• 125 used methamphetamine for the first time; and
• 95 used heroin for the first time.
  

In addition, the report also highlights how many people under age 18 were receiving treatment for a substance abuse problem during an average day in 2008. These numbers included:

• Over 76,000 in outpatient treatment;
• More than 9,000 in non-hospital residential treatment; and
• Over 700 in hospital inpatient treatment.
  

The study showed that in 2008, there were about a quarter of a million drug-related
emergency hospital visits among adolescents of which 170,000 visits involved the use of illicit
drugs, alcohol or intentional misuse or abuse of pharmaceuticals. On an average day in 2008:

• 151 visits involved alcohol;
• 129 involved marijuana; and
• 86 involved prescription or nonprescription pain relievers.
  

Finally, the report notes that there were over 141,00 admissions for adolescents aged 12 to
17 to substance abuse treatment programs nationwide. That means that on an average day, over 370 youth were admitted for treatment, lead by over 260 cases presented with marijuana and 76 with alcohol.

This report was drawn from SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Treatment Episode Data Set and the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, and the Drug Abuse Warning Network. The report contains many other important facts about adolescent substance abuse, treatment and treatment admissions patterns. The full report is available at:
http://www.oas.samhsa.gov.

Substance Abuse Prevention for … Older Adults?

When considering substance abuse prevention, many think only of how we can keep our youth
from using and abusing drugs. However, there is a growing population of older adults who are in need of prevention education, as well. In the United States, 4.3 million adults over the age of 50 have used an illicit drug in the past year. About 1 in every 6 adults over 60 regularly abuse or misuse substances— primarily alcohol, prescription, or over-the-counter medications. Between 1995 and 2002, admission rates for substance abuse treatment rose 32% for older adults. When more recent data become available, it is projected that we will not only see this increase continue, but also see it rise at an even steeper rate. The older adult population is growing larger as the baby boomer generation (those born between 1946 and 1964) ages. In New Jersey, the
population over 60 makes up 17% of the total population.

Moreover, one in four residents of Ocean and Cape May counties is over the age of 60. You may be surprised to learn that New Jersey is home to more senior citizens than Florida. Adults are largely unaware that age changes the way their bodies are able to metabolize alcohol and drugs. The same glass of wine that had a minor effect at 40 years of age may have a much more profound impact at 60, due to the slowing of the body’s metabolism.

A lack of recognition of the side effects of drug therapies put older adults at an increased risk of adverse effects, particularly since older adults are more likely to be on multiple medications, which increases their risk of suffering negative drug-related consequences. All adults should understand how their prescription and over-the-counter medications interact with each other and with alcohol. Mixing alcohol with certain medications can be deadly. Age-related stresses, including loss of a job or loved one, declines in physical and mental functioning, or feelings of depression or isolation increase the risk for alcohol consumption in older adults. Many adults do not realize that consuming alcohol puts them at risk for “late-onset alcoholism,” a form of alcoholism that does not become evident until the user is over the age of 50. Knowing these
current facts and statistics already calls attention to the serious needs of the older adult; but a recent report indicates that substance abuse treatment for those over the age of 50 is expected to double by the end of this decade. We can no longer afford to neglect the needs of the seniors.
Prevention agencies can make a tremendous impact on this population and decrease their need for future treatment through proper educational activities.

The New Jersey Prevention Network (NJPN) has created a program tailored to the specific prevention needs of the older adult: the Wellness Initiative for Senior Education, or WISE program. WISE offers a comprehensive approach to wellness in the older adult and celebrates healthy aging. Participants are given the opportunity to discuss a variety of issues relevant to the older adult and increase their knowledge on how aging can affect them. They leave the program armed with tools they can use to make healthier life choices and are empowered to share their new knowledge with friends and family.

The WISE program was awarded the 2009 National Exemplary Award for Innovative
Substance Abuse Prevention Programs, Practices, and Policies by the National Association of State Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Directors. The program was also featured in an article in The Journal on Active Aging, which suggested, “If individuals understand how their lifestyle choices and behaviors impact their health, they will make more positive choices and experience better health.”

In addition to the WISE program, NCADD offers five different one-hour education programs
for seniors on topics including: Grief and Loss, Depression, Conflict Resolution, Alcohol and Medication Issues, and “Senior Jeopardy,” which includes Nutrition and Stress Management.
To learn more about these programs and to schedule a presentation at your facility, please call Alexandra Lopez, Deputy Director at 732- 254-3344.

References:

• New Jersey Prevention Network, www. NJPN.org
• Merck Manual Home Edition, www.Merck.com
• U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA, www.Samhsa.gov, NSDUH, Dec. 29th, 2009, SAMHSA press release Jan. 8th, 2010
• Journal on Active Aging, Nov/Dec 2009
  

The Importance of Advocacy

Advocacy means to speak up, to plead the case of another, or to fight for a cause. Derived from the Latin word advocare, which means “coming to the aid of someone.” It describes a wide range of expressions, actions and activities that seek to influence outcomes directly affecting the lives of the people served by the organization.

Advocacy should not be confused with lobbying. Lobbying, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service, involves attempts to influence legislation at the local, state or federal level. Advocacy is more about issues than specific legislation. Lobbying always involves advocacy, though advocacy does not always involve lobbying. Both are important tools for most non-profit organizations and our constituencies.

Government regulations and laws have a significant and powerful impact on every nonprofit organization and the people we serve.

This makes it imperative for nonprofits like NCADD to become involved with policymakers at the city, county, state and national levels who affect our organizations and constituencies. While the services we provide are critical to the various communities we serve, so is speaking out on the issues that concern those in need.

Nonprofits traditionally serve constituencies and issues that have a limited voice in the policy process. Nonprofits providing services frequently have the best, if not only, information on the social needs they exist to address.

NCADD is driven by its commitment to a broad community – all those who may be affected by the harmful consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. With the stigma still attached to substance abuse and addiction, those most affected are often the most silent – we must speak on their behalf!

Reduced to its most basic level, effective nonprofit advocacy is about communication and relationships. Usually changes come about slowly, and advocates need to exercise persuasiveness, persistence and patience in representing an issue. Effective advocates are flexible and resourceful, willing to compromise, negotiate, collaborate, and prioritize to accomplish our goals.

NCADD’s advocacy work takes many forms.

While we do reach out to our elected officials directly, more frequently we aim educate the public by researching and reporting on addiction issues and problems facing those we serve, making effective use of the media through TV, radio, and newspaper coverage and inspiring others to act.

In recent years, NCADD has taken a lead role in advocating successfully for Lifeline legislation, which allows underage drinkers to call for help in a medical emergency without fear of prosecution; municipal private property ordinances, which hold underage drinkers themselves accountable when police break up house parties instead of only the owners of the homes; and clean air legislation, allowing citizens to enjoy a smoke-free environment in all public facilities and many of our local community playgrounds.

Together, we can, and must, do even more.

We are once again looking for individuals to commit to joining NCADD’s Advocacy Team.
Responsibilities primarily involve responding to select action alerts by contacting local elected officials and writing letters to the editors of local papers. It also means you will commit to not only staying informed about the issues connected to NCADD’s mission, but also spreading the word with those you know. If you are interested, contact Ezra Helfand at 732-254-3344 or via email at ezra@ncadd-middlesex.org

2009 Legislative Event

Each year, we try to focus on a public policy issue of special interest to the community during our annual Legislative Event. This year, we are tackling critical questions regarding the mandatory minimum drinking age. Is 21 Working, and is 18 the Answer?

I recently wrote a Letter to the Editor to area newspapers noting that high-risk drinking by college students needs to be viewed as a community issue. No one person, group, or institution is responsible for the problem, nor are any viable solutions likely to come from a single source.

College is a time for students to not only acquire knowledge and earn a degree, but to form character. In extremely few social settings other than a college drinking party is drinking alcohol to the point of gross intoxication seen as a feat to aspire to. Thankfully, by senior year, the vast majority of students have come to this same realization and adjusted their behavior accordingly. It is our most vulnerable students, the incoming freshman, who need the most guidance and oversight regarding their drinking behavior. How can we do this better?

Some would say that even opening a discussion on the legal drinking age is irresponsible. I disagree. 18 - 20 year olds deserve better than, “Just do as I say.” While the empirical facts of the issue may make the 18 or 21 question a “no-brainer” for many; real life makes it anything but simple answer. The discussion needs to be held openly and with respect for both sides of the issue. It is my hope that tonight’s forum provides just as an opportunity for learning. What better place to host this event than at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, in its primary student center?

Steven G. Liga
CEO & Executive Director

Hold Harmless Legislation

Following is Steve Liga's testimony on March 12, 2009 before the NJ Legislative Committee hearing on the 911: Hold Harmless Legislation.

Thank you, Chairman Johnson, and members of the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee for holding this important hearing. My name is Steve Liga, the Executive Director of the NCADD of Middlesex County. NCADD is the Middlesex County member agency of the New Jersey Prevention Network. I am here today representing the New Jersey Prevention Network (NJPN) and its member agencies which offer a statewide network of substance abuse prevention agencies, one in each of New Jersey’s 21 counties. NJPN offers comprehensive resources and expertise, while our local member agencies ensure that evidence-based prevention programs and services are provided in every county, personalized and customized to meet the specific needs of the communities they serve.

NJPN is the lead agency in the statewide Childhood Drinking Coalition that has been actively addressing the problem of underage drinking in New Jersey for many years. With a CD Coalition in every county also lead by the local NJPN member agency, we have been educating youth, parents and the community about the dangers of underage drinking. Our efforts have also included environmental strategies that have identified and promoted policies, ordinances and laws that create a clear message to our youth that would deter underage drinking. Some of these strategies provide consequences to our youth to serve as deterrents to their use and abuse of alcohol. The NJ Private Property state law enacted in 2000 gave NJ municipalities the permission to enact an ordinance making it unlawful for an underage person to possess or consume an alcoholic beverage on private property. (NJSA 40:48-1.2) Over 200 communities throughout NJ have passed these ordinances. We are currently advocating for these policies to be statewide. These types of strategies have shown to be effective in reducing this dangerous behavior among our youth. Though these strategies are effective, there is also an unintentional consequence to these policies that A-3160 addresses.

NJPN believes A-3160, the 911: Lifeline Legislation is a vital step toward reducing senseless deaths and injuries associated with underage drinking. Every year, at private parties and on college campuses, youth are drinking excessively. And sometimes, a

friend passes out or starts getting sick. And often, their friends do nothing for fear of the legal consequences. Rather than calling for help, they try and comfort the friend or perhaps put them to bed. And sometimes these actions have deadly consequences. The Lifeline legislation encourages young people to call for help in an event of an alcohol-related medical emergency, because it ensures they will not face legal consequences because of their drinking or possession of alcohol.

I commend Assemblyman Gordon and Assemblywoman Angelini for their foresight in introducing this important legislation to prevent the needless harm and possible deaths that may occur if our youth do not call for emergency assistance. The high rates and consequences of alcohol use, abuse and binge drinking among our youth have been well documented on the national, state and local levels.

These drinking patterns often include large quantities of alcohol that often lead to alcohol poisoning. The most difficult part of saving an adolescent from an alcohol overdose does not occur in the emergency room, nor does it involve a complex medical treatment. The most difficult aspect of an overdose case involving adolescents is for them to decide to act. Evidence shows that youth, in many cases, will fear getting themselves or their friend in trouble, and refrain from calling emergency services.

In a random survey conducted by Arizona State University, 6,000 undergraduates and 1,500 graduates were asked what would lead them to decide whether to call for help for someone passed out or is too incoherent due to consuming too much alcohol. The survey found that 47.6% responded they did not know what to do while 35.5% feared getting their friend in trouble.

Colorado enacted similar legislation in 2005 due to concerns about underage binge drinking deaths. Colorado’s legislation provides immunity for underage persons and one to two others who are acting with the minor, from criminal prosecution for illegal possession or consumption of alcohol by an underage person if:

The underage person calls 911 and reports that another underage person is in need of medical attention due to alcohol consumption,

• They provide their names to the 911 operator

• They remain on the scene until assistance arrives,

• And they cooperate with the medical assistance and law enforcement personnel on scene.

In 2006, a case study published by the International Journal of Drug Policy, the Medical Amnesty Protocol at Cornell University found that following the initiation of the Hold Harmless Policy three distinct outcomes increased. There was an increase in alcohol related calls for assistance to emergency medical services; students were less likely to report fear of getting in trouble; and the percentage of students who visited health center staff for a brief psycho-educational intervention after an alcohol related emergency more than doubled by the end of the second year.

This legislation by no means condones underage drinking nor is it meant to supersede existing law. It merely responds to cases of excessive drinking by minors and creates the opportunity to save lives that are imperiled due to severe intoxication. Instead of enabling dangerous behavior by trying to hide it, it increases the likelihood that it will be confronted for what it is, a medical emergency.

As in all of our prevention efforts, there are no silver bullets that will solve the complex problem of underage drinking. Our efforts must include multiple strategies that include education as well as environmental approaches. These strategies must send a clear message to our youth that underage drinking is unacceptable but we must balance this with supportive services for youth in need. We need to be sure that once a problem is identified that our youth understand that safety comes first and that they need to be their friend’s lifeline to call for assistance.

NJPN strongly supports A- 3160 and hopes this committee will be part of saving the lives of our youth by voting yes to this important legislation.

Family Time

For many families, eating dinner together has become a lost art—but it proves to be a simple,effective way to reduce the risk of youth substance abuse and to raise healthier children. Before family dinners go the way of the dinosaur, let’s make the effort to preserve family mealtime – and not just for the holidays.

The facts are on the table: eating dinner together every night keeps the doors of communication open. It’s the perfect time and place to reconnect and to show your kids that they are your priority. Sitting across the table is where and when you can find out more about your children’s likes, dislikes, and daily life. Having this information can help you direct your children toward positive activities and behavior, reducing the likelihood that they will get involved with alcohol,tobacco, and/or illegal drugs.

Parental influence and involvement is an important tool in preventing substance abuse. Regularly sitting down for a meal with your children is one way to connect with them and be involved with what is happening in their lives. According to the Center for Alcohol and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, teens who have frequent family dinners are nearly half as likely to use marijuana and tobacco, drink alcohol and get drunk on a monthly basis when compared to teens who have infrequent family dinners. Similarly, girls who have five or more meals a week with their families are one-third less likely to develop unhealthy eating habits, which can range from skipping meals or abusing diet pills to full-fledged anorexia or bulimia.

What Should We Talk About?

• Ask everyone to share their favorite part or biggest challenge of the day.
• Plan and then let the kids pick tasks for the next day's menu, preparation, and cleanup.
• Exchange memories about your favorite family pastimes.
• Discuss an activity the family can do together and then put it on the calendar.
• Talk with your children about a book they are reading or a movie they have seen. It might turn into a family book club or a regular movie and popcorn night!
• Ask the kids about their classes, homework, teachers, and upcoming assignments. Findout if they would like your help or want to brainstorm on an assignment.
  

The importance of regular family activities to share ideas and find out "what's happening" is a
great way for a parent to be involved, discuss rules, monitor activities and friends, and be a good role model. The benefits of eating together will last long after your meal ends, especially if you make family mealtimes a regular activity. Take the family meal off the endangered species list and move it back to the VIP list!

Teenage Drug Abuse. The facts, the issues, the solutions.

If you read the newspapers, listen to the radio or watch TV, you know that in this country, we have a problem with teenage abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. How big a problem? It depends who you listen to. For example, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey, which collects data on drug use among students in 8th, 10th and 12th grade students, several important trends are evident. Here are some highlights:

Some of the positive trends:

• Marijuana use among eighth, tenth, and twelfth graders, which has declined a bit since the mid-1990s, appears to have leveled off with 10.9 percent of eighth graders, 23.9 percent of tenth graders, and 32.4 percent of twelfth graders reporting past year use.

• Since 2001, the overall use of drugs by young people had dropped by 24 percent (alcohol by 15 percent, marijuana by 25 percent, ecstasy by 54 percent, and methamphetamine by 64 percent). Come 2008, the decline was 25 percent ... 900,000 fewer young people using illegal drugs than there were in 2001.

• In 2008, 20.4% of 12th graders reported smoking cigarettes in the past month, a substantial decline from the most recent high of 36.5% in 1997.
• Past-year use of illegal drugs aside from marijuana is down from 13.1% in 2007 to 11.3% in 2008. The same goes for the use of crystal meth, from 1.6% to 1.1%.
• 8th, 10th, and 12th graders are continuing to show a gradual decline in their use of amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack.
  

Some of the negative trends:

• In 2008, 15.4 percent of 12th graders said they abused prescription drugs within the past year. Among those, nearly 10 percent reported past year nonmedical use of Vicodin, and 4.7 percent reported abusing Oxycontin, both opioid painkillers. The survey notes that seven of the top 10 drugs abused by 12th graders in the year prior to the survey were either prescribed or purchased over-the-counter.
• Marijuana remains to be the most commonly abused substance among teenagers in the United States. Of the teenagers surveyed by the MFT in 2008, 26.9% have reported using it.
  

For many parents finding out that their son or daughter is struggling with teen drug abuse is a catastrophic revelation. For many of them there are thoughts of failure, disappointment, guilt, and embarrassment. Parents need to remember that they are not the only ones to face such a situation. And perhaps more importantly, many families have overcome teen drug abuse.

Parents need to remember that today’s teenagers are not using as much cocaine, crack, LSD, and ecstasy as their counterparts did in the 1960’s. But today’s kids have found other ways and means to get high. They are more likely to turn to painkillers and other prescription drugs. And these are being abused at record levels.

What we’ve found is teens are often getting caught raiding their parent’s or grandparent’s medicine cabinets in order to get high. For the first time, national studies show that today’s teens are more likely to have abused a prescription painkiller than any illicit drug.

The reality is - it is impossible to predict whose teenager will experiment and stop and which one will develop serious problems. So here are some warning signs you should be looking for because they are of teenagers at risk for developing serious prescription drug dependency:
• A family history of substance or alcohol abuse
• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Feel like they don’t fit in and are not popular with the mainstream
• Frequently feel sluggish and have difficulty sleeping
• Aggressive and rebellious attitude toward authority figures

The basic fact is that teen substance abuse affects the family especially as they become more hostile, and their decision-making ability becomes impaired. Teens who are abusing drugs set a bad example for their younger siblings and create much more hostility to the family as a whole. This behavior should not be tolerated by parents and appropriate help should be sought immediately.

Here are some things that you should share with your teen about prescription medications:
• Pharmaceuticals taken without a prescription or a doctor’s supervision can be just as dangerous as taking illicit drugs or alcohol.
• Abusing painkillers is just like abusing heroin because their ingredients are similar (both are opiates).
• Prescription medications are powerful substances. When prescription medication is not used for sickness and not administered by a professional, it becomes a controlled substance and the impact on the person can be deadly.
• It is extremely dangerous to take pills that are unknown.
• Mixing drugs with other substances is very dangerous. Some people have allergic reactions to different chemicals when they are mixed together.

What can you do to help prevent teens or any other person from getting involved with prescription drug abuse? The best thing to do is keep your prescription drugs in a safe place: don’t put them in the medicine cabinet in your bathroom because that is the first place teenager’s will look. If possible, lock them up in a cabinet or safe box. Know what your teen is doing and who they are doing it with. And perhaps most importantly, talk to your teen and warn them of the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

There are many options for available to parents who have a child involved with teen substance abuse. Some of these options include: enrollment in a specialty boarding school or residential treatment center or a short-term drug detox hospital.

But first, call NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc’s Referral Hotline at 732-254-3344. We have the information and resources to put you in touch with the best course of action for your teen. Remember that there is a great deal of help available if parents are able to get the troubled teen the appropriate intervention.