Dude, I'm In Recovery!

A decade ago you couldn't get away from the "Dude, You're Getting a Dell" commercials. Then the pitchman got arrested. Now he's sober. And doing The Fix Q&A.

By Dillon Murphy

07/18/14

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Ben Curtis is an actor best known for the Dell Computer commercials that dominated network television in the early 2000’s. “Dude, you’re getting a Dell” was the mantra of college kids all over the world and his character, Steven, was the reason why. Recently, Curtis sat down with The Fix, inviting us to the Washington Heights apartment he shares with three roommates, to talk about his very public arrest, his long, slow journey to recovery, and how he recently taught Richard Chamberlain how to smoke a bong.

How old were you when you booked the Dell ad?

I was 19 or 20. I filmed my first commercial for them when I just turned 20. I was a sophomore in college. They seemed to be looking for someone younger. Like 12 to 15. I was the oldest one by far. So, I was 19 or 20 playing what was supposed to be a young, awkward teenager. I do remember that I was the only one at the audition without his mom.

This was post Spicoli and pre Dude, Where’s My Car?

Yeah. I remember the first note I got was “Less Spicoli, more kid next door.” It was the first time, I believe, they used an actor and it was Dell's first national commercial. Before that they had only done graphics and voice overs. They wanted to appeal to their customer base which, apparently, was the kid next door. So I just did my interpretation of the script which was a kid that was totally trying to win over his parents. I was very good at manipulating my parents. It wasn’t until the fourth ad that I actually said the “dude” thing.

Once the cops figured out I was the guy in the ad it was “Dude, sucks for you!”

I remember they weren’t happy with the script. The tag line was “mission accomplished” and they didn’t like it so they all went back to the ad agency. Finally, the director told me to try saying “Dude you’re getting a Dell” and I was thinking “Are you kidding me? That’s even worse. That is so generic…“ So, I said it mockingly and, of course, they were like “We love it!” That became the slogan. Oh, and he was not supposed to be a stoner, he was just supposed to be quirky. I don’t know if it’s because I was a stoner or what but it became completely associated with stoners. They had no idea how it was going to take off.

Wasn't there a well-known director involved in those ads?

Yes! Bennett Miller directed that fourth ad where I first said "Dude." Bennett of course went on to the direct Capote with the late great Phil Hoffman.

So then you got arrested? While you were doing that campaign?

Yes. I was about to sign a half million dollar contract with them. I was not making nearly as much as I should have been. It was my best friend’s birthday. I was dating a girl from England but we met in Scotland where we had all just been for the Edinburgh festival. I borrowed a kilt and my best friend and I decided to wear kilts on his birthday. Proper Scottish style so no underwear. And for my buddy’s birthday, I wanted to get him some pot so I called the delivery service, as you do in New York, but the main one couldn’t come through so I called another one that uses bicycles and meets you outside. It was on Ludlow and Rivington. Which is now Schiller’s but then it was Motor City Bar. I looked around for cops, there were none, only taxis. Lo and behold those taxi drivers were undercover and I was arrested for buying an eighth of weed. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

You lost the Dell campaign because of that arrest?

Yes.

Was that your bottom?

Well, yes, that was part of it, but I think my bottom was before that. I just lived through 9/11 and I lived two blocks from Ground Zero. I watched the whole thing go down and I was trapped underground for a little while … I had a near death experience that day. I had severe PTSD which I didn’t know for a long time. I was already starting to self-medicate with pot, cocaine, alcohol … and I was at the height of the Dell fame. I was up for some great movies and I was freaking out. I was afraid of fame. And I was very young. Everywhere I went people were like “Dude, where’s your computer!” I didn’t handle it well. I wanted to be taken seriously. Now I see that people needed relief and entertainment at that time. I just hid from everyone. Once the cops figured out I was the guy in the ad on the night of my first arrest it was “Dude, sucks for you!”

Honestly, though, getting arrested saved my life. It took me a while to get the help I needed but things started to calm down after that. I was not happy for a long time after I lost that job. I couldn’t go anywhere without being recognized. I waited tables and all my customers would say was, “Dude, say the line! Dude, why are you waiting tables?” Because I don’t have a fucking acting job right now! Otherwise I wouldn’t fucking be here. Do you want salt on your margarita or not, sir? (Laughs) I had to hit a few more bottoms.

How long did it take you to find a way out of your addictions?

About nine years, three more arrests and a DUI. I had many girlfriends (all of whom were daughters of alcoholics) suggest that I get into recovery. My last girlfriend, who was very supportive, suggested MA. I definitely was addicted to pot. Some people say it’s not addictive but I have an addictive personality. I can be addicted to anything. I tried to stop and I just couldn’t. I had all sorts of signs that I was an addict during those nine years. Arrests, girlfriends … I even had this old man come up to me at a wedding for the cowboy from the Village People. He told me that he knew who I was and that he had a lot of money and was willing to invest financially in anything I did, but that I wasn’t going to go anywhere until I quit doing drugs and alcohol. I wasn’t even drunk. I wasn’t even stoned. It was a sign, one of many that I needed to clean up.

The future you!

I hope not. He was kind of creepy.

How did you clean up?

Well, meetings help. But I needed a lot more.

Like what?

Putting down the pot to see that I had an alcohol problem. Putting down the alcohol to see that I have a lot of other problems that were being masked by using. It’s been a long road. That was about two years ago. I have a lot of support. There’s all kinds of support all over the world.

Are you still acting?

I am, I’m shooting a movie in Atlanta soon. I produce a lot of my own work. I do voice over work. Off Broadway plays. I did a movie recently with Richard Chamberlain and he forgot how to smoke a bong. He was playing this crazy Willie Nelson type guy and he either forgot or didn’t know how. So, I filled it with tobacco and he was one of my best students ever. He laughed and did exactly as I told him. Good thing it was tobacco because he took an enormous hit!

Do you find it harder to stay clean on location?

No. Like I said I have a lot of support. My father is a retired Episcopal priest and he has been in recovery for a long time. My mother is also. A lot of people in my life are. I feel really well taken care of and it’s just about remembering that and why I’m there. Whenever I catch myself wanting to use I just ask myself what’s going on and most of the time it’s because I’m feeling something I don’t want to feel. Or I’m tired or hungry or lonely so I just take care of those things the way I need to.

So life is good now?

Life is better than ever. I have more energy and more clarity and more peace of mind. It’s not easy to abstain but there is a lot of support out there. I’m still acting. I’m writing a play about my experiences in jail. I co-own and operate a wellness company. It’s called Soul Fit NYC. We’re trying to help other people live their dreams.

Anything else?

Yeah, reach out and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Dillon Murphy is the pseudonym of a regular contributor to The Fix. He typed this up on a Dell. He last wrote about quitting suboxone.

Houses of Meth: Is There One Coming to Your Neighborhood?

How public attitudes, Big Pharma and medical insurers all contribute to the continuing rise of meth-labs

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By A.J. Dugger III

07/15/14

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Nearly every day in America, a meth lab is raided. Lonnie Dawson of Louisville, Kentucky will never forget the images of his neighbors being dragged out of their house screaming as they were arrested for cooking meth. Dawson referred to his former neighbors' house as a “shake and bake” lab, noting that they would sometimes create small batches of meth by mixing over-the-counter decongestant pseudoephedrine found in many cold remedies with some other substances, and with the aid of plastic two-liter soft drink bottles. “I figured something like that was going on over there. The windows were almost always open, even in January when it snowed. Something was really off with those damn people,” said Dawson.

“This is scary to me,” said Dawson. “Just imagine if folks who do coke (cocaine) or heroin knew how to cook up the recipe themselves? That's what so damn scary about this meth situation. The addicts know how to set up shop and create it on their own. The stuff they need is sold right over the counter.”

Police officers nationwide have ranked methamphetamine as the number one drug they confront on a regular basis, even more so than heroin, marijuana and cocaine. The addictive and destructive to mind and body dangers of methamphetamine have given rise to numerous solution attempts around the country.

Methamphetamine (or meth) is known for being highly addictive and longer-lasting than most other drugs. It's cheap and easy to create by using household chemicals and pseudoephedrine from cold medicine. In fact, there are many secret meth labs in homes all across America.

Meth, as it happens, is dangerous to make. It puts its makers in peril along with their home residents and neighbors because of potential explosions, fires, toxic waste and hazardous fumes. “I'm really pissed off about this,” said Dawson. “They had a senior citizen and kids living in there. It's bad enough to endanger yourself, but old people and little kids? Come on, man.”

According to www.meth.us.com, the percentage of meth users nationwide cannot be calculated as of yet. However, according to federal estimates, 12 million Americans have given the drug a try and 1.5 million use meth regularly. Some surveys suggest it is the leading drug of choice in the eastern half of the U.S.

Authorities have identified over-the-counter pseudoephedrine as a key ingredient in the meth-manufacturing recipe. It can be found in the following drugstore cold remedies: Chlor Trimeton Nasal Decongestant, Contac Cold, Drixoral Decongestant Non-Drowsy, Elixsure Decongestant, Entex, Genaphed, Kid Kare Drops, Nasofed, Seudotabs, Silfedrine, Sudafed, Sudafed 12-Hour, Sudafed 24-Hour, Sudafed Children's Nasal Decongestant, Sudodrin, SudoGest, SudoGest 12 Hour, Suphedrin, Triaminic Softchews Allergy Congestion, and Unifed.

The reality that this drugstore product can be so easily obtained by meth labs has touched off a national contest of will and political power between important elements of society.

As one example, in 2012 The Consumer Healthcare Products Association in Oklahoma, a trade group for makers of over-the-counter medicine, succeeded in lobbying and PR efforts against reformer and police attempts to require prescriptions for any product containing pseudoephedrine. They had little opposition from consumer advocates. "We believe that requiring a prescription for these medicines containing pseudoephedrine will not solve this problem, but will only place new costs and access restrictions on law abiding Oklahomans who rely on these medicines for relief," said association spokeswoman Elizabeth Funderburk. "We have a shared goal in making sure these medicines do not end up in the hands of criminals, but we believe law abiding citizens should not be forced to bear the burden of a prescription mandate."

In Kentucky, since 2007 the number of meth labs have more than tripled. Kentucky's neighboring states, Missouri, Tennessee, and Indiana, have also become notorious for meth lab discoveries in recent years. Reformers in Kentucky have been fighting hard to control over-the-counter sales. In response, Big Pharma's trade group broke lobbying spending records in 2010 and 2012, beating back an alliance of cops, doctors, teachers, drug experts, and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle. In this Pharma had some not-surprising help from insurance companies who hardly want to pay for more doctor visits.

"It frustrates me to see how an industry and corporate dollars affect commonsense legislation," says Jackie Steele, a reform-minded commonwealth attorney (called a district attorney in most other states) whose southeastern Kentucky district has been overwhelmed by meth labs.

25 states have fought to make pseudoephedrine a prescription drug. However, the process has only worked in Oregon and Mississippi. According to one study, the reason why most efforts failed is because the industry sells an estimated $605 million worth of pseudoephedrine-based drugs a year. Lobbying teams, advertising blitzes and robocalls only strengthen the sales of the drugs and consumer resistance to reform.

In fact, the public relations efforts and ads find a willing audience in consumers. Here is a typical response: “People are always complaining and saying, 'Why is this stuff sold without prescriptions?'” said Dianne Terrell, a medical student living in Memphis, TN. “It's not necessary to write a prescription for every single medicine you might need. If you get a small sinus cold, would you want to go to the doctor and get a prescription just for that?

"I say people should be responsible. If you want to buy medicine over the counter and use it to cook meth, that's on you. Don't punish the people who really are sick and can't afford a doctor or prescriptions. Imagine how stressful it would be on everybody if we had to make everything a prescription. I would also hate to see that happen just because some people have a drug problem.”

There is one man who lives three hours away from Terrell who disagrees. “I'm waiting on something to be done about this,” said George Palmer, a retired boxing trainer in Nashville, TN. Ten years ago, Palmer was training a young prospect who showed potential in the ring. Unfortunately, his 21 year-old protege was arrested for allegedly cooking meth with some friends in a meth lab in the woods. “It's been a while since I've seen a kid who could hit like that,” said Palmer, explaining that the young pugilist had a crushing left hook like former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier. “He had a great future in front of him. He had other priors and is still in jail for the meth situation. Drugs ruin lives, but for me the kicker is that the stuff used to create meth is sold everywhere and easy to get. If you know something is harming people, why sell it?”

There are others who ferverently want to put a stop to meth labs. An Oklahoma man named David Sharkey created a website called stopmethlabs.com. “I have been asked several times why I became involved in shutting down meth labs in Oklahoma," he says. "It seemed that every other night there was a new meth fire or explosion from people mixing pseudoephedrine to make their dope.”

On his website, Sharkey notes that a video about a little baby getting severely burned from their parents' meth lab explosion is what triggered him to do something. “When I saw the play pen had melted on top of this baby, that did it for me. I could no longer stand by while innocent children continued to die from these meth fires when it is 100% preventable. You see, pseudoephedrine in gel cap or liquid form is almost impossible to make meth with. I then put up this web site and went in to massive action to stop the meth labs in Oklahoma.”

Despite his good intentions, Sharkey is incorrect about banning tablets in favor of gels and liquids. Both can be used to make meth, though the process takes an hour or two more. In Minnesota, after carefully researching the matter, the legislature voted unanimously to put pseudophedrine products behind the pharmacy counter and to require buyers to show ID and sign their names and addresses rather than go either the gel/liquid or the prescription route. Very quickly the number of meth labs in the state plummeted by 75%, according to the legislative staff.

Even with Pharma companies fighting every step of the way, the Minnesota reform likely has the best potential to stem the tide given the resistance to prescription mandates.

Meanwhile a company called Westport Pharmaceuticals in St. Louis has been claiming it can make a dent in the meth lab epidemic. Paul Hemings, vice-president and general manager, says "We have a solution and technology that can help make domestic meth labs obsolete, a [pseudophedrine-based] product called Zephrex-D. This advanced technology prevents making meth in the most common illicit lab process, one pot (shake and bake), and is 99% effective in stopping all other known clandestine meth making methods today."

Unfortunately, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration disagrees, and strongly. The DEA reported late last year that it was able to produce meth from Zephrex-D in its own lab. 

A side issue about meth labs gaining increased attention is what might happen when meth homes are sold without the buyer knowing the history. One Tennessee man who purchased a home not realizing that the previous homeowners were arrested for manufacturing meth noted. “When we purchased our home in 2004 as a foreclosure, we were required to sign a notice stating that the seller (the foreclosing bank) was exempt from providing a property disclosure because they hadn’t lived in the home. This is standard procedure, so we signed it." When he later learned the home was a health threat because of toxic residues, the title insurance company refused to pay for the cleanup because of the document he signed. 

A. J. Dugger lll is a journalist based in Clarksville, Tennessee. He recently published his first book, The Dealers: Then and Now. His last piece was on the prescription drug epidemic in his home state.

ANOTHER MILESTONE FOR THE ADDICT’S MOM!!

THE ADDICT’S MOM organization of over 20,000 members, who no longer suffer alone or in silence, is proud to announce another major accomplishment in our mission to “Share without Shame.” 

We have joined forces with the Global Recovery Community known as, IN THE ROOMS, whose worldwide membership includes over 307,208 people. Whether you are in recovery, seeking help from addiction, a family member or a friend, all you have to do is register online at www.intherooms.com to get exclusive free access to Daily Meditations, Speaker Tapes and Daily Online Videos of AA and NA meetings. 

In THE ADDICT’S MOM’s continuing efforts to reach out to families struggling with an addicted loved one, we are thrilled to be partnering with IN THE ROOMS by creating an online Addict’s Mom Fellowship and an Online Video Meeting everyThursday night at 7:00 p.m., on www.intherooms.com.

Go to www.intherooms.com now and register today, so you will be ready to participate in our first Online Video Meeting sometime in August 2014.

About The Addict’s Mom

The Addict’s Mom reaches out to families dealing with addiction. We invite mothers and families of addicts to join us. The Addict’s Mom is a community where members can “Share Without Shame,” their daily struggles, their sorrows, and their victories with others who understand the impact of this devastating disease. 

Started in 2008, The Addict’s Mom has grown from one brave mother’s efforts to reach out to other mother’s walking in her pain filled shoes...to over 20,000 today. We offer resources, groups, and referrals, but most importantly we offer hope and the knowledge that we are not alone in this fight to change perceptions and to save lives. 

The Addict’s Mom is currently registering for non-profit status and growing stronger daily. We will become a force behind change. Join our online community at www.addictsmom.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and many other social media sites.

Visit The Addict's Mom at: http://addictsmom.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

CALL OUR ADDICTION & COUNSELING HELPLINE: 1-844-543-3242 (1-844-LIFE-CHANGE)

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7 Dangers of Meth Addiction By Karl Benzio, MD Stimulants, some with the same effects as methamphetamine, have been used and abused for almost 500 years, starting with nicotine since the early 1500s and progressing to cocaine in the 1800s. Although, knowing the curiosity of mankind and the need for an escape or quick high, stimulants were probably abused even earlier. In fact, Ma Huang, a Chinese herb whose main ingredient was the stimulant ephedra, was used as early as 5000BC, and evidence shows the “medicinal” use in the Middle East at similar time period, if not earlier. Today, the most common stimulants are caffeine, the most common addiction in the world, nicotine, cocaine and crack cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine, MDMA or Ecstasy, and Pseudoephedrine, Phenylpropanolamine and Ephedrine—commonly used in over-the-counter decongestants and cough syrups and sometimes the precursors for home-brewed Crystal Meth. There are 7 tragic dangers of Crystal Meth use: Spiritual: the most damaging effect of all Psychological: acute and chronic damaging effects of the stimulant chemical on brain circuitry Physical: acute death to chronic wasting Addiction: Meth is one of the most quickly addicting drugs of all Financial: quickly spiraling out of control Relational: many broken relationships stem from addiction Legal: problems abound with arrests, Click here for more details of theses tragic consequences... Utah Woman Who Killed Six Babies Struggled with Meth Addiction Lighthouse Network’s Dr. Karl Benzio Says Megan Huntsman is Viewed as a Monster but a Callous Society Accepts Abortion  The story of a Utah mother who killed six of her newborn babies over a decade outraged the world. After killing each of the infants, Megan Huntsman kept the bodies of the infants in her garage, where one was discovered by her ex-husband, leading to the investigation and her arrest. Just last week, USA Today reported a possible cause for the tragedy—that Huntsman was addicted to methamphetamine and couldn’t cope with caring for the children. Dr. Karl Benzio of the Lighthouse Network (www.844LifeChange.org) says that addictions combined with postpartum issues and financial stressors can sometimes form a tragic ‘perfect storm’ that leads to desperate behaviors. “I won’t speculate the exact reason Ms. Huntsman killed her babies,” Benzio said, “but we know that meth addiction causes significant levels of depression and anxiety, lowers frustration tolerance, increases agitation levels and interferes with decision making and problem solving. Add in stimulant-induced decreased appetite, which leads to the brain not getting enough nutrition, and stimulant interference with sleep, and it’s a recipe for disaster. Unfortunately, we often see in the news that those struggling with addictions will do almost anything, regardless of morals or values, to save themselves and preserve their addiction.” Click here to read more... Tune in to hear Lighthouse Network's Karl Benzio, MD, on the air! Hearing Hearts with Gloria Gay "Relationships" Listen online... Living Well "Victory Over Stress" Watch online... In Print...   In Touch Ministries Magazine "Help for the Hurting Soldier" When soldiers return from the front, their most debilitating wounds are often invisible. By Tom Neven Read Online... Check out other media interviews including TV appearances, radio programs, print features and articles here... Lighthouse Network Radio Feature:"Life Change with Dr. Karl” Lighthouse Network is sharing its newest, life-changing radio features with the purpose of bringing scientific expertise and Biblical principles together to examine some common daily struggles to help people successfully navigate life’s obstacles and enjoy fulfilled lives. Lighthouse Network's "Life Change with Dr. Karl" radio feature airs Monday through Friday on more than 425 radio stations nationwide. Listen to "Life Change with Dr. Karl" from July 14: Jesus' Decisions Listen to "Life Change with Dr. Karl" from July 15: Decision-Making: Where Science and Faith Meet Listen to "Life Change with Dr. Karl" from July 16: Decision-Making: Pray Without Ceasing Listen to "Life Change with Dr. Karl" from July 17: Key to Life Listen to "Life Change with Dr. Karl" from July 18: Jesus' Sermon on the Mount   Click here to listen to “Life Change with Dr. Karl” archives or read transcripts. Truth For Women Mentor Training September 27 | Bethlehem, PA This event will train ladies who mentor other women who are struggling. They will be trained in counseling and in teaching decision-making skills using the SPEARS decision-making model. Moments of Change 2014 Addictions Conference September 29-October 2 | Palm Beach, FL Dr. Karl Benzio, MD will present on "Addiction: Sin, Disease, or Psychological Defect?" as well as his SPEARS decision-making model, which is key to real biological-psychological-spiritual treatment by integrating science and faith. He encourages people to practically apply the Bible in daily living to truly renew the mind.  Focus on the Family Physicians Resource Council October 1-5 | Colorado Springs, CO This is a meeting of Christian physicians who help guide and define Focus' position on various medical and psychiatric/psychological issues which affect individuals, families, society and public policy. All Access ARC Conference November 4-6 | Saddleback Church, Orange County, CA Dr. Benzio will equip church leaders with his insights in decision-making and using science to squeeze the powerful life transforming juice out of the Bible for practical growth and maximal fulfillment. National Association of Christian Social Workers National Conference November 6-9 | Annapolis, MD Lighthouse Network's Dr. Karl Benzio will lead a workshop on how to be a shining light through godly decision-making skills as he teaches his unique bio-psycho-spiritual model which actually rewires your brain circuits, thus renewing your mind as Romans 12:1-2 clearly states. Click here to view all events.  Resources from Lighthouse Network

Made for Good Works This video focuses on assessing options and making good choices, focusing on Lighthouse Network’s decision-making process, S.P.E.A.R.S.   Comfort At All Cost What we believe about pain will determine our destiny. Learn more in this DVD.   Heirs of the Crown   This 60-minute DVD explores the process of making good, healthy decisions and renewing our minds. Healthy, accurate decision-making is at the heart of real life success.

Free Stepping Stones Devotional Click here to receive The Stepping Stones Daily Devotional, which will encourage and challenge you while helping you grow in your daily walk with God. If you or someone you love needs help, call our FREE 24/7 Lighthouse Network addiction and counseling helpline, 1-844-LIFE-CHANGE (1-844-543-3242). Lighthouse Network is a Christian-based, non-profit organization that offers an addiction and mental health counseling helpline providing treatment options and resources to equip people and organizations with the skills necessary to shine God's glory to the world, stand strong on a solid foundation in the storms of their own lives, and provide guidance and safety to others experiencing stormy times, thus impacting their lives, their families and the world. Lighthouse Network offers help through two main service choices: Lighthouse Life Change Helpline (1-844-LIFE-CHANGE, 1-844-543-3242), a 24-hour free, national crisis call center, where specialists (Care Guides) help callers understand and access customized treatment options. Life Growth and self-help training resources for daily life, including online and DVD series and training events to help individuals achieve their potential.   unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences Follow Us On Facebook Follow Us On Twitter

Private Drug-Sniffing Dog Businesses Becoming More Popular Among Parents

/BY JOIN TOGETHER STAFF

July 17th, 2014/

A growing number of parents are hiring private dog-sniffing businesses to find out if their teens are using illegal substances, NPR reports. The dogs are also being requested by schools, businesses, landlords and halfway houses.

One such business, Discreet Intervention, is run by Tom Robichaud, a former dog trainer. Robichaud, based in Massachusetts, attended classes along with his dog, Ben, at LaFollette K9 Training Center in Missouri, which trains police dogs. He says the fledgling industry could use more regulation to protect parents.

“A lot of people are jumping on the bandwagon. Anyone can buy a dog in a pound, and [parents] wouldn’t even know if it’s a drug dog,” he said. Robichaud knows firsthand how destructive drugs can be. His brother died of an overdose, the article notes. “Every time I go into a house, I see those parents like my parents, [and] what they went through,” he said. “It just destroyed my family.” He says in order for parents to help their children, they need to know whether they are using drugs.

Privacy experts are concerned about the trend. Jay Stanley of the American Civil Liberties Union says he thinks drug-sniffing dogs cross a line. He points out dogs can sniff out more than illegal drugs, and can invade people’s privacy. “There’s a fundamental principle here that we don’t intrude in that way on people’s homes,” he said. “And I don’t think we want to go down the road to allowing open season for neighbors to spy on each other.”

It is unclear whether evidence from privately trained dogs can hold up in court, some prosecutors say. They note there is no official national accreditation standard or license for private drug-sniffing dogs, or for their trainers.

	To our friends and supporters, You may have noticed some changes since visiting drugfree.org in the past few weeks. We are thrilled to launch not only a newly revamped website, but also a new name: Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.  With our new name, we're communicating more directly why we exist, and that's to reduce teen substance abuse and support families impacted by addiction. Through our revamped website, our toll-free telephone helpline (1-855-DRUGFREE) and all of our communications, we are committed to being the place where you and your family find answers.   We hope you’ll take some time to browse the new drugfree.org. There, you’ll find the same informative, science-based resources you've come to rely upon as well as many new features – including a brand new interactive online community where you can post memorials, chat with experts, talk to others on forums and more.     Thank you, as always, for your support. - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
We're here to help. Call our Parents Toll-Free Helpline 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373)            DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. Messages sent to this email address are not read. If you have a question or comment, please use our interactive online help system. Subscribe to our RSS feeds. To prevent mailbox filters from deleting mailings from Drugfree.org, addthepartnership@drugfree.org to your address book. Partnership for Drug-Free Kids | 352 Park Avenue South | Ninth Floor | New York, NY 10010 unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences | view email in browser

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To Recovery Community Members   We are performing a survey covering the impact of HealthReform, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act on the Pennsylvania recovery community. The survey takes a few minutes and can be accessed by clicking here. All responses are anonymous.    Survey Covers PennsylvaniaWe are performing this study through Pennsylvania Recovery Community Organizations as part of our SAMHSA-awarded BRSS-TACS Health Reform Education grant. Information will be gathered in Central, Southeastern and Western Pennsylvania. Your participation and feedback are important. Continued Education to the Recovery Community   Our goal is to continue outreach and education to the Recovery Community about the impact and importance of the Affordable Care Act and Parity on access to quality healthcare for treatment and recovery support services. What We Need to Learn We are seeking to understand the experiences of individuals and families with the Affordable Care Act.  If you or a family member have obtained (or tried to obtain) insurance coverage through the marketplace (www.healthcare.gov), we want to hear from you! If you were already insured or are uninsured we need to hear from you too!   The survey is brief, anonymous, and will help us educate the Pennsylvania Recovery Community about the complex issues of healthcare reform and its positive effects on access to treatment and recovery support.   Thank you in advance for your participation.