“Love Hormone” Oxytocin May Block Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

By Join Together Staff | October 19, 2012 | 1 Comment | Filed in Alcohol,Research & Treatment


The hormone oxytoxin, known as the “love hormone” because of its role in social bonding, may help block symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, a new small study suggests.

Previous studies conducted in rodents have shown the hormone can block alcohol and heroin withdrawal symptoms, Time reports. If given before someone becomes addicted, oxytocin might prevent the development of tolerance and dependence, according to the magazine.

The new study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, included 11 people whose alcoholism produced withdrawal symptoms that were not severe enough to cause potentially life-threatening seizures.

During detox, people with alcoholism generally are given benzodiazepines, such as Valium (diazepam) or Ativan (lorazepam), to relieve withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. People who do not suffer seizures are given the drugs as needed, so the amount of benzodiazepines they take can be used as a measure of how severe their withdrawal is.

The study found participants given oxytocin through a nasal spray needed almost five times less lorazepam, compared with those given a placebo medication. They also experienced less anxiety. Oxytocin itself is not addictive, the article notes.

The researchers say their study is the first evidence that oxytocin may block alcohol withdrawal symptoms in humans. They add the results should be considered very preliminary, because the study was so small.

NEXT G.R.A.S.P. (Grief Recovery after a substance passing) GROUP SUPPORT IN BUCKS COUNTY

NEXT G.R.A.S.P. (Grief Recovery after a substance passing) GROUP SUPPORT
meeting:

Thursday, OCTOBER 4, 2012.
Meetings: First (1) and Third (3) THURSDAY of each month

Location: Southern Bucks Community Center @ Pro Act facility 1286 Veterans Highway Bristol Pa 19007
Time: 7:OO - 8:30 pm
Dave Chairperson: Newcomers- Open Forum

Contact: Barbara Hentosh (C) 215-264-6768 H) 215-428-1637
Pro-Act 215-788-3738 dial 0 INFORMATION
e-mail: graspbuckscounty@gmail.com
FYI: Please forward to anyone who may have lost a loved one to USE, MISUSE OR ABUSE of addiction.

HOPE FOR ADDICTION IN BUCKS COUNTY RECOVERY EVENT

COACH BINGO!!

Mark your calendars for Coach Bingo to be held Friday, November 2, 2012. Doors open 6:00pm Bingo begins at 7:00pm. Tickets $30.00 (Proceeds benefit the Hope for Addiction Foundation and St. Joseph's the Worker)

Admission fee includes 1 game packet for entire night (15 games)

Additional cards and 50/50’s will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Desserts, coffee and tea provided. BYOB permitted. Additional refreshments available for purchase.

Tickets are available at St. Joseph the Worker Rectory or call 215-547-5456

DEA Focuses on Drug Distributors in Fight Against Painkiller Abuse

By Join Together Staff | October 18, 2012 | Leave a comment | Filed inGovernment, Legal, Prescription Drugs & Prevention


The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is focusing on drug distributors in an effort to fight prescription painkiller abuse, The New York Times reports. In the past, the agency has tried tactics including arresting doctors and closing pharmacies.

Drug distributors are now trying to limit their liability by monitoring their distribution pipeline more closely, and refusing to supply some pharmacy customers.

Earlier this year, the DEA charged drug distributor Cardinal Healthand four pharmacies with violating their licenses to sell controlled drugs. The DEA said Cardinal had an unusually high number of shipments of controlled painkillers to four pharmacies. The agency suspended Cardinal’s controlled substance license at its distribution center in Lakeland, Florida. The center serves 2,500 pharmacies in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

Cardinal no longer does business with a dozen pharmacies in at least four states, the article notes. Some of the drugstores unsuccessfully sued the company to resume shipments. Cardinal’s Chairman and Chief Executive, George S. Barrett, said the company has strengthened the criteria it uses in deciding whether to sell painkillers to a pharmacy. “We had a strong antidiversion system in place, but no system is perfect,” he told the newspaper. Cardinal has created a committee that evaluates pharmacies that order large amounts of narcotic drugs.

In August, Amerisource Bergen, the third-largest drug distributor in the United States, received subpoenas from the DEA and federal prosecutors seeking information on how the company monitors for possible diversions of opioids and other drugs with high potential for abuse.

Recovery Connections Reaching The World

You were part of something incredible this month, Joseph. More than 4,000 people pledged to do their part to end medicine abuse over the last month. Even more people had their eyes opened to this serious issue through our live events and online chats. In short, you helped us spark a movement to tackle one of the worst public health problems in America today. Don't waste this opportunity. We need to spread this campaign to the rest of your neighborhood. Download the Parents360 Rx Action Toolkit, part of our acclaimed PACT360 drug awareness program, and bring our movement to your community. Ever since we began PACT360, it's changed towns and cities nationwide. It's an integrated series of programs that bring together parents, police, community leaders and everyday citizens. The Rx Action Toolkit is one of PACT360's most successful features. The Toolkit is free, and it features everything you need to turn your concern into action. You can use it to make a short, effective presentation at your school, workplace, faith group or almost anywhere else. You've already shown how much you're willing to help. So be a leader -- you'll save lives, and we'll be here to help you do it. Get the Parents360 Rx Action Toolkit right now: http://my.drugfree.org/parents360-rx-action-toolkit Thank you for helping make The Medicine Abuse Project such a success. Best, Steve Pasierb President & CEO The Partnership at Drugfree.org

While Illicit Drug Use Decreases in Cities, Prescription Drug Abuse Climbs

By Join Together Staff | October 16, 2012 | Leave a comment | Filed inCommunity Related, Drugs & Prescription Drugs


While illicit drug use has decreased in most large American cities, prescription drug abuse has climbed, according to a new study.

The study evaluated emergency room visits related to drug abuse in 11 major metropolitan areas, and some smaller urban areas, from 2007 to 2009. The researchers found illicit drug use accounted for more emergency department visits than prescription drug abuse in 2007 (26 percent vs. 20 percent), for all metropolitan areas except Phoenix.

From 2007 to 2009, emergency departments reported an 8 percent drop in visits for illicit drug abuse, while visits for prescription drug abuse rose 2 percent, HealthDay reports. In 2009, illicit drug use accounted for 28 percent of ER visits, while prescription drug abuse accounted for 22 percent.

The findings were presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

“The harsh reality is prescription drug abuse has become a growing problem in our society,” study author Dr. Asokumar Buvanendran of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, said in a news release. “We hope the results of this study will aid physicians in effectively treating patients who struggle with prescription drug abuse, as well as encourage widespread patient education about the safe use, storage and disposal of medications.”

City of Angels of NJ upcoming events

Don't Miss These Events!

Annual COA Halloween Party Saturday, October 27, 8 pm - midnight Don't miss this ghoulishly great Halloween Bash! There will be music, dancing, food and tons of fun. Come in costume or just come as your scary self! All are welcome. To watch a video of last year's Halloween party, featuring Redneck rocking the dance floor in a print dress & high heels,click here.For more details, contact CityofAngelsNJ@Hotmail.com. COA Thanksgiving Dinner Sunday, November 18, 4 pm - 7 pm  Celebrate everything we have to be thankful for at this bountiful dinner at the Dwier Center with your COA family! COA will roast the turkeys....just bring a dish to share or a few good jokes to tell! There'll be plenty of food, fun and good cheer. Live music will be provided by Facedown, a local band that is quickly building a big following. All are welcome. For more details, contact CityofAngelsNJ@Hotmail.com.

Florida Needs More Resources to Help Babies Exposed to Opioids, Experts Say

By Join Together Staff | October 15, 2012 | 2 Comments | Filed in Addiction,Community Related, Drugs, Parenting & Youth

Florida needs more resources to help the many newborns exposed to opioids, experts told a statewide task force. They said the number of such babies far exceeds the number of treatment beds available for mothers addicted to prescription drugs, and their newborns.

For example, in Duval County, Florida, 113 babies were born with neonatal withdrawal syndrome in 2010, but only 13 treatment beds were available, the Sun-Sentinel reports. These babies suffer symptoms of withdrawal, including shaking, inconsolable crying, skin rashes, vomiting and diarrhea.

Florida’s Targeted Outreach for Pregnant Women Act is severely underfunded, with just $1 million allocated, according to state Representative Dana Young, a member of the Statewide Task Force on Prescription Drug Abuse & Newborns. The task force was formed by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. It is charged with defining the severity of the problem and devising solutions.

“The task force will draft a recommended policy designed to address the problem that will be sent to the legislature after the first of the year and will hopefully serve as a model for the rest of the country,” Bondi said.

Earlier this year, hospitals on the west coast of Florida reported a rise in the number of newborns exposed to opioids.

Last Door recovery Society

About
Join discussions or simply just let people know you support us, thanks
Company OverviewLAST DOOR RECOVERY SOCIETY has been providing addiction treatment and support services since 1984. Last Door has two core programs = Last Door Youth Program 14 - 18 years old and Last Door Adult Program 19 and over. as well as several adjunct programs including Last Door' Family Program.

Our core philosophy of providing abstinence based quality treatment has remained intact over the years. Level and types of services have increased over the years as we respond to community needs. Our programs continue to grow ever year, thank you for your support.

Description
LAST DOOR YOUTH PROGRAM provides long term residential treatment for male youth 14 to 18 years. We provide a healthy environment to halt the development of addictive behaviors and assist the youth to gain self esteem and a healthy peer support network.

LAST DOOR ADULT PROGRAM provides long term residential treatment for males 18 and older. We provide an opportunity for them to overcome unproducti
ve habits and gain new attitudes, better values and a renewed zest for life.

LAST DOOR FAMILY PROGRAMS help families get the knowledge, skills and and support that enables them to deal productively with their family members’ addiction and recovery. A sense of freedom and security is gained through interactions with other families who are dealing with the same dilemmas. Program provides services for couples, parents, co-parenting, women and peer support groups.

LAST DOOR TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAMS provides residents with transitional living residences and access to a large Alumni base that are part of a thriving recovery community. Giving residents the optimum opportunity to maintain long term recovery using a total abstinence model.

Please visit www.lastdoor.org for more information about Last Door and donate to the "Continuing our Legacy" Campaign.
Location 323 8th Street, New Westminster, British Columbia V3M 3R3


Contact Info
Phone (888) 525-9771
Email publicrelations@lastdoor.org
Website http://www.lastdoor.org

Injecting Painkiller Opana Can Lead to Serious Blood Disorder, FDA Warns

By Join Together Staff | October 12, 2012 | 1 Comment | Filed in Prescription Drugs


Injecting the painkiller Opana ER can lead to a serious blood disorder that can result in kidney failure or death, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Thursday.

Opana is an opioid that contains the ingredient oxymorphone,Reuters reports. The drug is made by Endo Pharmaceuticals. Injecting Opana can cause thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which causes clots to form in small blood vessels throughout the body. These clots limit or block blood flow to the organs, the article explains.

Opana ER is a pill meant to be taken orally. It causes the blood clotting disorder only when it is abused by being crushed and injected intravenously, according to the FDA. The pill has an extended-release design, but crushing it releases the drug all at once.

Law enforcement officials are alarmed by the rise of Opana abuse, which they said started after OxyContin was changed in late 2010 to make that drug more difficult to snort or inject for a heroin-like high. OxyContin is a brand of oxycodone.

Opana abuse can be deadly because it is more potent, per milligram, than OxyContin and users who are not familiar with how strong it is may be vulnerable to overdosing.

Endo Pharmaceuticals has announced it is reformulating the drug. The pill will be more difficult to crush, and will turn gooey if liquid is added to it. Opana is prescribed for chronic back pain, as well as pain related to cancer and osteoarthritis.

Tennessee Officials Study Drug-Testing Programs for Welfare Recipients in Other States

By Join Together Staff | October 11, 2012 | Leave a comment | Filed inCommunity Related, Drugs & Legislation

Tennessee state officials are studying drug-testing programs for welfare recipients in six other states, as they shape their own program, The Tennessean reports.

Earlier this year, the state legislature passed a law that mandates drug testing for welfare recipients. The state’s Department of Human Services has until January 2014 to finalize a plan. Department Commissioner Raquel Hatter reported to two legislative committees that her agency is studying similar programs in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Oklahoma and Utah, to gain insight into how they have implemented their policy, and any obstacles they have faced.

The Tennessee law requires drug testing for any welfare applicant with a prior drug conviction or anyone who raises suspicion based on a screening. Human services officials must consult with drug treatment experts to set up a screening program to establish reasonable cause for drug testing of welfare applicants.

Arizona’s program, in place since 2009, requires adult applicants to fill out a three-question statement on illegal drug use. They must submit to drug testing if their answers provide a reasonable cause. In Florida, 108 adults out of 4,000 applying for welfare benefits who took a drug test failed. Florida’s law has been challenged in federal court.

Georgia has passed a drug-testing law for welfare recipients, but put implementation on hold until the Florida case has been resolved, the article notes.

Under all six state laws, a person who fails a drug test is ineligible for benefits for a defined period of time, between one month and three years. In most of the states there is a provision that reduces that period if the person enters a drug rehabilitation program, according to the newspaper.
By Join Together Staff | October 11, 2012 | Leave a comment | Filed inCommunity Related, Drugs & Legislation

Tennessee state officials are studying drug-testing programs for welfare recipients in six other states, as they shape their own program, The Tennessean reports.

Earlier this year, the state legislature passed a law that mandates drug testing for welfare recipients. The state’s Department of Human Services has until January 2014 to finalize a plan. Department Commissioner Raquel Hatter reported to two legislative committees that her agency is studying similar programs in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Oklahoma and Utah, to gain insight into how they have implemented their policy, and any obstacles they have faced.

The Tennessee law requires drug testing for any welfare applicant with a prior drug conviction or anyone who raises suspicion based on a screening. Human services officials must consult with drug treatment experts to set up a screening program to establish reasonable cause for drug testing of welfare applicants.

Arizona’s program, in place since 2009, requires adult applicants to fill out a three-question statement on illegal drug use. They must submit to drug testing if their answers provide a reasonable cause. In Florida, 108 adults out of 4,000 applying for welfare benefits who took a drug test failed. Florida’s law has been challenged in federal court.

Georgia has passed a drug-testing law for welfare recipients, but put implementation on hold until the Florida case has been resolved, the article notes.

Under all six state laws, a person who fails a drug test is ineligible for benefits for a defined period of time, between one month and three years. In most of the states there is a provision that reduces that period if the person enters a drug rehabilitation program, according to the newspaper.

Medicine Abuse drug guide for parents

As a parent who has lost a son to medicine abuse, the past couple of weeks have been truly moving. The Partnership at Drugfree.org showed me some of the stories people shared about medicine abuse over this past week, and as a parent who has experienced the epidemic's effects firsthand, they really resonated with me. In 2004, my son Mark died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs. We found a bag of loose pills in his room -- none of the drugs had been prescribed for him, or for anyone else in the family for that matter. I wish that I could tell Mark what I've learned about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs, but it's too late. At a time when most of life's experiences should lie just ahead, his life ended and I will always wonder if I could have saved him. Now that I've gotten involved with The Partnership, I believe that their resources may have provided me the information I so desperately needed. Read the medicine abuse drug guide and arm yourself with information you need to fight this epidemic at home: http://my.drugfree.org/the-drug-guide The guide can help you learn the signs and symptoms commonly experienced by people abusing the three main types prescriptions drugs -- pain relievers, stimulants, and depressants. It's crucial for us as parents to talk with our kids about the dangers of abusing medicine and to make sure that the medicines in our homes are secure at all times. Please do this before it's too late. Educate yourself by looking at the medicine abuse drug guide now. It could be a lifesaver. http://my.drugfree.org/the-drug-guide Thank you, Phil Bauer Parent Advisory Board Member P.S. If you're feeling overwhelmed with your child's drug problem and would like to talk to someone, you can call The Partnership's Parents Toll-Free Helpline at  1-855-378-4373 or get more information now: http://my.drugfree.org/if-you-need-help

“Red Ribbon Week” October 23-31 Raises Awareness About Drug Prevention

By Join Together Staff | October 10, 2012 | Leave a comment | Filed inCommunity Related, Drugs, Marketing And Media, Parenting, Prevention &Youth

The 27th annual “Red Ribbon Week,” October 23-31, will raise awareness about drug prevention around the country. Families can get involved this year by entering a contest to promote awareness in their neighborhoods, and win a drug prevention grant for their children’s school.

The week was created after parents, students and teachers began wearing red ribbons in commemoration of the 1985 murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Kiki Camarena.

The National Family Partnership has announced a Red Ribbon Week contest that families can enter to win a $1,000 grant for their school, and a new iPad for their home. The DEA is co-sponsoring the contest. To participate, families and students are invited to decorate the outside of their homes with the message, “The Best Me is Drug Free.” They can take a photo with the family and their Red Ribbon Week decoration, and upload it towww.redribbon.org/contest or www.facebook.com/RedRibbonWeekby November 2nd. To upload the photos, you must be at least 18 years old.

Voting for entries will take place November 2-16 atwww.redribbon.org/vote. There will be 10 winners from across the United States, who will be announced at events at their schools in December.

Free Family Addiction Education program

CONTACT:

Noni West, strategic marketing coordinator Cathie Cush

PRO-ACT C2 Communications

215-345-6644, ext. 3111 215-579-2076

nwest@councilsepa.org CathieCush@comcast.net

Beverly J. Haberle, executive director

The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.

215-345-6644

bhaberle@councilsepa.org

PRO-ACT Family Addiction Education Program helps families address drug and alcohol addiction

Next free sessions start Nov. 1, 6 and 7 at various locations in five counties
Each month PRO-ACT (Pennsylvania Recovery Organization–Achieving Community Together) hosts a free Family Addiction Education Program to help individuals and families recognize and address an addiction problem in a spouse, parent, child or other loved one. Led by trained volunteers who have been in the same situation, these information and support programs begin the first week of each month and run one evening a week for three consecutive weeks. Each session lasts two hours.



Programs are offered at several locations throughout the five-county southeast Pennsylvania region:

· Tuesdays—From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Media and Northeast Philadelphia.

· Wednesdays—From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Pottstown; from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in North Philadelphia; and from 7 p.m.to 9 p.m. in West Chester.

· Thursdays—From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Northern Liberties; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Bristol and Colmar



Sessions are free and confidential—first names only. Pre-registration is required. To register, call 800-221-6333, weekdays 9 a.m. through 5 p.m., or visit www.proact.org and click the Family Addiction Education Program link.

Trents Lighthouse Ohio

About
Transitional Living for Men in Recovery - Cincinnati, Ohio
Description
For More Information Please see:

www.trentslighthouse.com

Facebook: Trents Lighthouse


Contact Information for Trent's Lighthouse:

Kim Trent (513) 546-5151
Owner/Operator
trentslighthouse@aol.com
kimtrent@trentslighthouse.com

Jack Whittle (513) 526-2587
General Manager

General InformationTransitional Living for Men

Providing a safe, sober-living environment for men who are in recovery from
addiction and/or alcoholism.

Located in Northside



4576 Hamilton Ave
Cincinnati, Ohio 45223
Always open

Phone (513) 546-5151
Email trentslighthouse@aol.com
Website http://www.trentslighthouse.com

Recovery Revolution Inc. PA.

About
We are a charitable non-profit premiere licensed treatment facility that treats individuals and families that are impacted by addiction.
MissionIt is the mission of Recovery Revolution Inc. to promote healthy, responsible, and individualized treatment for addictions through programs responsive to family and community needs.
Company Overview
Recovery Revolution, Inc. is the only licensed drug and alcohol treatment center in the Slate Belt Region of PA. We offer outpatient and intensive outpatient services for adolescents and adults as well as family members of our clients. RR, Inc has group counseling on different days and times to accommodate many different schedules. We also offer an outpatient program in Colonial Academy, which
is an alternative school in Wind Gap, PA. We offer sober activities and events to benefit our clients and educate the community as a whole. Recovery Revolution Inc. is a non-profit organization with the mission to promote healthy, responsible, and individualized treatment for addictions through programs responsive to family and community needs. Please call for any additional information or check out our website.
DescriptionWe accept individuals with or without insurance. We believe that addiction impacts the body, mind, and spirit. Therefore, treatment must address each of these areas to be successful in the recovery of the whole person. Call today and take the first step towards a new life.
General Information1 out of every 8 Americans will have a significant addiction in their lifetime. 1 in every 4 Americans are impacted by a close family member or significant other by addiction.



Opened November 22, 2005
Awards 2010 Most Innovative Program (Magellan Health Services)
Best Outpatient Treatment Center (Our Alumni Association, Our Staff, and Many Community Members)
Hours

Mon - Fri: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm

Products Recovery Revolution provides a level of care assessment by a Master’s level clinician to indicate addictions treatment needs. We accept adolescents and adults for individual, group, and family sessions ranging from 1 hour to 9 hours a week of treatment, dependent on the individuals needs. We offer ancillary services such as a educational support group for families and loved ones of individuals struggling with addiction, free educational seminars, 12 hour DUI Class, Sober Activities with our active Alumni. Recovery Revolution also provides a school based addictions treatment program at Colonial Academy, in Wind Gap, PA. We provide 1-5 hours of treatment a week for student participants.

We provide treatment to people that "for profit" facilities turn away. We are the only treatment that offer indigent people for addictions treatment within a 25 mile radius. We average about 100 clients that we see on a weekly basis and about half of them are under the age of 25.

Recovery Revolution holds an annual fundraiser so that we can continue to take clients that are indigent. Part of our mission is to continue to provide life changing treatment to people based on clinical necessity, not financial status. This money is used to help pay for client's that can not afford treatment.



109 Broadway
Bangor, Pennsylvania 18013
Today 9:00 am - 8:00 pm

Phone (610) 599-7700
Email info@recoveryrevolution.org
Website http://www.recoveryrevolution.org

Milestone House Dover NJ

About
www.themilestonehouse.com
DescriptionSober Living Facility
General Information
The Milestone House is a premier Sober Living Facility for Men and Women who want to make recovery a way of life. We are proud to be a leader in the industry and currently have three sites located in historic Dover, New Jersey.

Our residents typically have completed some level of structured treatment prior to entering our house. At Milestone there is opportunity to continue growth in recovery, li
ving in “real” life as responsible adults. All residents must be drug and alcohol free before entering.

The “recovery community” is very supportive of us and, overall, our residents have been very successful at remaining drug and alcohol free. We create an opportunity where one can live “real life” and have the extra support that they may have been lacking during previous attempts to stay clean and sober. Men and women ages 18 and up are welcome here.

Willingness and taking action is the fundamental expectation we embody. A large percentage of our residents have multiple years of recovery, highlighting the essence of what true Sober Living encompasses. It has been proven to be beneficial to mix residents who are new in recovery with others that have multiple years clean and sober.

We offer many amenities and comforts, but what are truly priceless are the energy of our environment and the spirit of love, tolerance, helpfulness, serenity and usefulness; which absolutely results from the working and re-working of the 12-steps.

You will be encouraged to join us at all of our on-site, solution-based meetings and workshops and to truly experience a “new freedom and happiness”.





60 N. Sussex Street
Dover, New Jersey 07801


Phone (973) 442-4600
Email info@themilestonehouse.com
Website http://www.themilestonehouse.com

Serenity Solutions Philadelphia

About
Offering Individual, Group, and Couples Counseling, Interventions and Clinical Supervision
DescriptionHelping people find peace and serenity in their stressful lives by teaching them how to change thoughts and behaviors and be in the present moment.

Specializing in Anxiety Management, Anger Management and Recovery from Addictions.



135 South 19th Street, Suite 250
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103


Phone (215) 285-1084
Email alisa@SerenitySolutionsTherapy.com
Website http://www.SerenitySolutionsTherapy.com

Do you know an inspiring youth coach?

,

Do you know an inspiring youth coach? How about a teen with excellent sportsmanship?

The Partnership at Drugfree.org, in conjunction with Major League Baseball Charities, is celebrating extraordinary individuals on and off the playing field who embody the spirit of teamwork and healthy, drug-free competition.

Nominate your community’s youth sports heroes for the third annual Commissioner’s Play Healthy Awards contest! The awards are an extension of both organizations’ comprehensive efforts, including the Play Healthy website, to educate families on the risks of steroids and performance-enhancing substances.

One winning youth coach and one student athlete will receive prizes, including a trip for themselves and one special guest to New York City. They will also receive:
Two tickets each to The Partnership at Drugfree.org’s annual Winter Wish Gala at Gotham Hall on December 4, 2012, where they will be honored;
A $1,000 gift card to a sporting goods store;
A commemorative plaque presented at the gala; and
The opportunity to be featured prominently on drugfree.org.

We’re taking nominations now at drugfree.org/playhealthy.

Get involved with the Commissioner’s Play Healthy Awards contest today!

We look forward to recognizing our nation’s best youth sports leaders.

Thanks,

Courtney Gallo
Youth Sports Advocate
The Partnership at Drugfree.org

P.S. There are only 2 weeks left for your chance to win a free trip to NYC!

Please note: A panel of judges will determine the winners by reviewing all nominees who demonstrate their commitment to fair, drug-free play and an overall healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the judges will evaluate the nominee’s commitment to leadership, sportsmanship and encouragement of others on and off the field. The deadline to enter is Friday, October 26, 2012.

Teenager undergoes surgery after drinking liquid nitrogen in cocktail

Police investigating after 18-year-old suffers perforated stomach during night out with friends in Lancashire.

Peter Walker
The Guardian, Sunday 7 October 2012 13.16 EDT
A teenager has undergone emergency surgery after drinking a cocktail containing liquid nitrogen, according to police.

The 18-year-old from Heysham in Lancashire reported feeling breathless after drinking the liquid during a night out with friends on Thursday, Lancashire police said in a brief statement.

She was taken to Lancaster Royal Infirmary and diagnosed with a perforated stomach. Doctors performed emergency surgery to remove a section of her stomach, thought necessary to save her life. The teenager was in a serious but stable condition, police said.

A Lancashire police spokesman said the force was working with other agencies and the premises which sold the drink, which has not been identified. He said: "The investigation is still in its early stages and we are still interviewing witnesses to establish the full facts. The premises involved have fully co-operated with all agencies and have suspended drinks involving liquid nitrogen."

Liquid nitrogen has been used increasingly in recent years as a method for making increasingly elaborate cocktails, having first been pioneered in culinary use by the likes of Heston Blumenthal. The liquid version of the gas, which vapourises at a temperature of -196C, is an extremely effective way to flash-freeze substances and has a series of medical uses.

In cocktails and cooking it is simply a method – for example to chill glasses instantly with a crowd-pleasing waft of grey vapour, or to freeze ingredients – and should never be ingested, as this can cause serious cold burns.