Infant Who Swallowed E-Cigarette Refill Liquid Highlights Emerging Danger: Report

By Join Together Staff | May 8, 2014 | Leave a comment | Filed in Tobacco &Youth

Doctors in Philadelphia say a 10-month-old infant who was rushed to the emergency room after swallowing e-cigarette refill liquid is one of a growing number of children who have been harmed by the fluid.

In this week’s New England Journal of Medicine, the doctors describe the incident. The child recovered, HealthDay reports. But just “one teaspoon of a 1.8 percent nicotine solution could be lethal” to a person who weighs 200 pounds, the doctors note.

The baby boy was taken to the hospital after swallowing a small amount of e-liquid nicotine. He began vomiting after drinking the liquid. His heart rate increased and he showed signs of losing muscle control. His symptoms gradually subsided after about six hours in the hospital.

“With the growing use of e-cigarettes, physicians need to be alert for nicotine poisoning,” the doctors wrote. “They also need to educate patients and parents about this danger and advocate for measures that will help prevent potentially fatal liquid nicotine poisoning of infants and young children.” The liquids do not come in child-protective packaging, and many refill vials have colorful labels and cartoons, they noted.

Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported poison control centers are receiving an increased number of callsabout nicotine poisoning from e-cigarettes. This February, centers received 215 calls, compared with about one per month in 2010. About half of calls related to nicotine poisoning from e-cigarettes involved children ages 5 or younger.

DEA Arrests at Least 150 People in Synthetic Drug Operation in 29 States

By Join Together Staff | May 8, 2014 | Leave a comment | Filed in Drugs,Government & Legal

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced Wednesday it conducted a major crackdown on synthetic drugs that involved the arrest of at least 150 people in 29 states, and the seizure of more than $20 million in products and cash. Hundreds of thousands of packets of synthetic drugs were seized.

The operation comes a week after more than 100 people in Texas became ill from synthetic marijuana, the Los Angeles Times reports. “There’s a cluster of people with severe anxiety, some with seizures, that could be because of synthetic cannaboids,” Dr. Miguel Fernandez, Director of South Texas Poison Center, told the newspaper. “I would caution people not to use them because they are not like typical marijuana.”

Law enforcement officials and prosecutors have found it difficult to win convictions against makers of synthetic drugs, who are constantly changing the chemistry of the products to stay one step ahead of the law. In order to convict a synthetic drug maker, officials must prove the person sold the drug, and that the drug was substantially similar to a specifically banned substance. All a drug maker has to do is make small chemical changes to the products so they are not considered “analogues,” or chemical compounds that are similar to banned drugs.

Last year, the DEA and authorities in three other countries announced the arrests of dozens of people involved in trafficking designer drugs such as bath salts and synthetic marijuana. In the United States, the enforcement operations took place in 49 cities, and targeted retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers. The operations included more than 150 arrest warrants and almost 375 search warrants.

In 2013, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported 29,000 emergency department visits nationwide in 2011 resulting from use of synthetic marijuana, up from 11,000 in 2010.

Pentagon Targets Alcohol Consumption in Effort to Reduce Sexual Assault in the Military

By Join Together Staff | May 8, 2014 | Leave a comment | Filed in Alcohol,Military & Prevention

The Defense Department (DOD) will target alcohol consumption as part of its campaign to reduce sexual assault in the military, Stars and Stripes reports. There were more than 5,000 reports of sexual assault by service members last year—a 50 percent jump from the previous year.

More than two-thirds of the reports involved alcohol use by either the victim, the assailant, or both. “[The alcohol policies] will be revised, where necessary, to address risks that alcohol poses to others, including the risk that alcohol is used as a weapon against victims in a predatory way,” said Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.

Major General Jeffrey Snow, the Director of DOD’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO), said the department will encourage responsible sales practices and train bartenders and other alcohol providers in communities around military installations.

Nate Galbreath, a senior adviser to SAPRO, told the newspaper several states, including California, have programs that the DOD could use as a model. California’s Responsible Beverage Service program is designed to prevent bar and restaurant patrons from getting dangerously drunk. Bar and restaurant workers are told to provide a food menu to someone who orders a drink, and to encourage them to eat something to slow the absorption of alcohol into the system. “You [also] look at times associated with when you sell things. Do you really need to sell someone five-fifths of bourbon at 2:00 in the morning? Probably not,” he said.

Last October, the Marines announced Marine Corps Exchange stores around the world would impose new limits on alcohol sales in an effort to limit irresponsible drinking. Earlier last year, the Navy announced it would be cutting back the sale hours for alcohol at base stores, in an effort to reduce sexual assaults. The Navy also made changes to its policy about alcohol placement in stores.

MAY 8 v 17 TWELVE STEPPING WITH POWER IN THE PROVERB

“I love all who love me.

Those who search will surely find me.

STEP 2 - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity .

Its a cold , cold world in which we live. Addiction is that false god we run to when we are afraid and alone , when we cant take what this world dishes out. The problem is that false god (addiction) will steal your friends , family , health and your sanity . We run to addiction in every situation good or bad , We will steal and maybe even kill for that false god (addiction) . The problem with the false god of addiction is it will enslave you steal your soul so not only will it destroy you in the here and now it will destroy you for the here after . Now there is a real GOD we seek HIM in step one and once we find HIM we hand our lives over too HIM in step two. The Proverb is the promise and it says the one and only true real GOD LOVES us , is that not what we are all looking for . Someone who will love us unconditionally , meet us right where we are at and not judge, The GOD who created you me this world and everything in the universe . GOD who has a plan for your life and wrote it down before you were born . GOD who misses you in this life and earnestly awaits your return in the here after . GOD who loved us so much that HE gave HIS only son JESUS CHRIST to die for us on a cross . We all have too pay for the bad we do and GOD knew we couldn't so HE gave HIS son JESUS in our place . There is a two thousand page plus book that GOD has written for our lives , because he loved us so much HE knew we couldn't go it alone. Who do you want to follow the false god (addiction) who promises slavery , depression , fear , guilt , rejection , and a eternity spent in a lake of fire . Or the one and only true GOD who promises acceptance , forgiveness , peace , love , joy , freedom , and everlasting life . THE CHOICE IS A NO - BRAINER. !

(Ephesians 2:8,9 ) "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast."

By :Joseph Dickerson

The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania and PRO-ACT bring you Recovery in Our Communities May 6, 2014
To Start Your Day You don't have to see the whole staircase,  just take the first step. . . ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS Welcome to the first edition of our weekly newsletter. "Recovery in Our Communities" is devoted to making it easier for you to contribute to your community. Each week, we will connect you to the people, resources and opportunities that bring help, hope and healing to southeast Pennsylvania.  As volunteers, storytellers and advocates for health, wellness and recovery, you lead the way. Together, we will accomplish our task of helping more individuals and families achieve and sustain a happy and meaningful life. Together, we will recover our communities through prevention, education, advocacy, intervention and recovery support services. We will inspire real hope by working to establish the resources and opportunities needed to reduce the impact of addiction and trauma in our communities.  Several times throughout the year, we will also be conducting surveys to seek your opinions and suggestions on what's important to you. "The smallest act is greater than the best of intentions." Please join us in working to make our families, neighborhoods and region healthier, happier and safer.            Bev Haberle, MHS, LPC, CAADC Executive Director RAYS OF HOPE Personal Profile: Jan L's Pathway to Hope "The word 'hopeless' has always stirred up sadness in me.  It seems so final, lacking any room for progress.  I've been hopeless. I've been called hopeless. I've heard friends whisper behind my back that I lost the willingness to live. They were right.... Then life as I knew it changed. . . . "  Read Jan's Story on our blog by clicking here.   PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION:  WHAT YOU CAN DO Promote constructive lifestyles and norms that discourage drug use Prevention and early intervention programs work, so what is your community doing?  Get educated and get involved to make sure that your community is doing all it should to increase awareness; strengthen families; empower youth; establish pro-social activities; provide free drug and alcohol screenings; teach resilience and life skills for youth; etc.   May 18 - 24 is National Prevention Week. For SAMHSA's prevention toolkit, please click here.  FAMILIES ON THE LINE PRO-ACT's Family Education Program provides hope and guidance in how to stay strong and ready to support loved ones struggling with addiction. Some do not perceive themselves as having a problem, so they may need help to initiate the recovery process. This Program is facilitated by family members who have walked the walk and is available in all five counties. For more information click here.   RECOVERY RADIO Listen to Clean & Sober, a weekly radio program devoted to paths to recovery, broadcast locally on WWDB - AM (Talk 860), Fridays10 - 11 am.   PRO-ACT Philadelphia Coordinator Fred Martin and Sean Brinda, Senior Peer Services Coordinator at our Philadelphia Recovery Community Center, took part in a recent broadcast discussing the vital role of recovery supports in accessing and sustaining long-term recovery.  Listen Here.  INSURE RECOVERY The Affordable Care Act has declared the treatment of substance use disorders and recovery support services an essential health benefit.  However, primary care and emergency room physicians are not prepared for the front lines of addiction prevention and early intervention. Treatment Research Institute (Tom McLellan) is engaged in an initiative to educate "the next generation of physicians on how to identify and treat emerging substance use disorders." For more information click here.  THE COUNCIL SALUTES NATIONAL NURSES WEEK May 6 through May 12, 2014 Our communities' nurses deserve special recognition for all their efforts in leading the way in caring for their patients and improving our healthcare system. Thank you!  For more information, please click here.   PRO-ACT Recovery Walks! 2014 There has never been a time in our history when the voice of the recovery community needs so badly to be heard.    On September 20, 2014, please come to Penn's Landing on the Philadelphia waterfront where 20,000 voices will celebrate recovery. You will find all the information you need to register, form a team, make a donation, or sign up for the Honor Guard by clicking here. If you are interested in sponsorship, please contact Marita here. The deadline to have your logo on the I-95 billboard is July 7, and for other sponsors, August  1. Some Upcoming Events  May 19-June 23, 2014: CRS Training, Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center, 1286 Veterans Highway, Suite D-4, Bristol, PA 19007. Click here for information. May 21, 2014: Meet The Council, 8-9 am at 252 W. Swamp Rd., Bailiwick Office Campus, Unit 12, Doylestown, PA 18901 June 11, 2014: Help, Hope & Healing Fundraising Breakfast, Spring Mill Manor, 171 Jacksonville Road, Ivyland, PA 18974. For more information, please contact Michael here. September 12, 2014: 7:05 pm. Recovery Night at the Baseball Game, Phillies vs. Marlins, Citizens Bank Park. Click here for tickets.  September 20, 2014: PRO-ACT Recovery Walks! 2014, Great Plaza, Penn's Landing, Philadelphia. Click here to register and get more information. Employment Opportunities: Please click here     Like us on Facebook                  www.councilsepa.org           Follow us on Twitter         Information and Recovery Support Line (24/7): 1-800-221-6333

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Paving The Way to Change for Adolescent Substance Abuse

By Kathleen Meyers, PhD | May 7, 2014 | 1 Comment | Filed in Addiction,Healthcare, Prevention, Research & Treatment

Recent media reports of young people dying from overdoses calls attention to the devastating effects of addiction – which has reached epidemic proportions. After years of decline, the current increasing incidence and prevalence of substance use among American adolescents is distressing as youth are five times more likely to develop a substance use disorder compared to adults. And unfortunately, this disease can (and frequently does) follow them for life: only about 10 percent of substance dependence cases occur after adolescence.

Thus, successful efforts to prevent, delay or minimize substance use during adolescence are sorely needed. They are the most economical and enduring way to reduce the many public health, safety, and economical threats associated with addiction. And yet, as a country, we pay little attention to prevention, early intervention, effective treatment or continuing care for this age group. We pay little attention to these issues for our kids. The imperative to do better is clear, and the pathway to change has never been more possible.

As a result of significant legislative and scientific advances, and a growing public understanding about addiction and its devastating effects, the substance abuse field is poised for positive transformation. The necessary elements for change are now in place, and with proper alignment and leveraging of forces, there is an enormous opportunity to have a significant impact on the way in which substance use disorders are perceived and managed in our society – especially among our kids.

Such systemic change can only be achieved through coordinated and multifaceted efforts. As we have learned from other previously stigmatized diseases, the role of advocacy in driving change is critical. By outlining the current state of our adolescent substance abuse treatment system, we can lay the framework for what needs to be done, and how we can come together as a community to address this growing crisis.

Paving the Way to Change: Advancing Quality Interventions for Adolescents Who Use, Abuse or Who are Dependent Upon Alcohol or Other Drugs, provides insight into the individual, societal and financial consequences of adolescent alcohol, drug use and other substance use disorders. It provides an overview of the current treatment system and an explanation of why it’s failing our kids. It provides a new opportunity and a clearer lens for viewing and ultimately treating adolescents, as well as how to approach financing the system.

Paving the Way to Change outlines the challenges that our field and our community must address to quell the tide of adolescent substance abuse in this country. The changes that are needed will not be simple. They will not be quick. They will require coordinated and effective advocacy efforts. But they will be worth it. I encourage you check out this report and share it with your friends and colleagues. The role of your advocacy is critical and it can drive needed change.

We, as advocates, have varied and powerful resources to bring to bear. We are researchers, families, legislators, people in recovery, clinicians, educators and friends. Together, we can create the change that is needed, and that will lead to important and sustained changes in the way care is delivered to adolescents and young adults who are at risk for, who have abused, and who are recovering from substance use.

Please tell us what you think. Please share this with your colleagues. Please prioritize collaboration. Together, we can shape the future of adolescent substance abuse prevention and treatment. Join our efforts.

Learn more about the Treatment Research Institute.

Kathleen Meyers, Ph.D. has more than 25 years of clinical research experience. She is a recognized leader in the assessment and treatment of adolescent substance use disorders (SUD), delinquency and co-morbidity and is the author of the Comprehensive Adolescent Severity Inventory (CASI), a multidimensional assessment instrument for youth with co-morbidity that is widely used throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. She has served on numerous expert panels sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), as well as on peer review, institutional review and editorial review boards. Dr. Meyers has published extensively, including as first author of an invited chapter for the Adolescent Mental Health Initiative’s Treating and Preventing Adolescent Mental Health Disorders: What We Know and What We Don’t Know (named the best book in clinical medicine by the Association of American Publishers). She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology & Statistics from Rutgers University, a Master of Science in Evaluation and Applied Research from Hahnemann University and a Doctorate degree in Educational Psychology from Temple University.