This week is National Red Ribbon week, a time set aside for students to learn about the risks of drug and alcohol use. Created in the 1980’s, National Red Ribbon week began in order to create awareness in the U.S. of the dangers of substance abuse. It is known today that many violent acts are connected to substance abuse, and many people throughout the country are now working to stop that trend.

Red Ribbon Week History

In 1985 a Drug Enforcement Agent, Enrique Camarena was kidnapped and tortured because of his work against a Mexican drug operation. His community in California made a statement that year by wearing red ribbons while speaking out against illegal drugs. In 1987, Red Ribbon Week became a national campaign in order to educate others about the risks of drug and alcohol abuse.

Schools Take Part

Many schools across the country now observe Red Ribbon Week as a way to discourage students from using alcohol and drugs. Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) now helps out and sponsors many events in honor of this week. Ribbons are still worn, posters are made, fliers are handed out, and announcements are made at schools to create awareness for this week.

Schools use many activities to participate in this week, including pledges to be drug free, rallies, and special reminders for kids to stay away from drugs and alcohol. There are all sorts of ways schools and police departments can cleverly encourage kids to stay sober, including “fatal vision” goggles which simulate the disorientation of intoxication (1), or a “Too Cool for Drugs” day where kids are all encouraged to wear sunglasses to school (2). Still other schools choose to do a balloon release or bring in a guest speaker to motivate the youth.

Positive Peer Pressure

In a time when peer pressure can be very destructive to our students, it is important for kids to encourage each other to make the commitment to stay away from drugs and alcohol. If young people see that so many of their friends don’t use substances like drugs or alcohol, it will be easier for the individual teen to “just say no”.

With the rates of students becoming involved with drug and alcohol use at a high level, it is encouraging to see schools and student groups that are working to curb substance abuse among teens. Groups like SADD are nationally known for the positive influence they are providing for so many young people. Sometimes the message sounds different when it comes from a peer, rather than an adult who is constantly telling kids what not to do. When kids support each other and encourage healthy behavior among themselves, the results can sometimes be greater.

Sources
1) Jensen, Brenda Students Learn About Substance Abuse 10-28-2008 http://www.richmond-dailynews.com/news.php?id=2153

2) Richardson, Hamilton Well-known speaker kicks off Red Ribbon Week October 28, 2008 http://www.prattvilleprogress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081025/PROGRESS01/810250312/1041

3) Haas, Harrison Weeklong observance targets substance abuse October 28, 2008
http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081028/GJNEWS02/710281781/-1/CitNEWS

We know that substance abuse can affect people of every background and history. Perhaps the picture that comes to mind is that of a homeless drug addict, living on the streets, selling everything they have in order to get their next high. Or those that sell drugs to other people, including children, to support their habit. We know all about the trend for young people to try drugs to be cool, or certain lifestyles where drugs seem commonplace or even expected.

The Unexpected Substance Abuser

But lately new pictures may also come to some people’s minds. These drug addicts may be a little more surprising to some: the affluent housewife who orders her prescription drugs online to support her addiction, the office professional that has been hiding his drug addiction for years, the police officer in the local town.

Public Opinion

Drug abuse affects millions of people each year. In our country there is a stigma about drug abuse, and (perhaps for good reason) many people, especially those that don’t fit the typical drug addict role, spend their lives hiding the addiction. Admitting that there is a problem is embarrassing, and getting treatment for the drug addiction would disrupt their world. More and more today, however, groups are being organized to support these individuals that are struggling with addiction, as well as their families. It is important for them to see that they are not alone, and that substance abuse treatment can give them a new life.

Public Safety Officers

One group of people getting help for drug addiction is that of public safety officers, including police officers, firefighters, and EMT workers. These workers typically sacrifice much for others while performing their jobs, and many are seen as heroes to those they help. So when the pressure of a stressful job leaves these public safety officers turning to drugs or alcohol to ease their mind, it becomes hard for them to admit they have an addiction.

Getting Help

These professionals need help for their addictions just like everyone else does. It is important for more of these public officers who have struggled with drug addiction to come forward and tell their story, and encourage others to get help. Statistics on substance abuse among this group are hard to find, since many public officers suffering with addiction do so in silence. They need to be encouraged to find a substance abuse treatment facility that gives them the help they need.

Perhaps more should also be done to prevent drug abuse among professions that are full of trauma and stress. Counseling should be made available to help officers deal with particularly disturbing traumas. Support groups can be set up for public safety officers to discuss how the difficulties of their job are affecting them. Leniency can be granted to allow time off for mental health evaluation and substance abuse treatment. And in general, the public needs to have an understanding of those suffering from substance abuse, even if it is someone unexpected.

Sources

Substance Abuse Among Healthcare Professionals

Cross, Chad and Ashley, Larry Police Trauma and Addiction Coping with the Dangers of the Job

http://www.cophealth.com/index.html

Most people view police officers, firefighters, and EMT workers as those people that have it together and help others out with their problems. But what happens when it’s the police officer or firefighter that is suffering and in need of help? Public safety workers are constantly dealing with trauma and seeing things that most people don’t have to deal with, and while they are trained for such work, sometimes tragedies become too much to handle.

9/11 and PTSD

A study done after 9/11 showed that one in eight rescue and recovery workers at the World Trade Center suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that is generally caused by experiences of fear or terror. Anxiety is often associated with this disorder, and the cause can be any kind of trauma, such as war, accident, or personal injury. Many people who suffer from it develop family and work problems because of their fear, anxiety, trouble sleeping, emotional stress, and flashbacks. Drug and alcohol abuse are also common results of PTSD.

During the rescue and recovery of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, public safety officers encountered awful sights as they cleared up the wreckage and bodies of victims, including many of their colleagues. It may be natural to think that seeing those sights would cause someone to be filled with anxiety afterward, and turn to alcohol and drugs.

All part of the job?

While 9/11 was the most troubling task rescue workers have had to endure in our country, public safety officers face life-changing trauma every day. Firefighters are constantly putting themselves in danger; many times fearing they will not make it out alive. Police officers have to deal with the bad things people do, and the results of their horrific crimes. EMT workers see and treat injuries and attempt to save lives destroyed by accidents or trauma. Sometimes it is the stress of a few incidents that builds up over time, sometimes it is one tragic or scary event, but public safety officers are at risk for mental disorders such as PTSD, as well as substance abuse.

Bring it into the open

There are things we can do to help our public safety officers, the main one being to shed a light on the subject of mental illness and substance abuse. Since these workers are viewed as being the country’s rescuers and protectors, there is a feeling of pride associated with the job. To admit that there is a problem can be a difficult thing to do. Many workers suffer in silence today, when help can actually be very effective.

Getting help

Help is out there. Once the problem has been identified, PTSD can be treated with intense therapy and sometimes medication. The more time that passes before treatment begins, the worse the effects of the disorder will be. Anxiety will increase, depression could occur, and the risks of substance abuse increase. By talking about PTSD and the fact that real people suffer from it, we can encourage others to get treatment for PTSD.

Sources
Stress Disorder.” ScienceDaily 30 August 2007

McCooey, Paula Firefighter reveals pain to help save others The Ottawa Citizen October 6, 2008

Former firefighter fights mental health stigma Sept. 30, 2008

public saftey, addiction treatment, mental health

Countless studies have been done relating to drug and alcohol abuse and its treatment. However, every once in a while a study is done that seems to elude to some new substance addiction treatment, but for whatever reason there is little follow-through, and the results go unnoticed. Without subsequent studies, it is hard to say if the original scientist was on to something or not.

Perhaps one example is a study done last year by Steven LaRowe, from the Medical University of South Carolina, which showed that cocaine addicts that were given an amino acid, NAC, had a significant decrease in their desire to use cocaine. However, since that time, there have not been any subsequent studies about amino acids and drug addiction.

Drug Addiction and the Brain

The background for LaRowe’s study has to do with the effects of food on drug addiction. When an individual uses drugs like cocaine, the drugs interfere with the brain’s normal signals for things such as pleasure and relaxation. Some drugs mimic the brain’s neurotransmitters, while others increase the signals, all of which cause the body to stop sending the signal on its own. When this happens, a person’s body needs the drugs in order to carry out the signals, and addiction has resulted.

Food and Neurotransmitters

A new theory is out there because of research like LaRowe’s, which says that diet may be able to play a part in drug rehabilitation. The human body turns amino acids found in certain foods into the neurotransmitters needed to send signals in the brain. One amino acid is N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which is found in nuts and seeds and was studied by LaRowe and his colleagues. A second one is tryptophan, which is found in meat, brown rice, fish, and milk. Other studies have shown that increasing these amino acids can promote relaxation and reduce depression.

Drugs and Food

Because drugs target the same signal-sending molecules as some foods, it has been suggested that by increasing these foods in the diet of a drug addict, we should be able to reduce their addiction. It is thought that in some cases the amino acids in the foods will allow the body to send its own signals again, thus reducing the craving for the drugs, while others will give the individual a more positive outlook on their life as they break from the drug abuse. Some are suggesting that food could reduce drug withdrawal symptoms including depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness, which would give the addict a boost in breaking the habit.

More Research

As is often the case, while these ideas may appear to be scientifically sound, they have not been explored in depth. Last week, Food for the Brain organized a conference in London centered on the use of dietary changes to treat drug addiction. Perhaps this topic will now be in the forefront of research, and some much needed studies will be done to either develop this idea, or explain why it may or may not be feasible.

Sources

Treatment on a plate. A dietary approach to treating addiction seems worth investigating Oct 16th
A look at substance abuse, awareness, treatment and recovery in Emery County October 14, 2008
LaRowe, Steven Is Cocaine Desire Reduced by N-Acetylcysteine? 2007 American Journal of Psychiatry
Ross, Julia The Role of Diet in Mental Health Excerpted from The Diet Cure

food, addiction treatment, studies. addiction, drug abuse

Of all the illegal drugs in our country, perhaps none is as well-known for its addiction and harmful effects on the user’s life as cocaine. According to a 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 35.3 million Americans aged 12 and older reported having used cocaine, and 8.5 million reported having used crack cocaine. There were an estimated 977,000 new users of cocaine in 2006—most were 18 or older when they first used cocaine. (1)

Cocaine addiction

Cocaine is a derivative of the leaves of the coca plant, which is either snorted, dissolved in water and injected, or smoked. While under the influence of cocaine, the user develops a “high”, which increases mental alertness and reduces fatigue. This high only lasts for a short time, and after as little as 5-15 minutes, the user may feel the need to administer the drug again in order to maintain the high feeling. In fact, this is one reason why cocaine is so addictive – the user is constantly trying to maintain that great feeling of euphoria.

Cocaine causes a high by increasing the level of dopamine in the brain, which in humans signals something pleasurable. In healthy people this signal is shut off after a short time, but in cocaine addicts, the dopamine is kept from being recycled and large amounts of it build up in the brain, causing the high. Tolerance to the high of dopamine is likely to occur, and more cocaine is needed to feel the good feeling. After a short time, the user is addicted and may need cocaine detox.

Cocaine’s Effects

Cocaine has many detrimental effects on the body, including headache, nausea, increased heart rate and blood pressure, decreased appetite, and problems with nosebleeds or with swallowing. Cocaine addicts are more likely to be irritable without their high, and suffer from anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations. Other serious risks are heart attack, stroke, respiratory arrest, and seizure.

Predisposition to addiction

A study done by Hans Breiter and his colleagues from Massachusetts General Hospital (2) found that in cocaine addicts, the area of the brain that deals with decision making and preference is actually altered with cocaine use. The thinning that occurs in this region of the brain may explain why cocaine users become so addicted; their brain no longer cares about things other than the drug, and they aren’t able to make coherent decisions to stay away from the drug.

This study also found, however, that in drug abusers the overall thickness in the brain is more uniform than in non-drug users. Because this symmetry of thickness does not seem to be a result of drug use, researchers are beginning to think that some people have a predisposition to drug use.

Whatever the cause of addiction to cocaine, it is a disease. If you or someone you know is addicted to cocaine, it is important to get help right away. The risks of using cocaine make it a very unsafe drug, and many people have died suddenly from its effects. Find a drug treatment center to help deal with the addiction.

Sources
(1) Cocaine: Abuse With Alcohol Increases Deadliness 9/22/2008

(2) Thinner Cortex In Cocaine Addicts May Reflect Drug Use And A Pre-existing Disposition To Drug Abuse ScienceDaily Oct. 13, 2008

Cocaine and the Brain Ivanhoe Newswire Oct. 10, 2008

As parents, we know it is our duty to keep our kids safe. Safe from mean kids, or bad teachers, or harmful relationships, or drugs or alcohol. We know some kids at school might be bad influences on our child, and we get that we should warn our kids about the drug dealers and strangers on the street. But are you aware of the risks your adolescent faces every time they start up their computer in your own home?

The age of technology

A new Nielsen Online study, conducted on behalf of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), measured the online viewing habits of teens, and tracked their exposure to drug-related content. The findings reveal that one in 20 teens who are viewing online videos watched one or more drug-related videos during a one-month period. The analysis found that more than a third of those viewing drug-related content are under the age of 16 (1).

Kids today have more access to drugs through technology than ever before. The Internet has countless sites that promote drug and alcohol use, that tell kids how to get away with using drugs, and that sell prescription drugs without any regulation. Some sites today even teach kids how to make their own drugs, or how to beat a drug test.

New Legislation

Legislation was approved by Congress last month that would regulate more closely how internet companies sell prescription drugs online. According to this legislation, no company would be able to sell prescription medication without a valid prescription from a doctor that has actually seen the patient.

While this might help with the illegal selling of prescription drugs, there are still all the other sites on the Internet that provide kids with bad information about drugs. The bottom line is that there are many people out there that prey on young people, and are willing to illegally sell them drugs, or give them information that will cause them to experiment with drugs.

Parents’ Job

Parents need to become more informed about their children’s technology usage. It’s not just computers that are the problem, either. Other forms of communication; cell phones, blackberries, and social networking sites, can all be means of easy communication about drugs. Often the information being shared has a message about teen drug abuse that may wrongly teach kids that “everyone is doing it.”

Many parents either don’t know how to use the newest technology, or don’t understand the lingo that kids code their private messages in to make them seem like innocent conversations. Parents need to spend some time on the Internet themselves, checking up on the sites their kids are visiting, and learning about the social networking sites their kids have profiles on. Rules need to be established about what their kids can and cannot do on the Internet, and (as always) be aware of who your child is communicating with, and what they are doing with their free time. It is important that you are aware of some of the many risk factors of teen drug abuse as well.

(1) White House Drug Czar Alerts Parents to Threat of Online Exposure, Calls for Stronger Monitoring Oct. 7, 2008

Rubenstein, Sarah New Bill Targets Rogue Druggists on the Internet Oct. 9, 2008

Fletcher Stoeltje, Melissa Dealing with teen drug use 10/6/08

http://www.theantidrug.com/

Every parent is bound to think about the risk of drug or alcohol abuse among teens as their child gets older. Some parents don’t become aware that their child has been experimenting with drugs until it’s too late. Other parents are alerted earlier, or have a child that doesn’t hide their drug use as easily. But being aware of the risks your teen faces, as well as the warning signs of drug and alcohol abuse, parents may be able to prevent their child from a life of addiction.

Risks Factors of Teen Drug Abuse

Adolescents today are bombarded by drug and alcohol use at school, with friends, and even at home. There are many kids in school that provide each other with information about drugs, or encourage their friends to use drugs or alcohol. Then there are those kids who do drugs themselves or sell them to their classmates. And it seems that countless teenagers are listening to music or watching movies or videos that glorify drug use. Internet sites also pose a big problem for teens and adolescents today, providing them with information about drugs, or even selling them the drugs. With all the exposure to drugs that many teens face, it’s not surprising that adolescent drug abuse is such a problem.

There are groups of youth that are more at risk to use drugs or alcohol. Kids that have a hard home life are more likely to get involved with substance abuse to ease their problems. Parents that do drugs or are alcoholics themselves are more likely to raise children who try drugs or alcohol, and abuse of any kind will increase the risk of an adolescent trying drugs.

Warning Signs of Adolescent Drug Use

So what can you do if you suspect that your adolescent is trying drugs or alcohol? Experts say to go with your gut instinct. Don’t wait for the problem to explode in your face, but rather watch for warning signs ahead of time. Teenagers that are using drugs will often start having problems with schoolwork and grades. Teens will become more private, especially about their belongings and bedroom. Changes in who they are hanging around with will be common, and conversations will become more secretive with those new friends. Kids will try to hide the smell of chemicals or smoke by using air fresheners, incense, or mouthwashes. Red flags that should immediately alert you that your child is doing something they shouldn’t include missing money or missing prescription drugs from your possession, and finding drug paraphernalia among your child’s belongings.

There are many adolescent drug treatment facilities out there, and by stopping the problem before it gets too large to handle will aid in the recovery process. Be aware of what your teen children are doing with their time, who they are hanging around with, and what they are doing with the internet and other technologies. Don’t be afraid to set regulations with your child, and expect them to be followed. Being an involved parent is the best way for you to prevent drug and alcohol use by your teen.

Fletcher Stoeltje, Melissa Dealing with teen drug use 10/6/08

http://www.theantidrug.com/

Mapp, Marqui Combating teen drug abuse October 01, 2008

How would you feel if your insurance provider told you that the doctors’ visits and treatment costs for your illness were not going to be covered, or that you would have to pay a high deductible? Many people in our country are being told just that, and the reason is that the illness they have is substance abuse. There has long been a view in the world that substance abuse is a choice, or a character flaw, not a mental illness. Things are changing, however, and more and more research is being done on the complexities of the brain and its reaction to substance abuse. People today are beginning to see that while substance use might start as a decision to try something new, it quickly becomes an addiction that can’t be controlled.

Congress approves Mental Health Parity Act

Congress approved legislation last week that would change the way insurance providers handle claims for mental illness and substance abuse. The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 provides “equity in the coverage of mental health and substance use disorders by ensuring that group health care plans do not charge higher co-payments, coinsurance, deductibles, and impose maximum out-of-pocket limits and lower day and visit limits.” Supporters of this measure include many in the House and Senate, businesses, insurance companies, and physicians. However, a few questions remained and until last week, it was uncertain whether or not the bill would pass before Congress went into recess this year. By attaching it to the Wall Street bailout bill, however, Congress was able to pass it quickly.

Help is needed

Help can’t come soon enough for many Americans struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, mental illness is the leading cause, and substance use is the second leading cause, of disability among adults. Many of these adults are not getting the help they need to recover from their mental illness, and often it is because of the high cost of treatment. Another reason is fear of discrimination from their employer if they do seek treatment.

Equal Coverage for an epidemic

With legislation such as the Mental Health Parity Act, those with a substance abuse disorder can be reassured that their insurers will not be able to set a cap on healthcare coverage for mental illness or substance abuse that isn’t set for other illnesses.

In order to deal with the epidemic of substance abuse, we need more good addiction treatment facilities, more affordable health care to addicts, and more support behind families dealing with substance abuse. Through the passage of this bill, those with addiction should be encouraged to move forward and seek treatment, so that we can work toward decreasing the incidence of drug and alcohol abuse.

Sources

Congresswoman Shea-Porter Hails Passage of Mental Health Parity Act September 24, 2008

Many State Reform Initiatives Are Neglecting Mental Illness, Says Study July 08, 2008

Layton, Lyndsey Congress Approves Mental Health Bill Private Insurers Would Provide More Benefits Sept. 24, 2008

Ault, Alicia Equal Coverage For Mental Health?
Many States Require Parity, and Congress May Order It Nationwide November 6, 2007

Curley, Bob Congress, Bush Approve Addiction and Mental Health Parity Legislation October 3, 2008

Every year the PRISM Awards recognize the accurate depiction of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use and addiction in film, television, interactive, music, DVD, and comic book entertainment. Presented by the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC), the PRISM Awards have been televised nationally since 1997. Winners are selected by members of the creative community as well as scientific experts. Criteria include entertainment value, accessibility of the message, and scientific accuracy. Judged in different categories of production, winners are recognized for their entertainment, as well as their real portrayal of substance abuse.

Past films such as Walk the Line, Ray, City of God, Skins, Blow, and Traffic, have been nominated for PRISM Awards. Nominees of the TV series category include Monk, The Office, “Pinky and the Brain” ER, and Boston Legal. This year’s awards for TV series include The Sopranos and The View.

Actors are also recognized with PRISM Awards for their portrayal of substance abuse and mental illness. These actors use their performances to educate others about the real life challenges of individuals and families dealing with these issues. Winners this year in this category include: Casey Affleck (Gone Baby Gone), Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters), Hugh Laurie (House), and James Denton and Andrea Bowen (Desperate Housewives). Winners and nominees for the PRISM Awards are listed on the PRISM Awards website: http://www.prismawards.com/winners/

The EIC works with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and television networks to present the PRISM Awards. Founded in 1983, the EIC is a non-profit organization that works to promote the accurate portrayal of health and social issues in entertainment. The EIC in general supports the depiction of negative consequences of drug and alcohol abuse and substance dependence. Through the PRISM Awards, the EIC is able to encourage film and television producers to educate the public about these social issues, while still providing interesting entertainment.

This year’s awards took place on September 27th and were hosted by Nancy O’Dell. A featured speaker at the event was Brigitte Nielsen, who has struggled with alcoholism and the recovery from it. Having been through it first-hand, speakers like Brigitte are doing their part to bring the issue of Alcohol and Drug addiction to light. According to Nielson, the EIC, and many others, it is important for people to learn more about substance abuse and mental health issues and to be encouraged to get help for these problems. “It’s so important to communicate to our society and to our youth how important your health is, and to understand that this is a sickness….Not only is it the addict’s problem to reach out and get help, it’s the friends and family’s responsibility to reach out to stop the destruction,” says Brigitte. Together, the EIC and the entertainment industry are working to spotlight these issues, and to make a difference.

Kristine, Diane Brigitte Nielsen Helps PRISM Awards Illuminate Substance Abuse Issues September 27, 2008

http://prismawards.com/about/