Getting the right help for the individual is essential to successfully treating addiction. Getting help for the family of the individual is also very important, and it is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. Everyone in a family suffers when a member has an addiction to substances. Help is out there, and below are some resources designed to treat the family members of addicts.

Spouses of Addicts

Oftentimes, spouses understand more than anybody about how an addict is suffering. Whether the couple had a healthy relationship before the addiction took over or not, the other adult in the household can see what both the addict and the family are sacrificing because of the addiction.
Al-Anon holds regular meetings throughout the country to encourage families of alcoholics to focus on their own peace of mind and strength. Nar-Anon, like Al-Anon, focuses on the Twelve Steps to healing for family members. Nar-Anon helps families of individuals addicted to narcotics, and it also holds free meetings throughout the country.

Co-Dependents Anonymous is another support group for spouses. Because of the stress that addiction can put on a couple, often the spouse of an addict develops an unhealthy co-dependence in an attempt to hold it all together. Co-Dependents Anonymous helps individuals to free themselves from destructive behavior and if possible live their lives with their spouse, but not dependent on them.

Parents of Addicts

Adolescents addicted to drugs pose a difficult problem. Being so young, it is important that the child and their family get help for the addiction right away so the teen can look forward to a life free from this suffering. Adolescents are usually still living in their parents’ homes and under their rules, so it is especially important for parents to be informed about the methods of treatment and ways to help their child when they are back home.

The Phoenix House is a New England-based coalition of professionals that work together to provide treatment for young addicts as well as counseling for the entire family. Parental involvement is key to these programs and education, activities, and therapy are provided for entire families.

Inspirations for Youth and Family is another organization that treats adolescents for drug and alcohol abuse. Families are also provided with therapy and activities that work toward the goal of reuniting the family.

Children of Addicts

Not to be overlooked, children in a family with addiction also suffer and should receive treatment. The Center on Addiction and the Family (COAF) offers a wide range of programs that help the whole family deal with addiction, some specifically geared toward children. Alateen offers meetings for teens of alcoholics, much like Al-Anon. Even though they might not have a very large voice when it comes to addiction in the family, children are very much in need of counseling or treatment as they suffer with a loved-one’s addiction.

Families have many options to getting treatment as they deal with an addict among them. It is important to reach out for help from professionals in order to free themselves from the addiction.

More Resources
http://www.treatmentsolutionsnetwork.com/families-addiction-treatment.html

drug addiction support groups

• Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.)
• Cocaine Anonymous (C.A.)
• Crystla Meth Anonymous (C.M.A.)
• Marijuana Anonymous (MA)

other addiction support resources

• Find an AA Meeting Near You
• AA Meetings Online
• Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
• Find an MA Meeting Near You
• Find an NA Meeting Near You
• Nicotine Anonymous
• Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

Families of drug or alcohol abusers go through a lot of painful feelings as they struggle with their loved ones’ addiction. Sometimes these family members are overlooked as help is being offered to the person with the drug or alcohol problem. New initiatives have been formed in recent years that focus on a family approach to addiction treatment, and it has proven to be a benefit to not only the addict, but also to his or her family as well. Support groups have also been organized that help family and friends deal with those with addictions.

Support for Spouses of Addicts

It has been said that alcoholism is a family disease, affecting the entire family. Perhaps spouses are the first to notice a problem with addiction, and their lives may change the most. A once-loving spouse and parent to their kids becomes withdrawn, depressed, unreliable, and hard to spend time with. It is very painful to watch someone you love wreck themselves over substances.

Support for Parents of Addicts

Parents go through much pain also as they watch a child struggle with addiction. Feelings of helplessness, failure, and embarrassment are common in these situations, and often parents question where they went wrong and don’t know how to fix it.

Support for Children of Addicts

Children, however, may often suffer the most. To not have the parent around to care for them properly or to spend time with them takes its toll on children. Abuse and neglect commonly go along with parents that do drugs or are alcoholics, and these kids suffer greatly. It is common for these kids to go on to abuse substances themselves one day.

Al-Anon

Because addiction has such a strong effect on the family of an addict, it is important for families to receive support themselves. Al-Anon and Alateen (for younger family members) offer help and hope to addicts’ families. Al-Anon holds regular meetings throughout the country for family members to share their experiences, learn from other people’s stories, and be encouraged to find their own strength and happiness.

Family Addiction Therapy

Many drug and alcohol treatment facilities also offer help to families and encourage family therapy. This offers benefits to family members, and it may improve treatment for the addict. Often, families can provide support and resources to help the addict live without the substance. Sometimes the family is even motivation for an abuser to succeed in treatment, such as a mother who works extra hard to overcome addiction in order to be with her children again.

For those family members suffering in silence while a loved-one abuses drugs or alcohol, there is help out there for both the addict and the family. It is important to encourage the addict to get treatment and counseling to overcome the addiction. It is also important for the family to seek counseling or treatment in order to move on with their lives. And even if the drug addict or alcoholic won’t free themselves from the substance, their family members can and should get help so they aren’t left suffering alone with the problem.

Sources
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/english.html

Holland, Ryan Substance abuse cuts wide, deep November 16, 2008

Addiction Treatment Should Include Family Therapy

A new study published November 5th in the Journal of the American Medical Association seems to show that addicted teens that are treated long-term with detoxification medications, including buprenorphine and naloxone, respond better than those treated for a short time. The drugs that were used in this study are two medications that were approved in 2002 by the FDA for the treatment of opioid addiction. Only about 7,000 physicians in the country are registered as potential providers of these drugs, and even less of that number will administer them to young people.

Opiate Detoxification Medications

Buprenorphine is a medication that significantly reduces the cravings of opioids. When combined with naloxone, an opioid antagonist, the results seem to be even better. Naloxone reduces or prevents the effects of drugs such as heroin or prescription painkillers, making them much less desirable to the addict. Naloxone also prevents the patient from misusing the buprenorphine combination because those that would try to inject the drug for a high (instead of taking it orally as prescribed) would suffer severe withdrawal symptoms.

While these medications have been used for adults in many instances, there has been little research on the effectiveness among young people addicted to opioids. The overall number of adolescents that abuse drugs has decreased since 2002, and while this is a very positive trend, the number of painkillers and opioids abused among teens has increased.

Study on Treating Adolescents

Dr. David A. Fiellin of the Yale University School of Medicine reports that as many as 10 percent of ninth graders have used opioids, and that 200,000 to 400,000 adolescents have abused some of these drugs. It seems that drugs are even more readily available to teens today than alcohol, as teens are able to order drugs online or steal them from their parents’ medicine cabinets. Often drug addiction starts as a fun thing that teens try, and ends up as a lifetime of dependence on the substance.

The study done by Dr. George Woody of the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Psychiatry is one of the first of its kind. As was reported this week, researchers found that those teens that were put on a buprenorphine/naloxone combination (Suboxone) for an extended period of time (12 weeks or longer) were more likely to stay opioid free than those only given the medication for a short period of time. When taken off the medication, the drug use went up. Even with detoxification and counseling, the individuals that were taken off the Suboxone were back to using drugs in a short period of time.
While more research needs to be done on this topic, it seems that Dr. Woody and his team of researchers have shown that Suboxone is an effective treatment in the addiction of opioids when used for an extended period of time. There are those that disagree with the use of drugs to treat drug addiction, but if it means these adolescents have a chance to continue their life free of opioid addiction, many think these more drastic measures are worth taking.

Sources

Reinberg, Steven Extended Therapy Helps Drug-Addicted Teens November 4, 2008

Carver, Alice Extended Therapy for Young Opioid Addicts Better than Short Term Detox, Study November 5, 2008

Opiate Detox

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

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

Monday September 22 is Family Day, a day set aside to remind parents to interact with their children in order to prevent drug and alcohol abuse in young people. While it may seem that as parents we shouldn’t need a reminder to engage our children, but according to statistics, we do. Many parents today rarely see their children because of busy work schedules or commitments. Children are also getting busier with school, sports, friends, and other extra curricular activities. Many families pass each other on the way to the shower in the morning, and that is it. Sometimes when parents and their teenage kids do end up talking, it becomes an argument and no meaningful conversation takes place.

We know we are busy, but what are the consequences of all that running around in the long run? Family relationships begin to decline, parents lose the ability to relate to their kids, and kids begin to turn to other things to keep themselves occupied. Drugs and alcohol easily make their way into young people’s lives when parents are no longer watching.

On Family Day, parents are encouraged to do one simple thing in order to curb drug and alcohol use by their children and teens: eat dinner with them. According to research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, children who have frequent family dinners are less likely to use drugs and alcohol. In fact, the report says that children who never eat dinner with their families are 61 percent more likely to start smoking or use illegal drugs, and that children who have infrequent family dinners (less than three per week) are two and a half times likelier to have used marijuana and tobacco.

This year CASA celebrates its eighth annual Family Day-A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children. Parents are encouraged to celebrate their family today, and sit down and have a meal together. President Bush, Governors of all 50 states, and more than 800 cities have given their support to Family Day. Celebrities, politicians, and businesspeople are all dedicating this day to family togetherness.

It seems so simple, eating dinner with your family to prevent your kids from trying drugs and alcohol. The truth is, the more time families spend eating dinner together, the more likely parents are to talk with their kids about issues important to them. By sitting down together at the dinner table, parents show their kids that they are available to them, that they care about them, and that their kids can come to them with questions or problems.

This is not an event that should take place only once a year. Families need to regularly eat dinner together or find time to spend together throughout the week. Family Day is just one way to get us off to the right start.

http://casafamilyday.org/familyday/

Press Release The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University Sept. 15, 2008

Sharp, Tammy Westerchil encourages City to celebrate Family Day Leesville Daily Leader September 21, 2008

Metro Drug Commission prepares for Family Day Sept. 22, 2008

Drug and alcohol abuse is a large problem for adults in our world today. But it is probably an even bigger problem for the children of today who are being raised by alcoholics or drug users. These children have to endure a family life that is often unpredictable and chaotic, which can lead to many problems later in life. To think that these children have their whole future ahead of them should cause much concern about how they are being raised today.

Family Life

Many parents that abuse drugs or alcohol will treat their families differently on different days, depending on their level of sobriety at the time. Often the mood swings and changes in parenting that these parents exhibit will confuse the child or make them insecure. Inconsistent care by a parent can lead to a child that either has to grow up quickly and assume adult responsibilities, or one that rebels and gives up trying to do well in school or life. Children in these homes need to constantly be prepared for a parent that is high or drunk, one that is irrational and unable to provide the care that a child needs.

Families that suffer with substance abuse are more at risk for domestic violence, mental illness, divorce, and sexual and physical abuse than other families. These issues are very detrimental and can lead to children with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Children in these situations may be withdrawn and have trouble bonding with others. Often they feel that the problems of the family are their fault or that it is their job to conceal the problem, and this can lead to low self esteem, lack of desire to perform well in school, or fear of failure. It would be difficult for these children to make friends because of the fear that someone in the outside world will find out about their secret, or will witness the chaos firsthand.

A vicious cycle

If a child is living with an alcoholic or drug user, the child is likely to develop a warped sense of normal when it comes to using these substances. They may know that their parent drinks too much, or does drugs, but over time, the child may not know what other families are like, or how many drinks a regular person is expected to have in a day. Children of alcoholics are 4 times more likely to become alcoholics themselves, which leads these families into a cycle that is hard to break. Fathers drink to deal with stress in their life, and when their children get older, they have learned that the way to handle stress is to drink.

Dealing with the issue

The good news is that children of alcoholics and drug abusers often develop an inner strength that helps them get through the tough times at home. With much love and encouragement from a sober parent, another relative, or even a social worker or teacher, these children can go on to live happy, successful lives. And of course, the best scenario is if the addict in the family receives treatment and overcomes the problem, and then the child can continue their life and work on a brighter future.

Sources

Treatment Improvement Protocols Substance Abuse Treatment and Family Therapy HSTAT

Fischer, Judith and Lyness, Kevin Families Coping With Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Children of Alcoholics: Important Facts at health.com

Phoenix House Center on Addiction and the Family (COAF)

If your child has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, you might be one of the many parents in the world today that are concerned with the medications that have been prescribed for your child. While there have been studies on the long term effects of medications prescribed for ADD or ADHD, such as Adderall or Ritalin, the conclusions from these studies have been conflicting.

In the past (before 2007), studies have suggested that these medications actually decrease a child’s chance for abusing drugs when they get to be adolescents. However, a study reported by Harvard researchers in March of 2008 shows that by adulthood, these individuals are neither more nor less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol than their non ADHD/ADD peers. The study also reports that children taking these medications are not likely to become addicted to the stimulants, which help them ease their restless brains. To sum it all up, these children are not supposed to be any more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol than those who haven’t taken these medications.

Not everyone would agree. Some would argue that individuals with ADHD often end up turning to addictive substances as they get older, in order to self-medicate and try to feel normal. Often ADHD sufferers experience restlessness, difficulty with organization, and shame over their condition. Sometimes their medications seem to lose their effectiveness over time. Sometimes drugs and alcohol help ease their symptoms at first, but then become addicting and binding.

As far as the addicting qualities of ADHD medications go, it is known that amphetamines (Adderall) may pose a risk for abuse if used for prolonged periods of time. However, many of the cases of addiction to ADHD medications seem to be the result of improper use or lack of education. If a child sees their doctor increasing the dose of their Adderall in order to make the child feel better, the child may then learn to self medicate and increase the dose by themselves in the future.

Don’t Wait

One thing that most experts do agree on is that the sooner a child is treated for ADHD, the better. Children suffering from ADHD that go untreated over time will be more likely to feel depressed, restless, and suicidal. The research is clear that medications such as Adderall and Ritalin are usually effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD. By successfully treating the symptoms, a child will be made to feel more normal, and the less likely they will need to self-medicate.

The best thing parents can do if their child has been diagnosed with ADHD or ADD is to follow the doctor’s advice and give the medication as directed. However, it is important for parents to be aware of the risks the treatment may pose. By watching their children for signs of depression, self-medicating, or substance abuse, parents can help their children avoid any harmful consequences, while easing their restless brain and helping them gain control of their lives.

Richardson, Wendy ADHD and Addiction adders.org

Coker, Matt Adderall Treats ADHD But Can Lead to Addiction. One Clinic Tries to Help OC Kick ‘College Crack’ August 28, 2008 OC Weekly News

Shulman, Matthew Ritalin and the Risk of Substance Abuse U.S. News and World Report March 3, 2008