In the sixties, seventies and eighties, it was not unusual for the news to announce another death of a rock star or actor. Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, Jimmy Hendrix, Nick Adams, John Belushi, Judy Garland, Andy Gibbs, Ricky Nelson, Elvis, Jim Morrison and Marilyn Monroe are just a few. These icons are still celebrated and the mourning still strikes me as wasted energy.
Society has a new twist on the overdose. These are occurring with the use of prescription drugs. The list is growing. Heath Ledger,Anna Nicole Smith and her son, and now allegedly Brittany Murphy. Remember we can't count icon Michael Jackson. He was taking lots of prescription drugs but his death is listed as a homicide, seemingly by his doctor.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Well, perhaps this is a start....
Drugmakers, FDA move to curb painkiller abuse
WASHINGTON — Pharmaceutical executives are laying out plans to prevent the misuse of prescription painkillers, under pressure from regulators trying to prevent hundreds of fatal overdoses each year.
Johnson & Johnson, King Pharmaceuticals and other drugmakers want to use patient medication guides, letters to doctors and additional physician training to curb inappropriate use and prescribing of painkillers.
The Food and Drug Administration sent letters to 16 drugmakers in February ordering them to design so-called risk management plans for their drugs. The companies are now presenting their joint proposal to the agency.
The companies produce 24 opioid drugs — including morphine, oxycodone and methadone — which are often abused for their euphoric effect.
I guess this is a start in the right direction but I am not getting how people who take these drugs do not realize at the start that they are addictive. I am not sure the individuals who are told by their doctors (they are, aren't they?) and their pharmacists (mine does) that they are addictive would stop and read a letter. Plus the kids who are stealing these because they want the mind alternating experiences and release, are they going to read these letters? I think not.
WASHINGTON — Pharmaceutical executives are laying out plans to prevent the misuse of prescription painkillers, under pressure from regulators trying to prevent hundreds of fatal overdoses each year.
Johnson & Johnson, King Pharmaceuticals and other drugmakers want to use patient medication guides, letters to doctors and additional physician training to curb inappropriate use and prescribing of painkillers.
The Food and Drug Administration sent letters to 16 drugmakers in February ordering them to design so-called risk management plans for their drugs. The companies are now presenting their joint proposal to the agency.
The companies produce 24 opioid drugs — including morphine, oxycodone and methadone — which are often abused for their euphoric effect.
I guess this is a start in the right direction but I am not getting how people who take these drugs do not realize at the start that they are addictive. I am not sure the individuals who are told by their doctors (they are, aren't they?) and their pharmacists (mine does) that they are addictive would stop and read a letter. Plus the kids who are stealing these because they want the mind alternating experiences and release, are they going to read these letters? I think not.
Courson Perspective Ever Fresh for Doping in NFL, Culture
Interesting perspective from an older man that experienced the intrusion of Perscription drugs in his life. It could serve to be a good FYI for today's high school teens.
Courson Perspective Ever Fresh for Doping in NFL, Culture
Courson Perspective Ever Fresh for Doping in NFL, Culture
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Women and Children in Jeopardy
I am not sure how we can let this happen. The spiral of so many things start in abusive
situations. If we do not stop the beginning of the spiral we will never catch up with the problems.
11/29/09 7:52 AM
Shelters for women in jeopardy | The Columbus Dispatch
Page 1 of 3
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/26/DV_Shelter.ART_ART_11-26-09_B1_ALFQANV.html
COURTNEY
HERGESHEIMER | DISPATCH
Jennifer and her children spent
six months at New Directions,
a Mount Vernon domestic-
violence shelter.
|
Shelters for women in jeopardy
Lack of steady revenue menaces homes for battered women
Thursday, November 26, 2009 3:26 AM
BY JILL RIEPENHOFF
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
A shelter for battered women in Knox County turned away 25
abuse victims a month last year.
There wasn't enough room at New Directions.
For those women -- many with children -- the best the shelter
could offer was money to cover a night or two in a motel. With
nowhere else to go, most returned to their abusive homes.
Knox County, about an hour northeast of Columbus, is not an
anomaly. On one day last fall, domestic-violence shelters across
Ohio turned away a total of 58 victims because they didn't have
room.
Advocates worry that the demand will worsen because Ohio's 72
shelters don't have enough money to meet victims' needs. Some
teeter on extinction.
Unlike domestic-violence shelters in half of the other states,
Ohio's are not funded by the state or through court fees and fines.
Their income is from a mix of federal and private sources --
money that is dwindling in the flagging economy.
The Dispatch analyzed federal tax returns from 45 nonprofit
domestic-violence shelters in the state and, after adjusting for
inflation, found that:
• More than a third of the shelters are bringing in less money than
they did five years ago. Among those is Choices, the only
domestic-violence shelter in Franklin County. Its revenue has
declined 14 percent in that time.
11/29/09 7:52 AM
Shelters for women in jeopardy | The Columbus Dispatch
Page 2 of 3
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/26/DV_Shelter.ART_ART_11-26-09_B1_ALFQANV.html
|
• More than a third posted deficits on their most-recently filed tax
return, including seven of the 11 shelters in central Ohio.
• Of the shelters that ended the year in the red, the median
amount of reserves was about $32,000. In central Ohio, the median amount of reserves was less
than $8,000.
• The median increase in revenue in the past five years was 8 percent, while expenses remained
relatively unchanged.
The financial data, however, don't show the real story, said Nancy Neylon, executive director of the
Ohio Domestic Violence Network.
Shelters across the state have laid off or furloughed workers to try to make ends meet. Some no
longer have 24-hour staffing. Some employees are volunteering to staff the crisis hot lines;
otherwise, there would be no one to answer a call from a victim in trouble.
"Without a solution, a number of them will close within the next three years," Neylon said.
The situation troubles Gov. Ted Strickland.
"There are many social needs that are going without the level of resources they need or even that
they had in the past. In part, it's a result of the economy," Strickland said. "It's a troubling thing.
Sometimes, these shelters are the only real way these victims can be kept safe, because if the
aggressor knows the whereabouts, it can be dangerous to them and the children."
Thirteen years ago, a task force assembled by Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer
studied Ohio's response to domestic violence and found problems with funding for programs.
The task force recommended that legislators mandate court fines for convicted batterers and
allocate the money to domestic-violence programs. The suggestion fell on deaf ears.
Ohio's shelters rely on fees from marriage and divorce licenses. It's been one of their largest
revenue streams.
However, the state's population is stagnant, limiting fee revenue from marriages and breakups. The
state's population also is shifting: A shelter in Cleveland has lost $100,000 because of the exodus
from Cuyahoga County, Neylon said.
Other funding comes from federal grants and the United Way, both of which have reduced support.
And Bernie Madoff, the New York investor who swindled numerous people out of billions in a years-
long Ponzi scheme, has done significant damage. Many foundations that made huge financial
contributions to social- service agencies shut down after losing all their money to Madoff. Domestic-
violence shelters across the country suffered as a result, said Nancy Grigsby, economic-
empowerment director for the Ohio Domestic Violence Network.
"It's fair to ask shelters to go out and raise money, but they need a base," Grigsby said. "It's a long-
standing problem that (state legislators) haven't invested in domestic-violence services in this
state."
11/29/09 7:52 AM
Shelters for women in jeopardy | The Columbus Dispatch
Page 3 of 3
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/26/DV_Shelter.ART_ART_11-26-09_B1_ALFQANV.html
©2009, The Columbus Dispatch, Reproduction prohibited
The demand for help continues to climb. In 2006, Ohio domestic-violence programs helped nearly
1,700 victims. In 2008, that number topped 2,100, an increase of almost 30 percent. Calls to crisis
hot lines increased 20 percent.
In March, Neylon's organization surveyed 30 domestic-violence programs in Ohio and discovered
the financial situation was even bleaker: Nearly two-thirds projected a year-end deficit, twice as
many as last year. More than half the programs received less private money. More than 40 percent
laid off employees. And more than a third cut services.
At the shelter in Knox County, executive director Mary Hendrickson is trying to figure out how to
make ends meet for the next few years. Her shelter already is too small to meet the demand. She
can house two families at a time. By comparison, CHOICES in Franklin County can take up to 30
victims.
This year, Hendrickson has eliminated one position. She fears another will be lost because it was
funded with federal stimulus money.
She is looking for new ways to raise money, including hosting a golf outing that could add as much
as $5,500 to New Directions' $440,000 budget.
"We have to be creative," she said. "One of our board members ... is exploring converting the
second floor of her old home into a shelter."
Hendrickson knows that providing a haven helps victims escape. Two-thirds of the victims who have
stayed at New Directions were able to leave their abusers for good.
Jennifer is one of them. She and her five children lived at the shelter for six months after her
husband transferred his long-standing rage from his wife to his daughter.
"I'd be back with him if I didn't stay here," said the 37-year-old woman, who asked that her full
name not be publicized out of fear for her safety. "We all got counseling. My kids are more
affectionate now. They talk to me more. They want to sit on the couch and snuggle."
Last winter, Jennifer moved her family into its own place. She is working on a degree in nursing.
She'll graduate next fall, almost two years after moving into New Directions.
jriepenhoff@dispatch.com
situations. If we do not stop the beginning of the spiral we will never catch up with the problems.
11/29/09 7:52 AM
Shelters for women in jeopardy | The Columbus Dispatch
Page 1 of 3
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/26/DV_Shelter.ART_ART_11-26-09_B1_ALFQANV.html
COURTNEY
HERGESHEIMER | DISPATCH
Jennifer and her children spent
six months at New Directions,
a Mount Vernon domestic-
violence shelter.
|
Shelters for women in jeopardy
Lack of steady revenue menaces homes for battered women
Thursday, November 26, 2009 3:26 AM
BY JILL RIEPENHOFF
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
A shelter for battered women in Knox County turned away 25
abuse victims a month last year.
There wasn't enough room at New Directions.
For those women -- many with children -- the best the shelter
could offer was money to cover a night or two in a motel. With
nowhere else to go, most returned to their abusive homes.
Knox County, about an hour northeast of Columbus, is not an
anomaly. On one day last fall, domestic-violence shelters across
Ohio turned away a total of 58 victims because they didn't have
room.
Advocates worry that the demand will worsen because Ohio's 72
shelters don't have enough money to meet victims' needs. Some
teeter on extinction.
Unlike domestic-violence shelters in half of the other states,
Ohio's are not funded by the state or through court fees and fines.
Their income is from a mix of federal and private sources --
money that is dwindling in the flagging economy.
The Dispatch analyzed federal tax returns from 45 nonprofit
domestic-violence shelters in the state and, after adjusting for
inflation, found that:
• More than a third of the shelters are bringing in less money than
they did five years ago. Among those is Choices, the only
domestic-violence shelter in Franklin County. Its revenue has
declined 14 percent in that time.
11/29/09 7:52 AM
Shelters for women in jeopardy | The Columbus Dispatch
Page 2 of 3
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/26/DV_Shelter.ART_ART_11-26-09_B1_ALFQANV.html
|
• More than a third posted deficits on their most-recently filed tax
return, including seven of the 11 shelters in central Ohio.
• Of the shelters that ended the year in the red, the median
amount of reserves was about $32,000. In central Ohio, the median amount of reserves was less
than $8,000.
• The median increase in revenue in the past five years was 8 percent, while expenses remained
relatively unchanged.
The financial data, however, don't show the real story, said Nancy Neylon, executive director of the
Ohio Domestic Violence Network.
Shelters across the state have laid off or furloughed workers to try to make ends meet. Some no
longer have 24-hour staffing. Some employees are volunteering to staff the crisis hot lines;
otherwise, there would be no one to answer a call from a victim in trouble.
"Without a solution, a number of them will close within the next three years," Neylon said.
The situation troubles Gov. Ted Strickland.
"There are many social needs that are going without the level of resources they need or even that
they had in the past. In part, it's a result of the economy," Strickland said. "It's a troubling thing.
Sometimes, these shelters are the only real way these victims can be kept safe, because if the
aggressor knows the whereabouts, it can be dangerous to them and the children."
Thirteen years ago, a task force assembled by Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer
studied Ohio's response to domestic violence and found problems with funding for programs.
The task force recommended that legislators mandate court fines for convicted batterers and
allocate the money to domestic-violence programs. The suggestion fell on deaf ears.
Ohio's shelters rely on fees from marriage and divorce licenses. It's been one of their largest
revenue streams.
However, the state's population is stagnant, limiting fee revenue from marriages and breakups. The
state's population also is shifting: A shelter in Cleveland has lost $100,000 because of the exodus
from Cuyahoga County, Neylon said.
Other funding comes from federal grants and the United Way, both of which have reduced support.
And Bernie Madoff, the New York investor who swindled numerous people out of billions in a years-
long Ponzi scheme, has done significant damage. Many foundations that made huge financial
contributions to social- service agencies shut down after losing all their money to Madoff. Domestic-
violence shelters across the country suffered as a result, said Nancy Grigsby, economic-
empowerment director for the Ohio Domestic Violence Network.
"It's fair to ask shelters to go out and raise money, but they need a base," Grigsby said. "It's a long-
standing problem that (state legislators) haven't invested in domestic-violence services in this
state."
11/29/09 7:52 AM
Shelters for women in jeopardy | The Columbus Dispatch
Page 3 of 3
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/26/DV_Shelter.ART_ART_11-26-09_B1_ALFQANV.html
©2009, The Columbus Dispatch, Reproduction prohibited
The demand for help continues to climb. In 2006, Ohio domestic-violence programs helped nearly
1,700 victims. In 2008, that number topped 2,100, an increase of almost 30 percent. Calls to crisis
hot lines increased 20 percent.
In March, Neylon's organization surveyed 30 domestic-violence programs in Ohio and discovered
the financial situation was even bleaker: Nearly two-thirds projected a year-end deficit, twice as
many as last year. More than half the programs received less private money. More than 40 percent
laid off employees. And more than a third cut services.
At the shelter in Knox County, executive director Mary Hendrickson is trying to figure out how to
make ends meet for the next few years. Her shelter already is too small to meet the demand. She
can house two families at a time. By comparison, CHOICES in Franklin County can take up to 30
victims.
This year, Hendrickson has eliminated one position. She fears another will be lost because it was
funded with federal stimulus money.
She is looking for new ways to raise money, including hosting a golf outing that could add as much
as $5,500 to New Directions' $440,000 budget.
"We have to be creative," she said. "One of our board members ... is exploring converting the
second floor of her old home into a shelter."
Hendrickson knows that providing a haven helps victims escape. Two-thirds of the victims who have
stayed at New Directions were able to leave their abusers for good.
Jennifer is one of them. She and her five children lived at the shelter for six months after her
husband transferred his long-standing rage from his wife to his daughter.
"I'd be back with him if I didn't stay here," said the 37-year-old woman, who asked that her full
name not be publicized out of fear for her safety. "We all got counseling. My kids are more
affectionate now. They talk to me more. They want to sit on the couch and snuggle."
Last winter, Jennifer moved her family into its own place. She is working on a degree in nursing.
She'll graduate next fall, almost two years after moving into New Directions.
jriepenhoff@dispatch.com
Saturday, October 3, 2009
CNN Campbell Brown's report on Adderall
I cannot tell people enough to keep on ear open with their kids at all ages. Campbell Brown's report on Adderall is really worth checking on . Seven percent of the kids in college right now are using Adderall illegally. I am not sure what it is saying about our kids or the college environment, but the need to achieve or stress is causing kids to use Adderall (known to students as vitamin A) to make the grade is growing. One thing I noticed in the interview with a student, is he said since he had partied too much he had taken the drug. He also said he had taken the drug for the interview with Campbell Brown. If not under doctor's care, this drug is not harmless. First it is addictive. Second, if abused it can cause tremors, heart problems, or stroke.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Friends Don't Give Friends Prescription Drugs
I will let this blog from NPR speak for itself. What a good idea or take off of an old slogan.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Drugs are Prevalent in Local Schools
One of the most interesting attitudes that I sometimes see in suburban schools is that parents believe that drugs can somehow be eradicated from our schools. Or that somehow all the other kids in the school are using except for their child or their children's friends. I feel bad for them because while they may find this comforting; it allows their child to be at risk.
We must never forget that drug sellers are in business to make money. They will seek where they can get a better price for their merchandise. This is not in the stereotypical ghetto. It is in the stereotypical suburb.
The article that I supplied the link to really is a fundamental article that all parents should read before the school year starts. Parents have to realize that in fact every single child sometime in his or her school career will be offered a drug at least once. Whether that young person takes the drug depends on the environment in which he or she was raised, the drug education that he or she has had,and how aware this child is to how a drug can affect him or her.
'“The chances of your child learning about drugs and alcohol from their peers is high,” comments Mary Rieser, Director of the Atlanta Recovery Center, Narconon Drug Rehab in Georgia. “ Eleven million high school students (80 percent) and five million middle school students (44 percent) attend drug-infested schools, meaning possession, student drunk and/or student high on the grounds of their school, according to the National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse XII Teens and Parents."'
Drug-infested is really a scary term that Rieser uses. But what are the chances the above definition could be applied to any one of our schools? Well, let's see. Marijuana is easier to get than beer (please see August 30, 2008 post) How many parents take the time to count how many prescription drugs are in each bottle in their medicine cabinets that is an opiate? Plus count how many pills is each one of those bottles?
I like this quote also. "Couple this with the increase in back-to-school themed ads, marketing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs, and you have the potential of chemical experimentation at school, beyond the scope of the chemistry classes."
I wish I could reassure each parent of my students that teachers keep an eye on each child. I think teachers do. But again let's be realistic. The recession we hear about in the news is hitting schools too. As each levy doesn't pass, there are cut back in staff and teachers. That is one more set of eyes that is no longer there to help safeguard each child in a school.
One more time. Safe guard starts at home. Talk to your kid. If you do have prescription drugs do one of a few things, throw them in the used kitty litter or coffee grounds or keep a count and place it with your important papers. Kids are not only watering down the gin (or vodka I forget which they water down), they are taking pills from parents. Ask your parents to do the same.
We must never forget that drug sellers are in business to make money. They will seek where they can get a better price for their merchandise. This is not in the stereotypical ghetto. It is in the stereotypical suburb.
The article that I supplied the link to really is a fundamental article that all parents should read before the school year starts. Parents have to realize that in fact every single child sometime in his or her school career will be offered a drug at least once. Whether that young person takes the drug depends on the environment in which he or she was raised, the drug education that he or she has had,and how aware this child is to how a drug can affect him or her.
'“The chances of your child learning about drugs and alcohol from their peers is high,” comments Mary Rieser, Director of the Atlanta Recovery Center, Narconon Drug Rehab in Georgia. “ Eleven million high school students (80 percent) and five million middle school students (44 percent) attend drug-infested schools, meaning possession, student drunk and/or student high on the grounds of their school, according to the National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse XII Teens and Parents."'
Drug-infested is really a scary term that Rieser uses. But what are the chances the above definition could be applied to any one of our schools? Well, let's see. Marijuana is easier to get than beer (please see August 30, 2008 post) How many parents take the time to count how many prescription drugs are in each bottle in their medicine cabinets that is an opiate? Plus count how many pills is each one of those bottles?
I like this quote also. "Couple this with the increase in back-to-school themed ads, marketing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs, and you have the potential of chemical experimentation at school, beyond the scope of the chemistry classes."
I wish I could reassure each parent of my students that teachers keep an eye on each child. I think teachers do. But again let's be realistic. The recession we hear about in the news is hitting schools too. As each levy doesn't pass, there are cut back in staff and teachers. That is one more set of eyes that is no longer there to help safeguard each child in a school.
One more time. Safe guard starts at home. Talk to your kid. If you do have prescription drugs do one of a few things, throw them in the used kitty litter or coffee grounds or keep a count and place it with your important papers. Kids are not only watering down the gin (or vodka I forget which they water down), they are taking pills from parents. Ask your parents to do the same.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Cases of AIDS increasing in teens
Coming from Medill and Northwestern University, our teens have one more thing that they have to live with as they grow older.
In 1981 a new danger was identified the United States. It was recognized that HIV had reached our shores. When this horrible disease was identified,
the treatment methods were unidentified. The disease quickly and painfully took its victims. The good news is now, almost 30 years later, treatments are effective and the diagnosis is not an immediate death sentence. Patients live many years after contracting HIV/AIDS.
The bad news? Our teens who personify risky behavior believes that HIV will not happen to them. According to Medill Reports, adolescents and young adults reportedly have the highest rates of new cases. The availability of better treatment "may be increasing the risks by lulling the fear."
"Cases of AIDS increased nationwide among teens by 16 percent from 2006 to 2007, the most recent year for which statistics are available, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cases increased by more than 20 percent for young adults ages 20 to 24 in the same time period, the fastest paced increase among Americans, CDC figures show." (see above link)
In 1981 a new danger was identified the United States. It was recognized that HIV had reached our shores. When this horrible disease was identified,
the treatment methods were unidentified. The disease quickly and painfully took its victims. The good news is now, almost 30 years later, treatments are effective and the diagnosis is not an immediate death sentence. Patients live many years after contracting HIV/AIDS.
The bad news? Our teens who personify risky behavior believes that HIV will not happen to them. According to Medill Reports, adolescents and young adults reportedly have the highest rates of new cases. The availability of better treatment "may be increasing the risks by lulling the fear."
"Cases of AIDS increased nationwide among teens by 16 percent from 2006 to 2007, the most recent year for which statistics are available, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cases increased by more than 20 percent for young adults ages 20 to 24 in the same time period, the fastest paced increase among Americans, CDC figures show." (see above link)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Parents: Please remember during this season, it not your job to be your child's friend
Parents, It is time for you to draw the line. Actually you should have drawn it ages ago. Yes, you want your kid to love you. You don't want to seem old to your kid. But you took on the role of parent. Not friend. That is the job of your kid's friend who happens to be the same age. Please read below and know the facts. You cannot only hurt your precious kid but yourself... your life and your retirement. By the way, that would really hurt your kid.
I am not a judgmental soul. But seriously, a hotel room for after prom? Why do you give condoms as party favors? Seriously. What are you doing? Think about it.
Here are the facts:
There are many health-related consequences of youth consuming alcohol including negative effects on brain development, deviant behavior including stealing and skipping school and a greater risk of becoming alcohol-dependant later in life.
Parents who give alcohol to their teen’s friends under any circumstances, even in their own homes, are breaking the law.
Parents who knowingly allow a person under 21 to remain in their home or on their property while consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages can be prosecuted and everything associated with such a violation can be confiscated, including personal property.
Parents can be sued if they give alcohol to anyone under 21 and they in turn hurt someone, hurt themselves or damage property.
Underage use of alcohol is a serious problem that too often leads to harmful consequences for youth and their families. Parents can protect themselves and their teens by following these guidelines when hosting parties for their children:
Host safe, alcohol-free activities and events for youth during prom and graduation season.
Refuse to supply alcohol to children or allow drinking in your home or on your property
Be at home when your teenager has a party
Make sure your teenager’s friends do not bring alcohol into your home
Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at youth events
Report underage drinking
Our youth deserve to live and grow to adulthood in an environment where alcohol is not misused. Let’s be unified in our message, and host alcohol-free parties with plenty of fun activities to show our youth that we care about their future.
I am not a judgmental soul. But seriously, a hotel room for after prom? Why do you give condoms as party favors? Seriously. What are you doing? Think about it.
Here are the facts:
There are many health-related consequences of youth consuming alcohol including negative effects on brain development, deviant behavior including stealing and skipping school and a greater risk of becoming alcohol-dependant later in life.
Parents who give alcohol to their teen’s friends under any circumstances, even in their own homes, are breaking the law.
Parents who knowingly allow a person under 21 to remain in their home or on their property while consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages can be prosecuted and everything associated with such a violation can be confiscated, including personal property.
Parents can be sued if they give alcohol to anyone under 21 and they in turn hurt someone, hurt themselves or damage property.
Underage use of alcohol is a serious problem that too often leads to harmful consequences for youth and their families. Parents can protect themselves and their teens by following these guidelines when hosting parties for their children:
Host safe, alcohol-free activities and events for youth during prom and graduation season.
Refuse to supply alcohol to children or allow drinking in your home or on your property
Be at home when your teenager has a party
Make sure your teenager’s friends do not bring alcohol into your home
Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at youth events
Report underage drinking
Our youth deserve to live and grow to adulthood in an environment where alcohol is not misused. Let’s be unified in our message, and host alcohol-free parties with plenty of fun activities to show our youth that we care about their future.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
A new anti drug commercial on CNN
A really good commercial which connects you to a really good website has started on CNN.com.
You may not be able to see the commercial whenever you want to but you can access the
website whenever you need to. It really breaks down what you can do to stop your teen if you suspect him or her
in taking perscription drugs.
You may not be able to see the commercial whenever you want to but you can access the
website whenever you need to. It really breaks down what you can do to stop your teen if you suspect him or her
in taking perscription drugs.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Heroin Addiction Started with the use of Prescription Drugs
I have been studying and trying to talk to parents and teachers about prescription drugs now for 7 years. But today's
Dispatch really got to me. We have here in the Columbus area a perfectly beautiful suburban family. Two parents, together, no blended family situation to blame. No urban situation to click our tongues over. To quote: "Ciara is the country's new face of heroin: a young, white, suburbanite whose addiction began at 15 (yes, that is 15) with PRESCRIPTION PAINKILLERS her boyfriend stole from his father's medicine cabinet." Couldn't write it better myself.
Officials at Maryhaven(the largest addiction treatment center here in Central Ohio) have seen a steady increase in opiate use by adolescents in the last eighteen months. The number of people seeking help from publicly funded treatment centers for opiate addiction has increased by 300% in the last decade. Here is a real stopper: "...officials at both publicly and privately funded facilities agree that young, well-educated white suburban residents are driving the increase, according to the Ohio Dept. of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services. 'The bottom line is, if you think your community is immune, think again,' said department spokesman Eric Wandersleben."
To see more about Ciara and her family, Facts about Heroin, and how to get help, see Sunday May 3 Dispatch.
Dispatch really got to me. We have here in the Columbus area a perfectly beautiful suburban family. Two parents, together, no blended family situation to blame. No urban situation to click our tongues over. To quote: "Ciara is the country's new face of heroin: a young, white, suburbanite whose addiction began at 15 (yes, that is 15) with PRESCRIPTION PAINKILLERS her boyfriend stole from his father's medicine cabinet." Couldn't write it better myself.
Officials at Maryhaven(the largest addiction treatment center here in Central Ohio) have seen a steady increase in opiate use by adolescents in the last eighteen months. The number of people seeking help from publicly funded treatment centers for opiate addiction has increased by 300% in the last decade. Here is a real stopper: "...officials at both publicly and privately funded facilities agree that young, well-educated white suburban residents are driving the increase, according to the Ohio Dept. of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services. 'The bottom line is, if you think your community is immune, think again,' said department spokesman Eric Wandersleben."
To see more about Ciara and her family, Facts about Heroin, and how to get help, see Sunday May 3 Dispatch.
Drug Education Works
Hey out there,
For all you who have to make decisions about if you are going to vote for a levy or not:
Here is yet another reason to do so. We are so busy right now worrying about the Swine Flu (yes, I know it is called something else now) and the economy let me give you something positive to think about. The Drug Education Programs are having long-term effects. Can you believe it? We actually have good news about the educational system in our nation. Alert the media folks!
If you have a sterling child that has never tried anything because you said not to, you have a child with no social life, or a well educated child who listens.
"According to a recent report in Science Daily, a school-based drug education program for teens - Project ALERT - can have a long-term positive impact on sexual behavior. This benefit is in addition to the program’s ability to curb substance abuse."
See the original article for more details.
For all you who have to make decisions about if you are going to vote for a levy or not:
Here is yet another reason to do so. We are so busy right now worrying about the Swine Flu (yes, I know it is called something else now) and the economy let me give you something positive to think about. The Drug Education Programs are having long-term effects. Can you believe it? We actually have good news about the educational system in our nation. Alert the media folks!
If you have a sterling child that has never tried anything because you said not to, you have a child with no social life, or a well educated child who listens.
"According to a recent report in Science Daily, a school-based drug education program for teens - Project ALERT - can have a long-term positive impact on sexual behavior. This benefit is in addition to the program’s ability to curb substance abuse."
See the original article for more details.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
DEA Law:Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 went into effect Monday, April 13
Hurrah!
Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 went into effect Monday, April 13
Thanks to Sen. Dianne Feinstein [D, CA
* Sen. Joseph Biden [D, DE]
* Norm Coleman
* Sen. John Cornyn [R, TX]
* Sen. Patrick Leahy [D, VT]
* Sen. Jefferson Sessions [R, AL]
This bill amends the Controlled Substance Act to stop the delivery,distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances over the Internet without a valid prescription.
A valid prescription is defined as "as a prescription that is issued for a legitimate purpose by a practitioner who has conducted at least one in-person medical evaluation of the patient."
Directly from the law itself; it reads:
Imposes registration and reporting requirements on online pharmacies.
Requires an online pharmacy to:
(1) display on its Internet homepage a statement that it complies with the requirements of this Act;
(2) comply with state laws for the licensure of pharmacies in each state in which it operates or sells controlled substances;
(3) post on its Internet homepage specified information, including the name, address, and telephone number of the pharmacy, the qualifications of its pharmacist-in-charge, and a certification of its registration under this Act; and
(4) notify the Attorney General and applicable state boards of pharmacy at least 30 days prior to offering to sell, deliver, distribute, or dispense controlled substances over the Internet.
The bill is named after Ryan Haight who was 18 years old when he died after overdosing on a prescription painkiller. He bought the drug on the Internet from a medical doctor that he had never met.
Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 went into effect Monday, April 13
Thanks to Sen. Dianne Feinstein [D, CA
* Sen. Joseph Biden [D, DE]
* Norm Coleman
* Sen. John Cornyn [R, TX]
* Sen. Patrick Leahy [D, VT]
* Sen. Jefferson Sessions [R, AL]
This bill amends the Controlled Substance Act to stop the delivery,distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances over the Internet without a valid prescription.
A valid prescription is defined as "as a prescription that is issued for a legitimate purpose by a practitioner who has conducted at least one in-person medical evaluation of the patient."
Directly from the law itself; it reads:
Imposes registration and reporting requirements on online pharmacies.
Requires an online pharmacy to:
(1) display on its Internet homepage a statement that it complies with the requirements of this Act;
(2) comply with state laws for the licensure of pharmacies in each state in which it operates or sells controlled substances;
(3) post on its Internet homepage specified information, including the name, address, and telephone number of the pharmacy, the qualifications of its pharmacist-in-charge, and a certification of its registration under this Act; and
(4) notify the Attorney General and applicable state boards of pharmacy at least 30 days prior to offering to sell, deliver, distribute, or dispense controlled substances over the Internet.
The bill is named after Ryan Haight who was 18 years old when he died after overdosing on a prescription painkiller. He bought the drug on the Internet from a medical doctor that he had never met.
Monday, April 6, 2009
The correlation of young people on psychiatric drugs and school shooting
With the ten years anniversary of Columbine coming up I was curious how many of these incidences had occurred since that time. I have read arguments that this happens much more frequently if we also add in the urban statistics but these are the ones that I found.
According to an article in clickpress.com this is the present tally.
Last November, Pekka-Eric Auvinen joined the growing list of school shooters under the influence of psychiatric drugs documented by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to cause suicidal behavior and homicidal thoughts. In other instances, the shooter’s medical records were never made public, so their psychiatric drug use remains in question.
School shootings committed by individuals under the influence of psychiatric drugs include:
Omaha, Nebraska - December 5, 2007: 19-year-old Robert Hawkins killed eight people and wounded five before committing suicide in an Omaha mall. Hawkins' friend told CNN that the gunman was on antidepressants, and autopsy results confirmed he was under the influence of the "anti-anxiety" drug Valium.
Cleveland, Ohio - October 10, 2007: 14-year-old Asa Coon stormed through his school with a gun in each hand, shooting and wounding four before taking his own life. court records show Coon had been placed on the antidepressant Trazadone.
Blacksburg, Virginia - April 16, 2007: The psychiatric drug history of Seung-Hui Cho in the Virginia Tech Massacre was never made public. Initial reports stated that "depression medication" was found among Cho's belongings. But neither his toxicology reports, nor his recent medical history were ever released to find out whether Cho had been in withdrawal from psychiatric medication. (33 were killed and 29 injured, but this was not included in the total of dead and wounded cited above.)
Red Lake Indian Reservation, Minnesota - March 21, 2005: 16-year-old Native American Jeff Weise, reportedly under the influence of the antidepressant Prozac, went on a shooting rampage at home and at his school, killing nine people and wounding five before committing suicide.
Greenbush, New York - February 2004: 16-year-old Jon Romano strolled into his high school in east Greenbush and opened fire with a shotgun. Special education teacher Michael Bennett was hit in the leg. Romano had been taking "medication for depression."
El Cajon, California - March 22, 2001: 18-year-old Jason Hoffman was on two antidepressants, Effexor and Celexa, when he opened fire at his California high school wounding five. Hoffman had also undergone an “anger management” program.
Williamsport, Pennsylvania - March 7, 2000: 14-year-old Elizabeth Bush was on the antidepressant Prozac when she blasted away at fellow students in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, wounding one.
Conyers, Georgia - May 20, 1999: 15-year-old T.J. Solomon was being treated with a mix of antidepressants when he opened fire on and wounded 6 of his classmates.
Columbine, Colorado - April 20, 1999: 18-year-old Eric Harris was on the antidepressant Luvox when he and his partner Dylan Klebold killed 12 classmates and a teacher and wounded 23 others before taking their own lives in the bloodiest school massacre in history. The coroner confirmed that the antidepressant was in his system through toxicology reports while Dylan Klebold’s autopsy was never made public. Harris and Klebold underwent "anger management" and "death education" classes.
Notus, Idaho - April 16, 1999: 15-year-old Shawn Cooper fired two shotgun rounds in his school narrowly missing students; he was taking a mix of antidepressants.
Springfield, Oregon - May 21, 1998: 15-year-old Kip Kinkel murdered his own parents and then proceeded to school where he opened fire on students in the cafeteria, killing two and wounding 22. Kinkel had been on Prozac. Kinkel also underwent "anger management" classes.
As the article stated, these are all the incidences that named the psychiatric drugs; some due to privacy issues probably were left unmentioned as in the case of Klebold from Columbine.
We all know the stresses that students are under. We all know the stresses we are all under in this world we are living in today. I am not sure how we can help ourselves leastwise these kids. By the way, it is not only the United States, Germany's latest shooting reminds us this is a global problem.
According to an article in clickpress.com this is the present tally.
Last November, Pekka-Eric Auvinen joined the growing list of school shooters under the influence of psychiatric drugs documented by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to cause suicidal behavior and homicidal thoughts. In other instances, the shooter’s medical records were never made public, so their psychiatric drug use remains in question.
School shootings committed by individuals under the influence of psychiatric drugs include:
Omaha, Nebraska - December 5, 2007: 19-year-old Robert Hawkins killed eight people and wounded five before committing suicide in an Omaha mall. Hawkins' friend told CNN that the gunman was on antidepressants, and autopsy results confirmed he was under the influence of the "anti-anxiety" drug Valium.
Cleveland, Ohio - October 10, 2007: 14-year-old Asa Coon stormed through his school with a gun in each hand, shooting and wounding four before taking his own life. court records show Coon had been placed on the antidepressant Trazadone.
Blacksburg, Virginia - April 16, 2007: The psychiatric drug history of Seung-Hui Cho in the Virginia Tech Massacre was never made public. Initial reports stated that "depression medication" was found among Cho's belongings. But neither his toxicology reports, nor his recent medical history were ever released to find out whether Cho had been in withdrawal from psychiatric medication. (33 were killed and 29 injured, but this was not included in the total of dead and wounded cited above.)
Red Lake Indian Reservation, Minnesota - March 21, 2005: 16-year-old Native American Jeff Weise, reportedly under the influence of the antidepressant Prozac, went on a shooting rampage at home and at his school, killing nine people and wounding five before committing suicide.
Greenbush, New York - February 2004: 16-year-old Jon Romano strolled into his high school in east Greenbush and opened fire with a shotgun. Special education teacher Michael Bennett was hit in the leg. Romano had been taking "medication for depression."
El Cajon, California - March 22, 2001: 18-year-old Jason Hoffman was on two antidepressants, Effexor and Celexa, when he opened fire at his California high school wounding five. Hoffman had also undergone an “anger management” program.
Williamsport, Pennsylvania - March 7, 2000: 14-year-old Elizabeth Bush was on the antidepressant Prozac when she blasted away at fellow students in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, wounding one.
Conyers, Georgia - May 20, 1999: 15-year-old T.J. Solomon was being treated with a mix of antidepressants when he opened fire on and wounded 6 of his classmates.
Columbine, Colorado - April 20, 1999: 18-year-old Eric Harris was on the antidepressant Luvox when he and his partner Dylan Klebold killed 12 classmates and a teacher and wounded 23 others before taking their own lives in the bloodiest school massacre in history. The coroner confirmed that the antidepressant was in his system through toxicology reports while Dylan Klebold’s autopsy was never made public. Harris and Klebold underwent "anger management" and "death education" classes.
Notus, Idaho - April 16, 1999: 15-year-old Shawn Cooper fired two shotgun rounds in his school narrowly missing students; he was taking a mix of antidepressants.
Springfield, Oregon - May 21, 1998: 15-year-old Kip Kinkel murdered his own parents and then proceeded to school where he opened fire on students in the cafeteria, killing two and wounding 22. Kinkel had been on Prozac. Kinkel also underwent "anger management" classes.
As the article stated, these are all the incidences that named the psychiatric drugs; some due to privacy issues probably were left unmentioned as in the case of Klebold from Columbine.
We all know the stresses that students are under. We all know the stresses we are all under in this world we are living in today. I am not sure how we can help ourselves leastwise these kids. By the way, it is not only the United States, Germany's latest shooting reminds us this is a global problem.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Great Idea! Drug Turn In
In Arizona Pinal Cty officials have invited residents to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs at a "drug turn in". They are quoted to say it helps keep drugs out of the hands of our children and out of the ground water. Bravo!
So Much News from Everywhere
I decided to consolidate the many articles that have come out in the month of February. There has been so many that report the same type of discovery about kids and prescriptions drugs but notice how they come from sea to shining sea. But wait there is one that I found rather ironic. Among all of the reports that have come from Stamford, CT; Maryland; Madison, WI; Indianapolis, IN; and Arizona, there is one curious Associated Press item from Partnership for a Drug-Free America.
From The Advocate in Stanford, CT
Dr. Kasey Spoonamore repeats the mantra that kids take prescription drugs because they think them safe. She is a psychiatrist and addiction specialist who works primarily with young people in Greenwich, Roweyton, and New York City.
A new term for PHARM parties is a "bowling" party. Kids are popping a handful of pills in combination and then sometimes mixing them with alcohol and weed.
From the Carroll County Times
Results of the 2007 Maryland Adolescent Survey from this county were released Weds. 2/25 and showed almost 13% of seniors and 6.4% of sophomores had abused some type of narcotic.
Lisa Myers, director of Westminister-based treatment facility said, "They (prescription drugs) are chemically equal to heroin."
Officials cited in the article claims parent involvement may be the key to combating the rise in prescription drug abuse.
from the Huntington Herald Dispatch 2/19
A toxocology report in an Ashland, WVA teenager's accidental death confirms the combination of alcohol, prescription drugs, and marijuana caused his death.
from WKOWTV.com Madison Wisconsin
Two in every ten teenagers have used prescription drugs to get high. Wisconsin's Attorney General claims part of the problem is lack of public awareness. Sixty percent of high school students have access to controlled substances in their homes and twenty percent have used them to get high. This is according to published reports.
In Indianapolis, IN wthr.com
Jennings Cty teens are facing drug charges for bringing drugs to their middle school. Fearing an overdose, other students reported the incident after watching the student ingest pills.
Now here is the clincher:
Associated Press reports that Partnership for Drugfree American president and Chief executive officer Steve Pasiero said that "parents are talking and particularly girls are listening" according to a recent commissioned survey. This study marks the first increase in percentage that kids are listening to parents about the dangers of prescription drug use.
Not enough Mr. Pasiero. Not enough. Are we trying to validate our existence here?
From The Advocate in Stanford, CT
Dr. Kasey Spoonamore repeats the mantra that kids take prescription drugs because they think them safe. She is a psychiatrist and addiction specialist who works primarily with young people in Greenwich, Roweyton, and New York City.
A new term for PHARM parties is a "bowling" party. Kids are popping a handful of pills in combination and then sometimes mixing them with alcohol and weed.
From the Carroll County Times
Results of the 2007 Maryland Adolescent Survey from this county were released Weds. 2/25 and showed almost 13% of seniors and 6.4% of sophomores had abused some type of narcotic.
Lisa Myers, director of Westminister-based treatment facility said, "They (prescription drugs) are chemically equal to heroin."
Officials cited in the article claims parent involvement may be the key to combating the rise in prescription drug abuse.
from the Huntington Herald Dispatch 2/19
A toxocology report in an Ashland, WVA teenager's accidental death confirms the combination of alcohol, prescription drugs, and marijuana caused his death.
from WKOWTV.com Madison Wisconsin
Two in every ten teenagers have used prescription drugs to get high. Wisconsin's Attorney General claims part of the problem is lack of public awareness. Sixty percent of high school students have access to controlled substances in their homes and twenty percent have used them to get high. This is according to published reports.
In Indianapolis, IN wthr.com
Jennings Cty teens are facing drug charges for bringing drugs to their middle school. Fearing an overdose, other students reported the incident after watching the student ingest pills.
Now here is the clincher:
Associated Press reports that Partnership for Drugfree American president and Chief executive officer Steve Pasiero said that "parents are talking and particularly girls are listening" according to a recent commissioned survey. This study marks the first increase in percentage that kids are listening to parents about the dangers of prescription drug use.
Not enough Mr. Pasiero. Not enough. Are we trying to validate our existence here?
The Rabbit Trap will be on Kindle March 2, 2009
The Rabbit Trap is going electronic. I am excited. How easy can this be. Instead of carrying a book in my purse, I can now carry a kindle with Rabbit Trap on it. This business of writing just gets more exciting.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Internet Providing Growth Spurt for the SuperMarket for Substances
Sigh. For the adults who are trying to watch out for kids, we are really in for a fight. If you remember, I posted a note about
our governor in Ohio trying to ban salvia divinorum. Again that is a little known or cared about minty herb. The Central American shamans have used this psychedelic drug for centuries for their medical and spiritual ceremonies. Guess what. The web supermarket scummies have found it. They have now created websites and have turned this herb into a best-seller. If that isn't enough, many instructional YouTube videos have been created to teach young people how to turn themselves into dazed, drooling dummies.
I suggest you click on the title of this post to learn more. It will take you to the PC article. It is truly sickening to see how many sites there are. It is catching on people, and as usual, the adults will catch on way too late for some kids.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Gov Strickland's State of the State
As I continue to teach and attempt to develop lessons for students of English and Communications, I wonder why are these kids angrier, less interested, more inclined to hurt themselves in so many ways? How can we help them? In every age before, young people came from dysfunctional families. Students were good students, bad students, had learning disabilities, etc. But these kids have more help to achieve and resolve those issues than ever before. They certainly have more protection from abuse and places to go for help. They have help to be more engaged. They have help to cope with the nature’s disabilities. They have more toys to play with to avoid boredom, more things to do to express themselves, more interscholastic sports to play whether they are male or female. If they are bored as seniors, schools have developed a capstone or senior project to give them a head start in their post secondary education.
But no. More kids are unhappy, reaching into the medicine cabinet for the pharmaceuticals to relieve their stress or emotional pain or just to get a high.
Last week at my school a girl put her fist through a double pane window. Why?
Because she was angry.
I love creating opportunities for teens in my class. But unless everything is done for them, many don’t want to take the opportunities. They want to take the moldy old ruts because it is easier. They do not read even if it means they will fail. They want to be fed the stories. Even time given in class is not used; students fuss and play forcing disciplinary action. Kids have even been blatant enough to report they have not read a book they have only watched the movie of the book (usually a weak representation).
I am not looking for blame. I am looking for ways to educate and solve the problems at hand. Today, our governor, Ted Strickland gave his State of the State address. I am excited. Yes, I am an eternal optimist. Many of the things I do in my classroom were mentioned; my advisory of senior project and subjects of communication, technology, and media literacy will now be required. I am practical too. I know these things still have to pass the senate and the house. Both have fixtures of destruction that have their own agendas. These fixtures have been around for the seventeen years that our unconstitutional funding has been in place. And they will try to do their best to tear the new ideas to pieces offering no new ideas of their own.
Let’s hope that some of what he has proposed can help some of the kids I see every day be less angry or bored .
But no. More kids are unhappy, reaching into the medicine cabinet for the pharmaceuticals to relieve their stress or emotional pain or just to get a high.
Last week at my school a girl put her fist through a double pane window. Why?
Because she was angry.
I love creating opportunities for teens in my class. But unless everything is done for them, many don’t want to take the opportunities. They want to take the moldy old ruts because it is easier. They do not read even if it means they will fail. They want to be fed the stories. Even time given in class is not used; students fuss and play forcing disciplinary action. Kids have even been blatant enough to report they have not read a book they have only watched the movie of the book (usually a weak representation).
I am not looking for blame. I am looking for ways to educate and solve the problems at hand. Today, our governor, Ted Strickland gave his State of the State address. I am excited. Yes, I am an eternal optimist. Many of the things I do in my classroom were mentioned; my advisory of senior project and subjects of communication, technology, and media literacy will now be required. I am practical too. I know these things still have to pass the senate and the house. Both have fixtures of destruction that have their own agendas. These fixtures have been around for the seventeen years that our unconstitutional funding has been in place. And they will try to do their best to tear the new ideas to pieces offering no new ideas of their own.
Let’s hope that some of what he has proposed can help some of the kids I see every day be less angry or bored .
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