Juvenile justice links adolescents to substance abuse treatment

What are the top two ways youth with substance abuse problems access treatment?

1. Juvenile Justice (in orange)
2. Self/Family (in pink)

Source: Office of Applied Studies 1992-2007 Treatment Episode Data Set, SAMHSA
Slide from Michael Dennis, PhD for a presentation for the SAPISP providers at the Puget Sound Educational Service District.

2006 & 2008 local regular alcohol use rates among youth

From the 2006 and 2008 Healthy Youth Surveys . . .

2006 Seattle Public Schools (local) current alcohol use rates compared to the state:

2008 Seattle Public Schools (local) current alcohol use rates compared to the state:

2006 Roosevelt High School (local) current alcohol use rates compared to the state:
2008 Roosevelt High School (local) current alcohol use rates compared to the state:

2006 Nathan Hale High School (local) current alcohol use rates compared to the state:

2008 Nathan Hale High School (local) current alcohol use rates compared to the state:

In the news

From the November 20 Seattle Times:

Our team in D.C. -- Locke, Sims and Kerlikowske

"The chief later told me people should be just as concerned about middle-schoolers partying with parents' prescription drugs as they are about better-known illicit drugs."

"The better approach is prevention for people ages 12 to 21 and treatment for those who are already addicted."

"Kerlikowske's main focus is to develop the president's drug strategy, due out next year. Clearly, policy will stress prevention and treatment and focus on things like drug courts, which have proven to work."

From the December 7 New York Times:

Addiction on 2 Fronts: Work and Home about the new deputy director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy who believes that more resources need to go towards prevention.

Hard Questions to Ask After a Cry for Help about what pediatricians and others should ask adolescents when they are at risk for suicide.

Reward & Reminder

On Friday, a few coalition members had the chance to hear Dennis Embry talk about community-based proven prevention programs including Reward & Reminder. The Reward & Reminder program rewards retailers who do not sell tobacco (or alcohol) to minors and reminds those who do sell to minors that it is illegal to do so.

In terms of marijuana prevention, Dr. Embry talked about ensuring that adolescents get a good night's sleep; encouraging parents to talk to their children and the families of their children's friends about not using drugs; and providing a balanced diet to feed the brain.

Thanks to Committee for Children for hosting the meeting!

Caffeinated alcoholic beverages

Last month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified nearly 30 manufacturers of caffeinated alcoholic beverages that it intends to look into the safety and legality of their products. According to an FDA official, "The increasing popularity of consumption of caffeinated alcoholic beverages by college students and reports of potential health and safety issues necessitates that we look seriously at the scientific evidence as soon as possible."

Here in Washington, Attorney General Rob McKenna applauded the FDA's action. "Alcohol plus caffeine equals a serious health threat, especially for young people," he said. "The jolt of caffeine or other stimulants mask the feeling of intoxication. Health professionals say that leads to more risk-taking behavior, traffic accidents, violence, sexual assault, and suicide."

Concerned about the combination of energy drinks and alcohol, the Washington State Liquor Control Board has approved a policy which prohibits any references to combining energy drinks with alcohol on point-of-sale materials in their state stores. In their letter to suppliers they state, " . . . there are an increasing number of scientific studies that have shown the dangerous effects of mixing alcohol with energy drinks. While alcohol is a depressant, energy drinks are stimulants. The net effect is that the consumer doesn't feel the effects of the alcohol, yet is just as impaired as they would be had they just consumed alcohol without the energy drink."

Substance abuse prevention - legislative forum

Legislative Forum: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, & Recovery

Thursday, December 10, 2009

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

St. Marks Cathedral, Bloedel Hall
1245 10th Avenue E, Seattle

Keynote: Susan Dreyfus, DSHS Secretary

Alcohol in the news

Recently posted on JoinTogether's website:


Male Athletes Drink More, Smoke Less

Adolescent males who play team sports are less likely to smoke cigarettes or be depressed but are more likely to drink alcohol and get into fights, whereas sports participation generally reduces risk behavior among girls . . . Male athletes had binge drinking rates 40 percent higher than non-athletes . . .

Alcohol the Real Date-Rape Drug

Women who have lost control or consciousness due to excessive drinking have fueled what British researchers have termed the "urban legend" of drinks being spiked with so-called "date-rape" drugs.

Parents' Expectations Can Influence Risky Teen Behavior

The more parents expect their teens to engage in risky behaviors such as drinking and using drugs, the more likely their teens are to follow through with those behaviors.

Alcohol Abuse Costs New Mexico $2.5 Billion Annually

"Alcohol abuse is a major factor in many motor vehicle fatalities, but that is not the only place where it can cause injuries and death . . . Alcohol abuse can play a role in fires, falls, drug overdoses, drowning, and can contribute to violence such as child abuse, homicide, suicide, and personal assault."

NFL Seeks Limits on Tailgating to Curb Drinking

The NFL has adopted a "Fan Code of Conduct" in hopes of deterring behavior that league officials worry is scaring families away from games.

Some fans say the league is being hypocritical by trying to limit drinking in the parking lot while selling beer, wine, and liquor inside the stadium and taking millions in sponsorship money from alcoholic-beverage companies.

New video for Washington parents

Check this out . . . a new video for parents: Underage Drinking in Washington: Something to Talk About from the Washington State Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking (RUaD).