Drug trends among King County youth

According to the report Drug Trends in the Seattle-King County Area, 2008, of all King County residents who entered substance abuse treatment in 2008, 81% of those who were admitted for alcohol addiction started using alcohol before the age of 18. Ninety-two percent of those who were admitted for marijuana addiction started using marijuana before the age of 18.

The chart below shows youth substance abuse treatment admissions in King County. By far, the primary drug for which youth seek treatment is marijuana, followed by alcohol.

Adolescent brains more sensitive to effects of alcohol

From National Public Radio: Teen Drinking May Cause Irreversible Brain Damage.

For teenagers, the effects of a drunken night out may linger long after the hangover wears off.

A recent study led by neuroscientist Susan Tapert of the University of California, San Diego compared the brain scans of teens who drink heavily with the scans of teens who don't.

Tapert's team found damaged nerve tissue in the brains of teens who drank. The researchers believe this damage negatively affects attentions span in boys, and girls ability to comprehend and interpret visual information.

"First of all, the adolescent brain is still undergoing several maturation processes that render it more vulnerable to some of the effects of substances," Tapert says.

In other words, key areas of the brain are still under construction during the adolescent years, and are more sensitive to the toxic effects of drugs and alcohol.

Monday is Prevention Advocacy Day in Olympia

2010 Prevention Advocacy Day
Monday, January 18, 2010
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Olympia, WA

This year's theme: The Prescription for Saving $$ is Prevention!

For more information, visit the Washington Association for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention (WASAVP) website.

Social norms campaigns to prevent underage drinking

As Prevention WinS considers including a social norms campaign as part of a Drug Free Communities grant proposal, here is another great example of a campaign being implemented by the SPF-SIG coalition in Kelso, Washington.

Secure Medicine Return Bill

The Secure Medicine Return Bill that has been introduced to the Washington State Legislature provides for the safe collection and disposal of unwanted drugs from residential sources. Environmental organizations and substance abuse prevention advocates have come together in support of this bill. As the rate of youth who abuse prescription drugs rises, this bill is an important preventive measure.

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."