From the Ulster Prevention Council Blog: Seniors and Illicit Drug Abuse

Last week I talked about seniors and alcohol. Today I’d like to talk about seniors and illicit drug abuse. I’m again using information from www.nihseniorhealth,gov:

Although use of illicit (illegal) drugs is relatively uncommon among adults over age 65, there has recently been an increase in the percentage of people 50 and older abusing illicit drugs. In fact, the number of current illicit drug users aged 50-59 nearly tripled between 2002 and 2009, from 900,000 to more than 2.5 million. More older adults are also seeking treatment for substance abuse and having increased hospitalizations and visits to emergency rooms (up 60 percent in 55-64 year-olds from 2004 to 2009) because of illicit drug use.

These patterns and trends partially reflect the aging of the baby boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964). This could be for two reasons: (1) there were more people born in that generation and therefore there are now more people in that age group than before; and (2) baby boomers were more likely than previous generations to use illicit drugs in their youth, which is a risk factor for later use.
While it is relatively rare for adults over 65 to have ever used illicit drugs, baby boomers (adults in their 50s and early 60s) are more likely to have tried them. Greater lifetime exposure could lead to higher rates of abuse as baby boomers age. The most common drugs of abuse include the following

1. marijuana
2. illegal opioids, such as heroin
3. illegal stimulants, such as cocaine
4. hallucinogens, such as LSD

Marijuana, made from the cannabis plant, is the most abused illicit drug among people 50 and older. It is used for its relaxing properties but can have several negative effects, including slowed thinking and reaction time, impaired memory and balance. It can also lead to paranoia and anxiety.

Although under federal law, marijuana is illegal to use under any circumstance, in some states doctors are allowed to prescribe it for medical use. However, most health experts do not recommend smoking marijuana to treat disease, particularly given potential negative effects on the lungs and respiratory system. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved two medications chemically similar to marijuana to treat wasting disease (extreme weight loss) in people with AIDS and to lessen symptoms associated with cancer treatment, such as nausea and vomiting.

Opioids are powerful drugs that at first cause feelings of euphoria, then periods of drowsiness. They can also slow breathing. Some opioids are legal and prescribed by a doctor. Others, like heroin, are illegal. All types of opioids can be addictive and can lead to death if too much is taken (overdose).
Stimulants like cocaine make people feel more alert and energetic. But they can also cause elevated heart rate and blood pressure, paranoia, panic attacks, aggression, and other problems. They are very addictive and can lead to death if too much is taken (overdose). Some stimulants are legally prescribed by a doctor to treat health conditions. Other kinds -- including cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and methamphetamines -- are illegal.

Hallucinogens and dissociative drugs can greatly distort perceptions of reality, including making a person see, hear, and feel things that are not really there. Physical effects may include increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, sleeplessness, sweating, dizziness, and loss of appetite. Flashbacks and mood disturbances can also occur. This group of drugs includes LSD, peyote, psilocybin ("magic mushrooms"), and phencyclidine (PCP).

Age-related changes to our brains and bodies as well as typical diseases of aging could result in greater health consequences for older adults, even with lower levels of drug use. Illicit drugs affect older people differently than younger people because aging changes how the body and brain handle these substances. As people get older, the body goes through a number of changes and cannot break down and eliminate a drug as easily as it once did. As a result, the drug may remain in the body longer than it would in a younger person. Even a small amount can have a strong effect.

Abuse of illicit drugs can make an older person’s overall health worse. For example, cocaine can cause heart problems even in young abusers. The effects on older people, who may already have heart disease, could be even more severe. In addition, people who abuse illicit drugs may be exposed to diseases they otherwise wouldn’t risk (such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis, a liver disease). This is because drugs compromise judgment and can lead to harmful behaviors. Older adults who take illicit drugs also have a higher risk of accidents, falls, and injuries.

Cheryl DePaolo
Director, Ulster Prevention Council

Peter Lumb Appointed to Family Services Board

Family Services Inc. has announced the appointment of Peter Lumb to the Agency’s Board of Directors. Mr. Lumb has served in numerous leadership positions in Dutchess County organizations, including Mill Street Loft, the Vassar-Warner Home and Foundation, Cunneen-Hackett Cultural Center, the Salt Point Cemetery Association Dutchess County Arts Council and the Dutchess Arts Fund.

In announcing Mr. Lumb’s appointment to the Family Services Board, Chair Sandra Ludlum remarked “We are thrilled to welcome Peter to our Board, particularly given his extensive experience in both business and leadership in the areas not for profit arena”.  Mr. Lumb attended the Harvard Business School, is retired from a career in local business endeavors, and lives in Salt Point with his wife, Elizabeth.

Richard Mitchell Joins Family Services Board

June 18, 2012  
Family Services Inc. has announced the appointment of Richard Mitchell, Esq. to the Agency’s Board of Directors. Mr. Mitchell has provided extensive community leadership in numerous organizations including having served in various capacities on the boards of the American Heart Association, the Area Fund of Dutchess County, the Bardavon 1869 Opera House, United Way of Dutchess County, and Vassar Brothers Hospital Foundation, among others.

Richard also formerly served on the board of Family Services and he is welcomed back to what is now a reunited Family Service Board. In welcoming Mr. Mitchell’s return to Family Services, Board Chair Sandra Ludlum remarked “We could not be more pleased to have Richard Mitchell rejoin us, particularly given his historical perspective and his well-recognized leadership in so many aspects of community life in the Hudosn Valley”.

Mr. Mitchell is a Managing Partner in the law firm of Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde and lives in the Town of Poughkeepsie with his wife, Sue.

The Power of Parenting: Empowering Parents to Act

Originally published in the Ulster Prevention Council Blog June 15, 2012

When a parent suspects that their child is using drugs and/or alcohol, intervening swiftly and appropriately is vital. Casual drug use can quickly turn into drug abuse or dependence and can lead to accidents, legal trouble and serious health issues.

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) has several new resources available in their The Power of Parenting: Empowering Parents to Act series.

These brochures are suitable for prevention programs, health offices, school counselors, treatment programs, and human services agencies:

• How to Know? I think my Child is using alcohol and/or drugs
• What to Do? I know my Child is using alcohol and/or drugs
• What Now? My Child is in Recovery

Digital copies of these brochures are available at http://www.oasas.ny.gov/treatment/index.cfm#.

To obtain a supply of color copies of these publications, contact me at the Ulster Prevention Council; (845) 458-7406 or cdepaolo@familyservicesny.org.

Another great resource can be found online. The first link produced in a Google search of “I think my child is using drugs” is http://timetoact.drugfree.org/ . This Partnership for a Drug Free America site has video clips and walks a parent step by step through a process of asking about substance use, looking for signs and symptoms, learning about risk factors, finding out why teens use, and exploring common drug and alcohol myths and misperceptions.

A third resource for parents is the Parents Toll-Free Helpline. Callers that feel overwhelmed, stressed or have a specific question about their child’s drug or alcohol use can speak to a Parent Specialist social worker or psychologist in English or Spanish, Monday to Friday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm ET at 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373).

Cheryl DePaolo
Ulster Prevention Council
Director

From the Ulster Prevention Council Blog: The Dangers of Krokodil

I worked in chemical dependency treatment programs for over 25 years. A common phenomonon would occur after the overdose death of a heroin addict. Other addicts would inquire what “brand” of heroin had been used and they would seek it out, rather than avoid it.

Recently I’ve received several inquiries about Krokodil, and I’d like to share some thoughts with you. Often when adolescents hear about a new drug or drug use trend, they don’t react in the same way that you and I probably would. Their brains are wired to seek out novel experiences and they see risky behaviors as exciting, not frightening.

Therefore, after an initial exploration I decided to conduct a secondary search as a curious adolescent would, Googling terms such as “Krokodil recipes”, “how to make Krokodil” and the like. Fortunately, most of the sites turning up in the search basically said “What are you, crazy? This stuff will make your flesh fall off and kill you!”

I couldn’t find information supporting manufacture and use in the U.S.  However, Krokodil is a huge problem in Russia, and worth knowing about. In October 2011, indications of krokodil use were found in Germany, with some media outlets claiming several dead users.

Desomorphine is an opiate analogue invented in 1932 in the United States that is a derivative of morphine. It has sedative and analgesic effects, and is around 8-10 times more potent than morphine. To produce the potentially deadly drug, which has a comparable effect to heroin but is much cheaper to make, users mix codeine with gasoline, paint thinner, iodine, hydrochloric acid and red phosphorous (obtained from matchboxes). The process is similar to the manufacture of methamphetamine from pseudoephedrine, but desomorphine made this way is highly impure and contaminated with various toxic and corrosive byproducts.

The street name in Russia for home-made desomorphine made in this way is "krokodil" reportedly due to the scale-like appearance of skin of its users, and it is used as a cheaper alternative to heroin.Since this mix is routinely injected immediately with little or no further purification, "krokodil" has become notorious for producing severe tissue damage, phlebitis and gangrene, sometimes requiring limb amputation in long-term users. The amount of tissue damage is so high that addicts' life expectancies are said to be as low as two to three years.

Photographs of late-stage krokodil addicts are disturbing in the extreme. Flesh goes grey and peels away to leave bones exposed. Those large pieces of dead skin are referred to as eschars, leaving the user prone to infection, amputation and other complications.

Krokodil users are instantly identifiable because of the iodine smell that infuses all their clothes.  Unlike heroin, where the hit can last for several hours, a krokodil high only lasts between 90 minutes and two hours. Given that the "cooking" process takes at least half an hour, being a krokodil addict is basically a full-time job.

The recent recession in the United States has driven many drug users - particularly teens and the poor - to find cheaper alternatives to their drug habits. Illegal street drugs are likely to be too expensive for teens that don’t usually have regular incomes. Many young people and adults have turned to abusing prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) medications to support their habits.
Krokodil has 3 things going for it that could attract users in the U.S.:

• It has roughly the same effect as heroin (a depressant that affects the brain’s pleasure systems and interferes with the brain’s ability to perceive pain), but is more powerful.
• The cost is three times cheaper than heroin.
• It is easy to make (cook) from items found in most households.

Parents, families, neighbors and anyone else concerned about teens taking drugs, are strongly encouraged to take action—even if it’s no more than reading and keeping up with the latest designer drugs that young people find attractive. Students with otherwise clean drug histories often try getting high from prescription medications and OTC drugs found in the home medicine cabinet.

Too many kids think taking OTC drugs in excess won’t hurt them, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Keep ALL medicines and like items locked up where kids and young people can’t access them. Don’t leave meds in your purse, on the nightstand or on the breakfast table where a teen can easily take a few at a time without anyone noticing.

Keep paint thinners, gasoline and other products locked up in the garage where no children or teens can gain access to them. Be sure to keep track of your keys to padlocks, too. Keep a locked gas cap on your vehicles. Don’t leave matchboxes lying around and dispose of them by tearing up the striking pads.

Watch your teen for any tell-tale signs of drug use: strong odors of cleaners, solvents or anything abnormal. Listen for drug slang terms. Look for sores on the skin and notice if he or she wears long-sleeves or pants even in hot weather. It’s the little things often overlooked that will stand out as clues to the parent who’s well-aware and informed.

If you think your teen, child or other loved one is secretly (or openly) using drugs, get professional help immediately through the family doctor or local treatment center.

Cheryl De Paolo

Director of Ulster Prevention Council

Join Us Today for Walk A Mile In Her Shoes!

Come down to Marist College today to join the fun at
Walk A Mile In Her Shoes!

Everyone is invited! Help us raise awareness and support Crime Victims. You can register as an individual or a team. We’ve got great prizes for walkers who bring in the most sponsorships.
If you don’t have a pair of heels, don’t worry we’ve got a pair of pink flip flops for you!

Date: Saturday April 21st
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 Registration 11:30 - 12:00 Walk
Location: Marist College McCann Center

The event happens rain or shine.
In case of bad weather we'll be inside the McCann Center,
so don't worry about getting your shoes wet!

From the Poughkeepsie Journal: Tougher Human Trafficking Laws Sought

Measure calls for an increase in protections, harsher penalties

Reprinted from the Poughkeepsie Journal April 13, 2012

http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012304130039

ALBANY — Lawmakers and prosecutors are pushing for a stronger human-trafficking law that would increase protections for victims and strengthen penalties against traffickers.

Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, D-Scarsdale, introduced a bill this week to revise the state’s 2007 law to hold sex and labor traffickers, sex-tourism operators and other human traffickers accountable.

The measure would particularly increase protections in cases of commercial sexual exploitation of children.

It would also close a gap in the state’s 2008 Safe Harbor Law, which prohibits prosecution and incarceration of children on prostitution charges. Children ages 16 and 17 still have been arrested and convicted in criminal court because the judicial system has some discretion about transferring cases to Family Court, Paulin said Thursday.

Prosecutors, members of law enforcement and organizations that serve victims of human trafficking have pointed out other gaps and loopholes in the law that make it more difficult to catch traffickers, she said.

“My bill builds on the 2007 anti-trafficking law by increasing accountability for the criminals, the buyers and the traffickers who are fueling the underground growth of this massive industry,” Paulin said.

The legislation would create the felony sex offenses of first-, second- and third-degree aggravated patronizing a minor so penalties would conform to those for statutory rape. Under existing law, patronizing a minor for prostitution is a class E felony. Rape is a class B felony, a more serious offense.

“People who buy sex from children should face the same penalty as people who commit statutory rape of children,” said Dorchen Leidholdt, director of the Center for Battered Women’s Legal Services at Sanctuary for Families in New York City.

The legislation would classify sex trafficking as a class B violent felony, which carries more penalties than a B felony, as it is categorized under current law. It would increase the penalty for labor trafficking from a class D felony to a class B felony.

Sen. Steve Saland, R-Poughkeepsie, said he would introduce the bill in his house, “knowing full well that it’s going to need some work.”

New York has made progress, but there is room for improvement on human trafficking. “Clearly there’s more that needs to be done. It’s just how do we get there,” he said.

Paulin said she and Saland put in everything they want in the bill and will begin the negotiating process.

The bill would remove New York’s requirement that prosecutors prove coercion in sex-trafficking cases involving children. New York’s Safe Harbor Act recognizes that prostituted individuals younger than 18 are exploited youth, as does federal law.

From the Ulster Prevention Council Blog: Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies

I’ve spent the last few days with six wonderful teaching assistants from the Kingston City School District. I am so impressed by their professionalism and passion for what they do! We spent our time together discussing Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS®), an elementary school curriculum that has been shown to significantly improve children's social and emotional skills.

Schools are charged with helping students to master academic content and become able to succeed in an increasingly complex world. Yet, many students lack the social and emotional skills they need to learn and grow, or they possess them but require ongoing reinforcement to reach their full potential.

Teaching students effectively is difficult when pupils are unable to properly engage in the learning process. Some students have difficulty managing emotions, act out in unhealthy and potentially harmful ways, detract from the healthy functioning of the school environment and/or create conflict in the classroom, playground, cafeteria or school bus.

The PATHS® program teaches skills that allow children to calm themselves when angry, make friends, resolve conflicts respectfully, and make ethical and safe choices. Social and emotional competence underlies both effective behavior and academic success.

PATHS® supports federal requirements that mandate schools to provide safe and effective learning environments, helping to reinforce a bully-free climate. The program can also help students meet Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and can support goals for reading, writing, listening and speaking. The PATHS® program was one of only 12 SAMHSA Model Programs that had documented academic achievement outcomes - and one of only two programs designed for children ages 5-12.

According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, classroom and school interventions that make the learning environment safer, more caring, more participatory, and that enhance students’ social competence have been shown to increase student attachment to school. In turn, students who are more engaged and attached to school have better attendance, higher graduation rates, higher grades and standardized tests scores and decreased rates of high-risk behaviors including alcohol and drug use, violence, truancy, and bullying.

In rigorous clinical studies, the PATHS® program has been shown to:

• reduce teachers' reports of students exhibiting aggressive behavior by 32%

• increase teachers' reports of students exhibiting self-control by 36%

• increase students' vocabulary for emotions by 68%

• increase students' scores on cognitive skills tests by 20%

• significantly improve students' ability to tolerate frustration plus their ability -- and willingness -- to use effective conflict-resolution strategies

• reduce depression and sadness among special-needs students

For more information regarding PATHS®, please contact me.

Regards,
Cheryl DePaolo

Family Services

Ulster Prevention Council

Director

85 Grand Street

Kingston, NY 12401

845-458-7406

Press Conference Acknowledging Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April 4, 2012- Family Services' administration and staff gathered Wednesday with other community leaders to acknowledge Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Brian Doyle, Family Services' CEO, and Joan Crawford, Deputy Executive Director, remarked that Sexual Assault Awareness Month gives us the opportunity to help the public understand the social norms that permit sexual violence to be as widespread as it is – and to engage bystanders to proactively work together to build a safer community. Also recognized for his work with victims of Crime was Dutchess County Chair of the Legislature, Robert Rolison. Sharon Doane, Family Services' Director of Forensic Services, presented Rob with the Fay Honey Knopp Award of Spirit and Humanity from the NYS Association of the Treatment of Sexual Abusers and the NYS Alliance of Sex Offender Treatment Providers.

From the Ulster Prevention Council Blog

On March 29, 2012, New York State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H. issued an order of summary action banning the sale of synthetic marijuana products in New York State. These substances, generally referred to as "synthetic marijuana", consist of plant material coated by chemicals that mimic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. These products are being sold as a "legal alternative" to marijuana in convenience stores, smoke shops, and tobacco stores with brand names such as "Spice", "K2", "Mr. Nice Guy", and "Galaxy Gold".

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo called upon the Department of Health to take action to ban the sale of these dangerous products.

The order states, "synthetic cannabinoids have been linked to severe adverse reactions, including death and acute renal failure, and commonly cause: tachycardia (increased heart rate); paranoid behavior, agitation and irritability; nausea and vomiting; confusion; drowsiness; headache; hypertension; electrolyte abnormalities; seizures; and syncope (loss of consciousness).

The Commissioner's order calls for sales and distribution of these products to cease immediately and it calls upon local health officials to distribute the order and check for compliance.

Last week, the Commissioner sent special health alerts to local health departments, emergency departments and other health care providers to make them aware of the dangers of these products.

The New York State ban is much stronger than the current temporary DEA ban on 5 synthetic cannabinoid compounds in that it encompasses products with a wide variety of chemical compounds that are synthesized to mimic the actions of THC.

In Ulster County, the town and village of Saugerties are currently in the process of conducting public hearings to move forward with laws that would ban the sale of all synthetic drugs, and county officials have expressed support for a county-wide ban.

The New York State order is available here: http://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2012/docs/synthetic_cannabinoids_order_summary_action.pdf

From the Ulster Prevention Council Blog: BEER PONG: Where Getting Drunk is the Aim of the Game

The following is from the Drug Free Action Alliance:

What is beer pong? It’s a game where one person (or team) tries to bounce a ping-pong ball into a beer-filled plastic cup in order to make their opponent have to drink it. It seems it would not take much skill or athleticism to accomplish this task, yet there exist various local and national beer pong “sporting” leagues as well as a World Series of Beer Pong. Then there are the many “sporting” accessories, like beer pong tournament tables, balls and even themed clothing, that can be easily acquired online or in local retail stores. Now you can add a beer to that growing list of branded products, specific to this highly popular, definitely dangerous, drinking game.

According to marketing and sales guru Neal Frank, beer pong has become a $300 million dollar business industry and is increasing. It is also the reason behind his recent creation: Pong Beer. His low-priced beer comes with an attention-getting gimmick called the Rack Pack, which includes 30 cans of beer and two pong game balls.

On the company’s official website, Pong Beer claims to be an active leader in promoting alcohol responsibility, referencing initiatives that include identifying programs that encourage the prevention of drunk driving, the importance of addressing and educating consumers on dangers of binge drinking, as well as the company’s Zero Tolerance Policy on underage drinking. Against underage drinking and binge drinking?

Just google “beer pong” and let the pictures and stories speak for themselves. You won’t see or hear from too many adults, nor are you likely to witness so-called “responsible drinking.” As one internet user put it, as he was providing his how-to guide to playing beer pong: “Just remember, it's all about having fun and getting drunk.”

Pong Beer is currently available in 15 states, including New York, and the distribution list continues to grow.

From the Ulster Prevention Council Blog: Should We Teach Youth to Drink Responsibly at Home?

Often when I speak to community groups about underage drinking, a question is raised regarding youth drinking in European countries. A common perception is that youth in European countries are introduced to alcohol in cultural context that reduces heavy and harmful drinking. The idea is often expressed that because the drinking age in the U.S. is 21, much higher than in European countries, youth miss out on the opportunity to learn to drink within family settings where moderate drinking is the norm.

I decided that I needed more information in order to address these questions knowledgeably and accurately, and I was curious. Is there evidence that European youth drink less and experience fewer problems than their American counterparts?

Fortunately, we have significant data available in the form of the large European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD). ESPAD surveys students every four years, and in the last survey available (2007) 35 European countries collaborated, gathering data from more than 100,000 students. The questionnaire was closely modeled after the U.S. Monitoring the Future (MTF)survey and questions from the two surveys map closely onto one another.

Based on analysis of the 2007 ESPAD data by Bettina Friese and Joel W. Grube from the Prevention Research Center Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, the comparison of drinking rates and alcohol-related problems among youth with 2007 MTF data does not provide support for the belief that Western European youth drink more responsibly than youth in the U.S.

In comparison with youth in the U.S.:

• A greater percentage of youth from nearly all European countries report drinking in the past 30 days;
• A majority of the European countries have higher intoxication rates among youth;
• For a majority of European countries, a greater percentage of youth report having been intoxicated before the age of 13
  
  

The rate of current drinking among youth in the U.S. is significantly lower than that for any of the Western European countries in this study with the exception of Iceland, where the legal drinking age is 20, the highest in Western Europe.

The study concludes that there is no evidence that the more liberal policies and drinking socialization practices in Europe are associated with lower levels of intoxication.

Studies have consistently shown that youth who start drinking and heavy drinking at a younger age are at significantly greater risk for damage to the developing brain and a range of alcohol problems, including car crashes, drinking and driving, suicidal thoughts and attempts, unintentional injury, as well as drug and alcohol dependence later in life (e.g., Dawson, Goldstein, Chou, Ruan, & Grant, 2008; Hingson & Zha, 2009; Hingson, Edwards, Heeren, & Rosenbloom, 2009; Hingson, Heeren, & Edwards, 2008).

The ESPAD data provides much more rich information about alcohol and drug trends among European youth. I’m glad that I was able to find creditable information to share with parents, youth, professionals and community members to address the question of cultural contexts for youth drinking and further basis for supporting the legal drinking age of 21, at home as well as in the community.

For a copy of this and other ESPAD reports, email me or visit www.espad.org.

Regards,

Chery DePaolo
Program Director
Family Services
Ulster Prevention Council

cdepaolo@familyservicesny.org

From the Ulster Prevention Council Blog: Whitney Houston’s Death Provides an Opportunity to Talk to Youth

Youth today are so connected through Facebook and Twitter that word travels quite quickly in their world. My 18 year old daughter, Liz, informed me of the death of Whitney Houston as soon as the news was released to the press. We speculated that cocaine may have played a role in her death, but at the time of this writing speculation is that she died from a combination of alcohol and prescription drugs.

Unfortunately, our sons and daughters are becoming accustomed to drug and alcohol overdose deaths. As we talked, she mentioned Heath Ledger, Michael Jackson and Amy Winehouse.

For my generation, celebrity deaths were more often tied to illicit drugs, especially heroin. John Belushi, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison come to mind. For me, these deaths were a cautionary tale against a lifestyle much removed from my personal experiences. For Liz and her peers, however, overdose deaths are more likely to be attributed to prescription drugs, particularly when substances are mixed together or mixed with alcohol, and often strike much closer to home.

Such tragedies provide prime opportunities to talk with teens and young adults about alcohol and drugs. Ask open ended questions such as “What do you think about that?” One in three teens surveyed say there is “nothing wrong” with abusing prescription drugs “every once in a while”. Talk to your teen about the dangers of abusing alcohol, prescription and over-the-counter drugs. These are powerful drugs that, when abused, can be just as dangerous as street drugs.

Make sure that teens know that they can come to you as a trusted adult if they need help or know someone who needs help. Keep the lines of communication open, and use the news to start meaningful conversations.

Cheryl DePaolo

Ulster Prevention Council

Program Director

Advocacy Alert: Violence Against Women Act

Some of our allies in the struggle to end violence against women are concerned about the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act and are requesting our support.

The Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA) is a United States federal law. It was passed by President Bill Clinton on September 13, 1994. It provided $1.6 billion to enhance investigation and prosecution of violent crimes perpetrated against women, imposed automatic and mandatory restitution on those convicted, and allowed civil redress in cases prosecutors chose to leave unprosecuted.

VAWA was drafted by then U.S. Senator Joseph R. Biden's office with support from a number of advocacy organizations including the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the Texas Council on Family Violence, Futures Without Violence, National Coalition Against Sexual Assault, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Legal Momentum and The National Organization for Women, which described the bill as "the greatest breakthrough in civil rights for women in nearly two decades.”

VAWA was reauthorized by Congress in 2000, and again in December 2005. VAWA is up for reauthorization in 2012.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) gives law enforcement, prosecutors and judges the resources they need to hold offenders accountable, keeps communities safe while supporting victims, and provides critical funding for prevention and education. It is absolutely essential to the work we do.

The Futures Without Violence organization has asked for our help advocating for reauthorization. Please see their request below:

Here's how you can help today:
There are several prior sponsors who are not on board yet: If any of these senators are from your home state, please ask them to re-commit:

Carper, Thomas R. - (D - DE)
Cochran, Thad - (R)
Cornyn, John - (R - TX)
Grassley, Chuck - (R - IA)
Hatch, Orrin G. - (R - UT)
Hutchison, Kay Bailey - (R - TX)
Inouye, Daniel K. - (D - HI)
Nelson, Ben - (D - NE)
Pryor, Mark L. - (D - AR)
Snowe, Olympia J. - (R - ME)

Here’s a quick and easy way to write to your Senators about S. 1925 (VAWA): http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

And here’s suggested text for your note:

Dear Senator _____________,

VAWA reauthorization legislation, S. 1925 by Senators Leahy and Crapo, was developed with the input of advocates from around the country and addresses the real and most important needs of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. It also invests in small prevention programs to stop the lifetime cycle of abuse and engages more stakeholders in the work to prevent and respond to violence. It is responsive, streamlined, and constitutionally and fiscally sound, while providing strong accountability measures and appropriate federal government oversight. This legislation represents our voices—the voices of victims and advocates. I ask you to wholeheartedly support the swift passage of S. 1925.

Ulster Prevention Council News

Community Coalitions Work!

I had the privilege of spending this week in National Harbor, Maryland at the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Conference. The message this week has consistently been that community coalitions are effective in reducing local substance use rates among youth and in creating safer and healthier communities. Alcohol and drug problems manifest in local communities and show up in our schools, churches, health centers, and in our homes. Coalition work helps local leaders and community partners organize to identify the youth drug issues unique to their communities and develop the infrastructures necessary to effectively prevent and respond to the these issues to target the prevention needs of youth, their families, and surrounding communities.

The Drug Free Communities Support Program (DFC) is a Federal grant program that provides funding to community-based coalitions that organize to prevent youth substance use. The DFC program has funded nearly 2,000 coalitions and currently mobilizes nearly 9,000 community volunteers across the country. In Ulster County, Kingston Cares and the Community Partnership for a Safer New Paltz have received DFC funding. Recent evaluation data indicate that where DFC dollars are invested, youth substance use is lower.

Over the past five years, DFC-funded communities have achieved significant reductions in youth alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use. For middle school youth living in DFC-funded communities, data from the 2011 DFC National Evaluation indicate a 12% reduction in alcohol use, 28% reduction in tobacco use, and 24% reduction in marijuana use. High school-aged youth have reduced their use of alcohol by 8%, tobacco by 17%, and marijuana by 11% in DFC-funded communities. Even when communities start their coalition work with substance use rates higher than the national average, they were able to reduce to rates lower than the national average through organized and effective coalition work.

Recent data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) as well as local data indicate increases in youth prescription drug abuse, as well as marijuana and ecstasy. Now, more than ever, coalitions are needed in local communities to help prevent drug use and reduce its consequences.

In the coming months, the Ulster Prevention Council will be hosting community meetings throughout the county to raise awareness about local youth substance use issues and the importance of engaging all sectors of the community in addressing these issues. To host a community meeting or find out about organizing a coalition in your area, please contact me at the UPC, 458-7406 or email cdepaolo@familyservicesny.org. Coalitions work!

Regards,

Cheryl DePaolo
Director, Ulster Prevention Council
845-458-7406

Find Ulster Prevention Council on Facebook. Visit them at ulsterpreventioncouncil.org

Family Services' CEO Speaks in Support of the Expansion of the NYS DNA Databank

Family Services' CEO Brian Doyle, along with Dutchess County elected officials and law enforcement representatives, spoke at a press conference at the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office on February 10, 2012 in support of Governor Cuomo's expansion of New York State's DNA Databank.

For more information about this initiative please visit http://www.governor.ny.gov/BuildingaNewNY/dna-databank.

2012 Walk A Mile in Her Shoes

Save the Date!

Saturday April 21, 2012
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 Registration 11:30 - 12:00 Walk
Location: Marist College McCann Center

Registration Fees:

• Individual $20
• Team of 3 $30
• Youth (12 – 18 years of age) $5
• Women – Free
• Youth under 12 - Free

Please check back for more registration information. For questions or more information please contact Whitney Bonura, Prevention Educator, at 845-452-1110 ext. 3531 or wbonura@familyservicesny.org

Free Workshop!

Parents as Partners- Taking the Lead

Workshop/conference for parents and professionals who have children or work with children in schools and/or agencies. This workshop is presented by Ulster County SYSTEM OF CARE. The keynote speaker is Carol Hardesty from Westchester County Family Ties. Ms. Hardesty will speak about parent empowerment with a focus on leadership and communication skills.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012*
4:00-7:30pm
George Washington Elementary School
67 Wall Street, Kingston, NY
Free pizza, Free childcare, Free raffle!

*Snow date is Wednesday, March 21st, from 4:00-7:30pm.

From the Ulster Prevention Council Blog: Alcohol and the Superbowl

On February 5, millions of Americans will drive to a friend or family member's house to watch the Giants meet the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. While the big game is one of the most exciting events of the football season, it is also one of the most dangerous as roads are filled with too many impaired drivers wending their way back home after the parties. Contributing to the inherent dangers of drinking and driving is the relatively late kickoff (6:30 p.m., ET) and the fact that the game may go on for hours.

Last year approximately 151.6 million people viewed at least part of the Super Bowl. Americans consume more than 325.5 million gallons of beer during the Super Bowl, which is approximately 17 times the amount consumed on the average any other day of the year (Nielsen Research).

According to the most recent figures from the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2010, alcohol-impaired-driving crashes accounted for 31 percent of the total motor vehicle traffic fatalities. On Super Bowl Sunday, 48 percent of the fatalities occurred in crashes in which a driver or motorcycle rider had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher. In fact, more than 13,000 Americans died that year in crashes involving an impaired driver.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with support from the National Football League (NFL) have joined forces with local highway safety and law enforcement officials to spread an important safety message to the public about designating a sober driver on Super Bowl Sunday – Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

“This message is for everyone who will be drinking during the big game. Make the right play and pass your keys to a designated driver so they can get you home safely,” said Captain Ivan Minsal. “There is no excuse to get flagged for a false start.”

Driving while impaired could result in a loss of your driver’s license or even possibly the loss of your or someone else’s life. On Super Bowl Sunday, make it a team effort to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. If you plan on driving, plan not to drink alcohol.

If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:
• Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers before kick-off or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
• Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers at your party:
-Give them a great spot to watch the game.
-Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full.
- Let them have the first pass at the buffet table.
- Make sure their cars are easy to access when it is time to start driving people home.
• Serve plenty of food.
• Offer a variety of non-alcoholic choices like soft drinks, juice, and water.
• Serve one drink at a time and serve measured drinks.
• Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age.
• Determine ahead of time when you’ll stop serving alcohol, such as one hour before the party ends or at the end of the third quarter (just like NFL stadiums) and begin serving coffee and dessert.
• Add the numbers of local cab companies into your phone so they are just one touch away.
• Take appropriate steps to prevent anyone from drinking and driving.
• Be prepared for guests to spend the night if an alternative way home is not available.
• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash.

If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant, please follow these guidelines to make sure you enjoy Super Bowl XLVI responsibly:
• Designate your sober driver before the party begins.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
• If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
• Use your community’s sober ride program.
• Always buckle up – it’s the best defense against other drunk driving.

Working Together to Cut Out Domestic Violence

Come Get Your Hair Cut
to Support Victims of Domestic Violence

Join us at Renee's Hair Salon for haircuts, food, fun, prizes and more! All proceeds support Family Services' Battered Women's Services Program.

When: February 17, 2012
11:00am to 6:00pm

Where: Renee's Hair Salon
2649 East Main Street
Wappingers Falls, NY

For more information please call Renee Serino at 845-297-0069 or Kathy Graham at 845-452-1110 x3202. If you or someone you know is in need of domestic violence services please call our 24 hour hotline at 845-485-5550.