Excessive alcohol use causes more than 79,000 deaths in the U.S. each year and contributes to a wide range of health and social problems.

"Excessive alcohol use causes more than 79,000 deaths in the U.S. each year and contributes to a wide range of health and social problems.

The reports show that increasing the number of hours and days when alcohol can be sold in bars, restaurants, and liquor stores leads to greater alcohol use and related harms, especially motor-vehicle crashes. National, state, and local policies that remove previously banned alcohol sales on weekend days (usually Sundays) or that increase the hours of sale by 2 or more hours contribute to excessive drinking and many dangerous outcomes, including driving after drinking and alcohol-related assault and injury." (infoZine, March 11, 2011)

Do you think times available to sell alcoholic beverages should be limited?

Fake ID 101

An innovative prevention strategy is being highlighted in news stations across Lawrence and the Kansas City Metro area this week: Fake ID 101.  The project, led by the New Traditions Coalition of Lawrence, utilized Facebook to identify and connect with minors looking for fake IDs.  When the minor clicked on the Facebook ad for a fake ID, the minor was linked with the New Traditions Coalition website. According to the coalition, 5,247 people responded to the ad over a 60-day period last semester.

Check out this news clip about the project: http://www.kmbc.com/video/27116850/detail.html

Although the project was innovative and made creative use of social media, it also begs the question of ethical prevention strategies. Do you think the coalition found a novel way to make contact with this 16-20 year old demographic, or did it overstep its boundaries?

Addiction experts critique Charlie Sheen’s NBC Today Show interview - NBCActionNews.com - Kansas City

Addiction experts critique Charlie Sheen’s NBC Today Show interview - NBCActionNews.com - Kansas City

pre•ven•tion - pri-ven-shuh n – Verb- 1. the act of preventing; effectual hindrance.

Preventing substance abuse isn’t an accident, it is a deliberate, identification of a problem to hinder the impact. 

All of that just to say…. 

It’s Springtime and with that comes a host of opportunities to do alcohol and drug prevention.  St. Patrick’s Day, Graduations, Proms, Spring Break, and Mardi Gras bring images of alcohol abuse along with accidents, fights, violence against women, car accidents, etc. 

Now is the time for deliberate action to effectively hinder the devastating byproducts of substance abuse.

·         Plan drug free events as a safe alternative to planned drinking events.

·         Talk with people before binge drinking events about the dangers and consequences of drinking and drugs.

·         Talk with women and girls about safety plans.

·         If you’re hosting an event provide non-alcoholic alternatives.

What are some other ways to prevent problems on your Spring social calendar?  Add them here.

The Gifts of Recovery

 Recovery is a miraculous event.  There are many ways people seek help with substance use disorders.  At First Call we provide resources for individuals to find the right path for recovery, provide families a program to help them heal, and professionals are trained with tools necessary for successful treatment.

 People work hard to become contributing citizens of their community.  Families are reunited, health is restored, and spirits are lifted!  Here is a story of how well recovery works. 

http://www.kctv5.com/news/26908957/detail.html

Do you have a story to tell?

Songs of Addiction and Recovery

Watching Eminem singing Not Afraid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcw2LY6wtW4 at the Grammy Awards started us thinking, "What other songs are out about addiction and recovery?" List your favorite song about recovery from addiction.  If you choose, tell us what it means to you. 

Shine Down	Save me	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAGeDiOAesI
Guns and Roses	Mr. Brownstone	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZcQ5e761AY
Nikki Sixx	Life is Beautiful	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjX2KYuAJcA

Is the disease of addiction something to be ashamed of?

Did you listen to  Clancy Martin discuss his views on AA with KCUR’s Steve Kraske? He thinks the group needs to open up to ideas like talking about and recognizing mental health therapies. How do you feel about him breaking his anonymity and talking openly about his alcohol problems and suggesting that it’s time for people to talk about the disease and lose their shame?   Go to : http://www.kcur.org/PreviouslyOnUTD.html