The article below suggests that dynamic teenagers are less likely to use illegal drugs. The study follows a group of 11,000 students from before high school graduation through age 26. The students who were involved in sports and other activities were directly related to lower initial use of cigarettes and illegal drugs and, ultimately, lower substance use as early adults.

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Recently, Dr. Drew discussed this topic on his television show.  He asked the question of why do some parents allow their children to drink alcohol at semi-adult supervised house parties, as well as the consequences of that action.

 

This video below discusses the consequences behind the belief that children drinking under adult supervision is not harmful. 

 

What do you think?  Watch the video and please let us know your thoughts!

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Over the past five months we have been blessed with an outstanding intern from Samford University, Terra. Her work ethic and enthusiasm is contagious. She was willing to do anything and everything we needed done. She will be greatly missed here at the Addiction Coalition. We asked her to share about her experiences while working with us and this is what she had to say:

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I believe every Christian parent desires to raise and train their children to be Godly.  We spend a lot of time, tears and energy trying to control our kids so they end up loving and serving God with all their hearts, minds and souls. Right?

However, it’s been my experience that every parent goes through times when they just want to throw up their hands and toss in the towel when dealing with their teenage children. Many times we just feel helpless. Their raging hormones, irrational emotions and poor decision making drive us to a place where we feel totally out of control with no ideas on how to handle our seemingly out of control child. If you have lived through raising teenagers you have to admit that at some point in time you have been there. 

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The Michael Phillips Compassionate Care Act, introduced in the Alabama House late last month, will protect from arrest and prosecution physicians who recommend marijuana and patients who use marijuana as medicine.  Sixteen states and the District of Columbia have already passed similar laws.*

In 1979, the Legislature passed the Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act and established rules for medical marijuana.  The code states that medical marijuana can be used in the treatment of cancer and glaucoma.  Due to drug war politics, that law was never implemented.  Is it time to update it to include the most recent research, which shows that the marijuana plant is beneficial not only to people suffering from cancer and glaucoma but a whole host of other debilitating illnesses as well?*

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    Drug and alcohol prevention is a key area of focus at the Addiction Coalition.  We realize that in order to effectively prevent addiction and better our community, we must begin with children.  In the fall of 2010, we began a partnership with Cornerstone school in downtown Birmingham in an effort to provide the students with education and mentors that will encourage drug prevention.  This joint venture began by implementing drug prevention curriculum at Cornerstone designed specifically for students in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades.  Now that the curriculum is underway, we are happy to say that we have developed a mentoring program that will help further the students' knowledge of the curriculum, help each student set goals for themselves, and help prevent the likelihood of the students to use illegal substances.  


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Did you know that unused and unwanted medications are a potential source of supply for illegal use? 
 
Unused and unwanted medications can be a danger to public safety and health, so President Obama's Safe and Secure Drug Disposal Act is now encouraging communities to start programs allowing people to safely dispose of old medications.

The Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force is sponsoring a Medication Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30, 2011.  If you have any unused, expired or unwanted over-the-counter or prescription medications, you can bring them to one of the following drop off locations and they will dispose of them free of charge!
 

• Alabaster Target, 250 South Colonial Drive, Alabaster

• Greystone YMCA, 5212 Highway 280, Birmingham

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Over the past few months, we have seen numerous news reports and articles surrounding new trends in harmful drugs including bath salts and 'fake weed.'  As these new drug trends become more publicized, so do the arrests and harmful damage that these substances cause. 

Hospital officials at UAB recently treated a 25-year-old Alabama resident for the use of illegal bath salts.  These bath salts cause health problems such as an increased heart rate, high blood pressure, psychosis, extreme paranoia, and violent urges.  In addition to bath salts, 'fake weed' has been a prevalent problem in our area as well.  Last week, four arrests were made in Shelby County due to the possession of the substance.  Four search warrants were issued at gas stations in Montevallo and Alabaster, all leading to arrests due to unlawful possession of chemical compounds and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

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In the news lately, actor Charlie Sheen has made headlines for his recent
hospitalization and heavy drug use.

The news of his addiction, his interviews, and his rehab decisions have been plastered across news stations, newspapers, and websites across the country.  People have been fascinated and surprised by his attitude towards his addiction because of his outlandish quotes such as, "I am on a drug: It's called Charlie Sheen. It's not available because if you try it once, you will die. Your face will melt off and your children will weep over your exploded body."


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There has been lots of "hoopla" in the news about drinks that include alcohol and caffeine.  Until now, it has been easy for our youth or anyone to walk into a convenience store and buy Four Loko or any other energy drink containing alcohol and caffeine.  When the effects of the caffeine wear off, the effects of the alcohol remain.  These drinks are sometimes called "knockout in a can."  How appropriately named!



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