IUP substance abuse council meets
By Paul PaterraTRIBUNE-REVIEWSaturday, December 3, 2005
Since taking over as president at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in February, Tony Atwater has made a commitment to curbing substance abuse on campus.
Among those efforts is the formation of the IUP Commission on Substance Abuse, which had its first meeting Friday in Folger Hall at the 14,000-student campus in Indiana County.
"It was a result of my being sensitized as a new president that there was a small core of students in our student population that was handling alcohol irresponsibly and engaging in substance-abuse behaviors," Atwater said. "I felt it was appropriate for us to intervene."
More than 40 people from the university and community will serve on the commission. They represent a cross-section of the educational population from instructors to students, from campus administrators to borough and county officials.
It's chaired by Robert Ackerman, professor of sociology and director of the college's Mid-Atlantic Addiction Training Institute.
"The goal is to reduce alcohol and drug abuse, but at the same time, it's to do it in such a way that what you're really looking out for is the safety of your students," Ackerman said. "You need to keep in mind rather than saying you're stopping something, curbing it and pushing it down, what should emerge is how to have a safe environment for the other students."
Dan Reardon, a senior and nontraditional student, believes that can be done by paying attention to students' social lives.
"Find out what the students want and see if there's something they can offer other than what's being offered now to take up their time," Reardon said. "I think it is a time issue. When you have some free time, you don't want to sit around and do nothing. You want to let loose. You've got to provide something other than the bar scene. There's not a lot to do, you're in a rural community."
The commission will focus its efforts on studying and developing recommendations to combat excessive alcohol consumption and intoxication, curbing underage drinking, and reducing the incidents of public drunkenness and driving under the influence.
Various subcommittees have been created that will address issues such as current campus substance abuse programs, best practices and literature.
About a dozen students will be involved. Their participation is seen as pertinent.
"I think it's a really positive thing," said Megan Horst, a senior and Pan-Hellenic Council representative. "Usually, you just have people telling you what to do. If this comes from a cross-section of everyone, it might be apt to go through. People may deal with it better than it would be if it was just people dictating to you. We have a different ability to communicate with other students. We can talk more openly with what people want. "
"If you don't get the students involved, it's not going to be received and it's not going to go over very well," said Bill Sutton, Indiana Borough chief of police. "Everybody has to put aside personal agenda, students have to look at it as their safety and concerns for them as opposed to somebody looking to control their lives."
Atwater thinks the substance abuse commission can make a difference.
"We will not eliminate substance abuse at IUP, that's not a reasonable goal or objective to achieve," Atwater said. "But we can reduce the incidents, we can create awareness of consequences of substance abuse, and we can educate our student body."
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
December 05, 2005
Substance Abuse Claims Lottery Winners' Lives
Within five years after Mack W. Metcalf and his estranged wife, Virginia G. Merida, split a $34 million winning lottery ticket, both were dead -- him of complications due to alcoholism and her to a possible drug overdose. In a New York Times article, "Instant Millions Can't Halt Winners' Grim Slide" James Doa tells their tragic tale.
In 2003, three years after winning the lottery, Metcalf died at age 45 from his chronic alcoholism. On Nov. 23, 2005, Merida's body was found decomposing in her bed, authorities believe as a result of a drug overdose, proving once again that money and good fortune can't cure alcoholism and drug addiction.
Substance Abuse Claims Lottery Winners' Lives
Within five years after Mack W. Metcalf and his estranged wife, Virginia G. Merida, split a $34 million winning lottery ticket, both were dead -- him of complications due to alcoholism and her to a possible drug overdose. In a New York Times article, "Instant Millions Can't Halt Winners' Grim Slide" James Doa tells their tragic tale.
In 2003, three years after winning the lottery, Metcalf died at age 45 from his chronic alcoholism. On Nov. 23, 2005, Merida's body was found decomposing in her bed, authorities believe as a result of a drug overdose, proving once again that money and good fortune can't cure alcoholism and drug addiction.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Elkhart drug-rehab facilities lack visibility, leaders sayBy Teresa AuchThe (Elkhart) Truth
ELKHART – Dawn Waggoner wanted her son to get into trouble with the law.
The way she saw it, being put on probation was the only way Chris Waggoner could get a referral into rehab to help kick his drug habit.
“It’s pretty bad when you want your kid to get nailed in court,” she said.
She accepts the 15-year-old would have found a way to use drugs, but she believes he might not have died April 19 if she had been able to find him help.
Programs are available to help parents in Dawn Waggoner’s situation, but officials say more resources, improved communication and better advertising are needed.
Chris had dabbled with marijuana, Adderall and magic mushrooms in the past, his mother said. But his problem came to a head April 10 when he and a friend took jimson weed, a legal, naturally growing drug that causes hallucinations and a faster heartbeat.
Police had taken him into custody because he was aggressive and trying to break into a car that he thought was his friend’s. They released him to his school, Life Program at the Elkhart Area Career Center, where administrators noticed he was high.
The hospital wouldn’t keep him, though, his mother said, because his blood and urine tests came back clear.
Jimson weed does not usually appear in normal tests, said Ken Norman, manager of addiction programs at Oaklawn, one of the clinics where Waggoner tried to get her son admitted. Without a referral from the courts, police or hospital, Oaklawn couldn’t take him, she said.
A medical facility in another city finally agreed to admit him, but only long enough for him to come down from his high, she said. He was discharged after a day, but the hallucinations continued. He kept looking for a cigarette he never had, chased around a dog that wasn’t there and at one point didn’t recognize her, his mother said.
Chris died 10 days later from an accidental overdose of methadone.
“I figured it was just a matter of time until he wanted a bigger high,” his mother said.
Waggoner says she had tried getting her son help for a year – asking police, doctors, family and friends for referrals.
But she did not learn of any programs offering help with drug addictions.
Richard Pedler, president of Recovery Journey in Elkhart, which offers counseling to juveniles, said that is one of the problems with counseling programs in the county.
“The public is not aware of the resources available,” he said.
An umbrella group, which the county lacks, could help distribute information to the public about where to find help, he said.
The group would have other benefits.
The county has the resources to help adolescents battle drug abuse, Pedler said, but the programs and centers lack a central group that could be used to come together.
“The treatment options are fragmented to the point that I’m not sure anybody is really sure what anyone else is doing,” he said.
Cathy Blum, an Elkhart drug-abuse counselor, says more programs are needed, though.
“The programs that we have here are good, but there just aren’t enough of them,” she said.
Clyde Riley, principal of Elkhart Community Schools’ alternative programs, said his program has about an 80 percent success rate, but it can only help so many people.
“We can’t accommodate all the kids who need to and want to be in a program like this,” he said. “We have to turn people away.”
ELKHART – Dawn Waggoner wanted her son to get into trouble with the law.
The way she saw it, being put on probation was the only way Chris Waggoner could get a referral into rehab to help kick his drug habit.
“It’s pretty bad when you want your kid to get nailed in court,” she said.
She accepts the 15-year-old would have found a way to use drugs, but she believes he might not have died April 19 if she had been able to find him help.
Programs are available to help parents in Dawn Waggoner’s situation, but officials say more resources, improved communication and better advertising are needed.
Chris had dabbled with marijuana, Adderall and magic mushrooms in the past, his mother said. But his problem came to a head April 10 when he and a friend took jimson weed, a legal, naturally growing drug that causes hallucinations and a faster heartbeat.
Police had taken him into custody because he was aggressive and trying to break into a car that he thought was his friend’s. They released him to his school, Life Program at the Elkhart Area Career Center, where administrators noticed he was high.
The hospital wouldn’t keep him, though, his mother said, because his blood and urine tests came back clear.
Jimson weed does not usually appear in normal tests, said Ken Norman, manager of addiction programs at Oaklawn, one of the clinics where Waggoner tried to get her son admitted. Without a referral from the courts, police or hospital, Oaklawn couldn’t take him, she said.
A medical facility in another city finally agreed to admit him, but only long enough for him to come down from his high, she said. He was discharged after a day, but the hallucinations continued. He kept looking for a cigarette he never had, chased around a dog that wasn’t there and at one point didn’t recognize her, his mother said.
Chris died 10 days later from an accidental overdose of methadone.
“I figured it was just a matter of time until he wanted a bigger high,” his mother said.
Waggoner says she had tried getting her son help for a year – asking police, doctors, family and friends for referrals.
But she did not learn of any programs offering help with drug addictions.
Richard Pedler, president of Recovery Journey in Elkhart, which offers counseling to juveniles, said that is one of the problems with counseling programs in the county.
“The public is not aware of the resources available,” he said.
An umbrella group, which the county lacks, could help distribute information to the public about where to find help, he said.
The group would have other benefits.
The county has the resources to help adolescents battle drug abuse, Pedler said, but the programs and centers lack a central group that could be used to come together.
“The treatment options are fragmented to the point that I’m not sure anybody is really sure what anyone else is doing,” he said.
Cathy Blum, an Elkhart drug-abuse counselor, says more programs are needed, though.
“The programs that we have here are good, but there just aren’t enough of them,” she said.
Clyde Riley, principal of Elkhart Community Schools’ alternative programs, said his program has about an 80 percent success rate, but it can only help so many people.
“We can’t accommodate all the kids who need to and want to be in a program like this,” he said. “We have to turn people away.”
Doherty seeks rehab to win back Kate Moss' love
Tuesday November 22 2005 16:32 IST
ANI
LONDON: Babyshambles rocker, Pete Doherty, believed by many to be the one responsible for Kate Moss' drug addiction, has sought rehab at the Arizona clinic, The Meadows, because he fears that the supermodel will never return to him if he doesn't.The singer said that the supermodel had been urging him to seek help,and added that Kate was the only reason he would ever voluntarily seek rehab."She wants me to go into this place in Arizona straight after her and do it. Maybe she just wants me to go through it because she's been through it. It's the only time I'll have f***ing voluntarily gone into rehab," the Mirror quoted him, as saying.Moss, who completed a month of drug rehab at the clinic recently, has so far not been in contact with the singer, after she was urged by family and friends to stop seeing him. And, a friend of Doherty says that the singer realises that unless he cleans up his act, the two would never be together."Pete hates rehab, but he thinks he'll never get to be with Kate without going through it. He's realised that unless he take serious steps to sorting out his problems Kate simply cannot be seen around with him," he said.Another friend of the singer said that voluntarily seeking rehab was a big step for a long-term addict as Doherty."Now it looks like he's chosen her above drugs - which is a massive step for such a long-term addict," the paper quoted him, as saying.
Tuesday November 22 2005 16:32 IST
ANI
LONDON: Babyshambles rocker, Pete Doherty, believed by many to be the one responsible for Kate Moss' drug addiction, has sought rehab at the Arizona clinic, The Meadows, because he fears that the supermodel will never return to him if he doesn't.The singer said that the supermodel had been urging him to seek help,and added that Kate was the only reason he would ever voluntarily seek rehab."She wants me to go into this place in Arizona straight after her and do it. Maybe she just wants me to go through it because she's been through it. It's the only time I'll have f***ing voluntarily gone into rehab," the Mirror quoted him, as saying.Moss, who completed a month of drug rehab at the clinic recently, has so far not been in contact with the singer, after she was urged by family and friends to stop seeing him. And, a friend of Doherty says that the singer realises that unless he cleans up his act, the two would never be together."Pete hates rehab, but he thinks he'll never get to be with Kate without going through it. He's realised that unless he take serious steps to sorting out his problems Kate simply cannot be seen around with him," he said.Another friend of the singer said that voluntarily seeking rehab was a big step for a long-term addict as Doherty."Now it looks like he's chosen her above drugs - which is a massive step for such a long-term addict," the paper quoted him, as saying.
Drug treatment benefits society, says UCLA study
Posted by Patrick J Ahern on Nov 13, 2005, 21:53
Treating substance abuse has a positive long-term effect on the economy, a UCLA study has reported.
The study, which was conducted by the UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine and School of Public Health and published recently, has come to the conclusion that every dollar contributed towards treatment reaps $7 in monetary benefits for society.
It also reports that the average $1,583 spent on treatment is usurped by the dramatic decrease in crime and the subsequent increase in employment generated approximately $11,487.
The UCLA faculty, examined costs of medical care, mental health services, criminal action, earnings, and related costs of government programs such as unemployment and public aid, also demonstrated a reduction in the cost of victimization and other crime related activities by an estimated $5,676.
The findings were compiled using detailed data from 2,567 patients who sought treatment through 43 providers in 13 Californian counties during 2000 and 2001. The information was gathered via an automated system operated by the California Treatment Outcome Project.
"Even without considering the health and quality-of-life benefits to drug treatment clients themselves, spending taxpayer dollars on substance abuse treatment appears to be a wise investment," said Susan Ettner, lead author and professor of general internal medicine and health services research at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine and School of Public Health.The financial benefits connected with treatment was anticipated using administrative records as well as data provided by the clients before starting treatment and nine months upon completion.
Posted by Patrick J Ahern on Nov 13, 2005, 21:53
Treating substance abuse has a positive long-term effect on the economy, a UCLA study has reported.
The study, which was conducted by the UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine and School of Public Health and published recently, has come to the conclusion that every dollar contributed towards treatment reaps $7 in monetary benefits for society.
It also reports that the average $1,583 spent on treatment is usurped by the dramatic decrease in crime and the subsequent increase in employment generated approximately $11,487.
The UCLA faculty, examined costs of medical care, mental health services, criminal action, earnings, and related costs of government programs such as unemployment and public aid, also demonstrated a reduction in the cost of victimization and other crime related activities by an estimated $5,676.
The findings were compiled using detailed data from 2,567 patients who sought treatment through 43 providers in 13 Californian counties during 2000 and 2001. The information was gathered via an automated system operated by the California Treatment Outcome Project.
"Even without considering the health and quality-of-life benefits to drug treatment clients themselves, spending taxpayer dollars on substance abuse treatment appears to be a wise investment," said Susan Ettner, lead author and professor of general internal medicine and health services research at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine and School of Public Health.The financial benefits connected with treatment was anticipated using administrative records as well as data provided by the clients before starting treatment and nine months upon completion.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Will Insurance Pay for Drug Rehab Programs?
Insurance may cover some or all of your drug rehab expenses. Not all drug rehabilitation programs will accept insurance. It is very important to check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered and if so, how much coverage you qualify for. Drug rehab programs that accept insurance coverage may be able to guide you through any problems that you might have in dealing with your insurance company.
CARF, the internationally recognized accrediting agency for rehabilitation programs has guidelines for the quaility of service that a drug rehab facility offers. Finding the right drug rehab program and the right drug rehab facility is vital in treating drug addiction.
Length of Treatment
Individuals progress through drug addiction treatment at various speeds, so there is no predetermined length of treatment. However, research has shown that good outcomes are contingent on adequate lengths of treatment. Generally, for residential or outpatient treatment, participation for less than 90 days is of limited or no effectiveness, and treatments lasting significantly longer often are indicated. For methadone maintenance, 12 months of treatment is the minimum, and some opiate-addicted individuals will continue to benefit from methadone maintenance treatment over a period of years.
For info on young adult related drug rehab services contact www.sobercollege.com
Insurance may cover some or all of your drug rehab expenses. Not all drug rehabilitation programs will accept insurance. It is very important to check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered and if so, how much coverage you qualify for. Drug rehab programs that accept insurance coverage may be able to guide you through any problems that you might have in dealing with your insurance company.
CARF, the internationally recognized accrediting agency for rehabilitation programs has guidelines for the quaility of service that a drug rehab facility offers. Finding the right drug rehab program and the right drug rehab facility is vital in treating drug addiction.
Length of Treatment
Individuals progress through drug addiction treatment at various speeds, so there is no predetermined length of treatment. However, research has shown that good outcomes are contingent on adequate lengths of treatment. Generally, for residential or outpatient treatment, participation for less than 90 days is of limited or no effectiveness, and treatments lasting significantly longer often are indicated. For methadone maintenance, 12 months of treatment is the minimum, and some opiate-addicted individuals will continue to benefit from methadone maintenance treatment over a period of years.
For info on young adult related drug rehab services contact www.sobercollege.com
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Drug Rehab Programs on Larry King Live
On a recent Larry King Live Show, attorney Robert Shapiro was on the show and speaking about the new foundation that he formed on behalf of his 24 year old son who died recently from drug addiction and from taking ecstacy. His son was attending USC, had time in sobriety, yet one relapse with ecstacy killed him. It's a really sad story, but points out the challenges of addiction in young adults and just how dangerous this disease can be. My heart goes out to the family.
On a recent Larry King Live Show, attorney Robert Shapiro was on the show and speaking about the new foundation that he formed on behalf of his 24 year old son who died recently from drug addiction and from taking ecstacy. His son was attending USC, had time in sobriety, yet one relapse with ecstacy killed him. It's a really sad story, but points out the challenges of addiction in young adults and just how dangerous this disease can be. My heart goes out to the family.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Drug Rehab Programs in California
Drug rehab programs can be very effective. The problem is that there are so many choices out there that it is difficult for parents and potential patients to make an informed choice and a solid choice on what to do. How do they which drug rehab program to choose? They can be frozen about making a decision.
As people are making their choices, I hope they make the right one. But, drug rehab programs are definitely needed.
Drug rehab programs can be very effective. The problem is that there are so many choices out there that it is difficult for parents and potential patients to make an informed choice and a solid choice on what to do. How do they which drug rehab program to choose? They can be frozen about making a decision.
As people are making their choices, I hope they make the right one. But, drug rehab programs are definitely needed.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Drug Rehab Programs
While the goal of all drug rehab programs is to get drug addicts sober and into recovery, some centers take it a little further. These centers seek to improve the quality of the addict's life after recovery. Through a series of programs, the recovering addict will be taught skills that can be used in all aspects of their life to make it better. For a program that is different and unique, check out www.sobercollege.com
While the goal of all drug rehab programs is to get drug addicts sober and into recovery, some centers take it a little further. These centers seek to improve the quality of the addict's life after recovery. Through a series of programs, the recovering addict will be taught skills that can be used in all aspects of their life to make it better. For a program that is different and unique, check out www.sobercollege.com
Drug Rehab Programs
There is nothing easy about overcoming a drug and/or alcohol addition--that much is widely known. The difficulty of conquering a mental or physical reliance is on par with the most challenging of all human endeavors. Precisely what strategies succeed in the correct treatment of drug addictions is what tugs at the heart of the psychological community at large.
Regrettably, there seem to be many differing opinions on this all-important matter. Addiction is an unfortunate part of life that does not seem to discriminate. The reasons for it are as varied as the people to whom it afflicts. Just as there are different types of addictions, so too are there different methods of successful treatment. It is important to realize that there is no one unanimous way to cure someone of a drug or alcohol addiction.
Drug Rehab Programs--Making the Grade
Only through personalized attention to each individual can an exclusive diagnosis be made. One alternative DRUG REHAB PROGRAM I like is called Sober College (www.sobercollege.com) They have taken great care to ensure that every base is covered and every angle is considered. Their focus is on young adults. It is during this pivotal time in life when most people form the foundations of their inner strength, belief systems, and and ambitions and goals. It is also during this time when the changes we encounter feel can feel so overwhelming. Unfortunately, many young adults turn to alcohol and/or drugs to cope with their feelings.
Participants in their programs need support that is both nurturing and firm. Their drug rehab programs are structured so that they serve as a complete solution to what has been a pattern of failures and disappointments. At the campus, young adults successfully realize that they possess the fortitude to change. Given the proper tools and encouragement, it is possible to beat an alcohol and/or drug addition. The choice is yours. Please feel free to contact us at 800-363-0053 if you have any questions whatsoever about our unique drug rehab programs.
Alternative to traditional drug rehab programs at www.sobercollege.com.
There is nothing easy about overcoming a drug and/or alcohol addition--that much is widely known. The difficulty of conquering a mental or physical reliance is on par with the most challenging of all human endeavors. Precisely what strategies succeed in the correct treatment of drug addictions is what tugs at the heart of the psychological community at large.
Regrettably, there seem to be many differing opinions on this all-important matter. Addiction is an unfortunate part of life that does not seem to discriminate. The reasons for it are as varied as the people to whom it afflicts. Just as there are different types of addictions, so too are there different methods of successful treatment. It is important to realize that there is no one unanimous way to cure someone of a drug or alcohol addiction.
Drug Rehab Programs--Making the Grade
Only through personalized attention to each individual can an exclusive diagnosis be made. One alternative DRUG REHAB PROGRAM I like is called Sober College (www.sobercollege.com) They have taken great care to ensure that every base is covered and every angle is considered. Their focus is on young adults. It is during this pivotal time in life when most people form the foundations of their inner strength, belief systems, and and ambitions and goals. It is also during this time when the changes we encounter feel can feel so overwhelming. Unfortunately, many young adults turn to alcohol and/or drugs to cope with their feelings.
Participants in their programs need support that is both nurturing and firm. Their drug rehab programs are structured so that they serve as a complete solution to what has been a pattern of failures and disappointments. At the campus, young adults successfully realize that they possess the fortitude to change. Given the proper tools and encouragement, it is possible to beat an alcohol and/or drug addition. The choice is yours. Please feel free to contact us at 800-363-0053 if you have any questions whatsoever about our unique drug rehab programs.
Alternative to traditional drug rehab programs at www.sobercollege.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)