Need to Know How to Stop an Addiction?

National survey shows most illicit drug use among teens down another seven percent but prescription painkillers still a major concern.

Christmas is upon us and with the New Year is just around the corner there is much to celebrate around the country, including the fact that 600,000 less teens are using drugs as compared to 2001.

Earlier this week the results of the 2004 Monitoring the Future survey were released with mostly good news.  Overall drug use among teens declined another 7 percent, now making it a combined 17 percent over the last three years.

The national survey is conducted by the University of Michigan and is overseen by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) in an effort to measure drug, alcohol and cigarette use and related attitudes among 8th, 10th and 12th grade students across the country.

With the good news though is one sore spot.  Prescription drug use is still a major area of concern and when combining the three grades together the report indicates that there was a significant increase in past year use of Oxycontin, which is a prescription painkiller. 

NIDA also claims that another recent national survey showed that nearly 50 percent of physicians find it difficult to discuss prescription drug abuse with their patients.  A different New York Times article also quoted Dr. Steven Galson, acting director of the Food and Drug Administration\s center for drug evaluation and research as saying, "This illustrates the fundamental dynamic that all drugs have risks," regarding the recent news about prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers and ant-inflammatory drugs.

In a news release issued by NIDA the Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson exclaimed, "We need to continue our efforts to educate parents and teens about the consequences of drug abuse."

Contributing to the decline in teen drug use are the efforts of Narconon Arrowhead, which is one of the nation's largest and most successful drug rehabilitation and education programs and uses the effective drug-free methodology developed by American author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard.  Their awareness and prevention campaigns include anti-drug messages delivered through radio, television, and print media as well as live presentations given to students, teachers and parents.

"Through many thousands of surveys from teenagers across the country we have found and demonstrated that having open, two-way communication with kids on the truth about drugs has been extremely effective," reports Narconon Arrowhead's Director of Drug Education J.T. Daily.  "It's important not to lecture at the kids, but give them the information in a way to satisfy their curiosity about drugs so they don't go out and try drugs for themselves."

Narconon Arrowhead's stated purpose is the total eradication of substance abuse and in recent months Mr. Daily has worked to educate thousands of people and from coast to coast, including New York, Oklahoma, California and Hawaii.  All of this is in addition to helping individuals overcome addiction through their successful rehabilitation program.

For more information about Narconon Arrowhead or to get help for a loved one in need call 1-800-468-6933 today!

When President Bush stated his administration's goal of reducing the nation's youth drug use by 10 percent in two years and 25 percent in five, he meant it.  According to the 2003 Monitoring the Future survey, it appears that the first of those two goals has been obtained.

Released on Friday the 19th of December, the Department of Health and Human Services sponsored survey showed an 11 percent overall decline in drug use among 8th, 10th and 12th grade students since 2001.  Having nearly half a million less teen drug users is definitely a good indicator, as long as the momentum can be maintained.

A large part in that success seems to be owed to the Faith-Based and Community Initiative started by the Bush administration.  Treating people with at least an acknowledgement of a spiritual component, regardless of the religion, has definitely proven to be more effective than treating them as animals in a more medical or scientific model that uses drugs to alter brain chemicals.

Faith-Based and Community Initiative coordinator for the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment Clifton Mitchell spoke at the grand opening of Narconon Arrowhead in 2001 in support of effective non-traditional approaches to drug prevention and rehabilitation. 

The Narconon program uses the drug-free methodology of American author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, whose research on the negative affects of drugs and other toxins led to a uniquely effective sauna detoxification procedure.  Narconon uses the sauna program to rid addicts of stored drug residues and frees them from the physical cravings for the drugs.

"One of the greatest things about the Narconon program," exclaims Luke Catton, President of Narconon Arrowhead, "Is that it can be applied to anyone from any religious or ethnic background and achieve tremendous results."  Catton continues to say, "That is why you see our network expanding to centers and groups now in 37 countries and even being operated in association with clergy of many faiths.  The mission of Narconon is to eradicate the problem of drug and alcohol abuse internationally."

Education and awareness is a major factor in the reduction of teen drug use, where the method of communicating is just as important as the message when it comes to our nation's youth.  Narconon Arrowhead delivers live presentations by experienced speakers that have overcome drug addiction to tens of thousands of students every year in many states, as well as teaching others to effectively do so as well.

To find out more information or to get help for a loved one in need, contact Narconon Arrowhead today at 1-800-468-6933.

UNITED STATES - Ecstasy use among teenagers had been sharply increasing since '98, peaking at over 9% (for 12th graders) of those surveyed according to the Monitoring the Future Study by the University of Michigan

 The number of teens using the drug had actually doubled in two years.  This past year, however, a dramatic decrease was found by the same survey for 2002.  One reason for this is the general education that wipes out the myths of ecstasy use by drug prevention programs, causing the perception of danger to increase.  On the downside, it also took many teens witnessing the effects produced by the drug in their friends to help them make the choice not to try it.
 
Though national trends suggest a victory of sorts, it certainly doesn't mean it's time to let up on the anti-drug campaigns.  In fact, more rural and Midwestern areas are just now seeing the increase in ecstasy use that the rest of the country saw a few years ago.  For example, in the south-central portion of the U.S., Texas reports that ecstasy is now used more than cocaine by teens in that state and overall use has nearly doubled since 2000.

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a very potent drug that combines amphetamine and a mild hallucinogen.  Ecstasy isn't a new drug, as it was developed and patented before 1920, but like so many other controlled substances was found to be extremely toxic and hazardous and was finally made illegal in 1985.  drug rehabilitation expert L. Ron Hubbard discovered that toxic substances, such as ecstasy, get lodged in the fatty tissue of a person's body and remain there for years after use ceases. 

The old drug residues can trigger cravings or a person's desire for more drugs at any time the person's heart rate increases and burns fatty tissue for energy, releasing the drug particles back into the blood stream.  Some of the physical effects of the drug include increased heart rate, dangerously high body temperature, dehydration and involuntary jaw clenching.  The most devastating effect of ecstasy is what it does to a person's mind. 

A person's memory consists of pictures, or recordings, of everything that has happened in the past and included in the memory are sight, sound, smell, taste, touch and also the emotion.  Ecstasy, through its psychoactive component, scrambles and alters these pictures and emotions.  This makes it very difficult for the user to have any sense of reality. 

Ecstasy also damages a person's natural ability to feel good, so extreme depression follows the "high" and leaves the person to feel the long-term effects of the drug, which creates a feeling of wanting that high again to replace the depression.  The cycle continues, taking more of the same drug to escape the condition brought on by that drug, all the while causing more damage mentally and physically. 

One former ecstasy user summed up the drug's effects oh him by saying, "I felt so much emotional pain and was so depressed that I wanted to end my life and take all of the world's pain with me."  This is hardly indicative of the drug's name, but it is the reality of the feeling it produces once the 'high' wears off.For more information on ecstasy or how to help a loved one that is addicted to drugs or alcohol, contact Narconon Arrowhead today at 1-800-468-6933

National surveys show an increase in teen inhalant abuse

One of the most dangerous substances abused by children and teens may be found in the home. These toxic substances are collectively referred to as inhalants, which teen inhalant abuse continues to increase.  Inhalants are breathable chemical vapors that produce mind-altering effects on an individual. A variety of common products contain substances that can be inhaled. Many people do not think that products such as spray paints, nail polish remover, hair spray, glues, and cleaning fluids present any risk of abuse, because their intoxicating effects are so totally unconnected to their intended uses. Yet, young children and teens are among those most likely to abuse inhalants, and do seek them out for this purpose. Adults should store household products carefully to prevent accidental inhalation; they should also remain aware of the temptations that these dangerous substances pose to children in their homes.

National surveys, such as the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) and Monitoring the Future (MTF), indicate that ten inhalant abuse is particularly prevalent among our Nation's young people. Some young people may abuse inhalants as a substitute for alcohol because they can be obtained easily. Data suggest that inhalant abuse reaches its peak at some point during the seventh through ninth grades. According to MTF, eighth-graders regularly report the highest rates of inhalant abuse. In fact, MTF data for 2004 showed a significant increase in lifetime inhalant use among eighth-graders.

In 2002, the nation's emergency departments reported almost 1,500 mentions of inhalant abuse by patients. Regular teen inhalant abuse can cause serious damage to major organs, including the brain, liver, heart, kidneys, and lungs. However, even a single session of repeated inhalations can lead to cardiac arrest and death by altering normal heart rhythms or by preventing enough oxygen from entering the lungs, causing suffocation.

The National Institute of Drug Abuse provides teen inhalant abuse information for three youth populations

Studies involving participants from three ethnic populations over the course of ten years suggest that a number of social and perceptual correlates of teen inhalant abuse operates similarly across Mexican American, American Indian, and non-Latino white adolescents.

These studies on inhalant use suggest that peer factors, including peer sanctions, peer use, and peer encouragement, were particularly important, though less so for Mexican American and Indian youth. Increased perception of harm is also correlated with less inhalant abuse use for all groups. These studies suggest that the historically higher rates of inhalant use for males as compared to females no longer prevail. Furthermore, for the American Indian sample, for both lifetime and 30-day prevalence, males were less likely to have used inhalants than females.

Overall, American Indian adolescents participating in the teen inhalant abuse information showed decreasing rates of  use over time.

Students' use of several other categories of drugs also escalated, while antidrug attitudes among teenagers deteriorated, the survey found.  For the third year in a row, the survey reported a statistically significant increase in annual teen marijuana abuse by 8th-grade students. Thirteen percent of 8th graders said they had tried marijuana at least once in the past year-up from 9.2 percent in 1993, 7.2 percent in 1992, and 6.2 percent in 1991.

Initiation of Alcohol and Teen Marijuana Use

This study examined dynamic patterns and predictors of alcohol and teen marijuana use initiation. The sample was derived from a longitudinal study of 808 youth interviewed annually from 10 to 16 years of age and at 18 years of age. Rate of alcohol initiation rose steeply up to the age of 13 years and then increased more gradually; most participants had initiated marijuana use by 13 years of age. Marijuana initiation showed a different pattern, with more participants initiating after the age of 13 years. The study showed that: (1) the risk of initiation of teen marijuana use spans the entire course of adolescent development; (2) young people exposed to others who use illicit drugs are at higher risk for early initiation; (3) proactive parents can help delay initiation; and (4) clear family standards and proactive family management are important in delaying alcohol and teen marijuana use, regardless of how closely bonded a child is to his or her mother.

Study released from the National Institute on Drug Abuse

One in Six High School Seniors Admitted Driving While High

As Teen Marijuana Use Continues to Increase, Drug Czar, Secretary of Transportation, and Safe Driving Leaders Launch New Campaign to Urge Teens to 'Steer Clear of Pot'

"Today's teens have gotten the wrong message about marijuana," said John P. Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy. "Marijuana is harmful and can lead to risky decisions, such as driving while high or riding with drivers who are impaired. We want to encourage parents of new drivers to use this milestone in their teen's life to discuss the dangers of marijuana and being responsible behind the wheel."

"The Bush Administration is committed to the safety of all Americans," said Secretary Norman Y. Mineta. "Teens already have the highest crash risk of any age group, making traffic crashes the leading cause of death for young people age 15-20. Combining teen marijuana use with teens' inexperience on the road and risk-taking behavior is a recipe for disaster."

The "Drugged Driving" short report released today from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that, in 2002, between 10 and 18 percent of young drivers age 17 to 21 reported driving under the influence of an illicit drug during the past year. Driving-age teens (age 16-19) are also four times more likely to use marijuana than younger adolescents (age 12-15).

Estimates based on Monitoring the Future and Census Bureau data also show that of the nearly 4 million high school seniors in the United States, approximately one in six (600,000) drive under the influence of marijuana, a number nearly equivalent to those who drive under the influence of alcohol (640,000). Additionally, an estimated 38,000 of these students reported in 2001 that they crashed while driving under the influence of marijuana and 46,000 reported that they crashed while driving under the influence of alcohol.

Marijuana affects concentration, perception, coordination, and reaction time, many of the skills required for safe driving and other tasks. These effects can last up to 24 hours after smoking marijuana. Marijuana use can also make it difficult to judge distances and react to signals and sounds on the road.

Teens are high-risk drivers and have the highest crash risk of any age group. Nearly one in five 16-year-old drivers is involved in a collision in his or her first year of driving, making motor vehicle crashes the leading cause of death for young people age 15 to 20.

Greater parent involvement, clear rules, and parental supervision are associated with less risky teen behavior, such as marijuana use and driving while high or under the influence of alcohol. Crashes were one-seventh less likely to occur among teens with strong parental monitoring, according to the Journal of Safety Research.

The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign will raise public awareness on the issues of drugged driving and the harmful effects of teen marijuana use through the promotion of free Steer Clear of Pot materials; new Web content on The Anti-Drug and FreeVibe; a new drivers' safety kit for teens and parents; advertisements on television with drugged driving messages; and partnerships with GEICO, the Department of Transportation, SADD, American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), American Driver & Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA), Mitsubishi Motors North America, Liberty Mutual, and others to distribute drugged driving and marijuana prevention materials to drivers' education teachers, teens, and parents.


The Media Campaign, SADD, and the Department of Transportation will team up for National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Month in December. SADD, the nation's dominant peer-to-peer youth education and prevention organization, will help distribute teen materials through its estimated 10,000 middle school, high school, and college SADD chapters nationwide.

GEICO, the fifth-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States, is incorporating the Media Campaign's messages into its existing "Can I Borrow the Car?" teen driving and safety materials and providing co-branded versions of those materials through the Campaign's "New Teen Driver Kit." The company will also distribute co-branded Steer Clear of Pot materials to customers who have new teen drivers in the family and promote the Media Campaign's resources to its 5.5 million policyholders and 22,000 GEICO associates.

Recognizing the importance of keeping the nation's youth drug-free, Mitsubishi Motors North America will leverage its extensive dealership network, strong brand awareness and Web site to bring the Campaign's anti-drug messages and Steer Clear of Pot materials to parents, teens and community leaders. This partnership extends the company's efforts in promoting traffic safety and driving responsibility.

Liberty Mutual, the eighth-largest auto insurer in the U.S., will promote the Steer Clear of Pot and other anti-drug Campaign messages to its 2 million auto and home customers, and 37,000 employees worldwide. Campaign materials will be made available through Liberty Mutual's 360 local personal insurance sales offices as well as through print materials, publications, and the company's Internet and intranet sites.

AAMVA, the national network of departments of motor vehicles (DMVs), and the Governors' Highway Safety Association will distribute materials to state officials and to DMVs across the nation. ADTSEA, which represents driving and traffic safety educators nationwide, will provide classrooms with drugged driving materials. In addition, the Media Campaign, AAMVA, and ADTSEA will collaborate on a revised driving manual and educator materials to enhance drugged-driving prevention in drivers' education classes.

To learn more about preventing teen marijuana use and other illicit drugs, log on to The Anti-Drug for parents and Freevibe for teens.

Study shows high-risk behaviors associated with teen tobacco use

A study conducted by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) compared problem behaviors of 7th grade nonsmokers, experimenters, and smokers at baseline and at 5-yr follow-up. 4,327 7th grade students completed questionnaires concerning academic difficulties, substance abuse, and delinquent behavior at baseline and at 5-yr follow-up.

Subjects were classified as nonsmokers, experimenters, or smokers. Results showed that, compared with nonsmokers, early teen tobacco users were 3+ times more likely by 12th grade to regularly use tobacco and marijuana, use hard drugs, sell drugs, have multiple drug problems, drop out of school, and experience early pregnancy and parenthood.

These subjects were also at higher risk for low academic achievement and behavioral problems at school, stealing and other delinquent behaviors, and use of predatory and relational violence. Early experimenter teens were at significantly greater risk for these problems as well, although to a lesser extent than smokers. The higher risk of many of these problems was evident for experimenters and smokers as early as 7th grade.

It is concluded that early teen experimenters and tobacco users are more likely than nonsmokers to experience various problem behaviors by 12th grade, with many of these problems evident as early as 7th grade.  Therefore, teen tobacco use behaviors may be prevented if they never began smoking.