Drunk driving is one of America´s deadliest crimes. In 2006, more than 13,000 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. The picture for motorcycle riders is particularly bleak, with 41 percent of the 2,007 motorcycle deaths in 2006 related to alcohol use. To address this, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching its 2008 Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. crackdown on impaired driving beginning on Aug. 15 through Sept. 1, 2008.

http://www.stopimpaireddriving.org/planners/crackdown2008/planner/index.cfm
 

"We can safeguard hope and improve the lives of millions of Americans, their families, and communities if we treat addiction to alcohol and other drugs as the public health crisis that it is. To overcome this crisis, we must accord dignity to people with addiction and recognize that there is no one path to recovery. Individuals can recover on their own or with the help of others. Effective aid can be rendered by mutual support groups or health care professionals. Recovery can begin in a doctor’s office, treatment center, church, prison, peer support meeting or in one’s own home. The journey can be guided by religious faith, spiritual experiences or secular teachings. Recovery happens every day across our country and there are effective solutions for people still struggling. Whatever the route, it will be far easier to travel if people seeking recovery can enjoy respect for their basic rights:"

[Read Full Bill of Rights]

Read the full article by James A. Baker, author of  The Anger Busting Workbook, on Recovery Today Online

The other side of the coin is overcrowded prisons and courts. "The drug war gets results. But it has done almost nothing to reduce the problems caused by legal and illegal drugs mainly because it has consistently failed to recognize and promote a solution that works: prevention, treatment and recovery for people who possess and use these substances."

[READ MORE]

According to the report, some teens are self-medicating with marijuana to alleviate their symptoms of depression, despite the fact that using marijuana can compound the problem. The report, released to coincide with May's Mental Health Awareness Month, shows a staggering two million teens felt depressed at some point during the past year, and depressed teens are more than twice as likely as non-depressed teens to have used marijuana during that same period. Depressed teens are also almost twice as likely to have used illicit drugs as non-depressed teens. They are also more than twice as likely as their peers to abuse or become dependent on marijuana.

"Marijuana is not the answer. Too many young people are making a bad situation worse by using marijuana in a misguided effort to relieve their symptoms of depression," said John P. Walters, Director, National Drug Control Policy. "Parents must not dismiss teen moodiness as a passing phase. Look closely at your teen's behavior because it could be a sign of something more serious.

Walters urged parents to seek treatment for their son or daughter if they show signs of depression or a change in behavior, because marijuana can trigger mental health problems in teens who are susceptible to depression.

Dr. Drew Pinsky, an addiction expert and host of VH1’s Celebrity Rehab, said it’s time to dispel the myth that marijuana use is harmless. “Don’t be fooled into thinking that pot is harmless,” he said. “Marijuana is an addictive drug. Teens who are already depressed and use marijuana may increase their odds of suffering from even more serious mental health problems.”

Read full report

• Make concrete plans about how your teens will get to and from the event. If they are riding with another teen, call the parents and get on the same page about the schedule.
• For post-prom or post-graduation parties, call the parents who are hosting the party and introduce yourself, if you don't already know them.
• In your own words, inquire about the following: Will chaperones be there? Will older teens be present? Will parents be present? If the party seems inadequately planned or lacks supervision, saying no to your children is the best way to protect them.

But, here is where parenting gets tough. Your teen may be angry or embarrassed. You can soften the blow by offering to have a party at your home or by planning a well-supervised event.

If after talking with the parents you are leaning toward granting permission, sit down with your children and discuss the following issues:

• Your policy on alcohol and drug use and the consequences for violating this rule.
• The agenda for the evening. Who, what, where and when. They cannot call you at midnight and change the plans.

If anything occurs at the party that makes them feel uncomfortable, such as the presence of drugs, alcohol or older kids, they can call you and arrange to leave with no questions asked.

If, for some reason, they consume alcohol or drugs, or get into any kind of trouble, they call you and you will come and get them without a hassle.

Remember, their safety is the first concern. You can deal with the consequences later.

As parents, our first duty is to protect them, even if that means disappointing them by saying no to inadequately supervised parties.

But also remember that involved, informed parents remain the best protection between children and another prom night tragedy.

Although illicit drug useby teens is declining, now there’s a threat from the family medicine cabinet. Parents and caregivers are the first line of defense in addressing this troubling trend.

What can I do about this problem? Think about your home. What prescription and over-the-counter drugs do you have? Where are they kept? Would you know if some were missing? The good news is that you can take steps immediately to limit access to these drugs and help keep your teen drug-free:

Download the full brochure at http://www.theantidrug.com/pdfs/resources/teen-rx/Prescription_Abuse_brochure.pdf.

The town hall meetings are meant to increase awareness of underage drinking and its consequences, and to encourage members of the community to discuss how they can implement the recommendations in The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Underage Alcohol Use.

To find a town hall meeting in your community, visit www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/townhall.

About Gambling Problems
Gambling Myths/Facts
House Advantage A guide to Understanding the Odds 
How to Reach Out to a Friend or Relative
How to Spot the signs of Problem Gambling
Tips on Understanding Problem Gambling

Find these and other titles that you can order at the ISAIC online store, http://www.drugfreeinfo.org/litecommerce/cart.php.

Step Ten in context
Step Ten moves us forward in recovery by grounding us in the recovery work that we've already done. Continuing to "watch for selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear" takes us back to Step Four. The suggestion to "discuss them with someone immediately" returns us to Step Five. Asking God to remove these character defects returns us to Steps Six and Seven. And making amends is the subject of Steps Eight and Nine.

[Read Hazelden article]